Sudden Scoop

The American Quarter Horse Journal – It should come as no surprise that horse show numbers are down. The question is: What can be done to increase participation and to accommodate all ability levels?

Earlier this year, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee appointed a task force to review and address AQHA’s show initiatives, with an eye toward increasing participation in AQHA-approved events.

“Based on anticipated recommendations and subsequent approvals, most especially from the AQHA Show Council, we expect to begin managing more closely the number and types of approved shows in 2011, with an approved leveling program tested and retested throughout 2011, with implementation in 2012,” said Tom Persechino, AQHA executive director of competition and breed integrity.

“In 2007, several demographic research projects identified three types of show participants: entry-level, mid-level and top-level,” Persechino said. “The research proved that the mid-level show participant is the most vulnerable, as these show enthusiasts seldom win classes, earn points or receive other forms of recognition. These mid-level show participants often leave us after sampling our approved shows, and we want to change that.”

With that information in mind, the Blue-Ribbon Task Force, which met in early September, evaluated:

• The numbers and types of shows
• The opportunities and fairness of competition to include levels classes based on abilities of the horse and/or rider
• The quality and integrity of AQHA points

The members of the task force represent the show industry and are stakeholders who understand the current situation and see the need to increase participation.

Based on the 2007 research, a “five-point plan” was implemented to address the decline in participation:

1. Solidify the top-end (known as “Blue Exhibitors”)
2. Enhance the long-term value for mid-level exhibitors (known as “Yellow Exhibitors”)
3. Provide an entry-level AQHA show venue
4. Reinvigorate the youth division
5. Understand/support the growth and vitality of the horse training profession

However, a downturn in the economy has hampered the overall success of these initiatives. The downward trend continues, especially in AQHA’s youth division. As a result, several show task forces have been assembled in the past year to discuss the following topics:

• Versatility ranch horse
• Introductory shows
• AQHA champions/performance halter
• Triple-judged/quadruple-judged shows
• Classifying shows
• English/over fences
• Halter
• Ethics
• Show managers
• Stock show managers
• Ranchers

In early July, the AQHA Executive Committee and staff met with more than 20 ranching representatives in Oklahoma City. Their talks focused on enhancing AQHA’s registration process; continuing to work with the various ranch horse competition groups –Ranch Horse Association of America,Stock Horse of Texas,National Versatility Ranch Horse Association,American Stock Horse Association – by exploring consistency in rules and possibly co-sanctioned events; and investigating the concept of a Ranching Heritage Breeder Program, which likely could be an extension of theAQHA Breeder Referral Program.

Later that same month, several stock show managers met with the Executive Committee. Discussion focused on the changing demographics of the stock show/state fair audience, which is typical of the changing demographics of horse industry enthusiasts. In previous years, spectators at stock shows and rodeos were "in tune" with agriculture-related events and had a knowledge of livestock events. Today's audience strictly wants entertainment.

“Our hope is that from all of these meetings will come recommendations designed to increase participation in a logical, methodical way with stakeholder buy-in,” Persechino said.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Annual Convention and Membership Meeting of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) concluded recently in Nashville, Tenn., where leaders of the Association met to elect the group's executive committee, decide on rule change proposals and work within committees to continue to advance the popular breed registry and membership association. Attending were members of the Association's Executive Committee, 98 National Directors and other involved members from 34 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, Australia and Denmark.

APHA's newly elected executive committee now includes:

· President Dr. Travis Titlow, Lincoln, Calif.

· President-elect Scot Jackson, Stephenville, Texas

· Vice President Gregg Reisinger, Eldora, Iowa

· Senior Committee Member Mary Parrott, Ruston, La.

· Fifth Committee Member Ron Shelly, Georgetown, Texas

· Sixth Committee Member Susie Shaw, Parsons, Tenn.

· Immediate Past President Linda Vance, Winlock, Wash.

Executive Committee Dr. Travis Titlow of Lincoln, Calif., was sworn in as President of the APHA Executive Committee at the Presidential Inauguration Dinner, with entertainment provided by country singer Trent Willmon. The sixth committee member was voted on and sworn in as well. Serving as the newest member to the Executive Committee, Susie Shaw of Parsons, Tenn. was elected as Sixth Committee Member. Shaw is a Paint Horse breeder and member of the Tennessee Paint Horse Club.

World Show Schedule Change One of the announcements made at the convention was the schedule change to the World Championship Paint Horse Shows effective in 2011. The two-show format will remain intact, but the line dividing the two shows will be much more clear with the summer show composed only of Youth classes, moving all Open and Amateur classes to the fall show.

Rule Changes In other action, APHA Directors passed legislation regarding the scheduling of shows, updating reining and working cow horse patterns to make them consistent with NRHA and NRCHA, and decreasing the time maximum from two minutes down to one minute in several roping classes. Other rule changes presented and passed dealt with Regional Club activities, filing of complaints of unsportsmanlike conduct at an APHA-approved event and usage of helmets.

The proposed rules for green horse classes were defeated in the Board of Directors meeting (SC-206 Green Hunter Under Saddle, SC-246 Green Western Pleasure, SC-251 Green Trail, SC-256 Green Western Riding). In addition the proposed Amateur rule regarding Amateur Walk-Trot AM-300 was also defeated in the Board of Directors meeting. However, the five rules were discussed again in the Standing Committees meeting that afternoon. The Standing Committees made amendments and asked the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to approve them through the emergency process outlined in Rule GR-010.A.9., approve the amendments, reconsider and re-vote. The Executive Committee concurred that these rules were fiscally vital, and the Board of Directors agreed to reconsider them with the amendments that were made. All five rules passed as amended.

Regional Clubs Recognized During the convention, APHA took time to recognize several exemplary Regional Clubs, awarding "Gold Star" and "Clubs of Distinction." Gold Star Clubs excel in their service to members by hosting fundraising activities, benefits, social gatherings, youth activities and special promotions. They are also involved in community service.This year's award-winning Gold Star Club recipients included: Garden State Paint Horse Club, Irish Paint Horse Club, Ranier Paint Horse Club, Southern Indiana Paint Horse Club and Utah Paint Horse Club.

Clubs of Distinction honors were awarded to five clubs selected from among new and existing Gold Star Clubs. Clubs of Distinction award-winners included: Arizona Paint Horse Club, Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club, Indiana Paint Horse Club, Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club and Washington State Paint Horse Club. Honorable mention clubs named were: New England Paint Horse Club, Oklahoma Paint Horse Club and Ranier Paint Horse Club.

Distinguished Service Award The highest award given by the American Paint Horse Association was presented to Roxann Rohrl for her decades of service to the American Paint Horse Association as a supporter of APHA programs, coordinator of Regional Club efforts in membership and shows, and to recognize her dedication to Regional Clubs in her area as well as nationally.

Youth Leadership Conference During the convention, the Youth Leadership Conference was held. Youth members met in committees, as well as attended adult director meetings. They set goals and initiatives in their meetings and created three new Youth committees to help achieve these goals. The youth listened to several speakers and voted in two major initiatives brought forth from the Youth Executive Committee. The initiatives included focusing on educational clinics and promotion of AjPHA at youth events with the Regional Club?s help. The three new Youth committees include: Painting Relations Committee will promote and develop new relationships with other youth groups, Shows and Events Committee will work on ideas for youth while at events and shows promote the fun side of showing, and the Education and Clinics Committee will work on clinic ideas and format as well as new educational material for youth. Twenty-five youth attended the conference, representing nine states in the U.S. including: Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Missouri, California and North Carolina.

"APHA On The Road" Program Launch The APHA Annual Convention was the first venue to officially host the "APHA On The Road" satellite program. The Association tested the program at some previous international events and, based on the positive response, determined there was cause to expand the project resulting in the Convention launch. During Convention many took advantage of this convenient walk-up service to process registrations and transfers of American Paint Horses. The farthest customer came from New Jersey and was able to process his foal registration paperwork in around 20 minutes with the help of the knowledgeable APHA staff.

Other activities Attendees at the Convention were given the chance to tour Nashville's Music City and attend performances at the Grand Ole Opry. Guest speakers also provided insight into the horse industry future, including a lecture from Dr. Craig Wood, Ph D from the University of Kentucky who spoke with attendees during a luncheon about the social media phenomenon and how it relates to the equine industry. The American Paint Horse Foundation also hosted a fundraiser to benefit their programs. The Tennessee Paint Horse Club provided several gift baskets for the fundraiser.

"The convention this year was not only an entertaining one because it was held in Nashville, but a productive one," said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director of the American Paint Horse Association. "Our APHA members and Directors who attended were diligent in passing needed regulations as well as meeting and planning for the future of this Association to keep it healthy and thriving. We welcome Susie Shaw to the Executive Committee and congratulate all of the clubs who were recognized, as well as Roxann Rohrl for her Distinguished Service Award."

APHA's next Annual Convention will be held September 28 through October 1, 2011, in Vancouver, Wash.

Duluth, GA. – October 13, 2010– With a long-standing commitment to providing horse owners and veterinarians the highest quality products, Merial is pleased to introduce EQUIOXX^® (firocoxib) Injection. With the addition of EQUIOXX Injection to EQUIOXX^® (firocoxib) Oral Paste, competitors now have a solid “one-two pain management punch” available to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD).¹

“Committed to supporting equine health and performance, Merial is proud to offer the flexibility of two EQUIOXX formulations to better meet the pain management needs of horses,” says Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, Merial’s Director of Large Animal Veterinary Services. “Both forms of EQUIOXX provide 24 hours of prescription OA pain relief* in just one daily dose.² While EQUIOXX Injection is labeled for up to five days’ use,¹EQUIOXX Oral Paste can be used to help control the pain and inflammation associated with OA for an additional nine days.³ This means up to 14 days of once daily dosing OA pain management, providing added convenience and the freedom to treat during longer events without skipping days.”³

EQUIOXX is also the only NSAID approved for use for up to 14 consecutive days by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)⁴ and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), when given at the recommended dose with a 12 hour withdrawal time prior to competing.⁵Traditional NSAIDs are only approved for a maximum of five days in these events.^4,5In addition, it is important for horse owners to note AQHA allows only one active NSAID in the system of a horse during competition and a similar USEF rule goes into full effect December 1, 2011.^4,6

For more information about EQUIOXX Injection or EQUIOXX Oral Paste, horse owners should talk to their veterinarian, visit www.equioxx.com or call 1-888-MERIAL-1.

Important safety information:
As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. As a class, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares. For additional information please refer to the prescribing information or visit www.equioxx.com.

About Osteoarthritis and Your Horse

Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a painful condition caused by progressive "wear and tear" of cartilage and other parts of the joint. It is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses and can develop in horses as young as 2 years old. All too often, it leads to poor performance and early retirement.⁷Factors that contribute to the onset of OA in horses include:⁷

• Trauma to the joint
• Conformation
• Immobilization
• Improper shoeing
• Age

When a horse suffers from OA, the cartilage, bone and soft tissues in the joint deteriorate. These changes causepain, deformity, loss of motion and decreased function. The joints most frequently affected by OA include the carpal, fetlock, pastern and coffin.⁷Watch for these signs in your horse:

• Limping or lameness
• Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, walk, trot or canter, or difficulty performing these activities)
• Stiffness or decreased movement of joints

If you see these signs, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of osteoarthritis.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,700 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2009 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

The American Quarter Horse Journal – If you can sing or carry a flag with your American Quarter Horse, we could use you at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, November 6-20.

During the opening of each finals performance night, we pay tribute to the United States of America with the singing of the national anthem. And because we are at the World Show, it’s fitting to have a rider carry the American flag atop his or her American Quarter Horse while the anthem is performed.

AQHA extends an invitation to AQHA, American Quarter Horse Youth Association member or American Quarter Horse enthusiast who would like to lend their talents, whether singing or riding. If riding, you will need to provide your own registered American Quarter Horse mount. You also will need health papers and a negative Coggins certificate for the horse to be admitted on the fairgrounds. If singing, please provide a sample of your singing in some form, either a video or sound bite in an electronic format.

If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Landi Campbell, AQHA manager of communications, at (806) 378-4738 or [email protected] by October 22. A limited number of nights is available, so please respond early.

Story and Photos by: Tracy Bidwell

The Congress is more than just a horse show, but do you know all that Congress has to offer? Of course there’s the shopping, seven-acres of it, to be exact. And then the food: Schmidt’s, The Sweet Shop and Bob Evans are always crowd favorites. Of course the Congress Queen is a familiar face, and really, how can you miss her, walking around in those gorgeous Berry Fit outfits? But did you know that Congress has an annual Model Horse Show?

[NPI Float="left"]/Media/0/jpg/2010/10/9d56bf50-91b4-c739-b7f92041c82484fe.jpg[/NPI]For eight years, Kim Bjorgo-Thorne has organized a model horse show held at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. It takes place the second Saturday of Congress every year, at the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center.

"We love hosting this show at Congress,” said Bjorgo-Thorne. “We’re a little hidden, so it’s hard for people to find us, but it’s a lot of fun.”

The show has several divisions, much like AQHA shows. There are youth, novice and open divisions, and classes are divided by breed or type, as well as model type.

[NPI Float="left"]/Media/0/jpg/2010/10/9d59a16c-d59a-c77e-c3ba303f7ac140c5.jpg[/NPI]“We have classes for Original Finish, which are straight from the factory, as well as classes for Customs, which have been altered by an artist,” said Bjorgo-Thorne.

Horses are judged on how accurately they resemble a living, breathing horse, as well as conformation and breed characteristics, much like Halter. Additionally, there are performance classes, in which accuracy is again key. From the positioning of the saddle, to the positioning of the props, everything should be exactly to scale.

The Quarter Horse Congress Model Horse Show also presents the Congress Queen with a model of her horse, from Queen’s Horsemanship every year.

"I was really, really excited,” said Ashley Cook, 2010 All American Congress Queen from Ontario, Canada. “It’s wonderful to have my experience as Queen memorialized through this model of Leroy.”

BSB Don’t Ask Me, or Leroy, is well-known throughout Canada, and many people, especially his owners Ken and Vonda O’Donnell, are excited to have the Peter Stone model.

[NPI Float="left"]/Media/4/jpg/2010/10/9d53ae03-e6ec-fee8-68d814724a0c0608.jpg[/NPI]"Ken and Vonda, were ecstatic,” said Cook. “They drove five hours to get here yesterday to get 10 copies to give to family members. We actually had to order 45 more copies because they have sold out so quickly. I think he’ll be the highest selling Queen’s horse ever.”

And if the model isn’t enough, Leroy will be back at the Congress again this year, showing in Queen’s Horsemanship with Lindsay Allen, the 2010 Ontario Quarter Horse Queen.

We will also be having great promotions during our Congress stay. Daily we will be offering sportswear from Gumz Farms and the stallions to the lucky two people that we draw from our list of entries. Please come by the booth and sign up for our monthly newsletter and you will automatically be put into the drawing. Veronica, our Gumz Girl mannequin, will be wearing the winning promotional apparel offered each day. Be sure to stop by and check her out!

Now for what everyone has been waiting for, the Congress Specials! Every stallion will be having a Congress special this year! All stallions will offer a $250 discount or more on breedings purchased during the Congress. We require the contract and booking fee to be paid, but the balance of the breeding fee is not due until you order semen or your mare departs the farm. Also note that all of the stallions have considerations for multiple mares, repeat breeders as well as producing/performing mares. Be sure to ask about what your mare(s) qualify for and make your breeding dollars count. See you at the Congress![NPI Float="left"]/Media/5/jpg/2010/10/917d9569-b47a-75c3-bd3ad6e9459d32fb.jpg[/NPI]

RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS FOR AQHA CONVENTION
DECEMBER 31 IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING

AQHA members have until December 31 to submit items for the Convention. AQHA’s standing committees will meet March 4-7 in Grapevine, Texas, to consider submitted items.

For a list of standing committees, click here and log into the AQHA Member Services Area.

Please download and complete the rule change proposal form. There are two versions of the form for your convenience: Word version | PDF version
Once you've completed the form, please return it via email to [email protected].

If you prefer, items may also be submitted by mail at:

AQHA
ATTN: (Committee Name)
P.O. Box 200
Amarillo, Texas 79168

Amarillo, Texas, October 7, 2010 – For the past 10 days, the equestrian world has been focused on Lexington, Kentucky, and the2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, since this is the first time for the event to be held in the United States. It’s also the first time that WEG has been featured on national U.S. television with an amazing 8.5 hours of coverage on NBC Sports, the largest commitment ever made by a network to equestrian sports.

AQHA and theNational Reining Horse Association have worked for more than 20 years to have the sport of reining be recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale and included in the World Equestrian Games.

With the World Equestrian Games on U.S. soil for the first time, NRHA and AQHA teamed with corporate partnerJohne Deere to highlight reining and American Quarter Horses during the Games in a special demonstration arena. AQHA and NRHA officials also served as media advisers for the national broadcast.

Reining has enjoyed 2.5 hours of coverage and according to recent Nielsen ratings, the U.S. audience also has enjoyed watching the only western event in the Games. Nearly six million total viewers have watched both shows, the first of which debuted September 26 featuring the team reining competition and the second on October 3, which featured the individual reining competition.

AQHA, who is the official reining breed sponsor of the Games, received national commercials in both broadcasts that also had an influence on website traffic – there was an increase in visitors to aqha.com and its WEG coverage. AQHA’s WEG-related pages on aqha.com, which include a 15-page microsite and numerous press releases, were viewed more than 22,000 times. WEG-related blog posts on America’s Horse Daily had an additional 3,500 views.

Visitors to aqha.com have until October 10 to sign up to win a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery felt hat signed by members of the gold medal winning Team USA.

NBC’s coverage of the Games concludes Sunday, October 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Eastern with reining included as part of the overall WEG recap.

A three-year contract will keep show in Amarillo through 2012.

The American Quarter Horse Journal – A new three-year contract with the Tri-State Fair that began with the 2010 Adequan Select World Championship Show will keep the show at the facility in Amarillo through 2012, according to Tom Persechino, AQHA executive director of competition and breed integrity.

“The AQHA Executive Committee approved the three-year contract, which gives the Tri-State Fair an option for an additional two years at the completion of the three years,” Persechino said. “The contract also contains the provision that should the show grow, AQHA can exercise an option to move the show to a larger facility.”

Persechino said the contract also addresses some items about the facility and its amenities that some exhibitors have voiced concerns about, including the footing in the Bill Cody and other warm-up areas on the grounds.

“We still hear from the majority of the exhibitors that they like coming to Amarillo,” Persechino said. “They like the (AQHA) staff attentiveness, the hospitality, the party that is hosted by the American Quarter Horse Foundation and the economics of Amarillo.

“On the surface, it’s easy to say that the show should move, but it receives a substantial stipend from the city and the venue to have the show here,” Persechino added. “Take that away and the cost to exhibitors to show at the Select World will go up.”