News articles from Tri-State Horse for NY, NJ and PA horsemen

Ithaca, NY - The New York State (NYS) 4-H Horse Program presented a variety of equine-related topics to panels of judges during the spring NYS 4-H Horse Communication Event held at Cornell University.

The 4-H Horse Communication program allows 4-H'ers to learn to stand before an audience to talk about an important topic, demonstrate an idea, or to persuade them on an issue. In the Horse Communication event, the topic must be horse related and members can participate in Individual Presentations, Team Presentations, Public Speaking or Special Program. Rich Miller, NYS 4-H Horse Program Communication Chair, coordinates the state event.

4-H'ers from the six 4-H regions in New York State begin competing at county levels early in the year. The top individuals and teams advance to regional competition, and the top teams and individuals from the regional events advance to the state event. Junior members are nine to 13 years old and senior members are 14 to 19 years old.

The top ten Junior presenters in Individual Presentations, in order of first to tenth place, were: Nathan Turrell, Region 4; Andrea Flint, Region 1; Shayne Vallone, Region 5B; Jill Pero, Region 2; Olivia Logue, Region 5B; Morgan Cotter, Region 3B; Sydney Davis, Region 2; Riley Green, Region 3A; Andi Mortz, Region 4; Greta Joos, Region 3A.

The top five Junior Team Presentations, in order from first to fifth place were: Taylor Samuelson & Allison Bartor, Region 1; Mackenzie Schuster & Kate Miner, Region 2; Leah Kraus & Sarah Ehrenberg, Region 1; Lena Beyar & Phianna Lichtenthal, Region 1; Jordan Dustin & Ryan Dustin, Region 1.

The top ten Senior presenters in Individual Presentations, in order of first to tenth place, were: Jessica Gulvin, Region 2; Emma Briceland, Region 1; Carley Hazer, Region 3B; Kelsey Deathly, Region 4; Emily Treglia, Region 3B; Abby Testo, Region 5B; Brianna Maiola, Region 2; Leah Taylor, Region 2; Naomi Gerde, Region 1; Jordan Sweeten, Region 1.

The top four Senior teams in Team Presentations, in order of first to fourth place, were: Jennifer Dahlgren & Sarah Wahlstrom, Region 1; Haley Watkins & Lydnzea Hamilton, Region 1; Karleigh Chatt & April Meier, Region 2; Doug Court & Ridley Schorm, Region 1.

The top six Seniors in Public Speaking, in order of first to sixth place, were: Christina Born, Region 3B; Melana Hagstrom, Region 4; Debra Born, Region 3B; Bethany Glaser, Region 1; Ashley Bloss, Region 3B; Samantha Stady, Region 1.

The one top Senior Impromptu Speaker was first place winner, Laura D'Amico, Region 2.

The top five Individual Presentors, the top two Team Presentors, and the top two Public Speakers in both the Junior and Senior divisions will participate in the NYS 4-H Horse Communications Invitational at the NYS Fair on Monday, August, 30, 2010.

4-H is the Youth Development portion of the Cornell Cooperative Extension program in New York State. To find out how to become involved in the 4-H Horse Program, contact your county Cornell Cooperative Extension office or Jean Griffiths, Extension Horse Specialist, Cornell University, (607) 255-2857.

Lake Placid, New York - July 4, 2010 - Darragh Kenny of Ireland rode Gael Force to victory in the $75,000 Hermès Grand Prix CSI 2* for the Whitney Perpetual Challenge Trophy to close the 41st Annual Lake Placid Horse Show.

Only five entries from the starting field of 24 succeeded in completing the 16-jump, first-round course designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany without penalty. They returned for the nine-jump, jump-off at the North Elba Showgrounds.

First to go was Callan Solem of Chester Springs, PA, who set the mark to beat by finishing fault-free in 47.00 seconds on VDL Torlando. Solem's ride was interrupted when wind blew over a fence, forcing her to break stride and wait while the fence was re-set. Two rides later, Kenny, 22, moved Solem out of the lead with a clean ride in 46.39 seconds on his 12-year-old, Irish horse, owned by Missy Clark and North Run and formerly ridden by Solem.

Kenny returned immediately on Armani, the Jeffery Welles mount with whom Kenny had been paired for less than 48 hours following a fall in Friday's $30,000 Intercat, Inc. Open Jumper Classic CSI 2* in which Welles injured his knee and back. Kenny's time on Armani beat his time on Gael Force, but a rail down at the last fence cost him the win on the mount owned by Abigail Wexner and Triton Ventures.

The final two entries failed to crack the top two, with Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, taking third place on Vince by turning in the only other clean ride with a time of 48.32 seconds. Fourth place went to David Tromp on Casey with four faults in 43.89 seconds with Kenny and Armani, the 2006 winner of the class with Welles, taking fifth.

"Gael Force has been unbelievable for me since the first time I rode him last year," said Kenny. "You're only as good as the horse you're on and I am truly fortunate to ride with Missy and John who do so much to make sure the horses are always ready.

"I also have to say how thankful I am to Jeffery and Abigail that they would trust me to ride their best horse. I feel so badly for Jeffery who had to miss out after taking that fall on Friday. I consider it a privilege to ride such a quality horse."

Solem was completely gracious and understanding of her bad luck in having to stop and re-start during her jump-off round. "When I saw the planks down, I slowed down a little but kept going till I heard the tone," she said. "The judges are so good and I think they handled it really well, but it is a difficult situation. I know he has a lot more classes in his future and I'm not going to complain about second place in a class like this."

Other winners on Sunday included Amber Henter on Olinda in the Pepsi Bottling Co. High Junior Jumper Classic and Jennifer Waxman on Shakira in the Mirror Lake Inn High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Both Classics are member events of the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

After an off day on Monday, the 33rd Annual I Love New York Horse Show opens at the same site and runs July 6-11. The I Love New York Horse Show is highlighted by the $75,000 Le Grand Prix Hermès CSI 2* on Saturday, July 10, following which the Richard and Diana Feldman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Excellence will be awarded to the rider who has won the most combined prize money in Lake Placid's two Grand Prix.

The 2010 Lake Placid Horse Show and I Love New York Horse Show sponsors include: A&M Beverages, A Placid Life, Adirondack Life, Adirondack Store, Alessandro Albanese, Animal Planet, Anonymous, Brandy Parfums, Ltd., Brook Ledge, Inc. Horse Transportation, The Brown Dog Café and Wine Bar, Carr-Hughes Productions, Chair 6, Champlain Valley Equipment, Chevy, Jane Forbes Clark, C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery, Inc., Clifton Park Rental Center, Community Bank, NA, The Cottage Café, Crossroad's Caterers, Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club, David R. Fowler Custom Tack Trunks, Deeridge Farms, Der Dau Custom Boots and Shoes, Eastern Hay, EquiFit , FarmVet, Fox Run, Ltd., The Fulchino Family, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, Graymont, Grill 211, Mr. James Harpel, Hermès, High Peaks Resort, The Hooker Family, HorseWatch, Intercat, Inc., J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jake Placid Doghouse, Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC, Juliam Farm, Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Summit Resort Hotel & Suites, The Levy Family, Dan & Cynthia Lufkin, Meadow Grove Farm, Mirror Lake Inn, Mountain Horse, Bobby & Melissa Murphy, Nicola's On Main, On a Fence Designs & Rentals, ORDA/Whiteface Mountain, Paradysz Farm, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Price Chopper, Purina Mills, Quiet Hill Farm, ROOST - Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau, Ruthie's Run, Sand Castle Farm, Michael & Lora Schultz, Sidelines, SmartPak, Storm Ridge Capital LLC, Stretton Enterprises, Time Warner Cable, Town of North Elba Park District, Woodlea Farms, WPTZ News Channel 5, and Y106.3 - Mountain Communications LLC.

For more information on the 2010 Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows please contact the Lake Placid Horse Show Association at (518) 523-9625 or visit www.lakeplacidhorseshow.com.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, July 1, 2010 – Beginning July 1, 2010, American Quarter Horse Association novice exhibitors will be allowed to show any American Quarter Horse in AQHA novice classes, regardless of ownership. Previously, AQHA rules required novice exhibitors to show a horse owned by a family member (Rule 403(a)(5)), through a lease (Rule 405(c)) or with an official novice permit.

The goal of this rule change is to encourage novice competitors to try a new event on an experienced horse while helping the exhibitor gain confidence and more experience. As current rules state, once the novice exhibitor has earned 25 lifetime points in a class, he or she is ineligible to compete in that class the following year as a novice, with or without a permit.

As novice eligibility now allows, an exhibitor can show a horse in a novice youth or novice amateur class with the owner and his or her immediate family still retaining the ability to show the horse in any class other than the same class as the novice exhibitor. Exhibitors are still required to have a novice amateur or novice youth membership to participate. Memberships can be purchased at the show or prior to the show through AQHA (www.aqha.com). All novice eligibility requirements as specified in Rule 405A (c) remain unchanged.

Novice exhibitors must still request a novice permit to show a horse that is owned by a non-family member at any of the top 10 AQHA circuit shows that allow permit competition. The top 10 shows are determined by the total number of entries the previous year and can change from year to year.

* The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest show in terms of entries but does not allow permits or leases.

Competitors showing in AQHA youth- or amateur-division classes must still adhere to AQHA’s horse ownership rule 403(A)(5), which states that an amateur must not exhibit in open or amateur AQHA classes horses owned by any third party, but shall only exhibit horses solely owned by the applicant or the applicant’s family. However, beginning January 1, 2011, youth and amateur competitors will be allowed to show leased horses in their respective divisions.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

USTRC Tops List of Single
Timed-Event Payout Events Ranks Second Overall in Single Event Payouts

Stephenville, Texas, July 5, 2010 - With more than $27 million paid out in prize money in 2009, the United States Team Roping Championships is poised to bring millions to the table in 2010. Each year USTRC sanctions and affiliates more than 400 events nation wide. Included in these events are seven Regional Finals paying a cumulative $2 million and its National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR) set to offer more than $4 million October 23-31 in Oklahoma City.

There has been an evolution in rodeo over the past decade or so, with sport disciplines splintering into specific event categories and drawing a totally dedicated fan base. USTRC was among the first to take its sport into a powerhouse of prize money with rules and regulations that sharpened the sport and its professionalism.

"When USTRC was formed in 1989, its purpose was to get ropers classified in a ratings system in order to even the playing field and develop a set of rules that would apply across the board," said USTRC President Kirk Bray. "Developing a spectator base was not a priority at the time, but over the past 20 years, fans have come to see team roping as an exciting sport to watch with ropers literally roping for tens ofthousands of dollars in a matter of just a few seconds work."

While Professional Bull Riders tops the charts in single rodeo-related event payout at a projected $100 million in 2010, USTRC is the leader when it comes to an event totally rooted in ranching history and the American Cowboy.

"Team Roping is America's cowboy sport, unquestionably," said Bray. "More than 140,000 Americans and ropers from other nations have been involved with this sport and USTRC maintains a data base of more than 35,000 ropers who compete regularly. Even more significant is that this sport is completely open to men, women and kids and gives all of them an opportunity to compete for significant earnings."

Team roping also tops the list when it comes to timed-event competitions as well, with an estimated $13 million awarded in prize money in barrel racing.

"There is also a significant investment made by the team roper into the sport," said Bray. "Unlike rough stock sports, like bull riding, these roper athletes invest into the sport through the purchase of a good roping horse, tack and equipment, and transportation to get the horse to the events. Millions are invested by ropers to support this sport, and getting a return on their investment comes in lots of forms, including being around a culture they enjoy and support, but you can't beat the money."

July 1, 2010 (Lexington, KY) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that a new perpetual trophy donated by an anonymous patron will be awarded at this year’s USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior /Young Riders Dressage Championships at the Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) to be held July 27-August 1, 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“The Albers Award,” is named in honor of long time USDF Region 1 Chef d’Equipe, supporter and good friend, Patsy Albers. The award will be presented annually at the USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior /Young Riders Dressage Championships to the dressage Chef d’Equipe who best demonstrates the same level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit that Patsy has shown throughout the years. The award is open to all of the dressage Chefs d’Equipe to be nominated by any competitor or Chef d’Equipe by submitting a written explanation as to why that chef deserves to win the Albers Award. The final selection will be made by the USDF and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) staff, NAJYRC Management Team and the FEI Chief Dressage Steward.

The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for Junior and Young Riders, age 14-21. Teams are invited from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to compete for team and individual medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the World Equestrian Games discipline of reining.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

This year’s American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum focused on infectious equine diseases and the impact those diseases have on our horses’ welfare and our industry’s health. The annual meeting was held from June 20 to 23 and also included a Trails Forum, the annual Congressional Ride-In, AHC committee meetings, and a Congressional Reception.

The highlight of this year’s forum was a workshop co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and the AHC which provided an opportunity for the horse industry, key federal and state authorities, and others to discuss how each sector can protect the health of our horses and the commercial viability of our industry in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

“This year’s meeting provided a framework for the equine industry, USDA, and state health officials to discuss the impact equine infectious diseases have on our horses and our industry,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “We appreciate USDA-APHIS taking the initiative on this workshop.”

During his opening remarks, Dr. Jere Dick, Associate Deputy Administrator and Chief of Field Operations for USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services said, “this workshop is a unique opportunity to bring together diverse segments of the equine industry to discuss how to address preparedness for, and response to, equine infectious diseases in this country&ldots;and to identify priorities related to equine infectious diseases, to explore the critical support functions that could be performed by each segment of the industry, and to discuss funding issues.”

Recent outbreaks involving Contagious Equine Metritis, Equine Piroplasmosis, Vesicular Stomatitis, Equine Herpesvirus (EHM), and others continue to affect every aspect of the horse industry. These outbreaks have caused USDA-APHIS and state authorities to spend a great deal of money and resources to identify the diseases, trace the horses potentially affected, and contain the outbreak. The cost of these diseases is difficult, if not impossible to quantify, in terms of fatality rates, veterinary care, the effect on sales, breeding, racing, competitions, recreation, and the interstate and international movement of horses.

These outbreaks have affected and continue to affect the interstate and international movement of horses, which is critical to the horse industry. When barriers to movement are raised by states and foreign countries concerned about the spread of infectious diseases, this affects sales, breeding, racing, competitions, and recreation. “Restrictions on horse movement results in restrictions on our entire industry,” said Hickey.

On June 22, there was an open session that included presentations by USDA-APHIS personnel on specific infectious diseases, epidemiological updates, and a summary of the issues identified during the previous day’s workshop.

“This year’s National Issues Forum provided a platform for national organizations and representatives of federal and state authorities to identify priority issues and discuss a coordinated approach on how best to respond and limit the impact these diseases have on our horses and our industry. Major equine diseases continue to have dramatic consequences for our horses’ welfare and affect every aspect of our industry,” said Hickey. “This year’s forum does not conclude our focus on how to deal with these diseases. Rather, it is only the beginning.”

AWashington, DC – July 1, 2010. The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) met in Washington, DC during the American Horse Council’s Annual Meeting on June 21, 2010 to discuss the next steps, strategies and goals of the organization.

“After four successful years of educating the industry about owning responsibly, the issue of unwanted horses and possible solutions to the problem, the UHC feels it is time to undertake additional activities and goals,” said former UHC Chairman, Dr. Tom Lenz, DVM. A strategic plan proposed by the UHC Steering Committee was presented to the attendees for approval. The plan lists 4 major goals: continue to develop and distribute educational materials, expand awareness and involvement with current and potential member organizations, collaborate with the horse industry to develop solutions through various types of clinics and wellness programs, and finally to develop resources for equine care facilities.

The plan, which was unanimously approved by UHC members, suggests that the UHC become more involved in working with organizations and equine care facilities. The UHC will move further past the goals of educating and informing the industry, and become a central clearinghouse for resources, information, clinics, and programs. The organization will take action in developing and implementing models for castration clinics, euthanasia clinics and hay/feedbanks. In addition, the UHC will produce a series of webinars dedicated to topics prioritized by the UHC Facilities Committee. A listserv for equine care facilities will also be created in order to foster communication between facilities.

In addition to the strategic plan, the UHC appointed a subcommittee to research funding mechanisms for clinics and programs. The subcommittee, chaired by AAEP Executive Director David Foley, will study the legal ramifications and financial issues in accepting and distributing funds.

“The UHC hopes that with the new strategic plan in place, the industry will observe the commitment and increased efforts in finding solutions for unwanted horses and focus on the public awareness and new involvements,” said Dr. Lenz.

Dr. Douglas Corey was elected as the new Chairman of the UHC, replacing Dr. Lenz who has been Chairman the UHC since its inception. "I'm very proud of the accomplishments the UHC has made over the last few years in raising awareness of the unwanted horse issue and providing education on responsible ownership. I know that Dr. Corey, with his vast experience in equine welfare, will do an outstanding job of leading the coalition forward as we continue our efforts to decrease the number of unwanted horses,” said Dr. Lenz.

June 30, 2010: This year's Equine Extravaganza will be an affair to remember! Along with our celebrated cast of horse industry greats including Julie Goodnight, Colleen Kelly, Kenny Harlow, Charles Pelham, Brock and Leisha Griffith, Scott Purdum, Richard Shrake, and many more, we are pleased to welcome to our 2010 line-up: renowned dressage trainer Jose Mendez and respected horseman and trainer Steuart Pittman!

Mr. Mendez, a Spanish-trained Dressage Master, and former rider and trainer for the Spanish Royal School of Equestrian Art has trained and competed worldwide. Equine Extravaganza is proud to add this Grand Prix rider to our prestigious cast of equine experts presenting clinics and demonstrations throughout the weekend. Mr. Mendez's clinics will address the needs of all levels of dressage riders.

"We are excited to have Jose as a presenter this year," said Program Director Rachael O'Hara. "His dressage expertise is unparalleled and he a great deal to offer and share with our attendees."

Jose Mendez is not the only newsworthy addition to the Equine Extravaganza educational program. Steuart Pittman, a popular and respected eventing clinician at previous Equine Extravaganzas, expands his educational scope as he shares his expertise in a new and valuable component of the event: the Retired Racehorse Training Project. As a long time champion of second careers for racehorses Steuart will highlight the many ways in which retired racehorses can be trained to excel in second careers as eventers, hunters, jumpers, and pleasure horses. In his clinics he will work with both the horse and rider to help develop a successful team.

"Through educating riders and trainers in large numbers, we believe that demand for horses coming off the racetrack will increase," says Mr. Pittman. "They are talented athletes and make exceptional equestrian partners."

Rachel O'Hara stated, "Equine Extravaganza will include several clinics and seminars on Retired Racehorse Retraining throughout the weekend. Mr. Pittman will also incorporate former racehorses in his eventing clinics."

The Equine Extravaganza is an absolute must attend for the horse owner, horse lover, or even the casual horse enthusiast, and now for dog lovers, as well! There is truly something for everyone!

Additional information on Equine Extravaganza can be obtained at www.equineextravaganza.com or by calling 410.349.9333.

Equine Extravaganza®, a production of Maryland-based Moonlark, Inc., is a comprehensive, all-breed, all-discipline horse and dog expo, and is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. The sixth annual event will be held October 29-31, 2010, at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, Virginia, and will feature hundreds of the country's top equine vendors, sponsors, clinicians, performers, and professionals.