Chafin Performance Horses – A New Twist on an Old Tradition
January 2, 2015 Comments Off on Chafin Performance Horses – A New Twist on an Old Tradition
It’s always exciting to return home from a big show with a new horse or big prize, but this past year, Jim and Heather Chafin put a new twist on this tradition. When points were tallied at the end of this year’s Reichert Celebration, Jim Chafin won the High Point Trainer Award. Along with the honor, the Reichert family presented him with a brand new Smartcar. Jim recalls the event with his characteristic modesty. “It was pretty exciting,” he says. “I’m so grateful to the Reichert and my clients. I’m blessed to work with such great people and horses. It’s been a good year for our clients and us.”
Continue reading …Your Complete Guide to Western Dressage – Book Review
January 1, 2015 Comments Off on Your Complete Guide to Western Dressage – Book Review
If you still believe that “Western” and “dressage” don’t belong in the same sentence, you’re in a dwindling minority. Over the years, the training of horses has evolved, leaving behind the rough, one-method-fits-all “breaking” of young horses and the heavy use of bit and spur in developing performance horses. Trainers in all disciplines now recognize the value of patient and humane interaction with each horse as an individual and potential partner.
Continue reading …Selecting and Starting the Ideal Yearling Longe Line Prospect
December 31, 2014 Comments Off on Selecting and Starting the Ideal Yearling Longe Line Prospect
Longe Line classes can be a great way to show your yearling and have fun introducing him to the world, but it can also lead to burnout and dismal under saddle performance. With futurities and incentives luring exhibitors with big payouts, more and more young horses are being campaigned. The popularity of these classes increases while some are cautioning restraint. Are we pushing too hard on young minds and bodies? Three highly successful Longe Line exhibitors share their insight about how they train, show, and win without ruining a young horse’s prospects for a long show career.
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Claiming the No. 1 spot is a coveted position in the horse show world, whether it’s class-by-class, show-by-show, or even more sought after, a win in Year-End All-Around standings or High Point categories. The race for the title each year is a long and competitive one that kicks off in January and continues until the last class of the last show in December.
Continue reading …Persistence Pays Off For the Dempze Family
December 29, 2014 Comments Off on Persistence Pays Off For the Dempze Family
After twenty long years of making trips to Columbus, Ohio, the venerable Dempze family achieved a lifetime goal of winning a Championship at the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Trainer Gil Gaylean presented Rewind And Repeat, aka “Rerun,” to the highest favor of the judges in Junior Western Pleasure. Following that success, Jenna Dempze took the reins, rewound the tape, and repeated the performance to take top honors in Amateur Western Pleasure.
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This is my 13th “On The Fence” article and yes, I’m still concerned with all the unattended problems of our Association that still exist to this point. I believe I have thoroughly explained the relatively simple and affordable enjoyment we were initially privileged to be a part of years ago. We had no desire to change anything. Occasionally we found some concerns that were disturbing but it seemed most of them were easily addressed and acted on. Our officers and leadership appeared to be in proper control of everything, and our membership was steadily growing.
Continue reading …From the Publisher – Priceless Moments
December 27, 2014 Comments Off on From the Publisher – Priceless Moments
It’s an hour or two before dawn and the brisk winter air is nature’s alarm clock as it stings your face on the way to the barn. The stalls are eerily silent as you enter an aisle that is dark except for a faint light at the far end. You are greeted by sleepy nickers from the other residents as you pass them on the way to the illuminated stall. They all know why you are there and as you peer through the bars you know the eleven month journey was was worth every minute. There, before you, is your newborn foal.
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“I’ve had studs for 30 years, and Kruzer is an exceptional horse. I really expect him to be the very best all-around sire for years to come.” That’s quite high praise coming from stallion manager Mike Hay considering The Krymsun Kruzer’s breeding career is still in its relative infancy. At the age of ten, the striking bay stallion, by One Hot Krymsun and out of Pure N Passion, has three foal crops on the ground, and Hot Shot Hit, Gracious N Fabulous, and Her Irons Are Hot are just a few of the great mares expecting foals in 2015.
Continue reading …The Best Line of Defense – Guard Against Horse Show Theft
November 17, 2014 Comments Off on The Best Line of Defense – Guard Against Horse Show Theft
“I felt so violated. All our saddles were gone as well as our hats that were pure beaver. They chucked the rest across the tack stall like it was garbage,” recalls horse trainer Carly Veldman-Parks of Colbert, Georgia. She vividly remembers the awful experience she and husband Wade Parks experienced two years ago at a major horse show when they lost all of their show saddles as well as some show clothing.
Continue reading …What Direction Should AQHA Take Going Forward?
November 15, 2014 Comments Off on What Direction Should AQHA Take Going Forward?
This past year, AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway announced his intention to retire in 2015 after forty years with the American Quarter Horse Association. Mr. Treadway has seen AQHA grow from a few thousand horses in America to the largest equine breed registry and membership organization in the world. The growth and popularity of America’s horse has been phenomenal until recently.
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