An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse
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Get the most out of this newsletter -
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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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Can you believe this year? Wow! My hope is that all the protesting will not lead to a spike in the Coronavirus and set us back again. I think we can be united in our anger at what happened to George Floyd. But I can not condone the violence and damage to property that is going on. It is sad that the actions of a few can take away from the peaceful message of the majority of those who are protesting. I hope that meaningful change can come from all this. It won't happen overnight.
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At this writing we are still moving forward with opening up the country and getting back to work. That is encouraging, and I am looking forward to hearing how it went at the Big-D Horse Show in Texas. That show was the first weekend in June and is the first show for Morgans I have seen move forward. Ft. Worth TX where the show is located is in Phase 3. If it is successful, I am hopeful for C-Fair and PNW, but both will depend on what phase their location is in. The latest update on our local Morgan shows is shown later in this newsletter.
Meantime, MHAO has made an exciting announcement, continues its other programs for the year, and is working on creating new activities designed to keep our members active and connected. Our Youth Newsletter is in place, and I am so happy to see that. Stay in touch, watch for your July newsletter for more info on new activities, and take care out there!
Gay Adams, MHAO President
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Board Meeting Minutes - May 6, 2020
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Present: Karen Breckenridge, Julie Nygaard, Gay Adams, Karen Weiderman, Martha Woodland, Natalie Woodland, Grace Martin, Doana Anderson, Mary Grimes, Erin Silver and Kathy Christensen
Not Present: Shirley Champion, Nancy Eidam and Becky Bean
Quorum met
Called to order at 7:36pm
The April minutes were approved by a motion from Erin and seconded by Kathy C.
This meeting was called ‘to tie up loose ends’ after the cancellation of the 2020 Oregon Morgan Classic. The show was cancelled due to State regulations put in effect to battle the COVID-19 virus. There will be no large gatherings in Oregon until at least July 6th. The Oregon Horse Center has cancelled all its scheduled events to that date. This meeting replaced the regularly scheduled Board meeting for May 13, 2020.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Karen Breckenridge
Asset Summary as of 4/30/2020:
General Checking Account - $25,555
Savings Account - $25,497
Futurity Account - $ 4,723
Nancy Falk Trust Donation - $12,654
OMC Checking Account - $12,988
Total fixed Assets - $ 2,007
Paypal Online Account - $ 194
Other Current Assets - $ 273
TOTAL ASSETS - $83,891
SHOW COMMITTEE -Karen Breckenridge
The good news is that everything that has been purchased thus far will move forward to the 2021 show. 6,100.00 can roll into next years budget for the show. The trophy’s that have already been engraved with the current 2020 date can be redone to say 2021 for only $1 each. We still owe the embroidery company $700.
Karen had 4 items to be approved by the board.
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Item 1 -
Nancy Harvey has agreed to be our show manager for next year. She has actively been working on our show since August 2019. Karen suggested paying her $1,000 for all her work so far. Julie made a motion to pay Nancy Harvey $1,000 for 2020. Karen seconded. It was approved
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Item 2 -
Peggy Bond-Heath was our 2020 Western Working judge, but needed to get qualified in order to do it. We had agreed to pay her cost of $80 to get qualified and licensed. No motion was needed to approve this as it had already been agreed to. Peggy has agreed to be our Western Working judge for next year.
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Item 3 -
Karen B. recommends we pay our show secretary, Kelley McFaul, $200 to be sure we don’t lose her. Karen will approach her to be our Show Secretary next year. Kelley is considered to be one of the best Show Secretaries available. Julie made a motion to pay $200 to Kelley McFaul for 2020; seconded by Karen. Motion approved.
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Item 4 -
We have paid a $500 deposit to the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene. We have a choice of getting a refund or leaving it to apply to 2021. Mary Grimes made a motion to let the deposit be applied to the following year. Karen seconded it; motion passed.
Karen reported that all of the rental payments we paid for radios or other equipment were refunded to us. Plaque requests that were in process have been cancelled, hotel rooms for the staff have been cancelled, and the USEF, UPHA and ODF fees have been returned to our accounts.
Gay will check to see if we will be able to get a discount on our insurance premium because of the cancellation of the show.
Karen has reviewed the USEF Webinar about what the new rules for showing will be since the Covid-19 virus. The rules are very stringent. Lots of cleaning, no spectators in the stands or at the rail, no gathering or sitting areas will be set up, barn stabling will be spread out and separated, no food gatherings/ buffets, and there will be a requirement for masks, gloves and lots of sanitizer. When the classes are going on only a groom, the trainer and the exhibitor are allowed to be on the show grounds. There will be mandatory gate holds of 2 minutes between every class. Only a limited number of horses can be in the warm up arenas at one time before each class. For Dressage riders this shouldn’t be a problem because their ride will take place at a scheduled time. They can come ride and then leave the premises. Regular ring classes may also need to take place at a scheduled time now. The show secretary will be behind plexiglass, and all class sign ups will be done online and paid for with a credit card. Changes to classes, such as scratching or adding a class, must be done by text or emails; or face to face by appointment. This could be the way shows in the future will be, or at least for the next 12-24 months.
Gay mentioned that she is glad we will have time to figure out these guidelines for our show next year. As the President she would like all of the board members to google the USEF tool kit and study it. While reviewing it, see what ideas come to mind for our show. The traditional part of our show is not like a hunter/jumper show or dressage event with one horse going into the ring at a time. Our shows revolve around friendship, campfires at night and children running around freely having fun. For the next year or so, that is not the environment we will have. We as a board are responsible for the promotion of our breed. The question we need to ask ourselves is how do we make the show still fun so we can get the people to come?!
Karen’s last comment was that the dynamics of the show will now need more volunteers to step up to help. There may be a requirement to check temperatures upon entering the barns each day. Within our group people will need to help more with the new tasks.
Discussion about the budget - Gay Adams
Looking at the overall profit and loss estimate for the year, we could have an $8,000 loss for the general fund due to the current expenses toward the show and the loss of revenues we expected. That is assuming there are enough shows for us to still have a high point program for our members, that we publish a membership directory, the awarding of our scholarship, etc. The Stallion Auction was successful and has already been factored in. We need to think about other things we can do to offset this loss, while still supporting our membership and what they are going thru. Hopefully we can also come up with some fun things to help fill the void we are experiencing with all the cancelled shows.
HI-POINT - Erin Silver
It was discussed that a couple of people have turned in points from Open Shows, that were held earlier, before the pandemic hit our industry. A suggestion was made that if no other Morgan Shows are allowed to happen, that the points be rolled over to the following year. The board thought this would be a good idea, but we will need to wait and see. Erin said that there would be a $1,500 savings if no Hi-Point awards were presented this year.
The question was asked if the Dye House, where our General meeting usually takes place, should be cancelled? It is in our by-laws that a General meeting must take place, and the year-end banquet is where we vote in new board officers and directors. A suggestion was made to have a meeting by phone, but that may not go along with existing By-Laws. Doana suggested we send out ballots for any voting (which we already do). The General Membership meeting could take place via phone if necessary. Also, if any of our MHAO members would like to discuss certain topics they could e-mail the secretary ahead of time for the conference call. We are not ready to cancel the General Meeting at the Dye House in Salem yet. Karen B. will check on the date for cancelling without charge for the facility in Salem.
MEMBERSHIP- Doana Anderson
The question was asked whether the directory would be printed and sent out or be online this year. The last directory covered 2016, 2017, and 2018. It went out in 2018 so we need to have a new one out this Fall at the latest. Doana said that she will make it happen. Thank you Doana for your expertise and hard work.
PROMOTION – Kathy Christensen
The State Fair will not happen this year so there will be no promotion of our breed at that event. We have received a $400 promotion grant from AMHA this year as well as a letter from AMHA asking for it back if we are not going to use it. In our grant request this money was designated to purchase promotional banners for the 2020 State Fair. Kathy had a conversation with Carrie Mortenson about going ahead and using those funds to create the banners as they will be used repeatedly for promotion at future events. We were given permission by Carrie to move forward with that plan.
SCHOLARSHIP – Mary Grimes
This year there was an applicant for the Alex Mooney Scholarship. Gay will reach out to Sally Plumley & Sara Mooney to join Mary Grimes and Gay to go over the application before announcing the recipient of the $500 scholarship.
YOUTH – Grace Martin and Natalie Woodland
We now have an Instagram account and Facebook page. Grace & Natalie have put up articles from last year and have featured riders and their horses. These articles are open to all youth from other states not just Oregon. Separate from the meeting Gay has encouraged Grace & Natalie to be sure to include Northwest riders. There is no expense to MHAO for starting up Instagram or Facebook pages. Gay mentioned that she heard about a new AMHA team program for Youth. There is a new Justin division for Badges also. Natalie and Grace said they will look into this and include information in their newsletter.
Mary Grimes asked if the youth were getting the information about the Alex Mooney scholarship for next year. She wanted it to be advertised on both Instagram and Facebook. We will make information available thru the Youth newsletter.
FUTURITY – Gay Adams
Gay will award the Futurity Hi-Point award for this year. She will also create plaques to honor the dams of our 2019 Sweepstake winners (yearling and 2-yr-old Sweepstake Champion and Reserve Champion). We will also still create the 2020 MHAO Breeders’ Cup Futurity booklet. Ads will be needed to cover any printing costs.
In the past we have distributed the booklet at the largest shows in the Western Region and at Nationals. There was discussion about how to handle distribution if shows don’t happen, or if we don’t get enough ads to cover our printing costs. It was decided that we would create the booklet and post it to our website and drive people to see it via facebook and other promotion efforts. People could request a physical copy if they are willing to pay for postage. We would collect requests before printing. If shows move forward, we will print and distribute at those shows.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Gay asked the Board to think about activities we can add this year to support our membership. If we can earn a little revenue while we are at it, that would be good. But our primary focus should be what we can do to benefit our members. We need to keep in mind how they are being affected by the pandemic. We can discuss ideas at our next meeting in June. The June meeting date was changed to June 10
th
since we will not be having our show.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM
Next meeting June 10
th
7:30 conference call
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Nygaard- MHAO Secretary
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Natalie Woodland is awarded the first MHAO Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship
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Congratulations to Natalie Woodland as the first recipient of the MHAO Alexandra M. Mooney Scholarship.
Natalie is to be commended for all her hard work. We are so pleased to be able to help her as she moves forward into college.
Natalie has a 3.75 GPA as she graduates from Lifegate Christian High School and plans to attend Northwest Christian University majoring in Accounting.
What follows is a combination of two letters that Natalie included in her application talking about her
reason for choosing her desired profession and how her involvement with the Morgan horse breed has enhanced her life. She is shown above with her Morgan horse "Smarty" (Baccarat's Street Smart) along with a photo taken after they won their class in her final year as a Jr. Exhibitor.
*****
Dear Mary Grimes and MHAO Scholarship Committee:
My career goals are to become a CPA and become an owner of a CPA business. I enjoy working in a small business and assisting customers
.
This fall I am starting the adult accounting program at Northwest Christian University in Eugene. It allows me to work and go to school. I plan on graduating debt free with this program
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I chose my desired profession because I have watched my parents be self-employed my entire
life
and been a part of their businesses over the years.
I have been working at Woodland & Woodland CPAs PC over the past five years doing office work. This work includes reviewing visas, matching the
receipts
to the visa report
,
copying tax information and helping to organize it. Becoming a CPA allows me to know how to run a business and assist others in their businesses.
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I started a small business this past year cleaning office buildings along with starting an Arbonne business that sells health products.
I am graduating as Valedictorian at Lifegate Christian School. I have received the Presidential Academic Award, Small Business Award at school, Citizenship award and I am a member of Honor Society. I have been Secretary of the student body, Vice President of Honor Society and have
had various
leadership roles at my school's events.
I have been the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon Junior Representative for the past two years. Along with showing Morgan Horses I was in sheep 4-H in Benton County and
won
ribbons in showmanship and market lambs. I enjoyed showing my sheep along with breeding and raising lambs on our farm to help fund my college education.
Morgan horses have been a big part of my life. I have competed in the Pacific Northwest and at the World Morgan Horse Show. I love Morgan horses and enjoy riding them at home with my family and competing on the national circuit. My biggest achievements are my two national titles. I won my first class in the World Championship Walk- Trot hunt seat class. I recently won another national title this past year and won my class as a junior exhibitor in Oklahoma, Junior Exhibitor 17 years hunter pleasure. I enjoy the friendships and family fun while showing my Morgan horse.
Being part of the Morgan Horse family has enhanced my life by focusing on a goal
,
working hours during the year in the barn and then conquering that goal. I love my Morgan Horse, Smarty. He is sweet, kind and has brought me through some tough situations. I love the Morgan Horse family that believes in me. Morgan horses will always be a part of my life
.
I am excited to compete and enjoy my Morgan family.
Natalie Woodland
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"Alex and Natalie were close when Alex lived in Oregon. It
is
very special for Natalie to
receive the first scholarship awarded thru this program
. She will remember it for the rest of her life."
Martha Woodland
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Advertising Available in the 2020 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet
Last Call!!
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2020 Futurity Booklet MHAO Member
Ad Rates
Full Page
(7.5"x10") - $81
Inside front or back cover
(7.5" x 10") - $90
Half Page
(7.5"x 5") - $54
1/3 Page
(7.5"x 3.5") - $36
1/4 Page
(3.75"x 5") - $31.50
Business Card
(3.5"x 2") - $22.50
Stallion Directory Section
(3.75"x 5") - $27
(these rates reflect a 10% discount for MHAO members)
Ads due by June 15, 2020.
This booklet is used to promote the stallions included in the MHAO Stallion Service Auction and horses that are entered in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity. We also want to highlight our local breeders and businesses. At a minimum this year we will create the booklet, post it on our website and promote it via email & facebook. Anyone who wants a printed copy can request one for the price of postage ($10). Once we have accumulated orders we will print and ship them.
We hope the COVID-19 virus gets under control and that we will have some shows happening later in this season. If that happens we will print copies for distribution. We are currently targeting Morgan Medallion, C-Fair, PNW and Nationals.
We want to promote you!
Help us help you!
To place your ad, contact
Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276
For assistance in creating
an ad, contact
Debby Phaneuf, (503) 936-7141
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Get Your 2020 Foals Nominated To The MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity
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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 this year will not take place 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.
Futurity classes 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 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 12/31/2020
Information about the program is available on our website.
So are the forms required.
For assistance contact Gay Adams,
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“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” –
Vivian Greene
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Hear ye!! Hear ye!!
Calling All Futurity Participants!!
Last Call!!
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Pictures of your futurity horses are needed
NOW!!
Please get them in. I have only received one.
Close date for the booklet has been
extended to June 15th.
Anyone wanting to have their 2020 foal included needs to nominate their foal now & send me a picture.
Send to Gay Adams,
Looking for 300 dpi or better
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Looking for Ads To Go Into The MHAO Membership Directory
Last Call!!
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2020 Membership Directory Ad Rates
Full Page
(5.5” x 8.5”) - $20
Half Page
(5.5” x 4.25”) - $10
1/4 Page
(5.5”x 2.25”) - $5
Business Card
(3.5”x 2”) - $5
Inside Front or Back Cover
(5.5” x 8.5”)- $25
Outside Back Cover
(5.5” x 8.5”) - $30
Ads due by June 15, 2020.
MHAO encourages inner trade. Let other members know what services or products you offer. Advertise your horses or items for sale, your breeding program, or highlight your star rider or horse. This is a reference book that members use over and over again.
To place your ad, contact
Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276
To check your listing, contact Doana Anderson, (503) 250-2500
Ads help us offset our printing costs.
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Closes September 30th
“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 MHAO Breeder's Cup Futurity
Everyone is welcome to participate.
You do not need to be a member of MHAO.
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
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Calling all MHAO Youth!!
Don't Miss The MHAO Youth Facebook Page & Newsletter
Here is a place for all our Youth to communicate with each other and to learn the news that is just for them.
Editors:
and Natalie Woodland,
(541) 515-1707
Youth - Post your news!
Facebook search:
Morgan Horse Association of Oregon Youth
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Upcoming MHAO or Morgan Events
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Morgan Medallion
July 16-19, 2020
South Point Equestrian Center
Las Vegas NV
The Premium List is
now available!
Come join us!
It is going to be a fabulous show. We look forward to seeing you!
At this writing, Las Vegas is
in Phase 2
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PNW Morgan Horse Show
August 27-30, 2020
Spanaway WA
Hi everyone!
Yes, PNW is still a go!
We are, of course, closely monitoring the COVID situation, but we have our fingers crossed that things will be more like normal by the time August rolls around. We will also make sure that we are following any and all USEF regulations for shows - which may or may not be more stringent than local regulations. We are working on finishing up the premium book, so stay tuned!
Judges will be Jim Porcher in the main ring, and Kari McClain for dressage.
The show premium will be coming to you soon.
We hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times, and we hope to see you this summer!
Kaitlin Lebon
Location moving into Phase 2 effective June 5th
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From WDAA
What does the judge want to see in a successful Western Dressage test?
By Dolly Hannon
- Regular and free gaits and paces (variations of the gaits) that have no rhythm issues and are elastic and expressive, with reach and springiness. Horse covers ground without speed or loss of balance.
- Correct basics of both horse and rider according to the training scale or pyramid. Correct position and equitation of the rider; correct basics and training of the horse according to the requirements of the level being shown. Horse is being shown at an appropriate level and not being over faced.
- A good relationship exhibiting harmony and a clear partnership between the horse and rider.
- Thoughtful transitions that are well prepared and thought out.
- Accuracy of both movement figures and corners.
- A rider who pats and or praises their horse at the end of the ride.
- A happy horse who knows its job and looks very willing throughout the test and pleased with itself at the end.
If you know you can fulfill these expectations of the judge you should have a fun and successful ride.
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Let's go to a show!!!
The C-Fair horse show
July 30-Aug 2, 2020
is still a GO!
Evergreen Equestrian Center
Monroe WA
These have been unprecedented and challenging times due to COVID-19. While the show itself may look a little different this year, the show committee is working hard to put on a great horse show. It will be so fantastic to see everyone again! Safely “social distancing” of course.
We are finalizing the prize list which will be out shortly. Judy, our secretary, is working on a way to submit entries online, so be prepared for that. We will be waiving post-entry fees and holding checks until right before the show. We only ask that you call or email to give us a stall count and horse count ahead of time.
We have all our fingers (and toes) crossed, hoping we can have a show this year. In order for the show to proceed, Snohomish County will need to be in Phase 4 by late July (currently in Phase 2).
The other piece of this puzzle is you – will you please answer our questionnaire using the link below about your interest in attending C-fair. It is very short and will take you two minutes or less to complete!
Thank you all so much for your time and patience during this process.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the show!
If you have any questions please contact:
Carol Fletcher, 206-755-5602
Linda Collins, 206-200-2099
Location is moving into Phase 2 effective June 5th
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Correction to the dates for the Mother Lode Morgan Horse Show - August 28-31, 2020
Save the date for this wonderful show at the exquisite
Rancho Murietta Equestrian Center
in California. This A-rated Morgan Horse Show includes Saddleseat, Driving, Western Dressage, Cowboy Dressage, Classic Dressage, Hunter, Western, Jumping, Trail, and Ranch classes. The beautiful Gypsy horses join us in this fun filled show and we have plenty of classes open to all breeds. There is truly something for everyone!
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Grand National World Championship Show
October 10-17, 2020
Plans are in full swing in preparation for the 2020 Morgan Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. The Morgan Grand National Show Committee has been working diligently to plan for this year's show and are excited to welcome our Morgan family back to Oklahoma, October 10-17, 2020.
Qualifications have been lifted, new awards will debut in all classes, and new protocols will be followed to keep our attendees safe and to ensure the best possible experience during the show.
Stay up to date by visiting our website and Facebook page for the latest details. We look forward to all of us reuniting in October.
Moving to Phase 3 effective
June 1
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10 Things to Help You Prepare for a Safe Return to Competition
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After an agonizing few months of lockdown limbo, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This isn’t hyperbole. It’s the view through the tunnel from the warm-up ring into the Tryon International Stadium.
That’s right, horse shows are starting phased re-openings. Even though COVID-19 has left a wake of canceled events in its path, there’s still hope of salvaging bits of our 2020 show calendars as things slowly get back to normal.
Normal, though, is conditional on everyone doing their part to minimize the spread of the virus. Eventually, we’ll return to the joys of dodgy arena traffic and lines out the door for tacos at the Siesta Cantina. Until then, here are 10 things to help you prepare for a safe return to competition in the coronavirus era.
1. Masks to ride in
Masks are now a mandatory wardrobe staple at USEF sanctioned events. There are many stylish options out there, and patterns available online if you want to
make your own. If you’re not handy with a sewing machine (*raises hand*),
EquiFit teamed up with Boston medical professionals to create the Essential 3-Ply Facemask with AgSilver™. It retails for $13.00, and the layer infused with AgSilver™ helps guard against bacterial growth. Pretty cool. Also great for protecting your lungs against pesky hay dust.
2. Hand sanitizer
Some shows have beautiful air-conditioned bathrooms where you can lather your hands with scented anti-bacterial soaps to your heart’s content. Others have the classic heat incubating port-a-potties. The safest bet is to keep some sanitizer on you at all times. If the store shelves are cleared out or you prefer a no-contact transaction, Equishopper carries this 500 ml bottle of
Deya Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Gel ($16.95).
3. Cell phone carriers
Welcome to the digital age, where even before coronavirus life was lived through smartphones. In the days of COVID, now even family dinners are hosted by Zoom. Shows too will go increasingly digital for things like entries, orders, course postings, and class status updates to maintain social distancing regulations. It’s hard to always keep your phone on you when you only have illusion pant pockets. Try a cell phone holder, so not to miss important notifications. The
Mobile Holder Waist Bag by Horze goes for $14.99.
4. Tack cleaner
Chances are you already have this one, but it’s worth noting that regularly cleaning your tack will protect both you and the leather. Soaping your saddles and bridles is especially important if you’re sharing with other riders, or have grooms who are also handling your tack.
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5. Disinfectants
Disinfectant liquids, sprays and wipes are a crucial element of your corona-essentials pack. Even though it’s not recommended to use on leather tack, you can sure as heck make stall door latches, pitchforks, feed scoop handles, and the like a barren, uninhabitable zone for germs. Equishopper carries a one liter of bottle of
Dettol Original First Aid Antiseptic Liquid ($29.99).
6. This t-shirt
Maybe this kind of attire isn’t permitted in the class you’ve entered, but the first day you roll in with your trailer to set up is a good opportunity to bust out a social distancing statement tee. (This one is by
WorldDesignTX statement t-shirt and available on Etsy for $19.00). After all, your horse show friends probably haven’t seen you for months. How else are you supposed to stop them from breaching the six-foot bubble and bounding into your arms?
7. All the bags
No matter how disciplined your barn is about disinfecting, it’s really, really hard not to touch everyone else’s stuff when you’re sharing quarters at a horse show. If the stable rents a tack stall, space is still tight. If they don’t, everything is just randomly littered down the aisle where it often gets moved about in the pre-class frenzy. Keeping your belongings bagged up is one way to make sure no one else makes direct contact with them. It also protects your boots from being scuffed or your coat from getting dusty. You can find a large
bag selection on Equishopper, with plenty of different coordinating combinations.
8. Individually packaged snacks
If you’re a barn mom figure, you might have assumed the responsibility of making sure everyone remembers to eat. There’s no questioning you’re the stable favorite by the way they smile-jog over when they see you come in with snack basket in hand. But having the famished group all diving their hands into the same goldfish bag is COVID’s dream. For now, go for individually packaged foods. Or use ziplock bags if you prefer to make your own.
9. Video of your ride
Normally, horse shows are an open invitation and some riders bring an entire entourage along for support. Though grandma, Aunt Vicky, brother Jake’s girlfriend, and second cousin Sally all have to stay home for now, that doesn’t mean they can’t still watch and cheer you on—from home. Line up a fellow competitor to film your round (free!). Or track down the show photographer.
10. Patience
You can’t buy it but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. We are living in unprecedented times. Moving forward is going to involve a period of trial and error while the kinks are ironed out. This goes for the show organizers, grounds crews, trainers, riders and grooms. With patience and a little bit of faith we’ll soon recover the show circuit we all know and love!
Article by Marina Callahan, an equestrian and a senior Journalism student with the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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AMHA Youth Of The Year Announcement
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Qualification Changes for the Grand National Youth of the Year Contest
AMHA Youth Programs has been working hard to navigate the next steps for local and National Youth of the Year Contests considering the recent cancellations and date changes of shows across the country. Given the recent qualification changes made to the Morgan Grand National Horse Show along with the COVID-19 Safety precautions that will be practiced during the show,
the AMHA Youth Committee has made the decision to hold the Grand National Youth Contest Finals virtually for the year of 2020.
The Committee has also agreed to make changes to the contest qualifications moving forward.
The qualifications are:
-If you have already qualified to participate in the 2020 GN Youth Contest you are eligible
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-If you have competed in the GN Youth Contest in the past and are still of Youth age (14-21), you are eligible.
-If you have not met the above criteria, and still would like to have a chance to qualify,
AMHA Youth will be proctoring a Horsemastership test to ALL YOUTH MEMBERS (14-21) that pre register. If you score a 200 out of 250 points (80%) you will then qualify to compete in the Grand National Youth Contest.
You must register with AMHA by July 31st to take the test, (announcements on how to register will be emailed and on the AMHA Say Hay page).
The Grand National Junior Invitational Contest will be virtual as well. As in the past, you DO NOT need to qualify to participate in this.
All Local Contests that have previously registered with AMHA to be held in 2020 season moving forward, will not qualify contestants. We do urge the local contests that get the opportunity to be held, to do so as practice for youth.
We look forward to making the best of the situation and breaking new ground in the AMHA Youth Contest Program.
If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Nikki, (859) 287-2470 x404
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Horse Network Article: Why Horses Need Social Bonds
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Those who study equines can identify plenty of ways the domestic horse has had to develop coping mechanisms related to a life lived in small, contained spaces with few companions. Many trainers point out that, in fact, most of the issues we run into when it comes to handling, training, or riding, are related to the stresses inherent in domestication. In her book
What Horses Really Want, lifelong horsewoman Lynn Acton explores how horses want security and social bonds. As she explains, it is to their detriment, and to ours, when we deny them these basic needs.
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The security of long-term social bonds is the exception for domestic horses. Many grow up without learning the social bonding skills to make positive connections with other horses, or to temper their own aggression or deflect that of others. The result is more aggressive behaviors, fewer social bonding behaviors. Even when they manage to make friends, those bonds are frequently severed because one horse is sold, moved, or switched to a different turnout arrangement.
Isolation often prevents horses from making social connections at all. Peering through bars at other horses is not social contact, and turnout in separate paddocks is a poor substitute for the physical closeness that provides security. The severity of the impact is shown in the fact that horses kept in stalls with little or no access to other horses are more likely to be aggressive toward humans.
Rank and Aggression
Rank is not typically determined by age, as in free-roaming bands. It is determined more often by “aggressiveness, temperament, or social experience.” Domestic living conditions often include the three factors most likely to cause aggression among horses:
- Confined spaces increase the likelihood that personal space will be invaded, a common cause of aggression.
- Having food supplied brings horses into close proximity, and invites guarding of resources. It is possibly the most significant source of aggression among domestic horses.
- Artificial social groups with high turnover means that rank must be re-established with each change in group membership.
It is no surprise, then, that domestic horses spend more time in aggressive behavior and less time in social bonding behavior than their free-roaming cousins. These higher levels of aggression explain why people unfamiliar with free-roaming herd behavior mistakenly believe that rank is important to horses and that aggression is a normal part of herd behavior. This makes it easy to overlook the importance of social bonds.
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Other aspects of domestic living also contribute to stress, and potentially to aggression:
- Being confined is abnormal for horses. The less turnout time and space a horse has, the more likely he is to have behavior problems. When turnout is not possible, appropriate daily exercise is important for mental and physical health.
- Lack of opportunity to use curiosity and explore their surroundings makes horses more fearful and less adaptable to new situations. Fearful horses are clearly a common problem. Consider the prevalence of calming supplements for horses; the anxious horses and riders one sees at many events, and the great interest in “de-spooking,” “desensitizing,” or “bomb-proofing.” How many horses are sold or relegated to pasture-ornament status because their owners are afraid to ride them? Horses’ reactions to anxiety-producing situations are intensified when they are already stressed by their living situations and/or inappropriate diets.
- Diets high in carbohydrates and/or low in forage can contribute to stress-related behaviors and excitability. They are a risk factor for ulcers, which are found in 30% to 90% of domestic horses depending on the population studied. Such diets make horses more prone to aggression toward people, possibly as a result of gastric pain. Ulcers are rare or non-existent in free-roaming horses.
Leaders, Friends, and Social Networking
The shared leadership of free-roaming herds is based on a complex social network where horses decide whether to follow another horse based on their social bonds. Without these bonds, the system of leadership that is most natural for horses is not possible. Instead, a domestic social system may be a pecking order with rank determined by aggression. The highest-ranking horse may not be a leader any of the others would choose to follow, but a bully who has achieved rank through aggression while other horses do their best to appease or stay out of the way.
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Cabin/Barn Fever Schooling Show - June 19-21, 2020
The Oregon Horse Center
in Eugene OR is
working on ways to help you get your horses out during Phase 1 reopening (and hopefully phase 2 by the time this show takes place!) How are we planning on doing this?
-We *will limit* entries in each "section" to 25 horse/rider max (SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF LIMITS INCREASE). Classes are grouped by section.
-Warm-up areas will be scheduled and monitored closely
-There will be separate in and out gates
-Stalling will be available but spread out and not required
-There will be no prizes or ribbons, this will be a fun show held simply to help people with horses that need to get out!
-We will NOT be open to the public to come watch, the only people that should attend will be people necessary to facilitate the showing of the horses.
We are working together with many other facilities locally and nationally to come up with the best way to get people and their horses back to showing while staying safe and up to date with the newest findings and best practices.
Please continue to watch our facebook page and this event page for more information.
Eugene entered Phase 2
on June 5th
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FarWest Cowboy Dressage Gathering -
July 24-26, 2020
Location: Rim Rock Riders Event Center across from Brasada
Judges:
The Honorable Dee Myers
The Honorable Nonny Largent
Due to COVID-19 this show is being altered.
More information to come after June 5, 2020
Your FWCD Team is working out details.
There will be a show!
Crook County entered Phase 2 effective June 6th
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Anyone Looking for a Virtual Show?
Here are some websites to check out:
Thank you Linda Collins!
If anyone knows of others,
please share.
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Webinar About Oregon Farmland
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Where Does Oregon Stand? Findings from American Farmland Trust's "Farms Under Threat: The State of the States"
Webinar brought to our attention by the Oregon Horse Council
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Wed, Jul 1, 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
How threatened is Oregon's agricultural land? What is the state doing to protect it? What can Oregon learn from other states? A new study from American Farmland Trust (AFT) - "Farms Under Threat: The State of the States" - provides groundbreaking new data that answer these questions. Join us for this free webinar for a look at the findings and an overview of the tools now available to help planners, land protection practitioners, policymakers and advocates strengthen and expand agricultural land retention and protection efforts in Oregon.
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Nominations Are Open for the 2020 AMHECT/WMF Stallion Service Auction
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Now, more than ever, we must all come together as we navigate our way through these uncertain times. We hope this correspondence finds you, your family, and your animals in good health and safe surroundings.
It is important that we all pitch in to help each other. As we navigate our way back to the new normal, it is vital that you once again join us as part of the AMHECT/WMF Stallion Service Auction.
The AMHECT/WMF Stallion Service Auction will once again be held in conjunction with the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®.
Each year the AMHECT and the World Morgan Futurity join together to make a difference for the Morgan breed. Thanks to the great stallion owners and successful bidders who participate in this winning program, we are able to use more money for promotion, give more money back to the stallion owners, give more money to the winning foals, and award more money to the handlers of those winners. In addition, the first foal or foals of an actual service purchased at the AMHECT/WMF Stallion Service Auction to win a World Championship will take home an additional $10,000 Auction Rewards Bonus!
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Donate your stallion today and promote your stallions, his get and the Morgan breed.
What will you receive? Your Stallion will be promoted:
- In the AMHECT/WMF Catalog which will be distributed with the September issue of The Morgan Horse Magazine and distributed at the Grand National.
- Stallions will get priceless exposure at the show and online!
- Your stallion will be part of a video presented throughout the week during the Grand National on the jumbotron and on the live feed.
- Daily publicity of the bidding throughout the show.
- A featured stallion for a year on www.morganhorse.com
- Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The 2020 AMHECT/WMF Auction will be an online auction only utilizing a mobile phone bidding app. Those without computer capabilities will still be able to call in their bid.
Please review the enclosed nomination agreement for complete details!
The deadline for all materials is July 13, 2020
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We will need the following:
- The nomination form
- A brief promotional write up
- An 8 x 10 photo (this can be emailed 300 dpi)
- A signed copy of your breeding contract.
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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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USEF Announces the 2020 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductees
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The
Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people. The USEF inducts the horses recognized annually as "Horses of Honor" for their stellar athletic performances. The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses who have had an inspirational impact on the public as companions, teachers and healers.
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(1987 - )
Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program
At the Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program (MTRP), Cameo is considered a founding member of the program. The chestnut Morgan mare began her therapy career 21 years ago as the first horse at MTRP, establishing herself as a pillar of the organization. As the first horse in the program, Cameo paved the way for the organization as she had to do it all!
Cameo's role at MTRP has been instrumental in helping numerous disabled children participate in hippotherapy programs and adaptive recreational riding. Cameo has had a positive impact on children with a wide range of disabilities and challenges including multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome, spina bifida, and learning or language disabilities.
MTRP carefully matches each horse and rider to ensure the best partnership and outcome. Cameo has extremely smooth gaits, therefore her movement compliments a child who has difficulty with trunk and/or head control. Cameo is not fearful or spooky, making for the perfect partner to comfort the hundreds of children she has helped. Cameo was MTRP's go-to horse for all of the program's field trips including visits to schools, the Midwest Horse Fair, and Tempel Lipizzan Farm. Known as MTRP's "Hollywood Princess" Cameo also made a cameo on the TV show, "Miracle Babies", which was filmed in front of a live studio audience in Hollywood, California!
Cameo has touched the lives of hundreds of children and their families. From hearing some speak their first words to seeing others walk for the first time after riding her. Many have shared stories of their experience with Cameo, including one woman whose life was changed by the mare. "I was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a baseball. It sat on my brain stem, causing me to deteriorate before my parents’ eyes. The only option was brain surgery. Afterwards, it was fairly certain I was never going to feed myself, talk, walk or even lift my arms above by head. But now I have a wonderful husband and a 4-year-old daughter and am completely functional. I am certain that a large part of my success is because of this wonderful horse Cameo. Cameo helped me rediscover joy in life. I recently introduced my daughter to Cameo. She hugged Cameo and said, 'Thank you for healing my Mom.' She concluded her touching testimonial to Cameo by saying, 'Thank you, dear horse, thank you.'"
Recognized for her accomplishments by PATH International as the 2019 Equine of the Year, Cameo is most deserving of induction into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame.
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Chris & Sonya Bickford have long been a part of our equestrian circle.
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(2007 - )
Chris and Sonya Bickford
Shezaffirecracker+//, a 2007 half-Arabian, half-Saddlebred mare, has collected numerous carriage pleasure driving accolades with co-owner and trainer Chris Bickford over the years. Shezaffirecracker+// and Bickford began their 2019 season by winning a total of four carriage pleasure driving classes at the California Springfest Horse Show and the BC Morgan and Open Horse Show. They went on to earn eight regional championships and three regional reserve championships at the Region 5 Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Sport Horse Championships.
Shezaffirecracker+// and Bickford made the trek to the Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show in Crete, Illinois, hoping to prove their mettle. They tallied two national champion titles in carriage pleasure driving gambler’s choice and pick your route, and three reserve national champion titles in carriage pleasure driving turnout, scurry obstacles, and timed obstacles, as well as finishing in the top 10 in two other classes. They closed out 2019 by winning five classes at the Arabian Fall Classic to end their season on a high note.
Shezaffirecracker+// was both bred and raised by Bickford who has had a hand in all of her training and has seen Shezaffirecracker+// become the successful horse that she is today. Shezaffirecracker+// participated in her first carriage driving show in 2010 at the young age of 3 years old. Since then, Shezaffirecracker+// has earned top ribbons in hundreds of classes throughout her show career including, Carriage Driving Reinsmanship, Carriage Driving Working, Carriage Driving Obstacles, Carriage Driving Gamblers Choice, Carriage Driving Fault and Out, and Carriage Driving Pick Your Route.
According to Bickford, Shezaffirecracker+// has a "Type A" personality. She absolutely loves to do her job and there isn't a road long enough for her. Shezaffirecracker+//loves the horse shows and her favorite classes are the obstacle classes because she gets to go as fast as she wants! "Going slow has never been her strong suit," said Bickford with a laugh. "We always have to have a discussion because she wants to do [the classes] a lot faster than the judges want her to do them."
In the stall at home, Shezaffirecracker+//, known as "Foxy" in the barn, can be extremely spooky if she's approached with a strange object. But with Bickford, who admits he isn't the "huggy-kissy" type, Shezaffirecracker+// wants to be right on top of him while he's picking her stall. Shezaffirecracker+// loves being out in the pasture with other horses and enjoys being dirty. This special mare is most-deserving of her recognition as 2019 USEF National Horse of Honor and as a Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductee.
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June 6, 1944
Honor & Remember
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Dear members,
The Joint Leadership Council would like to share a Suggested Best Practices for Barn Operating in the COVID-19 Environment along with suggested templates for an Equine Industry Re-Opening Plan Presentation to Legislative Leaders and Equine Industry Re-Opening Plan Letter Legislative Leaders in your state or region. We hope that the Suggested Best Practice document will help fulfill an immediate need for many of our members working to create barn procedures and policies for re-opening. The templates for communicating re-opening plans to legislative leaders are provided to give a working framework for community leaders working on behalf of their local and regional businesses to present a re-opening plan to their state and local governments. These documents were put together through the dedicated efforts of the Joint Leadership Council, the Industry Re-Opening Task Force, Kristen Cater, Courtney Cahill, and Tiffany Wheeler for barn operators in the trotting breed community. We worked across our associations and regional leadership from each of our respective breeds to review recommendations from the federal and state health authorities to develop these recommendations. We hope that these recommendations can help in your preparations and decision-making regarding re-opening your barns and equine businesses. You will find the Best Practices document, presentation, and letter template below.
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Suggested Templates to send to State Legislatures:
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JLC Shares Second Industry Re-Opening Horse Show Survey Results
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As the processes of “re-opening” are happening across the country, the Joint Leadership Council, Arabian Horse Association, and horse show professionals re-surveyed membership in a continued effort to assist competition organizers and participants in managing risk, procedures and safety protocols.
This second survey was sent to a smaller group of association survey participants. We thank everyone who took the time to participate in the survey. Your feedback is an integral part of helping the JLC and our Industry Re-Opening Task Force continue to work with horse show organizers and community leaders to address the concerns, protocols, and procedures of re-opening our industry in the wake of COVID-19 and make updates to our resources.
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 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. More information on the JLC COVID-19 efforts available at
www.jlccares.com
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Suggested Best Practices for Operating Barns in the COVID-19 Environment -
May 4, 2020
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Included in the next Sections:
Section 2:
Karen's Column
News From Members & Friends
Becky's Corner
Section 3:
MHAO Requests for Volunteers
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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