“Since the Convention, we are capitalizing on the progress we have made. When people see the numbers that have joined us online, they know they won’t be the only one speaking out. That gives people the confidence to share their concerns. This is the right thing for the horses, the sport we love, and a solid future for the AQHA.”
Continue reading …The Exotic Side of Highpoint Performance Horses
May 16, 2015 Comments Off on The Exotic Side of Highpoint Performance Horses
Most people in the horse industry, regardless of breed, are familiar with the numerous AQHA and APHA World and Congress Champions that have come from the program at Highpoint Performance Horses. Year after year, Charlie Cole and Jason Martin have produced some of the most recognizable winners in the industry, from dominating in the Western Riding and Trail pen to producing champions in Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle. They even have a champion barrel horse. At their beautiful ranch, located in Pilot Point, Texas, you’d expect to see horses ranging in age from weanling on up to their impressive lineup of stallions. However, unless you’ve personally driven through those impressive wooden gates and past the stately home at the entrance, you might not be aware of the other animals that call it home as well.
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As you know, I went to the Convention and came home with my mind full of thoughts that have been fairly difficult for me to sort out. Most everyone seemed extremely friendly and complimentary regarding several years of my “On The Fence” articles. This has been hard for me to understand because in spite of my severe criticism of the current state of horse welfare, conflicts of interest, lack of penalties, and loose enforcement of rules, it seems to me absolutely no effective changes have come to fruition.
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Often enough taxpayers who are audited in connection with their farming or livestock activities are questioned on the issue known in the tax law as the “material participation test.” Under this legal test, you are permitted to deduct losses against outside salary and wages only if, among other things, you “materially participate” in the activity. Many duties, such as training of animals, showing of show horses and racing of race horses, are delegated to qualified experts, and sometimes the IRS will question the validity of your own participation in decisionmaking, in an effort to say you have failed to meet the material participation test.
Continue reading …Posting Patterns Online Ahead of Time
May 13, 2015 Comments Off on Posting Patterns Online Ahead of Time
Do you think it’s right to post show patterns online, often weeks prior to an event? Or, do you think this practice takes “true horsemanship” out of the equation?
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Nationwide, 46 states (all but California, Maryland, Nevada, and New York) have some form of an Equine Activity Liability Act (as of March 2015). All of these laws differ, but many share common characteristics. Several of them include an exception for a “dangerous latent condition of the land.”
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If you don’t mind being flung through the air by 1,800 pounds of snorting bovine brawn, then riding a 16 hand Quarter Horse must be a stroll in the park. Even though bull riding and hunt seat riding are different, trainer Andrey Ferreir approaches both the same. “Riding a bull is 90% mental, and showing a horse is 90% mental,” Andrey says. “If you can stay cool and focused, you’ll do alright.” His crossover approach is certainly working for him, as his success in the AQHA show arena attests.
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It has been a whirlwind year for competitor, judge, breeder, trainer, and coach Jarrell Jackson, Equine Manager at Three Nails Ranch in Cisco, Texas. Two years ago, he joined ranch owners Billy and Suzonne Franks to expand their Halter horse operation at the sprawling 1,800 acre-ranch just west of Fort Worth, TX. Jarrell brought a solid background in horses to the table along with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies – Reproduction. His extensive knowledge of horses stems from a life of observation and involvement in all aspects of the industry.
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While watching a recap of the first round of the NFL draft on ESPN this morning, there was an interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that was quite interesting. Being the head of the most popular sport in America certainly comes with its challenges. Goodell was asked a few questions relating to the scandals that rocked the NFL in 2014-15 such as Deflategate, violence by players against women, Aaron Hernandez’ murder trial, and drug use. He answered all with the direct responses and aplomb you would expect from the CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation.
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“We realized very early on that we had a unique horse, so we started the search for a name that would truly describe this special, young stallion. ‘The Rock’ says it all – rock solid foundation, rock solid confirmation, rock solid movement, and a rock solid mind.”- Scott Frye
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