Arabian Horse Association Newsletter
August 2017
In This Issue
AHA Video Corner
Check out this month's breeder interview, and stay tuned for more interviews to come! 

Below you can watch our interview with Brent Stone and Phillip Del Pozzo of Gallun Farms in Santa Ynez, Calif., which offers a full service training and breeding facility.  


What's The Buzz
Read the monthly dish in the Arabian horse industry.

The eyes on an Arabian Horse are the most sensitive of all breeds, according to this study. Learn about their sensitivity, and how to keep your horse from getting sunburns here. 
AHA Corporate Partners & Sponsors
Sponsorship Webpage

Corporate Partners
 

Corporate Sponsors
Dates & Deadlines
August 31, 2017
USDF All-Breeds Award Program Enrollment Due
Regional Volunteer Service Award Nominations Due

September 1, 2017
Deadline For Submission Of Nominations For Open Competition
Deadline For Submission Of Nominations For Ambassador Award
List Of Certified Convention Delegates And Alternates

September 15, 2017
Club Level Volunteer Service Award Nominations Due
Nominations For AHA Convention-Elected Positions Deadline

October 1, 2017
Early Bird Registration Discount For AHA Convention

October 2, 2017
Resolutions Mailed To Registered Convention Attendees

October 15, 2017
National Volunteer Service Award Nominations
Election Of Directors For Even-Numbered Regions Must Be Comp

October 26, 2017
Extraordinary Resolutions Submission Deadline For AHA Convention

October 31, 2017
Regional Level Volunteer Service Award Nominations Due

November 1, 2017
Deadline for Submission of Distance Horse of the Year Award

November 15-18, 2017
AHA Annual Convention


For a full list of dates and deadlines click here.

Employee Spotlight
Every month, the AHA Insider showcases one of our employees. We want to give our readers an insight as to who works for AHA and what they do for the association. 

Rachel Mears
 
As a child I always wanted a horse of my own. Unfortunately, growing up here in Aurora, there was not much room for a horse in my backyard. "My horse" Jupiter lived at my grandfather's ranch down in Denton, Texas, where we would visit frequently. My "crazy horse girl" phase never ended and I continued my passion of horses into my undergraduate at Colorado State University's Equine Science program, where I graduated this past spring. 
 
Since I wasn't able to have a horse of my own I became very involved in American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows with my grandmother, who has been breeding and showing Samoyeds since 1970. I have now bred 4 litters that have produced 9 champions, many of whom also hold working titles. My little boy, Carson, and I are currently training for weight pull competitions and will pursue a Working Samoyed title. I also enjoy hiking and participating in other outdoor activities.
 
My current position here at AHA is Registry Service Representative, and I am currently in training to assist Kelly with exports.  



Get all of your official AHA gear here!



Do you like to ride or drive your Arabian or Half-Arabian horse? Now you can get rewarded for your hours in the saddle or buggy. Log your non-competitive hours you are riding or driving and when you reach hour milestones, AHA will ship YOU rewards! 


Become an AHA member and get the NEW AHA magazine.
Round out your summer with some of our new merchandise from the AHA Store!
       

Do Your Entries The Fast, Easy Way - Online!

Do all of your   AHA National Show  entries   ONLINE ! It's easy to do and you won't have to spend money on postage, have the hassle of sending in photo copies of your membership/competition cards, and the stress of having everything arrive on time to the AHA office. 

To access online entries, login with your member ID and password on the member   sign-in page . The national show entries are located on the left task bar under AHA Events.

Remember, the earlier you complete your online entries, the less time you spend worrying about them! During entry registration time, the AHA Office becomes very busy processing all of the entries. To help alleviate this busy time, online entries are a great help to us, and they save you time!

Online entries will be available until the closing date for each National Event which are listed below:
  • U.S. Nationals: August 29, 2017
If you have questions or need more information, please email nationalevents@arabianhorses.org. 


To do your entries online, go to the 
National Shows webpage. Click on the Enter Now button to the right of the page and start entering online now!


Time to Ride Challenge Officially Started

Join the  Time to Ride Challenge  for free, and share  the Arabian horse with newcomers. You might also win some cash and other prizes! The Challenge started May 1, 2017, and continues through September 30, 2017. Arabian Horse Association (AHA) members can win additional cash by participating in the Association Challenge portion, too. Just remember to sign up as an AHA member when registering for the Challenge, and you will automatically be eligible for a portion of the $5,000 cash prize.

The 2016 AHA Challenge winners, Rushlow's Arabians of Romulus, Mich., brought a total of 807 newcomers and received prize money of $3,500 from AHA. The AHA Challenge runner-up, Rusty Bar Ranch of Roy, Wash., attracted 232 newcomers and received prize money of $1,500 from AHA. For more information about the Time To Ride Challenge and how to sign up, visit  www.timetoridechallenge.com.


If you would like to share what your Discovery Farm is doing to spread the word about the breed, have a fun story, or would like to know more about the program, email DiscoveryFarm@arabianhorses.org or visit www.arabianhorses.org/discoveryfarms.

Canadian Nationals Important Dates & Deadlines

Canadian Nationals #ahaCNL17
August 13-20, 2017
Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba
  • Stalling
    • Prior to Monday August 21, 2017 by Noon - Stalls must be vacated *NO EXCEPTIONS* 

Daily Happenings at Canadian Nationals

#ahaCNL17 and the 60th Anniversary of Canadian Nationals is right around the corner and we are gearing up for an exciting week of activities! Don't miss out!
  • Friday, August 18:
    • Armed Forces Day
    • Wear red to honor our Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. Military troops!
  • T.A.I.L. Tours and Learning Stations:
    • Thursday, August 17 at 6 p.m.; Friday, August 18 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Saturday, August 19 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
    • Contact Mikayla Boge at Mikayla.boge@arabianhorses.org,  
      or by calling 303-597-8251 to schedule a time and date to join a tour. 

Purchase Your Favorite AHA Show Photos

 
You can now purchase your favorite photos taken by AHA through SmugMug! 

If you want to purchase official show photos, you can purchase them though the official show photographer, Jeff Janson Equine Photography.
  

Active Interest Media's Dave Andrick and Melissa Kitchen to Keynote at the 2017 Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference

FROM CHA:

(July 2017) - After attendees experience several days of jam-packed educational sessions, mounted workshops, and networking at the Certified Horsemanship Association's International Conference this October 26-28 in Lexington, KY, the conference will draw to a close on Saturday night with the annual CHA Awards Banquet and Silent Auction at the Marriott Griffin Gate Hotel. 

To read the full release, click here. 
A Survey From The Equine Stress, Research and Education Committee

The Equine Stress, Research and Education Committee is seeking input from AHA members on the subject of equine genetic disorders and testing. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey, your feedback is greatly appreciated: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRHGQ22

Ride Opportunities Offered at Distance Nationals 

The Distance Horse National Championships is coming back to Steph Teeter's Ranch in Oreana, Idaho from October 6-8, 2017. We are very excited this year to have the Appaloosa Horse Club returning, along with adding the Paso Fino Horse Association as a second partner. These organizations have decided to partner with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) in holding their National Championship Distance Rides in conjunction with the AHA Distance Nationals.

There are several ride opportunities at the Distance Horse National Championships, starting on October 6, with the AHA Competitive Trail Ride (CTR) National Championship, AHA Open CTR, American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Open Limited Distance, and 50 Mile rides. Offered on October 7 will be the AHA 50 Mile National Championship, Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride, Paso Fino National Championship Endurance Ride, AERC Open Limited Distance, and 50 Mile rides. On October 8 will be the AHA 100 Mile National Championship, AERC Open Limited Distance, 50 Mile and 100 Mile rides. All Open CTR, 50 Mile, 100 Mile and Open Limited Distance rides are open to ALL BREEDS and are recognized by both AHA and AERC. 

Plan on attending the 2017 Distance Nationals in beautiful Oreana, Idaho! As a reminder, if you own a Half-Arabian that is also a registered Appaloosa, you may enter both 50 Mile National Championship rides.
 
It's never too early to enter the National & Open Rides, to enter now please click here.



A reminder that the annual AHA Convention will be held from November 15-18 at the newly renovated Denver Marriott Tech Center, just south of downtown Denver! Come out and experience Denver and meet new people who share your love for the Arabian horse! 

Rooms will be booked on a first come, first served basis. Room rates will be guaranteed until Wednesday, October 25. However, if our block is sold out prior to October 25, rooms will be guaranteed on a space available basis only. 
 
To reserve your room click here.  

More Convention dates and deadlines:
  • August 15: Resolution submission forms; Club Excellence nomination forms
  • August 31: AHA Regional Level - Volunteer Service Award forms
  • September 1: Certificate of Selected Voting Delegates and Alternates forms
  • September 9: Committee Meeting Request forms
  • September 15: AHA Club Level - Volunteer Service Award forms
  • October 15: AHA National Level - Volunteer Service Award forms
 
For more information visit our 2017 Convention website. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Convention and Sponsorship Specialist, Uriah Quezada at 303.696.4559 or  at  Uriah.Quezada@arabianhorses.org . 

 
Sign Up for a 2018 Committee

Any member wanting to be on an AHA Committee in 2018 and have his or her name printed in the 2018 Handbook, needs to sign up by September 15. Sign up is available online in the "Members Only" section. Please check your contact information and make sure it is all correct.
 
 

AHYA Board Scholarship Program

The Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) is working to find a new way to encourage  youth to participate on the AHYA Board of Directors. At Convention it was discussed to fund a scholarship program for those individuals that are serving on the board. The idea behind the scholarships is to encourage the youth to participate and have an active role in AHYA, as well as develop them as future leaders.
 
With the right funding, we would like to award a $1,000 scholarship to each Regional Director. We are hoping to start the scholarship fund with $22,000. So far we have raised $14,700. Please consider your region donating to this scholarship fund. We would like you to join us in providing opportunities to reward those outstanding youth members who are the future of our breed.

To donate email Brenna Whitlock.

Arabian Horse Judging Contest


AHYA Raffle Tickets Still Available

This year, the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a Trails West, two-horse, slant load trailer, donated in part by Trails West Trailers . As one of the AHYA's largest fundraisers of the year, this year's raffle item provides a safe an functional way for you to get your Arabian horse wherever they need to go, in style! This 2017 Adventure MX two-horse, bumper pull includes:
  • steel frame with aluminum skin
  • head side drop down feed windows
  • tail side sliding windows
  • rubber wall mats
  • 6'9" wide, 7' tall
  • 4-wheel electric brakes
  • easy lube hubs
  • radial tires
  • aluminum fenders
  • steps and front gravel guards
  • rubber bumper
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • tack room with dome light
  • tack door brush tray
  • 16 bridle hooks
  • blanket rod
  • clothing rod
  • camper vent
  • carpeted floor
  • swing out saddle rack
  • spare tire
  • water tank
  • door mounted tack organizer
  • load lights by each side and rear gate
  • rubber floor mats
  • slam latch dividers
  • tie ring in each stall
  • double rear doors
You can purchase your raffle ticket for this utility vehicle for $100 by emailing AHYA. Hurry before they are sold out! Only 300 tickets will be sold. AHYA would like to thank Trails West Trailers for their sponsorship and support of the Arabian horse youth! All ticket sales directly support AHYA.


New Racing Partnership Offers Perfect Start for Newcomers

Racing partnerships are a perfect stepping stone for new enthusiasts to the sport of racing, and a new one is now available that is particularly suitable for newcomers. Former Thoroughbred jockey and professional racing manager Amanda Roxborough has fallen in love with Arabian racing over the last several years, and is now heading up a new racing syndicate called Goldensands Racing that offers a one-year lease on three high-quality racehorses... one of them won over $17,000 last year at Delaware Park! The unique syndicate offers 20 shares at a base fee of just $400/month with a one-time administration fee of $250 (visit www.GoldensandsRacing.com for more details), providing all the excitement of Arabian racing without the high costs. Plus, members will receive positive mentorship, education, owner benefits (like back barn access, winners circle photos, owners boxes at the track, and more), and the best part: comradery and fun with new friends through social functions at the track, parties, and more!
 
The syndicate will close at 20 shares. Learn more at www.GoldensandsRacing.com. 

Live Coverage of $100,000 President of the UAE Cup at Churchill Downs on September 23

The Arabian Jockey Club will be broadcasting LIVE from historic Churchill Downs for the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup. It is one of the richest Arabian races of the year for American racing, and will be held as the featured race on the card of Churchill Down's popular "Downs After Dark" series.
 
Join us for LIVE coverage on AJC Facebook!

Live Coverage of $50,000 Diamond Jewel on September 4

The Arabian Jockey Club will be broadcasting LIVE from Monmouth Park in New Jersey on Monday, September 4 for the $50,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (G1), the third and final leg of the 2017 Arabian Triple Jewel.
 
Paddys Day, on his way to being the richest Arabian racehorse in history, will remain the favorite in a field of the top racehorses in the country, as he continues his quest for an unprecedented third conquest of the Triple Jewel. Can he maintain his form on September 4? Or will Easter Man upset him as he did last week when they rematch again for the final leg of the Triple Jewel?
 
 


Join us for LIVE coverage on  AJC Facebook !

2017 HARC USA Race Schedule Released

The Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) offers added-money incentives for racehorses that contain blood outside of six popular bloodlines-largely French lines-in order to incentivize new horses to run for lucrative cash bonuses.
 
The USA will host four HARC races in 2017. Each race will offer $7,000 to be split among the owners and breeders of the top three HARC-nominated finishers (regardless of final placement in race among non-HARC horses).
 
Here is the HARC USA schedule of races for 2017:
-         California will kick off the HARC series on August 12 (recently changed from August 13) at Santa Rosa.
-         Michigan TBD (likely end of August; official announcement will be made by July 15)
-         Delaware TBD (September or October; official announcement will be made by July 15)
-         Texas will wrap it up with a race in November at Retama Park (final date will be announced in October).
 
For more information about HARC, visit www.harchorses.com or www.ArabianRacing.org/HARC. 


Members Tales
A Tale of Two Arabians


Jennifer Wilson, founder of Zenith Farms in Milford, Del., has written the first installment of what she hopes will be a long-lived series for middle school and high school-aged readers. 

Her story, A Heart Full of Hope" is loosely based on her two 2-year-old twin Arabian Geldings, Majus and Majician, born on June 18, 2015. 

These two colts, sometimes referred to as the BOGO (buy one, get one) Colts, reside at her farm and are parented by the farm's  purebred Mare, PA A-Magic Moment, and stallion Majd Al Rabi. 


Wilson's novel is a true account about the twins' birth. 

"They [the twins] were a total shock after a sonogram showed a single healthy embryo that had occurred after a verified single ovulation," Wilson said in an email. 

The twins appeared healthy and vital for two days, but on day three they became very sick. 

"I took a harrowing midnight journey in our ancient farm truck through torrential downpours to get them to New Bolton Center, who ended up determining that the mare had shed a bacteria in the milk. After over a week's stay, the boys were cleared to come home.  We had to sell our prized purebred, and the twin's mother, Odyssey SC mare, to help cover those bills. In the meantime, their Facebook fan page grew and grew," Wilson said. 

However, despite the week-long scare, the twins were born happy and healthy.  In 2016, Majus ZF was named East Coast Champion Yearling SHIH Colt, and was also Top 5 Yearling Sweepstakes Colt with first and third on the cards in a very deep class. The class was viewed by over 20,000 people as Wilson live streamed it through Facebook..
 
She has kept the twin's fan page active by uploading Go Live videos a couple of times per week, as well as explaining all manner of horsemanship, life on the farm, and the wonder of the Arabian Horse. Her live videos normally have around 10,000 views by the end of the day, with some of the baby videos nearing one million views. 


She have been involved with the Arabian breed for 30 years and founded Zenith Farms with her husband, Mark Wilson, in 2004 with the Half-Arab Mare, The Sweet Rose. She began breeding in 2005, and in 2007, they bred Maghnus Z, who has since gone on to be the winningest Half-Arabian Halter gelding in the history of the breed, with 18 National Championships and Reserves. He will still be defending his titles at age 10 in Open and Amateur at Canadian Nationals this week. 

"I am always getting messages from people who tell me the twins are the highlight of their day. People who care for their elderly parents or grandparents say the twins never fail to bring a smile to their faces. People with very young children tell me the first thing their baby asks for each day is to see a video of the boys. People who have lost their own twins find inspiration in these guys and their story of survival," Wilson said. 

She says other horse fans, although unfamiliar with the Arabian breed, are learning a lot about the Arabian Horse, and are falling in love with the twins' beauty and charisma. 

"I have always enjoyed writing, and it was always a secret hope that I could one day become an author; however, I never really had a story that was unique enough. These boys have given me the inspiration to run with something that has never been written about in a major book series. In reviewing my work (even without editing), an ex-literary agent from New York tells me, ' I can't tell you how excited I am about your work. You really are one of the better writers I've met in quite some time.'" Wilson said.  

You can keep up with Majus and Majician at http://www.facebook.com/bogocolts. 



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If you or another AHA member has a story that you would like to share in the AHA Insider, please email our Marketing and Communications Specialist, Alleynah Cofas at
alleynah.cofas@arabianhorses.org, with the subject line: Member's Tale Story. 
 
 
AHA is a major equine association serving 84,000 owners across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $2 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership.


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