Dallas Bolen driving Sutton Remembrance owned by Lou & Liz Goldmann
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An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse
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Stable Sheet - April 2020
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Hi everyone,
All I can say is "unbelievable". As the new year dawned, who could have foreseen that we would be facing a Pandemic, isolating ourselves, and seeing the cancellation of so many events. I am glad we had a successful Spring clinic. Now everything depends on how the virus progresses thru our country.
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In response to the virus, our Stallion Service Auction was converted to all on line. It was very successful and closed April 4th. Looking ahead, we are still planning to publish the 2020 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity booklet and to hold the Oregon Morgan Classic. But the show will depend on what is going on with the virus. Your safety is paramount to us. Watch for more information on the show in the days ahead.
We are kicking off our new scholarship program this year with applications due by April 15th. Thank you to Mary Grimes for all your hard work on this. Don't miss this opportunity if it is appropriate for you.
Natalie Woodland & Grace Martin are moving forward with a Youth newsletter, facebook page, & connection thru Instagram. Look for that for your kids in the days ahead.
Meantime, please take heed of governmental recommendations. Keep yourselves safe and healthy. You are very important! We all need to work together to help get this Pandemic under control. Enjoy your time at home as much as you can. Find ways to offer support to others in unique ways and if you are one who still has to work - thank you and we pray for your protection. And I hope there is support soon for anyone being affected financially. I find I am getting at least some of those ignored projects finally done. Stay in touch with friends and family via phone, email, facebook, etc. Find a way to laugh with each other. It helps.
Praying for everyone,
Gay Adams, MHAO President
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MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity
Get your 2020 foals nominated for the low fee of $45. Our futurity offers you a chance to win money over a
5 yr program
through Futurity classes available at the Oregon Morgan Classic Show for a
$25 declaration fee per class
. There is a $25 re-nomination fee each year after the foals weanling year.
Yearling and 2-yr-old Sweepstakes classes
offer another way to win money. There is also a
high point award
for those who win the most points thru the program, and
bonus payments to the stallion owner and breeder of auction get that win Champion or Reserve Champion in one of the Sweepstakes classes
.
Click here
for a copy of the Futurity Rules & forms needed to enter.
For questions contact
Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276
NOTE:
Late nominations or late re-nominations are $100. If a futurity horse is dropped for a year they cannot rejoin the program per our futurity rules.
Just a reminder, Futurity renewals were due March 31st. If you have not renewed yet, please give Gay a call. Let's talk.
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Futurity horse owners!
Get your picture of your Futurity horse/s in by June 1st for the Futurity booklet!
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Oregon Morgan Classic
Your Board is monitoring the ever changing situation around the Coronavirus and looking at the affect it might have on all our events including the upcoming Oregon Morgan Classic.
Currently we are moving forward with the OMC show.
Please get your hotel or housing arrangements made, and watch for our Premium List to come out soon. With the postponement of the Olympics and Olympic Trials, there is now more lodging available in Eugene. If you make a change, just don't cancel what you have until your new reservations are made.
If anything changes we will do everything possible to keep you informed. Our focus will be on you and your well being.
I am available to answer any questions or concerns you might have around the club and its events.
Stay safe & healthy everyone!
Gay Adams
,
MHAO President
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Your Business Card Here for only $10 per year!
Inner club trade and referrals
are supported by MHAO. Ad proceeds are used to help cover our newsletter costs.
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Now accepting ads for the 2020 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet
Full Page (7.5"x10") -
$90
Inside front or back cover -
(7.5" x 10") -
$100
Half Page (7.5"x 5") -
$6
0
1/3 Page (7.5"x 3.5") -
$40
1/4 Page (3.75"x 5") -
$35
Business Card (3.5"x 2") -
$25
Stallion Directory Section (3.75"x 5") -
$30
Ads due by June 1, 2020
10% discount for MHAO Members or multiple ads.
This booklet is distributed at the Oregon Morgan Classic, C-Fair Regional, Morgan Medallion, and at Nationals.
If early shows are cancelled, we will distribute at later ones.
Get Seen!
For questions call Gay Adams (503) 936-4276,
For design questions/help call or text Debby Phaneuf at
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New MHAO Program!
Applications are now being accepted for the new
$500 MHAO Alex Mooney Scholarship program.
The deadline for application is
April 15th.
Purpose
The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon (MHAO) Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship is established to promote the values of learning, sharing, leading, volunteering and good sportsmanship inside and out of the
arena . We do this by awarding an annual scholarship in any discipline, in equine education, to expand leadership skills, or in any trade. Our goal is to attract new youth to MHAO youth programs, thus promoting a future for our MHAO family.
Eligibility
The MHAO Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship is available to any member of MHAO at the time of application who is interested in pursuing a career in any discipline that a college degree, trade school or post-education program could enhance. High school graduates or returning and transfer college students are eligible as well as repeat recipients.
Award Amount
A $500 scholarship may be awarded annually along with a gift of one 8” X 1 0 color photo with their Morgan shot by Howie Schatzberg or something equivalent.
Criteria
• Member of MHAO at time of application.
• Post-secondary education in any discipline or trade school.
• GPA of 3.0 or GED equivalent score in high school or college.
• Official Transcripts from most recent school attended (High School, College, Trade School etc. to date).
• Two letters of recommendation are required . One letter must be from a current or previous teacher and one personal letter from a non- relative.
• Applicant’s one page essay describing their reason for choosing your desired profession and how their involvement with the Morgan horse breed has enhanced their life.
Submit your application to:
Mary Grimes
705 Broadway St. SW
Albany OR 97321
Questions: Contact Mary Grimes
(541) 967-7173, or
This program is a tribute to
Alexandra Mooney
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MHAO Spring Clinic on Western Dressage, Facilitated by Julie Adams - March 14, 2020
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Neither a snowstorm in March nor a Pandemic that caused the declaration of a National Emergency could dissuade our group of Spring Clinic attendees. Many thanks to Julie Adams for coming all the way from California to be our instructor, to Rhea Turner for providing a wonderful location at Kardia Equestrian; and for all the hard work of Erin Silver, Kathy Christensen, Karen Breckenridge, and anyone else who helped to make this all come together. And our thanks to all who weathered getting there to attend and learn. Your participation made the clinic a success.
By all the positive reviews, everyone learned a lot and had a good time.
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Someone came early to be sure they got a good seat.
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Plenty of food was available to keep everyone's energy high.
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2020 MHAO Stallion Service Auction
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The 2020 MHAO Stallion Service Auction closed on April 4th, 2020 and hit a new record for us. 25 stallions and 7 other items were offered bringing in over $15,000 in bids. The top 6 stallions were Stand And Deliver, Astronomicallee, Akira Derringer, Merriehill Home Stretch, The Optimst, and NS Fame & Fortune.
Thank you to all our donors and participants!
This year we went to an all online auction. It seemed to work well, but we welcome feedback from anyone who tracked or participated in bidding.
We have a few stallions that did not receive a bid. If anyone is interested, please call Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276,
sunstonemorgans@comcast.net
.
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AMHA Youth Introduces the New "Figure" Badge
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This is an introductory badge geared toward the younger generation. It is meant for NON AMHA Members, and once completed they will receive a FREE AMHA Membership for the remainder of the year! Kids can have lots of fun coloring and completing worksheets all while learning about the Morgan Horse!
Click
here to download your free copy today. Especially great for camps, or even homeschooling while we are currently stuck in the house!
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Are you kids bored when not riding?
AMHA has a great homeschool program available to you! In a collaboration with A Journey Through Learning, AMHA has created great stand alone lapbooks that incorporate both fun and learning!
Subject matter includes: Art Education, Craft, English/Poetry, Healthcare/Nutrition, Logical Thinking, History, Literature, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Writing.
Click
here
to get yours today!
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3 Ways to Maximize Virtual Learning Using Show Ring Skills
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If you are doing distance learning for the first time, you’re probably wondering how to maximize your new virtual education. Upper Echelon Academy (UEA) offers advice based on years of experience teaching online, year-round students. Here are three UEA strategies that will help you succeed with virtual learning:
1. Make your schedule as routine as your horse’s warm-up. (Your horse thrives in a routine and so will you.)
UEA student Maggie Hill says, “The best part of online school is the flexibility--I can juggle a demanding course load with my packed riding and show schedule.” Online school gives students the ability to individualize their schedules. Successful students prioritize schoolwork, and stick to a planned schedule to maximize their success both in and out of the ring.
Setting aside specific times each day to complete schoolwork allows students to find a balance between riding and academics and to focus on the task at hand. In UEA’s program, students have set meetings with their tutors along with weekly administrative check-ins to ensure they stay on track. Virtual learning offers freedom, but requires responsibility and discipline.
2. Create a dedicated work space. You can relax on the trails, but the show ring is all business.
UEA instructs students to establish a specific place for school. This could be a desk in the student’s room, the dining room table, or a corner of the barn office.
Marielle Babington explains, “Before working with UEA, I didn’t have a schedule or a set place to do my work.” It’s important to establish a focused place for studying at home or at the barn. “Moving my schoolwork to home was tricky,” says Marielle. “I realized that I needed to work in a less relaxing environment than my bedroom, so I set up my school space on the patio.”
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Just like the schedule, the work space of virtual school can be flexible. Moving your work space in the middle of long sessions is an option. While a change of scenery can improve focus, don’t lose sight of the importance of having a distraction-free “home base” where most schoolwork will take place.
3. Have the right tools for success. To jump a successful round, you need the right equipment and support. To succeed in distance learning, leverage technology and communicate with teachers and peers.
UEA’s year-round students keep virtual meetings just as productive as face-to-face sessions with instructional technology. UEA student Teddi Pritzker points out that “when working online, the tutors use a shared virtual whiteboard. The technology we use makes subjects like math very simple to learn, even when we are not meeting in the same space.”
Students master important material by communicating with teachers, tutors, and peers. UEA students meet online in small group classes in order to ask questions and discuss ideas with friends. Technology offers many ways to collaborate.
Moving to virtual learning is a big adjustment. UEA admissions advisor Natalie Picot explains that students who work virtually gain the valuable skill of metacognition, a better understanding of themselves as learners. Natalie emphasizes, “Our year-round online students have more independence and responsibility for their own schoolwork, and this translates into a successful transition to the college years.”
As an added benefit, individualized education can be completed in only a few focused hours each day, allowing more time in the saddle. Through implementing UEA’s strategies for success, students can return to the classroom with better study habits, increased independence, and an improved balance between schoolwork and riding.
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Check out UEA! What a great resource!
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Avatar's Jazzman - 2020 Breyer Morgan Model
Avatar's Jazzman is a Dressage & Eventing Morgan. He is a USDF All-Breeds award winner. The versatile Morgan “Jazz” is a FEI-level dressage horse that also competes at Training Level in eventing! While in dressage training, his trainer/rider took high-energy Jazz to hunter paces and discovered that he loved to jump, and that he was fast, brave, and careful – hallmarks of a great eventing horse!
In the dressage ring, he’s been Champion or Reserve in FEI Test of Choice and Grand Prix Freestyle, and has earned many USDF All-Breeds awards.
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Ben's Rhapsody
(Salem Command x Tedwin Title Song)
1992 - 2020
Rest in peace.
Our sympathy to Liz Fisher &
to all who loved him.
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The postponed Canadian Morgan Horse Association Annual Convention will be rescheduled!
Due to an excess of caution, the CMHA convention is postponed and will be rescheduled for later in 2020
The theme of the convention to have been held March 19-22, 2020 was "2020 Vison, Leading into the Future."
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Key Classic
May 7-10, 2020
Cancellation Announcement
The show committee has worked extremely hard to obtain a great panel of judges and it was shaping up to our best show in years. We had commitments from many barns, new and old who were planning to attend our event. Unfortunately, along came COVID-19 and the pandemic that has captured our State and the Nation.
In keeping with the recommendations of our President, the CDC, our Governor, and the closing of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds through May 20th, it is with tremendous and I mean that sincerely, tremendous heartache that we must cancel this year's Key Classic Benefit Horse Show.
Moving forward, we will be channeling our energy into making this year's C-Fair Charity the best yet and have begun to make plans for our 2021 Key Classic. We look forward to seeing you all there! We hope that in doing so we are helping the horse community and our patrons to stay safe throughout this uncertain time.
Our entire show committee wish you a safe and successful show season and we look forward to 2021.
We thank you all for your support and understanding.
Reliable sources to monitor COVID-19 information include:
The State Health Department hotline number
is 1-800-525-0127 and press # if you have any questions regarding COVID-19.
Suggested broad-based community-wide actions:
- Increase hand washing
- Improve respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
- Enhance social distancing (>6’)
- Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch areas and common surfaces
- Remain home through the duration if you have a respiratory illness
- Remain home if family members have a respiratory illness
Thank you for your understanding. By working together hopefully we can help minimize the spread of this virus.
Stay safe and Healthy,
Key Classic Show committee
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We are excited to say that the show premium for C-Fair is almost complete and will be available soon. We are looking forward to having one heck of a show come
July 30 - August 2!
We are so looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and let’s all plan on having an amazing time together at C-Fair!!
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California Springfest
Horse Show
April 16-19, 2020
Murieta Equestrian Center
Rancho Murieta, California.
Cancellation Announcement
To all our California Springfest Exhibitors and Supporters:
Because of the COVID-19/Corona Virus pandemic, CDC recommendations and the California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order, we have very regretfully decided to cancel the 2020 California Springfest Horse Show. The health, safety and well-being of all our exhibitors, trainers, staff and spectators is our prime concern at this time, however we remain committed to putting on a great horse show and look forward to business as usual in 2021. We considered postponing to a later 2020 date, but it is not feasible at this time with the availability of arenas/stalls at Murieta Equestrian Center.
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact show manager
Kevin Michael at
kdm5g8td@aol.com
or
520-977-6051
The California Equine Foundation and the California Springfest Horse Show hope that all our equestrian friends remain safe and healthy through this time. We look forward to seeing you all very soon when this pandemic has passed and wish everyone good luck for the remaining show season.
For more information go to the show website:
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BC Morgan Horse Show May 28-31, 2020
Cancellation Announcement
With things getting much, much worse due to Covid 19, and our concern for the health and safety of our officials, and exhibitors, regrettably we have decided to cancel the 2020 BC Morgan and Open Horse Show May 28-31, 2020.
The uncertainty this virus has created in terms of well being leads us to believe that circumstances will not improve by our show date, and the last thing we would want to do is put anyone in jeopardy. Our hope is that all of us will get through this time safely and in good health.
We wish everyone the very best.
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Special invitation to the PNW show!
Join us for the 66th Annual PNW Morgan Horse Show!
August 27-30, 2020
at the Washington Horsemen Tacoma Unit #1's newly renovated indoor arena in Spanaway, WA.
The 2020 show will feature English and Western Dressage, Youth of the Year competition, open to all breed classes, and much more!
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Morgan Medallion
July 16-19, 2020
Morgan Medallion exhibitors:
we have a group rate code to use when reserving your room at the South Point for our 2020 show!
Use MOR0712
(3 letters, 4 numbers)
We're happy to announce that Mr. Kent Swalla will be judging all divisions at our show in July. We're thrilled to have him with us in Vegas!
See you all there!
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An Update on Liz & Lou Goldmann
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Update on Lou Goldmann who got 2 new lungs on Thanksgiving Day: They are finally home from their long stay in Arizona! This update from Liz "On Being Home"
"Simple Pleasures"
- Turning on the kitchen faucet for a tall drink of our sweet well water
- Walking on grass and dirt and gravel after months of cement and linoleum
- Feeding the dogs. Petting the dogs. Throwing balls for the dogs.
- Filling our eyes with fir, pine, maple, and elm trees and the vista of the pasture.
- Raising a hand in greeting to neighbors passing on the country road.
- Birds twittering instead of ambulance sirens, helicopters, & street traffic
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- Knowing my way to stores and offices without using GPS
- My own pots & pans and dishes
- My own washer & dryer in my own laundry room, not "out the back door, down the courtyard, through the gate, and into the annex facility"
- Knowing when the phone rings that it is family, not a doctor or nurse.
- Sweet sleep in our own bed listening to my husband breathing softly.
- Driving my horse!!!!!
- Cleaning out the big stall for the broodmare to come home to in May.
- Forsythia blooming and cherry trees budding.
Who knew such simple pleasures would seem so momentous?"
Liz
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What a great example for all of us in this crazy time -
to take a moment to stop to notice our blessings.
Thank you Liz - and welcome home.
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From the Oregon Horse Council
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General Information on COVID-19/Coronavirus
Safety Net Programs for Owners
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Biosecurity And Disinfection Protocols
Financial Relief Options
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Special News Brief From AMHA
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AMHA Addresses COVID-19 Pandemic - March 13, 2020
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To the Members of AMHA:
As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is having a widespread global impact, my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this virus. The safety, well-being and health of each of us as well as our horses is a top priority.
Some of you have contacted AMHA with questions regarding events scheduled in the near future. While the American Morgan Horse Association seeks to advance the breed and offer exciting programs and services for all our members, most shows and events are managed independently by volunteer show committees and local organizations.
USEF has joined countless other sporting events and made the following decree:
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. Additionally, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days. For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event, or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period. This includes USEF National Championships.
Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we feel it is important for you to reach out to those individual events for guidance in the near term. All of us at AMHA will continue to monitor the situation and try to help as much as possible.
At this time, there has been no change regarding the
Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®. Show officials are closely monitoring the situation and will make adjustments in the future as necessary. It is my sincere hope things will settle down long before October!
We are definitely in an unprecedented time and many of us are having a hard time navigating this uncharted territory. The internet is full of information both good and bad. One social media post stood out to me as I was reading through the countless articles and posts.
One of our members, Brett Bartley, had this very wise analogy that I feel puts this situation in a perspective I think we can all understand:
Whether you believe this is no worse than the common cold; the end of the world; or just worried for Forest Gump and his wife, it seems COVID-19 isn’t going away. Thinking about things in terms of what I know -- critters, it feels like the impact isn’t just an argument of morbidity percentage to be made by conservatives and liberals.
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Anyone who cares for animals understands the impact of any fast spreading disease. If strangles hits a horse stable, all the horses don’t drop dead, but it is a risk. The lost revenue from not going to shows though and not giving riding lessons can be a huge economic impact. Likewise, the vet bills for care are an unforeseen expense for the horse owners causing more economic discomfort. Once strangles starts, no one questions isolating and taking measures not to transmit the disease. It's not the death toll, it's the price of the disruption.
I am not a cow expert, but I know there are diseases like Johne’s, BVD, and viruses that cause abortion. In the cattle business it’s probably even more easy to analyze profit and loss in terms of decreased milk production, spoilage, or even death. I know cattle folks are constantly on watch for anything to take action to mitigate financial damage and loss of herd.
So now it’s people and we want to argue the “is it that bad?” and ignore the speed of transmission and economic impacts of the spread. We are having fun talking about the sky is falling and people that are driving TP and Purell stock up. Or that the media is the sole cause for hysteria. Seems like the faster it’s nipped in the bud, the faster the economy is back on track. It also seems like our institutions may not have had their antennas up looking over the herd as vigilantly as us rural folk do over our herds.
This brings me to my final point. When I was a kid, Dad would stop anywhere we were driving to help put cows up. (It is an unwritten rule in the country.) Dad would tell me, “have you ever seen a vehicle/cow wreck? It ain’t pretty and no one walks away from it most times. You’re out a truck, maybe your life, and the cow isn’t going to make more milk, meat, or babies. You need to stop and get them contained immediately.” Most of the time we didn’t even know these people. But we stopped and helped anyway because it was the right thing to do.
When Corona was first reported it appears, we drove by the neighbor’s pasture. Now those cows are out and running through our fences. And just like a cow, “there ain’t no fence that will stop a cow if it really wants through.”
Our priority at AMHA will always be to do our best to keep our members, staff, and animals safe. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when appropriate.
Remember, we all share this passion for the Morgan breed. While we don’t all share the same activities or personal preferences, I hope we all can focus on the unifying fact that each Morgan is “The Horse That Chooses You.”
C.A. Lee, III
AMHA President
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March 25, 2020
Dear USEF Members and Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers),
We are all anxious for equestrian sport to start up again and for our families and friends to return to their normal lives pre-COVID-19 Pandemic. We also understand the financial pain that this is having on so many in our industry. We, too, at USEF are feeling that pain. However, we are not through this yet. The pandemic continues to cause unprecedented impact throughout the world. The Las Vegas World Cup Finals were canceled. The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are being rescheduled. So, we must all work diligently to address the situation. We greatly appreciate those of you who have joined us in our community-wide effort to responsibly address the COVID-19 virus outbreak by canceling competitions and choosing not to compete during this critical period. This is the only way to flatten the curve of this virus and let us all get back to some level of normal. So as promised, here is an updated position on USEF competitions.
The original 30-day suspension that became effective March 16, 2020, is being extended through May 3, 2020. Effective today, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics and activities will be suspended through May 3, 2020 consistent with recommendations by the CDC. Due to the importance of keeping the members of our equestrian community and their families safe, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country and that equestrians do not compete for this same time period.
For those competitions that choose to run
and can do so in accordance with the CDC, State, and Local recommendations
, there will be no accumulation or points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF award programs, USEF owned events, or selection to a US team during this time period. This includes USEF National Championships.
Again, we are cognizant of the ramifications that extensions have on the
lives of our members, support personnel and the events
that fall within this time period, and the significant impact they have on qualifications for, and the operation of, major events that might be occurring later in the year. With that in mind, our President, Murray Kessler, has already informed me he intends to use his Presidential Modification authority to waive mileage rules and allow for major events to be rescheduled later in the year and has instructed us to develop a fair method for altering qualifications for these events. With that direction, USEF has already implemented mechanisms to provide for flexibility and the ability to make necessary modifications to responsibly manage the competition calendar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are engaging with organizers daily and continue to review situations on a case-by-case basis.
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Important Reminder: If you need to cancel a license or have questions about postponing your event to another date, please contact Katlynn Sacco at
ksacco@usef.org
.
We continue to closely monitor the situation and we pledge to keep you informed about any updates to our position as circumstances warrant or as instructed by Public Health authorities.
If you need assistance or have any other questions that fall into the following areas, please contact the person listed below using their email address.
Competitions
Lisa Owens
Competitions
Katlynn Sacco
Licensed Officials
Alina Brazzil
FEI Sport
Will Connell
National Sport
Terri Dolan
Marketing & Comm
Vicki Lowell
Finance
David Harris
Information Tech
Justin Provost
D&M Office
Dr. Stephen Schumacher
General Counsel
Sonja Keating
CEO
Bill Moroney
The equestrian community is a resilient one and despite these times of uncertainty resulting from the virus outbreak, we are confident that by working together and persevering, we will overcome the obstacles and come out the other side
to once again enjoy the horse sports we love so much
.
Be safe,
William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer
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Emergency Relief for Friends and Family: Access to Health Insurance Benefits with $20 Fan Membership
❤️ Peace of Mind with Discounted, Affordable Coverage Options for US Equestrian Members
See more in Section 3.
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Letter to Horsemen from Horsemen
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March 23, 2020
Dear Fellow Horsemen,
We are in unprecedented times where the daily activities of the nation and the globe are being impacted. Every day we are facing changes to our work, social, and personal lives. That change can be hard. It is often easy to ignore or not take to heart when we don’t see it as “our problem.” Today we all need to realize COVID-19 is our problem. Whatever name you call it or however you look at it, coronavirus, is no longer a far off distant crisis of “others.” It is here. It is our crisis.
It is time for us to commit to being responsible members of society. As horse professionals, we cannot separate our businesses, services, or self’s out from the mainstream. When every other non-essential service business is being told to shut their doors for the greater good of others and the community, we do not need to be the last ones standing. When every school and most daycare centers in the country have closed to the public for the well-being of students, we cannot undermine those measures of caution and remain open. When we ignore and do the exact opposite of what the experts are recommending we are undercutting the sacrifices that every other business and person is making.
It may seem like forging on in the short term and going against the masses is going to make us the victors, but have you thought about if you are the only one open, you are the number one place of risk? We are not above the repercussions monetarily or in mortality. Our clients are facing threats to their jobs, stocks, and health because of the coronavirus. Our peers are facing threats to their income, clients, and health because of the coronavirus. Our lives, the lives of our clients, and the lives of our horses are worth us closing our doors in the short term to assure we are all here in the long term.
President Trump spoke this week that if we do not flatten the curve, “this could be the new normal into July.” We cannot afford for this to be the new normal through the summer. We need to give lessons, we need to go to horse shows, we need to sell horses, and we need the show horse community to be there for our customers to enjoy. Therefore, in the next few weeks, we will shut our doors to the public and assure we are following every recommendation to stop the spread of the coronavirus. If we are not part of the solution, then we are a part of the problem.
We as professional horse trainers, instructors, and vendors sign our name to vow that we put the health of the country before all else and will do everything in our power to beat COVID-19. We join our breed and professional associations in their recommendation that we all make every effort to give COVID-19 a short shelf life. Our barns are closed, but our hearts are open, and we are here to support our industry to survive this crisis and thrive in its wake.
We know many of you not included on this list have already made this difficult decision, and that does not go unnoticed, thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristen & David Cater
Mary & Evan Orr
Tiffany & Steve Wheeler
Chuck Herbert
Tre & Emily Lee
Kent Swalla
Melissa Hughes Smith
Bob and Tonya Brison
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James Nichols
Sandra Currier
Sheri Brandl and Mark Bodnar
Scott & Carol Matton
Larry Hodge, Danny & Kelly Lockhart
Andy & Lynda Freseth
Kellie Budd
Tammy Devore
Lisa Hillmer
Jen and Shawn Amazeen
Darlene DeBlois
Sarah and Jared Gove
Kristen Bagdasarian
Christy Parker
Robert & Rachalle Stezovsky
Spencer and Adriana Day
Betsy Boone
Jessie Richardson
Jennifer Lake
Deidre Henry, Darla Wright & Deana Tate
Erin Boggs & Cape Code Equestrian Center
Jimmy & Georgia Morrison
Eric Griedl & Erica Savary
Cindy Boel, Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer, Renee Zubrod Philpott
Mark Turner & Caitlin Cooper
Barbe Smith
Rich and Maureen Campbell
Tim Roesink
Rodney Hicks
Maria Gilman
Sarah Russell
Kelly Kraegel and Kurt Hufferd
Melissa Swain
Stacy Hennessy and Gerry Rushton
Erica Kemp
Suzanne Haberek
Stan Bodnar
Keith Friday
Scott, Danielle, and Travis Neidlinger
Ellie Stevens
Stan and Susan Morey
Mallory Mignot
Katie Coup
Whitney Bodnar
Brian Earehart
Paula Briney
Lionel and Georgia Ferreira
Kim and Peter Cowart
Helen and Jimmy Robertson
John, Sheri and Tyler Lampropoulos
Judy Nason
Page and Amy Champion
Bonnie, Hayes and Keely Sogoloff
Todd and Alison Walker
Shelley Fisher
Jim and Michelle McCleester
Caroline Tate
Mike and Liz Murphy
Rob and Betsy Wallen
Mandy Pierce
Randy and Danessa Harper
Donna Obrien
Elaine Gregory & Luman Wadhams
Brad and Anne Scussell
Alex Gravett
Dave and Dena Lopez
Leslie Melvin
Joanna Shine
Coby Holowacz
Josh and Megan Merritt
Stephanie Lilly
Jay Wood
Todd Perkins
Peter Axtell
Joel Brown
Ashley Cook- Fletcher
Katie Mair
Meredith Lazar-Meeder
John McCarty & Karrie Cada
Michael Ogre Rogers & Alyssa Rogers
Tara Wentz-Goosley
Sherri & Casey Surface
Craig, Kathi & Jeremy Hummel
Melissa Morrell
Kevin Tomasko & Carin Cardin
Lisa Paxton
Mary Cockriel & Bob Kellert
Leigh Zalzneck & Nathan Brachear
Erin McCracken
Maura Dalton Mauldin
Whitney Anderson Brice
Deb Davies
Burt Honaker & Miriam Hirshon
Michael Beasom & Stephanie McKinsey
Jodi Bertagnolli
Jamie Gerardi & Katie Forshey
Pat McConnell
Lance Hayes
Sammy Jo Galica
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Joint Leadership Council Works Together to Support Barns Through COVID-19
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."
– Helen Keller
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The Joint Leadership Council (JLC) is coming together to unite our efforts to support our memberships and professionals in the show horse community from the impacts of COVID-19. The JLC is a group comprised of individuals appointed by AHHS, AMHA, ASHA, ARHPA and UPHA, who work together towards the concerns of the trotting breeds. In the past week COVID-19 has become one of those concerns. In the current reality that is living with COVID-19, doing everything we can to "Flatten the Curve," our barns and equine business across each breed and discipline are suffering. The JLC commits to helping lessen that suffering through creating, promoting, and providing education on relief efforts and resources.
The precautions necessary to protect our loved ones' lives have left our community without the pillars of what build and drive the industry. When lesson barns can't give lessons, and there are no shows to take show horses, many barns, service providers, and vendors are now left without a viable revenue stream. To help combat these losses, the JLC encourages all able members to consider supporting their barn family in some of these simple but meaningful ways. Barns may need all the support we can give as they try to find a way to compensate for this unexpected halt to their businesses.
- Tip Your Groom Tuesday- To help the unsung heroes of our show horse community, we want to encourage everyone to help support the support team that makes your showring appearances possible, your grooms! If you are able, reach out to your barn managers, trainers, or instructors and ask how you can help make sure the grooms are taken care of and supported during these trying times. #TipYourTeam
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>>> Taken from "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, And The Horse" by Charlie Mackesy. Thank you Brenda Hansen-Coats and Kathy DeFazio for sharing. This comment is good for all of us to remember in times like these.
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- Feed Your Favorite Lesson Horse- Lesson horses are not just the foundation of your riding abilities, but they are often the backbone of the barn business. If you are looking for a way to help a lesson horse in your life reach out to your barn today and make a contribution to go towards the care, feed or supplies needed to provide your favorite lesson horse the best care while barns are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. #LessonHorseLove
- Buy a Round for the Barn- Our barns may be closed to the public, but the dedicated trainers, instructors, and staff are reporting daily to take care of our beloved horses. Normally we may be going to Saturday Barn Family lunches or at a horse show buying a well-deserved dinner for our dedicated grooms. Let's not forget them during these days of social distancing call your barn and find out what afternoon you can support them and another local business by ordering delivery! #FeedYourBarnFamily
In addition to these simple ways to help support our barn families through COVID-19 pandemic, the JLC is also working on a joint initiative to raise funds for the benefit and relief of those in need from our memberships. More information on the joint relief fund initiative will be shared later this week.
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Joint Leadership Council Letter from the Presidents
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March 25, 2020
Dear Members,
I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. We are experiencing threats to our health and economy that have not been experienced in this country for more than 100 years. It is a scary time for all of us and a threat to the horse industry we all love. The Joint Leadership Council, comprised of members from the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Road Horse & Pony Association, American Saddlebred Association, American Saddlebred Registry and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, are working diligently developing and implementing a plan of action to aid our horsemen/women and instructors to navigate these turbulent times.
We recognize these difficulties are best faced when we work together. In this spirit of cooperation, we will use the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund (DHBF) as a platform for joint fundraising efforts. In particular, we are raising funds for a Joint Leadership Council Horsemen’s Relief Fund. This Relief Fund will be specially earmarked within the DHBF to be distributed to horse trainers and instructors who are financially distressed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred percent of all donations will be distributed; no amounts will be paid for administrative costs or staffing.
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Details regarding the application process, criteria and distribution will be made available by early next week. Of course, donations can be made at any time. Donors may visit the UPHA website at
www.uphaonline.com, click the DONATE NOW button, and select UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund from the “choose a cause” dropdown menu. A further subcategory for this Relief Fund will be added in the next few days, but rest assured any donation received now for this cause will be relegated to the Relief Fund.
When the Joint Leadership Council was created, we obviously did not foresee this crisis, but we have been impressed by how much more effective working together has been in joint matters. The whole of the trotting horse industry is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. Let’s continue to work together and make a difference.
Maureen Quackenbush, AHHS President
C.A. “Tony” Lee III, AMHA President
James Nichols, ARHPA President
Marty Schaffel, ASHA President
Sandy Currier, ASR President
Cindy Mugnier, UPHA President
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Joint Leadership Council Launches Horsemen’s Relief Fund and JLCCares.com
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April 1, 2020
The Joint Leadership Council (JLC) is taking an active role in assisting the trotting breed community during the COVID-19 pandemic by launching a Horsemen’s Relief Fund through the UPHA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The JLC also has launched a website to help horsemen find federal assistance as well.
The Relief Fund will offer assistance to horse trainers, instructors, independent contractors and other members who are financially distressed, such as horse show staff and vendors. The JLC Horsemen’s Relief Fund will be available to those that do not meet the minimum two-year active UPHA Professional membership criteria for the UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund. Funds will be available to eligible members of the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Road Horse & Pony Association, American Saddlebred Horse Association and the United Professional Horsemen's Association.
One hundred percent of all donations will be distributed; no amounts will be paid for administrative costs or staffing. The JLC Horsemen's Relief Fund Grant application is available
here.
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To further assist the trotting breed community, the Joint Leadership Council has launched a joint COVID-19 Resource dedicated website
www.jlccares.com. The site provides information on available local and federal assistance programs such as the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program and links to grant applications. Also, the site provides information on ways you can help those in need including more information on the JLC Horsemen’s Relief Fund.
To donate to that Fund you can click
here or contact Nancy Becker at
nbecker@uphaonline.com. All contributions big or small are much appreciated as the JLC works towards the goal of $500,000 to assist members in need.
When the Joint Leadership Council was created, we obviously did not foresee a crisis like this, but we have been impressed by how much more effective we are, working together to solve challenges facing us. The whole of the trotting horse industry is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. Let's continue to work together to make a difference.
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A Note From Melissa Bullard -
March 20, 2020
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As many of you know, I have spent years planning a six-month backcountry odyssey with my two horses. The plan was to travel from the Mexican border in California to Canada's Manning Park on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was supposed to be six-month, 2,600 mile, six-mountain range adventure of horsemanship, nature, and community. I was all set to drive south the first week of April. That's not going to happen - at least not this year.
I have been debating this decision over the last week, and yesterday everything became clear. With all Californians asked to stay home and the Pacific Crest Trail Association requesting that hikers cancel their trips, I realized there is no way I can go forward in good conscience. Just driving from Portland to San Diego would be irresponsible and disrespectful. Once on the trail, isolation is still not possible. The trail contains bottlenecks where hikers and locals congregate, and equestrians depend on even more outside support.
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Furthermore, I can't put my horses in a situation where getting routine and emergency help would be so difficult. This trip was already on the edge of what I believe is reasonable for a human to ask of a horse. This isn't their dream.
I am disappointed, but we are all learning to cope with the disappointments that responsible action at this moment requires. I am so lucky that I have the friends, family, horses, and financial resources that made pursing this dream possible. I am also fortunate to have the ability to shelter in place at my parents' beautiful farm and ride this out without undue personal hardship. I am hopeful that the situation will stabilize enough that I will be able to do some self-supported backcountry trips into the remote areas of the Pacific Northwest later this summer. I'll keep you updated. For now, my stockpile of horse and human trail food goes into storage.
Stay well, everyone. Take care of each other, and try to enjoy time with your loved ones of all species.
Melissa Bullard
Note from Shelley Bullard:
I happen to know that Melissa has actually been planning this trip since she was 12 when she discussed it on one of her horse (and mules) camping trips with her dad. Now, in her early 30s, healthy and with 2 healthy (and trained for saddle or pack) horses, and done with her education but not yet deep into her profession, it seemed like the perfect time. Whether this perfect time will ever come again is unknown as she must get on with her life and taking 5-6 months off between March and September just may not be in the cards. Sorry, Melissa, but wise choice.
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So sorry Melissa. I know this is so disappointing. Knowing you, I somehow think there will be another opportunity for you to do this in the future.
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Equine Sports Council Offers Guidance for Pandemic Relief
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Dear Friends & Family,
Our mission is to support the grass roots horse shows, lesson barns and academy programs. We hope this finds everyone well, and these guidelines beneficial in securing your small businesses.
Horse shows, sales, breeding, and lesson/academy programs are what financially sustain our industry. This is also how our horse show trainers and other professionals pay their; mortgages, employees' salaries, heath insurance, and take care of their families. The US Federal Government estimates that 40% of small business will not survive this pandemic economic crisis. A vaccine is not expected until spring of 2021, and the economic recovery may take more than 2 years.
If you are a show barn consider taking the following actions immediately to significantly lower expenses and qualify for agriculture grants, the article contains instructions and government agencies:
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2) Reduce monthly expenses by contacting creditors & utilities
2) Contact your local Chamber of Commerce as an Agriculture Business
3) Contact the National Small Business Administration for grants
4) Get sponsors for your lesson horses while quarantined
One of the biggest values we all agree on, is that the show horse industry brings an extended family structure to our lives and this is what is going to get us all through a very tough 2020.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Gandhi
nate
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The Queen Returns to Live Oak International
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In true storybook fashion, PVF Peace of Mind returns to competition to once again find the winner's circle with Suzy Stafford in OCALA, FL. - The last time World Champion driver Suzy Stafford brought her longtime partner PVF Peace of Mind to Live Oak International, it was early spring 2018 and the show did not go as planned. The rigors of five years of top-level international competition had taken their toll on the feisty Morgan mare known affectionately as "Hunny", and feeling that something wasn't quite right, Stafford made the decision to withdraw her partner after the first day's dressage phase.
Thus began a two-year break from the competition spotlight to let Hunny's body heal from what turned out to be some underlying physical issues. In the meantime, she was bred multiple times to a top Morgan stallion to hopefully produce another future champion for Stafford. But Hunny refused to get in foal, and as time went by, made it very clear she was not content being a pasture pet either.
"She would just pace the fence when I worked with other horses and was a bit unbearable to live with," Stafford laughed. "She still wanted to be in the middle of everything. And despite the efforts of top vets, she apparently didn't want to be a mother either. I guess it just wasn't meant to be right now. And over time I noticed that her soundness kept improving, so this fall I started her back in light work and went ahead and brought her to Florida so I could use her for lessons."
But Hunny wasn't quite ready to be a schoolmaster either, and Stafford couldn't help but wonder what if. "I realize it might sound kind of crazy, but she felt so good mentally and physically I decided to prep her for Live Oak," Stafford explained. "Of course I had a moment of doubt as she had not shown in two years and here we would be tackling the largest, most competitive combined driving event in the country. But I took a breath and asked myself, 'Has Hunny ever let you down?' and the answer was no."
A Triumphant Return to the Spotlight
As the week of the 30th anniversary of Live Oak International began on March 5, 2020, Stafford's faith in her partner and in her careful preparation paid off. Right off the bat, the pair trotted down centerline to perform a breathtaking dressage test, earning the top score of 45.84 in the FEI 2* Single Horse division. "People who know me will be
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A shocked to hear this, but I almost cried at the final halt," Stafford admitted. "To realize all that Hunny and I had been through and find ourselves back at Live Oak to produce such an incredible performance - it was a moment I'll never forget."
But the ultimate test of physical fitness was still to come as Saturday's marathon course loomed large with seven impressive and technical obstacles and a full field of top competitors on her heels. With navigator Larry Hart on the back step, once again Stafford's experience and partnership with her horse prevailed as the pair finished second on the marathon in order to hold on to their overall lead. "She was so super on marathon - she knows when it's game time, and I was fully committed and trusted her," Stafford noted. "And I couldn't have done it without Larry. When I decided to bring Hunny back into the competition arena, I called 'The Man' and said this won't happen without the whole Dream Team. Despite the short notice, he said he wouldn't miss it. Even though it had been two years since we all took on a marathon together, it was like we hadn't missed a day."
With only one ball in hand going into the final day's cones competition, Stafford and Hunny needed to bring their A game back to the Live Oak International arena one more time. In true fairytale-ending fashion, the pair cemented their victory with a double-clear round to claim their fourth Live Oak International title and earn the best FEI overall score across all divisions (139.15). "In cones she felt like butter, enjoying her job and felt so good in her body even after a tough marathon," said Stafford. "Great competition across three days of willingness, excitement, concentration and love for this horse and the entire team who supports her - that's what winning means to me.
"I've said it before but I'll say it again - this horse is my soulmate," Stafford concluded. "Our journey together has been filled with triumph and tragedy, and it's a journey that has taught me so much about myself through the eyes of a mare that is strong, opinionated and committed. In addition, there is an army of people that believes in us and I appreciate everyone that has shown us love and support over the years.
"Morgan strong all day long!"
By: @yellowhorsemarketing
Photos: @picsofyou
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Reprint from Stafford Carriage Driving
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Cinco De Mayo!
Good day for a taco
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Included in the next Sections:
Section 2:
Book Review
News From Members & Friends
Becky's Corner
Section 3:
Advertising Thru MHAO
Classified Ads
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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