Stable Sheet - September 2020 |
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An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse |
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Get the most out of this newsletter -
For those viewing this newsletter for the first time, it is published in three sections. At the bottom of section one & two you will be prompted to click a link to go to the next section. Be sure to "click here" where indicated to continue reading.
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I can feel Fall in the air. I know if is going to get warm again next week, but the seasons are changing. Fall is my favorite time of year.
What a crazy year this has been. The first and only Morgan show of the year for many who will attend is Nationals! Unbelievable! And that is especially hard to get my head around with COVID still going on and the recent fires in the West.
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The fires and the people who have lost their homes are what I think about now. Recovery is going to take a long time. I hope that people in our Morgan community who have had a loss will let us know so we can activate donations and work crews when they are appropriate. The Board has established an emergency fund that we can draw from to help people. More detail follows later in this newsletter.
Just a few more activities to go for our club year and my time as MHAO Board President will come to a close. I hope someone will step forward to lead. We have a wonderful Board. Everyone is committed and does a great job. If I am elected as a Director I will stay on the Board to help wherever I can. It is hard to believe I have served for 5 years. It went fast.
Good luck to everyone headed to Nationals! Safe journey to you, and please stay well. I know the social program won't be what we have seen in the past, but I bet it will still be a fantastic time. Have fun!
We are sending copies of the 2020 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity booklet to be put out for attendees. If you attend and can't find them, ask Kim Oplotnik where they are. We will also be distributing it electronically.
Shelley Bullard is collecting stories about how the fires have affected people. Let her know your story, and watch for her October 1st edition of the NW Morgan News. It is distribured via email. Her email address is Skedling@aol.com. Contact her to subscribe or to receive a copy of the October edition as well.
Club ballots, a new membership directory, and membership renewals will be in the mail soon. All voting for the club election will be done via mail this year. Please vote and return your ballot to Julie Nygaard promptly. I hope you will all renew your membership. We need your support to continue our programs and to continue to promote the Morgan horse.
Stay safe, stay well - and make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming national and local elections.
My best to you,
Gay Adams, MHAO President
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No Board Meeting In August |
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A million acres were on fire in September spread across Oregon. Many of these fires are still burning. For a time all of Clackamas County was at some level of evacuation status. Over 500,000 people in Oregon were either evacuated or getting ready to evacuate. |
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Shady Shadow Morgans Recovery Fund -
GoFundMe organized by Zach Sims
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On September 8th at 6:35PM, our lives changed forever. As the rapidly approaching Obenchain Fire was just behind our property line, we looked back at our ranch and home of 37 years knowing this may be the last time we see our beautiful home in the condition we were leaving it in. With our family, animals and travel trailer in tow, we evacuated and headed for safety. For 48 hours, we waited and wondered about our beloved home. We were out of immediate danger but still on Level 1 evacuation orders (Be ready). The winds fueled the fire as the cynical beast roared through the hills of our area. Finally, 3 days after the start of all this, the notification came. A neighbor who had gone back to check on any animals of theirs that were left contacted Stacy and delivered the devastating news; the ranch was gone.
So, what do you do when all you have built over almost 40 years is gone? When almost all your family heirlooms are gone? Well, you take a deep breath, count your blessings and work together to get through it. A dear friend wrote it best...
"Focus on the moment you're in and the love being sent your way; look forward to the future. Don't think about what was; but imagine a new beginning designed to fit your future family needs. Today begins your
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future; so imagine a clean slate with a new vision. Don't keep thinking about what you lost; think about what you want moving forward. You lost things; but not memories. Fill your heart with gratitude, not sorrow, and start planning your new future path. You can do this, I know you can. You're an amazingly strong, loving family who will get through this."
So, our plan for now is to find temporary housing and pasture for ponies and assess the damage when we are let back into the property. Currently, our property is still in an active Level 3 evacuation zone and we have not been given the go ahead to return. There is also a downed power line across our driveway and that will need to be addressed before we return. Our tentative long term plan is to rebuild and continue to bloom where we were planted. This funding will assist us with temporary housing costs, immediate essential personal items and future family needs.
This fundraiser was created after the requests from many friends asking for a way to help our family. Every donation is appreciated and valued. Our hearts are hurting but will heal and the love from friends and family will help with the healing. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Shady Shadow Morgans is part of our Morgan community. We remember Mike, Lona, and Stacy Sims raising Morgans there that brought forward the breeding influence of Frank & Freida Waer. Using breedings from Waer's Champagne, the farm offered Shady Shadow Chandez (Waer's Champagne x Waer's Samantha) and Shady Shadow Midnite Mirage (Waer's Champagne x .Dance All Night) to stand at stud. Some of the mares used in their program were Waer's Samantha (Waer's Superstar x Waer's Cinco De Mayo), Greentree Starburst (Greentree Bonniejohn x Niobrara Lady Drew), and Shady Shadow Kendra (Waer's Champagne x Twin Oaks Tricia). Shady Shawdow Shantana (Waer's Champagne x Greentree Starburst) was one of their favorite show horses.
Shady Shadow is a family farm passed on through the family. We are hearing from Zach & Stacy Sims. The farm was on what was 25 beautiful acres. It will be beautiful again. Please reach out to them if you are able to help in the rebuilding process.
MHAO is donating some funds to Shady Shadow Morgans
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The farm as it used to be. |
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Shady Shadow
Midnite Mirage
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MHAO Establishes An Emergency Fund To Offer Support To Our Morgan Community |
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MHAO has established an emergency fund to use to support our Morgan Community in times like these. If you have losses due to the Oregon fires or know anyone who has, please let us know. We can help spread the word to the rest of the Morgan community so they are aware and can offer assistance. And MHAO may be able to offer some help from our emergency fund.
We are here. We care about you.
MHAO welcomes donations to this fund for use now or in the future if you would like to support our new program.
Committee members to contact are:
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Do you know people in our local Morgan community who have gone above and beyond to help others during this time of fires? Please send our new committee information about what they have done. |
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David Silver
David is one of the fire fighters on the Holiday Farm fire near McKenzie. He worked long hard hours for several weeks. He is home now. The fire has consumed over 170,000 acres and at this writing is 35% contained. Thank you David.
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Candace Morasch
Southern Oregon Emergency Aid &
Once Upon A Horse Fundraiser
Once Upon A Horse is sponsoring a fund raiser to buy hay for fire evacuated horses in southern Oregon. 30 bales of alfalfa costs $540 delivered. One bale feeds one average sized horse (1,000-1,100 pounds) one and a half days. For every $540 she raises, she will have 30 bales of hay delivered to evacuation sites.
Once Upon A Horse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.
Please join Candy Morasch and Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce Business Director, Sue Brown in feeding southern Oregon fire evacuated horses through Once Upon A Horse. Thank you for your support!
Mail a check or money order made out to Once Upon A Horse to 4020 Midway Avenue, Grants Pass, OR 97527 and identify it for this purpose.
Thank you Candy!
Candy Morasch
(541) 660-7209
Founding Program Director
Once Upon A Horse
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Mary Anne Morrison
Aranaway Sanctuary
Southern Oregon Emergency Aid
Volunteer Emergency Animal Evacuation Team
Stay Until It Is Safe To Go Home - we won't close down.
Aranaway Farm in Grants Pass is taking in fire rescue animals and providing care at no expense to owners. If you want to help out, donations will be put to good use. These folks are honest, kind and willing to take in anything sent their way.
Aranaway has advised that they are not a 501c3 non-profit so if you need a tax deductible receipt, they recommend going thru Southern Oregon Emergency Aid (SOEA on Facebook). You can also go thru the fundraiser Candace Morasch has going thru Once Upon A Horse.
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Mike & Erin Silver
"My eyes are heavy from lack of sleep, my heart is heavy for everyone affected, my mind is heavy with worry. We evacuated one horse from Turner area last night. We sat at a fellow trainers barn til 2am last night ready to evacuate 50 head, watching the Bald Peak fire in Newberg, fortunately it didn't make it too close to them, but I know of another friend that evacuated from the same fire. I hope her place is ok, as its also her livelihood. We finally heard from.David about 1am, he sounded very tired and expressed how really bad the situation is (he's on the Holliday fire, near McKenzie). He may be there for a couple weeks. We looked at property last summer in several of the areas that are now torched. I'm thankful to be out of harms way on our little place right now. I've never in my 51 yrs experienced anything similar."
Erin Silver
Mike and Erin remained available all thru the time the fires were growing helping haul horses to safety.
Thank you Mike and Erin.
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Vince & Kathy DeFazio of Scandia Morgans took in John & Gay Adams for several days and nights along with their two horses and 3 of their cats.
Erica Parker-Trager took in Jerry & Mary Volk and their horses. She may have taken in more.
Carol Dombrowsky took in a family whose home was destroyed.
I am sure there are many more stories. Shelley Bullard is collecting stories for the October 1st edition of the NW Morgan News. If you have a story to tell, if you know of a hero that should be mentioned, or if you are not a subscriber and would like to receive a copy of her October 1st edition, email her at Skedling@aol.com. |
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Smoke Progression Over Portland...
From clear air to the most hazardous in the world.
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Meantime.... MHAO Activities And Events |
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We need more pictures!
MHAO Foal Photo
Contest
Deadline
extended to
October 31, 2020
$$ Win Money $$
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“The Fine Print”
- Image must be of an AMHA registered foal or of a foal qualified to be AMHA registered. Foal's dam may be included. Foal does not need to be born this year. Nor does the foal need to be entered into our Futurity.
- Limit of 4 photos per submitter
- Image needs to be at least 300 dpi resolution
- Your entry submission automatically grants the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon permission to use the photo on its website or for other promotional use.
- Entry needs to include the foal's registered name (or raf), the name of the sire & dam, the name of the current owner, & of the photographer. If the photographer is a professional, we need permission to use the photo. An email from the photographer is sufficient.
- Winning photo will be used to promote the 2021 MHAO Breeder's Cup Futurity
Everyone is welcome to participate.
You do not need to be a member of MHAO.
Pictures can be from any year and do not need to be nominated to the MHAO Futurity.
Prize money available:
$100 to First Place
$75 to Second Place
$50 to Third Place
For questions contact
Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276
Click here for more information or to see last year's photos
Photo credit: Kathy DeFazio -- Scandias Carribean Queen and her foal, Scandias Ms Congeniality
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MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity |
Calling all owners of 2020 Morgan foals!
MHAO offers the only remaining traditional Futurity we know of in the Western Region. We are here to support our breeders and members.
Join in on the fun!
Although classes did not take place this year due to the cancellation of the Oregon Morgan Classic, you can still take advantage of low nomination fees to be involved in this 5-year program.
Announcement:
Due to the forced cancellation of our 2020 show, the MHAO Futurity will add Classes For 3 yr old halter (including a Sweepstakes class), for 5 yr old Performance classes, and will award a 5 yr old Futurity High Point Award to the normal Futurity schedule for the 2021 Oregon Morgan Classic.
Futurity classes normally consist of halter classes thru the foal's 2-yr-old year and performance classes for 2-4 yr olds. Each class offers a chance to win prize money.
There are also sweepstakes classes for yearlings & 2-yr-olds with more prize money to the Sweepstakes Champion and Reserve Champion including bonus payments for auction get going back to the stallion donor and breeder.
At the end of the program, the 4-yr-old with the most points will win a Futurity High Point award.
Initial Nomination in the year the foal is born - $45
Renewal fees - $25 each year
Class fees - $25 per class
Initial Nomination
Due by December 31, 2020
Renewals will be due
March 31, 2021
For assistance contact Gay Adams,
For more information, click here to download the Futurity Rules. The Rules and all forms needed are available on our website.
Click here to download a nomination form to send to Gay
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MHAO Needs Your Help
We are seeking photos that show the beauty and versatility of the Morgan Horse in the Northwest
One of the most important duties of MHAO and its members is the promotion of the Morgan horse. I say duty, because if we don't get the word out about this wonderful horse, we run the risk that the breed will disappear.
MHAO is in the process of creating stand-up banners to use at promotional booths and other events. We want to streamline our presentation to gain more interest and to improve our impact. These banners will also make it easier to set up a booth wherever it is needed.
We are asking for high quality, high resolution pictures (300 dpi or better, 1MB or larger) that can be used together to show the beauty and versatility of the Morgan breed.
Again, pictures need to be high quality, high resolution photos so that they can be blown up to a larger size and still be clear.
Please send us your favorite pictures today!
The committee will choose photos out of the pictures received with a goal of not only showing the beauty of the breed, but also its prized characteristics and wide range of versatility. Pictures can include you with your horse. Pictures with kids are great, too.
Please help us create this important tool for our future!
Send your photos to
Kathy Christensen
Or call her at (503) 391-9047 for more information.
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Nominations are open
for the 2021
MHAO Stallion Service Auction
Closes December 31, 2020
We would love to have the opportunity to promote your stallion. Here are the benefits we offer for the stallion owner:
- Press releases on Northwest Morgan News, MHAO newsletter (Stable Sheet), MHAO website, MHAO Facebook Page & the MHAO Stallion Service Auction Facebook Page, in The Morgan Horse Magazine, on The Blast, etc. There is heavy emphasis on advertising the stallions included in our auction.
- The Stallion Auction will be promoted at the Oregon Morgan Classic (OMC) Horse Show & donated stallions will be highlighted. OMC is the largest Morgan Horse Show in the State and even the Northwest.
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ATTENTION! The name of all stallions with a bid will be put into a hat for a drawing. The winner will receive a free 2-page spread in the 2021 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet. This is a new benefit that was added in 2019.
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Each stallion donated receives a full page dedicated to them in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet. This is a high quality magazine distributed up and down the West Coast & at Grand Nationals.
- Bonus payments are made to breeders and stallion owners when a foal that is the result of a breeding sold through the MHAO Stallion Service Auction becomes a Futurity Sweepstakes Champion or Reserve Champion at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show.
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Funds from the MHAO Stallion Service Auction support the MHAO Breeders’ Cup Futurity which is the only known traditional Futurity in the Western Region. Morgan Horse Association of Oregon Breeder’s Cup Futurity classes will be held at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show held in June each year at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene Oregon.
Minimum starting bid is $700, or an amount set by the stallion owner (higher or lower, but no lower than $500). Bidding is open from January 15th to early April.
More information is available on our website. For questions, contact
Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276
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MHAO General Membership Meeting
Sunday
November 8, 2020
Starting at 1:30pm PST
Our Speaker is Tony Lee
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Watch for information to follow on how to attend the General Membership Meeting. You will be able to join the meeting via computer or by phone.
Get up-to-date on what is happening within the club and more!
Our election this year will be totally by mail. Ballots will go out to all current members on or by October 1st. Please be sure to vote and get your ballot back into the mail right away. They need to be received well before November 8th.
Please use your numbered ballot that you will receive in the mail.
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Click here to verify your membership. If you are not shown as a 2020 member and should be, contact Doana Anderson, Membership Chair, jusdndy@gmail.com.
To join, download a membership form by clicking here. Send to Doana as shown on the form. We would love to have you as a member! |
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Seminar: Horses and Smoke
Notice from Brushriders group.
This Sunday, Sept 27th, 2pm at Pacifica, Dr Sarah Mullin, DVM, from Rogue Valley Equine and Companion Animals will be giving a seminar on Horses and Smoke.This is sponsored by Grayback Brushriders. We are asking for a $10 donation to Pacifica. There will be baked goods, and beverages to purchase. Please bring a mask and observe social distancing. Brushriders will provide hand sanitizer.
Come early to get seating, food and to start at 2pm promptly. Thank you, hope to see you all there.
Thank you Mary Anne Morrison
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Did you show in 2020?
Don't forget to turn in your points to Erin Silver, our High Point Chair, so they will be counted for 2021 Awards. We have Open, Morgan, and Jr. Exhibitor categories. Virtually everything competitive counts.
Erin Silver, High Point Chair
(971) 600-8933
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Special News Brief From AMHA |
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Dear Morgan Family,
I am happy to provide you with another update regarding the recent litigation.
The Parties to this lawsuit, together with AMHA and AMHECT, are pleased to announce that they have achieved a resolution of the litigation. In connection with that resolution, Ms. Bennett has agreed not to appeal the dismissal of the lawsuit to the Vermont Supreme Court, and the
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Parties and AMHA and AMHECT have agreed not to seek attorneys’ fees from Ms. Bennett. AMHA has continued its efforts to pursue insurance coverage and has recently confirmed that it will be able to recover a significant portion of its costs from its insurance carrier. While the Parties continue to have differences of opinions on the merits of the litigation, they are pleased to reach a resolution that affords finality to all involved.
Let’s all continue to work together and stay #MorganStrong.
C. A. Lee, III
AMHA President
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The Application Period For The 2021 AMHECT Memorial Grants Is Open Now
See Section 3 For More Information
Close Date Is November 2, 2020
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An Update On How The Registry Is Doing... |
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The Healing Power Of Horses - Equitana
What once began as solely therapeutic riding has now grown into an entire industry of horses helping people in ways we’ve still yet to fully understand. Veterans, at-risk youth, women enduring traumatic circumstances, the chronically ill, and even inmates have experienced the healing power of horses in physical and psychological ways. Meet with representatives from BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center
to discuss how each program uses horses to improve the lives of those around them and how YOU can make a pivotal difference in someone's life.
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to complete a new documentary about the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm. We are very excited to announce we will be sharing the full length, feature video very soon- here is a 2 mintue trailer to get you excited!!!
and from the incredible generosity of our donors.
Friends of the UVM Morgan Horse Farm play a critical role in supporting this national treasure.
THANK YOU and ENJOY this sneak peek!
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Apprentice & Internships at UVM
There are several equine educational programs available that offer unique and intensive experience for interested and motivated individuals. Apprentices spend one year living, working and learning at this historic site, and become involved in a wide variety of overall farm operations. Interns receive credit through UVM and can apply for fall or spring semesters. Recently UVM students from a variety of disciples have enjoyed internships related to tourism, natural studies, landscape design, and building community. Visit the on-farm learning page for more information.
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Film Fest Hosted by the Oregon Horse Council
Act now to enjoy this weekend!
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In partnership with the EQUUS Film Festival, the Oregon Horse Council is excited to host a series of Winnie Film Fests this fall and winter. Launching in late September, we will be providing access to the Wild Horse Collection, a 2.5 hour film comprised of short movies about our beloved wild horses of America. As much as we would love to host these in person, COVID-19 is providing us an opportunity to allow for more people from all over watch these amazing films by hosting them virtually!
Join us September 25-27 for the Wild Horse Collection. Upon buying a ticket, you will be sent a link which allows you to access the 2.5 hour film fest anytime between 5 pm on Friday and 10 pm on Sunday. So plan a fun night, grab dinner and popcorn, and get together with your family to watch.
The Oregon Horse Council will host 4-5 additional films, once per month, through the winter. Additional films will be on Women in Horses, therapeutic riding, western riding, general horsemanship, and International horses. Watch our Facebook page and Events Calendar for the future viewing dates.
Films will be $15 for non-OHC members, $10 for members and registration is required in advance to get the link.
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So, As our last qualifying horse show cancelled, Suzanne Kurt and I decided to get creative. We held our first ever FIRE RUN SHOWCASE. The honorable Chris Bickford judged and scored all show riders, wonderful photographer Jolene Bertrand captured the happiness and spirit of the day, and all parents and kids helped to put on one of the Best Shows Ever! Thank you all for this wonderful memory from the craziest year ever... Here are just a few shots.
Teri Rumens
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Small But Mighty - Avatar's Jazzman |
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Reprinted from "Your Dressage" website |
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A fiery Morgan gelding named Avatar’s Jazzman shows what his breed is capable of at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®
By Jennifer M. Keeler
During a recent dressage competition on the hallowed grounds of Gladstone, N.J. where equestrian legends have gathered for decades, plenty of stunning warmbloods could be seen warming up for FEI-level classes. Among those, one dark chestnut stood out not only for his flair as he passaged down centerline, but also because he is a pony – yes, a pony, doing Grand Prix.
Meet Avatar’s Jazzman, an 18-year-old Morgan gelding who has made a career out of demonstrating the brilliance and versatility of the Morgan breed, as well as how size doesn’t matter when it comes to dressage. With an official height of just over 146cm (14.1 hands)S, which qualifies him for a USEF Dressage Pony Card, “Jazz” has been trained through the levels and ridden for most of his life by Lauren Chumley of Pittstown, N.J.
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Now competing at the top level of the sport, the pair earned national honors last fall by placing eighth in the Intermediate II Open Championship at the 2019 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, and claimed the US Dressage Finals High Score Breed Award from the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) for the FEI Levels – Open Division.
“I love going to horse shows and the bigger the better, so it’s hard to get much bigger than the Finals,” said Chumley, who has competed with various mounts at almost every Finals since its inception in 2013. “It’s always fun to see my friends from all over the country, and it’s a top-level competition. I will always come if given the opportunity, despite the long drive. And Jazz loved it last year and was completely unfazed by the atmosphere of the Alltech Arena. He’s been around so much and in some of the biggest rings in the country from the National Dressage Pony Cup to the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington and to Devon under the lights, so at this point he has a ‘been there done that’ outlook on life.”
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It’s been a long, nearly 15-year journey to the Finals for Chumley and Jazz, and it all started with the fiery Morgan’s owner Melissa Dowling, who has a long history with the breed. “I always liked the baroque conformation of the traditional Morgan and owned other horses that participated in the Morgan show world,” Dowling explained. “When I determined that my primary interest was dressage, I decided the athleticism of the Morgan as well as its versatility, intelligence, personality, vigor, and eagerness to please, were qualities that would make it competitive in the dressage world.”
As a young trainer in Ohio, Chumley was working with another horse owned by Dowling when fate stepped in. “Melissa found this four-year-old Morgan on the internet where he was advertised for sale by his breeder in Minnesota and asked me to fly up there to look at him,” Chumley remembered. “I was just starting out in my riding/training career, and here I was looking at this youngster who was still a stallion, full of sass, and completely not broke. But I thought he was really pretty and that I could probably make a dressage horse out of him. Looking back I can hardly believe it but Melissa bought him, and the rest is history.”
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As the new partnership began to develop, the road was less than smooth for the young trainer and the opinionated now-gelding. “He wasn’t easy as a youngster, and we have the terrible scores to prove it,” Chumley admitted. “One winter, I went to Florida |
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so Jazz went home to Melissa for a while. But his attitude started getting the best of him, and he was being quite bad. So he came back to me and Melissa jokingly told me to ride him, show him, sell him or shoot him, and then it started to come together. He still has not mellowed in the slightest. I just like to think we’ve learned to channel some of that energy in the right direction.”
Step by step, Chumley guided Jazz through the levels to finally reach the epitome of the sport at Grand Prix, where she not only appreciates her mount’s physical talent, but has also found a newfound appreciation for his enthusiastic attitude. “In looking at his bloodlines, it turns out Jazz isn’t really sport-bred – he actually has mostly park-bred lines meant to perform like a saddleseat horse, which would explain a lot,” she chuckled. “But that fire has also helped him go as far as he has. If you have to kick a horse around Grand Prix, you’re not going to have a good time. And you definitely don’t have to kick Jazz.”
So far in 2020, the pair is enjoying their best year to date at Grand Prix, scoring mid to high 60’s this summer as COVID-19 restrictions began to lift in New Jersey and showing resumed. As a result, they will once again be heading to the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 1 Championships in Virginia and hopefully punch a return ticket to the Finals. But that doesn’t mean that the Grand Prix work comes easy for the gelding.
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“The changes were always difficult for him, and for a while there I was just shaking my butt around as he jumped from side to side trying to get through the one-tempi’s and hope for the best,” Chumley laughed. “But we’ve finally got it. He also has a very expressive piaffe and nice passage and lateral work, and I think his extensions are pretty decent for a 14.1-hand park horse. It takes a lot of time for horses to build the strength to do the upper-level work, and it takes some breeds or individual horses even longer.”
But Jazz is so much more than a dressage star – he’s a modern day Justin Morgan, showcasing the impressive versatility of his breed. Quite the eager jumper, Jazz has competed with Chumley through Training level eventing, culminating in an eighth-place finish at the 2017 American Eventing Championships (AEC) in Tryon, N.C. The pair also enjoys an occasional foxhunting excursion, and Chumley has repeatedly threatened to take Jazz for a spin in combined driving.
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“For many dressage horses, trainers, and owners it is rather unconventional to ‘allow’ a Grand Prix horse to event or hunter pace, or do any activity other than dressage,” Dowling noted. “Fortunately, Jazz, Lauren, and I appreciate and thrive on the unconventional! Jazz’s abilities, coupled with his high energy busybody/workaholic attitude, mesh perfectly with Lauren’s ‘can-do’ attitude. I think it says a lot about his breed that Jazz likes to be busy and doesn’t know how to give less than a hundred percent.”
It was both Jazz’s success in the show ring and his signature versatility that attracted the attention of the famous Breyer model horse company. “Breyer reached out to us more than a year ago saying they were interested in making a Jazz model,” said Chumley. “It’s so ironic because growing up I was an avid Breyer collector and went to Breyerfest every single year – I think I still have probably 300 models in boxes in my basement. During the time they were developing Jazz’s model, we were sworn to secrecy until it was released this year, but the process was really fun. Then we were supposed to go to Kentucky for Breyerfest this summer but they held it as a virtual event because of COVID-19, so we did an online interview from our lawn instead, which was a blast too.”
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Breyer horse model in his honor |
As they continue their dressage journey together, Dowling, Chumley, and Jazz look forward to more trips to the US Dressage Finals, as well as proving how horses (and ponies) of all breeds can succeed in the sport. “I am thrilled for all of Lauren’s and Jazz’s successes,” said Dowling. “Jazz and Lauren have proven that Morgans can be competitive in equestrian endeavors usually thought of as disciplines reserved exclusively for other breeds.”
Chumley agreed. “Even at the biggest shows with the loveliest warmbloods, I never feel intimidated with Jazz. We just keep showing up time after time and doing our own thing, and it shows the world not only what Morgans can do, but that others can do it too.”
To learn more about the High Score Breed Awards to be offered at this year’s US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, visit this link:
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2020 Morgan Grand National |
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Breaking News
In response to many requests, the Grand National Show Committee has decided to reduce the post entry fee for the 2020 show only. The post entry fee will be $50 per horse until September 25th on any initial entries. Any additional horses or classes added after that date and during the show will be charged the regular post entry fee.
In addition, the decision was made to eliminate assigned box seating (in the Coliseum) for the 2020 show. This decision was made for the health and safety of our exhibitors. We look forward to 2021 and having everyone back in their usual spots.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ'S
Where can I sit to watch a class?
In all four show arenas, we will follow social distancing guidelines. Every other row will be marked off, and people will be asked to sit six feet apart with your mask on at all times. We also ask that you stay a minimum of 6 feet apart if you are standing rail side.
In addition, the first row will be taped off and used for trainers and coaches. This will help to eliminate crowding at the gates and maintain the social distancing rules and guidelines.
We understand this will be a different experience this year, however it is in the best interest of our attendees to follow these health guidelines and mandates.
I am a Sponsor, can I come to the show to watch?
We definitely appreciate our sponsors. The show would not be possible without your support! However, the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan mandates that competition organizers must prohibit the public, spectators, and non-essential personnel, such as guests from being on the competition grounds until further notice.
Can I just come to watch the show?
The USEF COVID-19 Action Plan mandates that competition organizers must prohibit the public, spectators, and non-essential personnel, such as guests from being on the competition grounds until further notice.
USEF strongly discourages participants from bringing additional family members who are not essential to providing care to the participant or their horse. Each participant must acknowledge and exercise personal responsibility while attending a competition to minimize risk for themselves and those around the them.
Thank you for your understanding!
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Founded in Oklahoma City in 1955, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum — or “The Cowboy,” as it is known — stands as America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture, with a mission to “preserve and interpret the evolving history and cultures of the American West for the education and enrichment of its diverse audiences of adults and children.”
Since its founding, more than 10 million visitors from around the world have sought out this unique institution to gain a better understanding of the West: a region and a history that permeates our national and global culture.
The Cowboy collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned and diverse permanent collection of Western art and historic artifacts. It also features a rotating schedule of dynamic temporary exhibitions and sponsors educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West.
The Cowboy features a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s iconic The End of the Trail. The Museum’s exhibition wing houses an authentic circa 1900 Western town and interactive history galleries that focus on the American cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military and Western performers. The Museum’s most recent expansion, Liichokoshkomo’ (pronounced Lee-cho-kosh-ko-MO), Chickasaw for “Let’s play!,” is a truly unique, interactive outdoor educational experience featuring waterfalls, Native American structures, a train depot, rodeo arena and a recreation of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings.
So whether you have an hour or a day, come immerse yourself in the myriad stories and experiences of the American West available at The Cowboy! For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
1700 NE 63rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 478-2250
Nationalcowboymuseum.org
HOURS:
Monday – Saturday,
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon – 5:00 p.m.
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OKC Outlets is in the capital city of Oklahoma. Perfectly situated just minutes from downtown Oklahoma City, Will Rogers International Airport, the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds, and numerous other attractions and destinations, OKC Outlets’ convenient location makes it a must do shopping destination for the out of town visitor!
OKC Outlets boasts the best brands in retail! Visit over 85 of your favorite brands including Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Under Armour Factory House, Michael Kors, The North Face, kate spade new york, Lucchese Bootmaker, and three newly opened stores aerie, Victoria’s Secret and The Cosmetic Company Store. Truly, OKC Outlets has something for everyone!
If shopping isn’t the only item on your itinerary – visit our Tourist and Visitor Information Center located in the Food Court to help you with planning where to go and what to see. Sponsored by our partners in travel, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Come See for Yourself the best the State and City has to offer!
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UPHA Open Gate Learning Center at the Grand National... |
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This year, The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) to offer the Open Gate Learning Center at the 2020 Morgan Grand National. The Open Gate Learning Center is an on-site study and learning center for young equestrians who are competing at the show which will take place in Oklahoma City, October 10-17.
The purpose of the Learning Center is to provide academic support to young riders, currently enrolled in grades 5-12, who are away from their local schools. The center will be available to students from Oct. 10-17. Participants can stay abreast of their academic requirements by providing a structured learning environment. The center is supervised by a professional teacher who can provide academic support for students and the center will work with teachers from the student’s school to help guide activities while away from school and to monitor tests, if needed. Assignments can be posted, faxed, or e-mailed from the center to meet deadlines.
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The fee for each student is $200. Please call Nikki Scovotti, AMHA Youth Programs Coordinator with a credit card at (859) 448-5109 to sign up your student. The center can accommodate a maximum of 25 students and will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Once your student has been properly enrolled by paying the reservation fee, you will receive an e-mail with the link to the Center’s application, updated procedures and required waiver form.
In order to protect everyone, some changes will be apparent within the learning center itself. There will be limited seating and no more than 8 students will be allowed in the center at any one time to follow proper CDC social distancing guidelines. The center will be disinfected regularly, and all are required to wear masks while in the center. There will be no shared supplies and students will need to bring any materials required to complete their assignments including laptops and calculators when applicable.
Therefore, this year, students cannot just “walk in” and utilize the center. They MUST make an appointment PRIOR to their use of the center to ensure a maximum of 8 students at one time.
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PNW Morgan Horse Show
August 26-29, 2021
Hi folks! Although this show season didn’t turn out the way anyone had hoped, we are excited to announce our show dates for 2021! Please join us August 26-29, 2021 at the Washington Horsemen Tacoma Unit.
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
Kaitlin Lebon
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Pt Reyes Morgan Horse Ranch |
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The Morgan Mounted Patrol was evacuated last night to the U. S. Park Police facility at the Presidio in San Francisco. They were evacuated as an abundance of caution, not as a panicked reaction. They were evacuated to allow the Rangers to focus on the demands of the fire. |
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Transportation went smoothly and they are settling in nicely in their fancy new digs. They even have a groom. Crews are prepping the area around Bear Valley, so some much needed mowing and trimming is being done, which is great. All pastures are being mowed. Thank you to the Rangers for their concern about the safety and wellbeing of the Morgans. Thank you to the fire fighters for their efforts in preserving Point Reyes National Seashore. |
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Every role in the equestrian community is important, and the NTRA Advantage Equine Discounts Program is here to support it. This is your chance to enter the Share How You Care Giveaway to win a John Deere TS Gator!
How do you enter? Well, we want to hear from you!
#ShareHowYouCare and tell us about what you, your business, or individual you would like to nominate does in the equestrian community and what you would do with your John Deere TS Gator.
Click here to learn more about the Share How You Care sweepstakes, exclusive to US Equestrian members.
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AMHA Western Region Report |
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Greetings to all Western Region AMHA Members,
The AMHA Board met via Zoom last Saturday, August 8, 2020. Ideally it would have been held at our new office in Lexington, KY but, because of the COVID-19 virus and financial hardship the meeting was held as mentioned. The standing committees also held their meetings via Zoom during the week prior to the Board Meeting.
The most discussed topic was finance. We were tasked with reviewing the current budget and making adjustments that the Finance Committee recommended. Unfortunately, there are just some things that have been put on hold until further notice. There are many obstacles right now. It makes it difficult to achieve many of the goals AMHA would like to achieve.
The new campaign #Morganstronger was discussed and so far, there has been great response. All members received a letter explaining the campaign and what the perks were if you were a large sponsor. We so far have two sponsors to name a room with their farm name, personal name or tribute. This is a "donate what you can and feel comfortable giving" campaign. Any amount is appreciated and will help AMHA to bridge the gap in our income deficit for 2020. The board feels strongly about this and we all have committed ourselves to give what we can, to help as a show of unity. More about this at www.morganhorse.com.
A condensed version of what happened at the meeting is posted in Section 3 of this newsletter under the AMHA heading.
Good News! Even though most of our shows here in the Western Region including our two regionals have been cancelled, there were two shows that did survive. One new and one almost new show managed to please exhibitors by putting on a show. The Silicon Valley Horse Show and MMC Horse Show respectively. Two ladies,
Helen Vydra Roy and Stacy Hennessey refused to give up. Each
with their own worker bee crew managed to have a safe, mask-
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wearing no spectator show that pleased all exhibitors. Yes, you read that right, no spectators at any show. Part of the new normal. The Silicon Valley Horse Show was a repeat from last year but the MMC Horse Show was a new show and a condensed version of the Morgan Medallion Charity Horse Show. No regional, no medallions but a horse show. Everybody was happy to be able to show their horses even if there were no spectators.
The Morgan Medallion Charity Regional Horse Show and the C-Fair Charity Regional Horse Show will both be back next year. In the meantime, thank you to all the unnamed worker bees, volunteers and sponsors who helped to make both these shows a success. It was greatly appreciated.
Terri Sturm is running for reelection. Please support her in this endeavor. Terri has been an absolutely perfect addition to our Board the last 3 years. Let’s make it another 3 years.
Mari Sanderson is announcing that she will not be running for another term. Her term ends early 2022. She is giving ample notice (1 ½ years) so anyone who wishes to run, has time to fulfill the requirements. The requirements can be found on the Members’ Only Side of the Website at https://www.morganhorse.com/members/election/.
If you have no agenda but want to do what is best for the Morgan Horse, want the satisfaction of helping to contribute to that cause and want to give unselfishly of your time, being a Director is for you. If you want to have the time of your life, this is for you. If you want to make new friends, enjoy your established friends, this is for you. Yes, it’s work, but it’s gratifying work. I will always appreciate the experience. Think about it folks.
Stay safe remaining #MorganStrong.
Dallas Bolen
Mari Sanderson
Terri Sturm
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Gladheart Black Harris at Perrydale Trails |
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I know a lot of you already know about this facility (it is right by Jean Sauer), but if you don't, it is worth looking into!
Just a super-duper time at Perrydale Trails yesterday with Kim and Maus practicing obstacles for Working Equitation.
Rebecca Herron, and her husband Mike own/run this wonderful facility and she was a fantastic host. An amazing place!
Bernadette Stang
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Scandias Trademark
(UVM Lexington x Lyonhil Ambition)
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1995 - 2000
"The Little Engine That Could"
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Thank you for all your heartfelt comments. It is still very raw and spent most of the day crying. It is hard to write this.
I found Trademark in his stall three legged on a Tuesday night. Hopeful it was just temporary or his bad leg acting up I gave him some Bute, Equiox, and Banamine, he had been hollering that day and I had commented to Vince that something was up. We dismissed it and I now realize he was telling us he was in pain. I knew it was not good but went to bed hoping for the best.
The next morning he was the same, his bad leg was useless and was broken or had given out. I repeated the drugs and fed him. By eight, there was no improvement. We knew it was time to let him go at age 25. Calling our regular vets to come euthanize him seemed unreal. After some thought, we contacted Meg Brinton, she was the vet we had when he first broke his leg as a young horse and helped us through it. She said she could come, even though a good hour away.
I wanted him buried here, Vince called the back hoe guy and he said he could come at noon. So both Meg and he would be here as well as my dear husband. An hour before I went out
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and said my tearful goodbyes, hugging him in my lap and looking into his beautiful soulful eyes. He seemed to know it was the end and laid quietly still.
They said he took all he had to walk out of the stall for his last moments. Game to the end.
I will miss his funny personality, his connection to people, and the barn is so strangely quiet and empty these days. I have three of his get here and his face and personality will live on through them as well as the 34 get he has through all of you. We have had many horses and stallions but Trademark and Bobby McGee were the two that held my heart. So hard to say goodbye to it all, a good part of our lives. But the memories remain.
I plan to do a tribute at a later date at least publicly on FB, and will hope that each of you that have his children will post a picture and story of yours. This guy seemed to affect so many and very glad that his get are so well loved by their people.
And thank you dear Meg Brinton...it made our goodbye special. He is buried out where he grazed for the last few years. He had been doing quite well but I guess the leg just finally gave out, I have no other explanation.
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The end of the Scandia tradition. |
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Trademark was the sire of more than 35 foals, including Bluebird Rising Wind, Scandias Mark of Destiny, Scandias Mademoiselle, Scandias Avatar, and Scandias Final Note. He has been a favorite. Here is his story.
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Author Kathy DeFazio
Over our many years with horses there are certain Morgans in our Scandia family that seem to prove they are greater than the “odds” and greater than the plans than we have for them. This happens over and over and come sometimes from the least expected places. One such horse, was Scandias Trademark by UVM Lexington out of Lyonhil Ambition. He was a breeding stallion here at the farm, and still holds a special place in our hearts for many reasons. He constantly proved to us that he was the “Little Engine That Could” and that he was meant to be on this earth to reproduce and make his mark!
The story begins with our move to Oregon from Ohio over 20 years ago. I was eight months pregnant with my son, Peter, and stayed behind to sell the house while my husband went cross country with two of our horses. We shipped the other three. Lyonhil Ambition was one of the mares that Vince decided to take on his journey to Oregon. It was November and he
was stranded for a week in a snowstorm in Kansas, but then, despite the weather, he went on with his harrowing journey with Ambition in tow. He literally wore out the truck and the tires and a pair of chains, but she arrived in Oregon that December - sound and still pregnant.
Ambition went on to be a nice broodmare for us and had several wonderful foals. She had not really produced the foal yet that would go on as her legacy, and so finally in her 18th year we decided to breed her to UVM Lexington. UVM Lexington was a full brother to the beautiful UVM Elite at
UVM farm. Lexington was winning for his owner here in the NW as an Amatuer English Pleasure stallion. Lyonhil Ambition was by Lyonhil Benison, but more importantly was out of the beautiful mare Elm Hill Dusky Donna. We were looking for beauty! Incidentally, Ambition is also the dam of Scandias Starry Nite, the sire of Scandias Carribean Blue who was another popular stallion in the Northwest.
That next Easter, Ambition foaled her colt and he was a beautiful bay. That past Fall UVM Lexington had won the Amateur English Pleasure Championship at Grand National.
She foaled with seemingly no problem, but later in the day seemed distressed. Trademark had gotten his colostrum and was still nursing. Later I went out to check on them, and Ambition was down and screaming for help. I got her out of the stall and she was in a complete cold sweat. She laid down in the yard and died in front of the whole family before a veterinarian could get there. When our veterinarian did arrive to the scene, Ambition was dead. An autopsy confirmed our fears,
Ambition had hemorrhaged.
What to do. We had a new foal and no mother? It was Easter and everything was closed. We put an old mare who was 32 in the stall for company with this new colt but she had no milk.
At that time we had another mare, Funquest Cadenza, who had a filly on her side. That night we started bringing her to Trademark and she let him nurse. Later we were able to put him along with her filly out together, and she took care of them and nursed them both. But Trademark was always “second fiddle” to the filly. We supplemented them both with a bottle, and later with a bucket of Milk Replacer. Trademark became a very determined foal and had a strong will to survive. This was our first inkling of the “Little
Engine That Could”.
He was raised here at the farm, and then at three went off to training. He did very well in the Jr. Western Pleasure division in the NW so we decided that he should go to Nationals. Unfortunately, his trainer’s mother died the month before the show. Not a good “recipe” for a winning combination at Nationals, but we went anyway. He placed but certainly did not take home the
blue. Trademark was always under the shadow of our other stallion, UVM Coming Attraction, who had won the Grand National Three-Year-old English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings class in the previous year.
Trademark did not do much after that, some limited showing, some trail riding. One or two mares to breed. Took his owner into a Jack Benny class, just a little of everything. He was even consigned to a sale, and at the
last minute he was withdrawn and his entry penalty paid. We still had
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too much faith in the “Little Engine That Could” to let him go.
Then tragedy and fate would come into Trademark’s life again. He was out in the pasture playing and doing what he did everyday, when we heard a sharp scream and a continuing scream. We looked out the window and he was at the fence with his front leg held up calling for help. We helped him in, three legged, and wrapped his leg.
It was a Sunday. He immediately laid down and ate his food that way. He seemed to sense that he needed to stay off the leg. The next morning my vet came out, Meg Brinton, and took x-rays. We went down to the local Urgent Care facility for humans to have them developed. His pastern was shattered into seven pieces. Devastation for all - owners, horse, and plans. We made the decision to take him to Oregon State University, a two-hour trailer ride. We splinted the leg and my neighbor and I “hit” the road.
Trademark was in a great deal of pain, but made it to the college, arriving in a drenching sweat from the pain as he hobbled in quietly to his stall. There at the University the surgeon said the odds were poor, that it would cost us about 8,000 dollars to save him, and that he would have surgery and then have to be recast many times. And if he did not founder or colic, he might survive! The picture was bleak, but we went forward. The first surgery took bone from his hip and it was fused into the pastern along with pins and a plate. He had a full cast and needed to be stalled the whole time. He was there for a month and when he needed to be released, they wanted him close. He went to Mantic Morgans, where they kept him stalled and nursed him for another two months. He got a new cast about once a month. When he finally
came home the cast was on for another two months, and during this process, he was stalled only and x-rayed every four weeks.
The accident was in September, he finally was able to get out of his stall in March. He never complained or developed any stall vices, he withstood all the confinement. There then was corrective trimming to deal with and that took another three months. By summer he was finally out in the pasture and close to normal, he just had a hitch in his gait. He was no longer a riding horse, just useful for breeding.
The “Little Engine that Could” had survived another ordeal with his strong will and determination.
That spring we had four gorgeous fillies by Trademark. There was not a poor one in the bunch. He had only had three foals prior to that, two colts and a filly for another farm. These fillies were some of the best that we had had in 30 years. Big, pretty, and easy to “live with”. They were out of
some of our best mares. It was a sign to us that we had made the correct decision in saving this horse. His foals all look like him, with that lovely expressive face. Another colt sired by him was born to Bluebird Morgans that same year, an outstanding sport colt.
The story did not end there. One of the colts that Trademark sired won Jr. Classic Pleasure at the Grand National. His name was Scandias Mark of Destiny. What makes this even more interesting is that Mark of Destiny was sold as a Western Pleasure horse, after winning his first and only western class as a three-year-old. His new owners decided he had so much motion they would take him Classic and qualified at the last minute for his four-year-old year at the Nationals. They did all the work and training themselves, and “lo and behold”, his son won the whole “deal”. He also did well in the thirteen and under age group carrying two different riders.
Two years later, Scandias Trademark was feeling well. He was bred to seven mares including two of our own. At one point he was taken to the vet so we could make a shipment of semen. Trademark had never been collected on so we did not really know how it would go. When I got there the vet clinic had the mount extremely high, set for warm-bloods. Trademark went right up and hung on for dear life on his tippy toes, with great determination. His semen tested with a motility and concentration great enough to have done fourteen mares, and it was still good after three days. What else could we expect from this stallion, the “Little Engine that Could”. “I think I can, I think I can”, and he continued that way for all his life.
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Cedar Creek Flambeau
Astronomicallee x Cedar Creek
Wind Chime (by Tedwin Topic)
2007 - 2020
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Rest In Peace.
We are so sorry to hear of this loss.
Gone way too soon.
Our heartfelt prayers go to all who
loved him.
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Never forget September 11, 2001 |
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Included in the next Sections:
Section 2:
Meet The Members
Section 3:
Advertising Thru MHAO
How to become an MHAO Member
Oregon Horse Council News
USEF News
AMHA & UPHA News
Links to:
Morgan Horse Show Calendar, CDE events, & Other Dates
Board Members & Board Meeting Dates
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