The AQHA has spoken, and on January 1, 2016, the organization will be instituting a ban on the use of lip chains in the Halter pen. This is just one of a number of changes made to the AQHA rulebook at the 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee. Others include the institution of more stringent penalties for violations regarding animal welfare. While many of the changes, especially those holding people accountable for violations of animal welfare regulations, have been met with support, the ban on the use of lip chains has sparked debate. Many people are cautious about sharing their opinions on this topic, but those who have spoken out have widely different viewpoints.
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The human eye is slow and, on top of that, it often conveys only the data the brain thinks it wants to see. It can’t resolve the details of fast motion, like the motion of a horse and rider.
Continue reading …Breathing New Life into Youth Halter
June 27, 2015 Comments Off on Breathing New Life into Youth Halter
The current state of affairs was obvious to Judy Ford and a group of her horse show friends. They were at a horse show in 2013 when they realized that of the 10 APHA Youth Halter classes at the World Championship Show, there were only 30 participants. Their beloved discipline was fading away, desperately losing interest from the next generation. They had to do something.
Continue reading …Sister Act – The Stopperich Sisters
June 26, 2015 Comments Off on Sister Act – The Stopperich Sisters
It’s not very common to come across two siblings who are equally unstoppable in the show pen. Meet Paige and Jillian, aka the Stopperich Sister Act.
Continue reading …Ranch Horse Riding Fundamentals – Part 1
June 25, 2015 Comments Off on Ranch Horse Riding Fundamentals – Part 1
At Paint and Quarter Horse shows across the country, it’s hard to miss the fact that Ranch Riding classes, formerly known as Ranch Horse Pleasure, are drawing huge numbers. During its initial rollout, the class was disparaged by some as being “a water-downed version of Reining.” Others saw it as an injection of renewed vitality. Clearly, the explosive growth is fueled by one simple fact: exhibitors find it fun. Yet, there are still numerous misconceptions about Ranch Riding, leaving many exhibitors wondering how the class can be incorporated into their show schedule. To find out the what’s, why’s and how’s, The Equine Chronicle sought out a professional who’s right in the middle of all the excitement.
Continue reading …Fossil Gate Farms – Gary and Linda Gordon’s Pursuit of Perfection
June 24, 2015 Comments Off on Fossil Gate Farms – Gary and Linda Gordon’s Pursuit of Perfection
Linda and Gary Gordon, owners of Fossil Gate Farms, have been developing World Champion Halter horses for over 30 years on their magnificent 150-acre spread in Argyle, Texas. Specializing in Quarter Horses and Paints, the couple has amassed one of the most impressive stallion lineups in the country. They recently added some additional firepower to their breeding program with the purchase of mares from the Crundwell sale. In addition to a thriving breeding program that produced 36 foals this year, they offer show quality horses of all ages among the 100-120 horses available on the farm at all times.
Continue reading …From The Publisher – Lip Chains are Gone… Are Spurs Next?
June 23, 2015 Comments Off on From The Publisher – Lip Chains are Gone… Are Spurs Next?
The recent decision by AQHA to ban lip chain use in the halter pen has created a firestorm of protest from those within the halter horse community. Many breeders, owners and exhibitors concerns are expressed in the article The Great Lip Chain Debate on page 194 of this issue. The people interviewed in this article have decades of experience and their complaints about this ruling are not only thoughtful, but justified.
Continue reading …On The Cover – Livvie & All But Sudden
June 23, 2015 Comments Off on On The Cover – Livvie & All But Sudden
AQHA youth competitor Livvie and All But Sudden, aka “Stevie,” have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with in the all-around arena. During their career, the pair has accumulated multiple Congress and NSBA World Champion titles, Youth World Show top ten finishes, and Congress All-Around Champion and Reserve Champion accolades. Already in 2015, they’ve won circuit championships and High Point Youth 14-18 All Around titles at the Redbud Spectacular and Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit.
Continue reading …Open Mouth, Insert Hoof – How to Avoid Social Media Blunders
May 23, 2015 Comments Off on Open Mouth, Insert Hoof – How to Avoid Social Media Blunders
It wasn’t too long ago that most horse trainers didn’t even have a website, let alone an entire social media strategy. When we went riding in that bygone era, we could count on a few hours of being unplugged and unreachable, focused solely on our horse and our community at the barn. Alas, the age of instantaneous, worldwide information sharing has even overtaken the horse industry. The smoke from the social media genie has been let out and infiltrated every stall, tack box, trailer and arena, never to be stuffed back into the bottle again.
Continue reading …Behind the Scenes at Cavalia’s Odysseo
May 22, 2015 Comments Off on Behind the Scenes at Cavalia’s Odysseo
Through a seamless blending of equestrian arts, theatrical splendor, and technological ingenuity, Cavalia’s Odysseo creates a transformative experience that takes the audience on a journey through the arid desert of the African Savannah, beneath the swirling illumination of the Northern Lights, and across the panoramic vistas of Easter Island.
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