The discipline of Western Pleasure has arguably been the most debated subject in the horse show world in the last decade– on social media, in the stands at any given horse show, and in the meetings where rule changes are discussed, proposed, and put into effect.
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“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.
Continue reading …2015 Sun & Surf Circuit is Underway!
May 14, 2015 Comments Off on 2015 Sun & Surf Circuit is Underway!
While riding in the groomed arenas of the 65-acre Del Mar Horse Park, you can almost smell the salty twang of the Pacific Ocean wafting in from a mere two miles away.
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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?
Continue reading …Let It Ride Circuit Racks Up Impressive Numbers Despite Severe Weather
May 13, 2015 Comments Off on Let It Ride Circuit Racks Up Impressive Numbers Despite Severe Weather
When it came time for the competition, winning exhibitors were rewarded with gift cards from iTunes, Amazon, Sephora, McDonald’s, Subway, Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Target, which were presented in Novice, Youth, and Amateur classes.
Continue reading …Top 10 Horse Show Judges’ Pet Peeves
May 12, 2015 Comments Off on Top 10 Horse Show Judges’ Pet Peeves
Recently, Mark Harrell Horse Shows put together this helpful list of the Top 10 Horse Show Do’s and Don’ts they’ve learned from judges during the 2015 show season so far.
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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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