APHA enthusiasts celebrated the Stars and Stripes at the Michigan Paint Horse Club’s Memorial Bonanza that was held May 29-31 in Mason, MI. Judges were Eric Hubbard, Mark McCarthy, Danielle Burns, Michelle Pearson, and Pam Scott.
Continue reading …A Whole New World – How a Procedure Called ICSI Has Changed How We Breed Horses
June 2, 2021 Comments Off on A Whole New World – How a Procedure Called ICSI Has Changed How We Breed Horses
Today, as we watch a class full of horses compete in the show pen, it’s no longer a surprise to see full siblings, often the same age, competing against each other. Because of modern scientific advances, we’ve become totally accustomed to raising horses very differently than our ancestors, who used live cover. In fact, acronyms like “AI” or phrases like “pull an embryo” are frequently used within casual conversations since we know our horse cohorts will understand that, nowadays, we can produce horses using stallions from afar, or without a mare ever carrying her own foal.
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Most people will never see or understand the behind the scenes of owning animals. It’s not all glamour shots and cute, fluffy animals. It’s work and a lot of it. I hope to share some small insight of what goes into it.
Continue reading …Horse Show Awards Placings – A Delicate Balance Of Recognition
May 31, 2021 Comments Off on Horse Show Awards Placings – A Delicate Balance Of Recognition
Months, if not years of work, are at stake when an exhibitor enters the arena with their horse. Are we on track with goals or ready to set new ones? In mere minutes, the judges decide. Yet, how those decisions are communicated to the masses varies greatly between shows. Some strive to celebrate accomplishments center stage for all to see. At the World Shows, Congress, and Championship shows, horses are lined up under each judge before overall placings are announced from last to first. Smaller open or weekend shows seek to maximize the fun and excitement of having placings announced in the arena. Other shows focus on efficiency, moving each class out quickly to load in the next. Most find some middle ground, balancing the need for recognition with keeping the show day a reasonable length.
Continue reading …Unique Liability Risks Involving Minors
May 29, 2021 Comments Off on Unique Liability Risks Involving Minors
This year, I was invited to speak at the American Youth Horse Council’s Virtual Symposium on the topic of “Unique Equine Liability Risks Involving Minors – What They Are and How to Protect Yourself.” This article summarizes my remarks.
Continue reading …Photos and Results From GQHA Summer Kickoff
May 28, 2021 Comments Off on Photos and Results From GQHA Summer Kickoff
The Georgia Quarter Horse Association recently hosted their Summer Kickoff Show May 21-23 in Conyers, GA. Judges were Valerie Kearns, Jennifer Leckey, Carly Parks, and Brad Luebben. In addition to four complete shows, the event was AQHA, GQHA, and NSBA approved. There were also Rookie classes and a L1/Novice show held in conjunction with the event.
Continue reading …Results and Photos From PQHA Summer Kickoff
May 27, 2021 Comments Off on Results and Photos From PQHA Summer Kickoff
The PQHA Summer Kickoff recently took place May 21-23 at the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, PA. with judges GiGi Bailey, Lynda Danielson, Tonya Brown, and Mike Weaver officiating. The show was AQHA, PQHA, WPQHA, and TSQHA approved.
Continue reading …Pre-Purchase Exam 101 – Not Just Pass or Fail
May 27, 2021 Comments Off on Pre-Purchase Exam 101 – Not Just Pass or Fail
The search is finally over. You’ve made countless phone calls, watched videos, communicated with the buyer, and probably taken a test ride. You’re convinced that you’ve found “the one.” This is the horse you’ve been waiting for. But there is one crucial, final piece of the puzzle… the pre-purchase exam.
Continue reading …Check Out AQHA Show Rule Changes For 2022
May 26, 2021 Comments Off on Check Out AQHA Show Rule Changes For 2022
Amend Rule SHW467.1: Optional trail course obstacles include but are not limited to: Water hazard (ditch or small pond). No metal or slick-bottom boxes will be used. When a water hazard/box is used, it shall remain dry at all times in all divisions.
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The 2021 Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit exceeded all expectations while delivering the biggest horse show in its 47 year history. The nine day equine extravaganza was held February 27th through March 7th at the expansive WestWorld facilities in Scottsdale, AZ. A perfect storm of pent-up desire to show, a tremendously diverse slate of classes, and a destination-worthy location drew exhibitors from all corners of the country to this event. Returning exhibitors joined many who made it to their bucket-list show for the very first time. The dramatic increase in attendance was apparent before the first classes even started. Additional stalls were erected, more trailers filled the parking lots, and more horses were acclimating to the mild Arizona weather as they casually exercised in a dozen arenas.
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