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TOBA Announces 2012 Seminar & Clinic Schedule

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 1, 2012

Contact:
Erin Crady
Director of Marketing and Communications
(859) 276-2291
ecrady@toba.org

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) has announced its 2012 seminar and clinic schedule. The schedule includes three ownership seminars, a breeding clinic and three pedigree and conformation clinics. TOBA’s goal is to provide industry participants with the knowledge necessary to improve their likelihood for success in the Thoroughbred business. The seminars, sponsored by Blood-Horse Publications, will feature discussions by industry experts. The 2012 seminar schedule is as follows:

Ownership Seminars
March 22, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
May 3, Louisville, Ky.
August 9, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Breeding Clinic
June 1-3, Lexington, Ky.

Pedigree and Conformation Clinics
March 25, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
August 9, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
October 8-9, Lexington, Ky.

Seminar fees are listed on TOBA’s website and include all support materials, admission and presentations. Discounts are given to TOBA members. For more information visit www.toba.org <http://www.toba.org> or call Amy Bunt at (859) 276-2291 or abunt@toba.org.

TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, The Racing Game, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc., and is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member.

2-Feb-12 8:00 AM

“Hats off to the Horses: The Road to The Derby” An Online Auction of Kentucky Derby Hats

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Grisolia

Old Friends

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Maggie Mae Designs® (508-430-1626), sally@maggiemae.com

Edit Note: High resolution images available

“Hats off to the Horses: The Road to The Derby” An Online Auction of Kentucky Derby Hats Continues with a Chapeau inspired by

Florida Favorite Fortunate Prospect

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY–JANUARY 31, 2012– The 3^rd Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online auction of exclusive handcrafted Kentucky Derby Hats, continues February 1st with a hat inspired by the great sire Fortunate Prospect.

This is the fourth hat in a series of six magnificent chapeaus to be auctioned by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY. Each hat has been custom crafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs® and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Old Friends, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to the dignified retirement of former racehorses.

Each of Steinmann’s magnificent designs is inspired by one of the champions retired at Old Friends, and one will be auctioned every month leading up to this year’s Kentucky Derby, to be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on May 5.

This month’s hat is “The Fortunate Prospect,” a sultry design of rich black tones and orange hues.

To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs® go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Bidding opens on February 1^st at 8pm. To bid on go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. Bidding is open until February 11.

Fortunate Prospect, now 31, is the oldest retiree at Old Friends, and has been pensioned at the farm since 2005. Gramps, as he is fondly known, had a respectable track record (about a dozen stakes wins, including the San Vicente at Santa Anita and the Equus Handicap at Garden State) but it’s his family tree that has grown with distinction.

Considered one of the truly great stallions in Florida breeding history, Mr. P has sired numerous stakes victors. Of his 779 foals, 663 started and 573 were winners of 2,700 races worth over $43 million.

The stallion also gained recognition over the years as a top broodmare sire: His daughter Successful Dancer is the dam of multiple stakes winner Successful Appeal while Fortuesque is the dam to 2009 Kentucky Derby contender Musket Man.

This Derby hat is especially elegant. Moved by the deep coat of the near-black stallion, Steinmann used lush black dupioni silk as the foundation for the hat then covered the chapeau’s dramatic 23-inch brim with swirling layers of ebony and espresso tulle.

The centerpiece, a stunning rose curl, was created using goldenrod shantung, soft coral organza, and deep tangerine satin. The colors represent Fortunate Prospect’s one-time racing silk colors.

As she has done in other recent designs, Steinmann has also woven a physical remembrance of Fortunate Prospect into the hat. Several strands of the great stallion's tail hairs have been braided into the trim.

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for upwards of $1,000.

Hats off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby began on November 1 2011 with “The Noor.” “The Prized” hat followed in December and “The Benburb” rang in the New Year last month. The next hat will go on the block March 1, 2012.

The online auction has raised over $10,000 for Old Friends since it’s inception in the fall of 2009

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs® at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626)).

For more information about Old Friends see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design. Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

2-Feb-12 8:00 AM

Farmer Incentives to Go Green for 2012: $2 Million Available for On-farm Energy Efficiency or Production Projects

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Commonwealth of Kentucky Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Sandra Gardner
(502) 564-4627
(502) 782-1759
(502) 330-2105
http://agpolicy.ky.gov/

Bill McCloskey
(502) 782-1766
(502) 382-6093
billb.mccloskey@ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2012) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, announces the availability of $2 million in Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds (KADF) for on-farm energy efficiency or production projects. Guidelines for the KADB’s new On-farm Energy Efficiency & Production Incentives Program are now available online at ag-energy.ky.gov.

“From 2009-2011, Kentucky farmers benefitted from the availability of stimulus funds for on-farm energy efficiency improvements. Over a three year period, more than $1.4 million was invested in 190 on-farm energy projects, saving our farm families more than $2 million in energy costs per year,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Because of the success of this program, the KADB chose to continue this effort to help even more farmers make the farm operations more energy efficient.”

The on-farm energy incentive program will provide 25 percent reimbursement of the actual cost of a qualified energy saving item, up to $10,000. Permissible items include, but are not limited to, energy audits, energy efficient farm building components, on-farm energy upgrades and on-farm energy efficiency training. Only expenditures made after March 11, 2011 will be eligible for reimbursement.

“Over the last several years, reducing energy usage and developing alternative sources of energy have become critical issues for Kentucky agriculture,” stated Roger Thomas, executive director of GOAP. “This program has helped Kentucky’s farm families improve on-farm energy efficiency with stimulus funds, saving more than 350 billion BTUs of energy per year. Now additional farms can improve their energy efficiency incentives from the KADF.”

All applications received from across the Commonwealth will be reviewed on a quarterly basis and scored by a committee comprised of representatives from GOAP, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and USDA Rural Development. The first quarterly deadline is April 30, 2012.

All applications meeting the minimum requirements of eligibility will be considered for funding. If the total eligible applications exceed the available funds, the committee will rank the applications using scoring criteria. Applicants will be notified of their approval.

The 2012 KADF On-farm Energy Efficiency and Production Incentives Program is designed to help achieve the goals of Gov. Steve Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future: Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy, and will be part of the effort to meet 18 percent of Kentucky’s energy needs from efficiency improvements by 2025.

For questions about the application process for the KADF On-farm Energy Incentives Program, please contact Bill McCloskey or Angie Justice at 502-564-4627 or govkyagpolicy@ky.gov. The application is also available online at ag-energy.ky.gov.

Visit Energizing Kentucky Agriculture on Facebook for updates, as the program progresses.

Gov. Steve Beshear and the General Assembly continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

2-Feb-12 8:00 AM

UK’s Gluck Equine Research Center Celebrates 25 years

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Contact: Mats Troedsson, 859-218-1085
By: Jenny Blandford, 859-218-1089

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Feb. 2, 2012) – The Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center is celebrating 25 years as a named center focused on improving the health and well-being of the horse. The world-renowned Gluck Center, within the Department of Veterinary Science in the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, is the only scientific institute in the United States where virtually all faculty conduct full-time research in equine health and diseases.

Six of the 10 major vaccines currently used to protect against equine infectious diseases were developed by faculty in the Department of Veterinary Science. They are among a long list of other accomplishments with an international impact on equine research.

“The Gluck Center opened its doors 25 years ago, due to the generosity of Maxwell and Muriel Gluck and the horse industry,” said Mats Troedsson, director of the Gluck Center and chair of the Department of Veterinary Science. “Landmark discoveries have been made in vaccine research and production, development of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, drug detection in racing and performance horses, sequencing of the equine genome, identification and detection of genetic diseases and traits, parasite control and reproductive health and management.”

The Department of Veterinary Science, established in 1915, has a long history of distinguished service. The Gluck Center capitalized on the department’s strong foundation to reach major international equine research milestones including:

·         Developed diagnostic serological tests for contagious equine metritis (CEM), Tyzzer’s disease, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, strangles and equine viral arteritis

·         Developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for drug detection

·         Demonstrated the usefulness of artificial lights and progesterone/estradiol treatments for hastening the onset of the breeding season

·         Determined the genetic basis for and developed tests for inheritance of certain color coat traits

·         Provided leadership in the sequencing of the complete genome of the horse and structural characterization of horse genes

·         Key part of a team from the College of Agriculture that performed the definitive experiments identifying the cause of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome

The Gluck Center faculty continues to conduct equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology/toxicology and reproductive health.

The Gluck Center is also a World Organisation for Animal Health (O.I.E)-designated reference laboratory for equine rhinopneumonitis, equine influenza and equine viral arteritis.

“We are facing continuous and new challenges in equine health and well-being with the threats of new emerging infectious diseases, bacterial resistance to antibiotics as well as parasite resistance to dewormers, stricter regulations on medication for race and performance horses, an anticipated flow of genetic information through the sequencing of the equine genome, debilitating musculoskeletal injuries in the equine athlete and imminent threats to equine breeding industries by reproductive diseases and abortions,” Troedsson said. “The Gluck Center is well prepared for these challenges and will continue to play an important role in the horse and veterinary communities. We are looking forward to the next 25 years with confidence.”

Several events are scheduled in conjunction with the 25th anniversary. The year’s events kicked off in January with the inaugural UK Ag Equine Programs’ UK Equine Showcase and 3rd Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Future events include:

Grand opening of the UK Gluck Center Equine Reproduction Facilities Feb. 2 at Maine Chance Equine Campus
Gluck Center rededication celebration July 12 at the Gluck Center
Equine Research Hall of Fame in fall 2012

The mission of the Gluck Center is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses.

Groups or individuals wishing to tour the Gluck Center should contact Jenny Blandford at jenny.blandford@uky.edu or 859-218-1089. For more information on the Gluck Center, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck.

Writer: Jenny Blandford

UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.

2-Feb-12 8:00 AM

Wilderness Navigation Seminar Feb. 26 Clark County

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

February 26, 2012 9am -4pm. Clark County Extension Office in Winchester, KY.

This highly practical wilderness navigation seminar provides excellent knowledge for anyone hiking, or horseback riding who wishes to travel into the wilderness with an added degree of safety and confidence. If you plan to use your Map and Compass or GPS in the Wilderness, improve your knowledge and confidence with maps, and gain wilderness navigation skills then this Navigation Seminar is for you.

Brought to you by the Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol (MSAR Unit) and Eastern Kentucky Trackers. Clay Corbett (KyEM Instructor) and assistant Mark Ryan & Becky Conley. Contact either group for information. Classroom and field training involved. Bring your own compass.

Contact phone: 606.407.5677

For Want of a Nail

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.

This is an old story that goes on to say:

For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Every trail rider has experienced the sudden realization that they no longer have a clue how to find their way back to the trail head.

What do you do?

Ask a fellow rider, ask a stranger, ask for divine intervention?

The answer you always hear from experienced trail riders, is plan ahead.

Your trusted riding partner may need you to go for help on your own.

You may get separated. Long shadows and darkness may disorient you.

If you would like an ounce of prevention I recommend the Wilderness Navigation Seminar in Winchester, Ky on February 26, 2012.

Classes of this caliber normally cost around $85, but this one is FREE.

26-Jan-12 12:00 PM

The Equine Land Conservation Resource Awarded Dougherty Foundation Grant

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Contact: Deb Balliet, CEO, Equine Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383, dballiet@elcr.org

Lexington, KY – January 26, 2012 – The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation to promote best management practices for farm and ranch land stewardship. The funds will be used to produce and disseminate materials that educate horsemen and women, horse farm and ranch owners, and the general public of the need for low impact, sustainable methods and practices in the use and management of horse lands.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation aims to make a critical difference on the planet by giving voice to those who wish to be part of the many worthy forces for change in the world. The grant fits the Foundation’s goal by enabling the ELCR to produce learning modules aimed at dealing with issues of concern to those who own, manage and enjoy horse lands, including horsemen and women, and farm and ranch owners and managers.

The educational materials will deal directly with the issues of:

Storm Water Quality and Quantity
Manure Management
Wildlife Friendly Fencing
Air Quality

“All of us connected with ELCR are honored that the Dougherty Foundation has chosen us for this grant. These funds will help us promote our mission of protecting the lands that are of primary concern to those involved in equestrian sport, horse recreation and the equine industry,” said Deb Balliet, ELCR CEO. “This assistance from the Dougherty Foundation will allow us to effectively reach many more people who, through our educational outreach, can have a positive impact on lands of concern to those in the equine community.”

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in the world. The Foundation’s purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. The aim is to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. The Foundation respects all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are. Further information on the Foundation is available on line at www.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org.

The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. Further information about the Equine Land Conservation Resource is available on line at www.elcr.org or by calling 859-455-8383.

26-Jan-12 12:00 PM

Back Country Horsemen of America is Recognized by Local and National Organizations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2012
Contact: Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161

By Sarah Wynne Jackson

When you ride your horse down a well-groomed trail with level footing, no low branches, sturdy bridges, and safe water crossings, do you stop to think what it took to make that happen? Ask any Back Country Horsemen of America member and they’ll tell you: long hours of hard work, lots of sweat, and personal funds spent on fuel and supplies.

Maintaining trails for horse use is far from glamorous, but without it, where will we ride? It may seem like a thankless job, but Back Country Horsemen of America are happy to do it and organizations large and small see the difference BCH folks are making.

Just Doing What They Do

All Back Country Horsemen believe in the value of volunteerism, so it’s no wonder that many of their accolades center around trail work. On a rainy day in September, seven members of Hoosier Back Country Horsemen of Indiana volunteered their time and equipment to repair storm damage at Youngs Creek Horse Camp in Hoosier National Forest.

Straight-line winds had hit the camp, blowing down large trees which damaged the water trough, fence, and highline posts. The folks from Hoosier BCH cleared debris, repaired the fence, and installed new highline posts. They used a tractor to remove fallen trees and large branches. They also performed general maintenance, such as trimming tall grass in the fenced area.

Nancy Myers, Outdoor Recreation Planner of Region 9, Hoosier National Forest, Tell City Ranger District, recently recognized Hoosier Back Country Horsemen on the US Forest Service’s “Success Stories” web page for their assistance in cleaning up Youngs Creek Horse Camp.

Nancy wrote, “The Hoosier Back Country Horsemen are a great partner and very willing to volunteer for trailhead and trail projects. They even agreed to help on another trail gravelling project on the German Ridge Trail in November. The Tell City recreation staff is very appreciative of the Hoosier Back Country Horsemen's hard work and willingness to enhance recreation opportunities for equestrians on the Hoosier National Forest.”

Making the Connection

Back Country Horsemen across the country go out of their way to nurture good relationships with public land managers. Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia have a strong working relationship with the folks at A.H. Stephens State Historic Park. They volunteer throughout the year on various projects, such as trail work days, special events, securing grants, and hosting and assisting with several equestrian programs.

As a result, the equestrian facility is now more user friendly with higher visitation rates, generates more revenue, and has receive positive feedback from guests. Andre Mclendon, Park Manager at A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, recently sent a letter of thanks to Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia.

Andre ended his letter with this sentiment, “Words cannot express how much we appreciate your support. Every day we take one step closer to achieving our goal. It is to be the best equestrian facility that our Georgia State Park system has to offer. With your support I am confident that we can attain our goal. Thank you so much for your contributions. All of our accomplishments from this past year are proof that we can make a difference.”

National Recognition

Responsible recreation is a major tenet of Back Country Horsemen of America and has been a focus of Back Country Horsemen of Washington since their formation in 1976. BCHW’s current Leave No Trace educational program has been in existence for 15 years, and is funded mostly from grants through the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program.

The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, gives seven achievement awards each year to recognize outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds. In 2010, BCHW's Leave No Trace Educational Program received the award in the category of Environment and Wildlife Compatibility.

The entire BCHW Leave No Trace program is run by volunteers dedicated to teaching others responsible recreation. This national award is a great honor for all BCHW members who work and support this educational program with their time and effort. Back Country Horsemen of Washington members also made donations to cover the travel expenses of three BCHW officers to accept the award in person in Washington, D.C.

Share the Trail

Back Country Horsemen of America believes in sharing trails amiably with other users, and BCH Eagle Creek of Kentucky exemplifies that ideal with their outstanding cooperation with the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association. The two organizations recently worked together on a clean up work day on a county-owned reservoir multi-use trail system.

Chris Lockard, President of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association, sent BCH Eagle Creek a warm letter of appreciation. He wrote in part, “I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for extending an invitation out to the KY Mountain Bike Association to participate in the trail day sponsored by the Back Country Horsemen of Eagle Creek. You and your group were great to work with. The local mountain biker community found it rewarding to work with the equestrians on trail improvements at the county reservoir property.”

Chris also pointed out the benefits of different trail user groups working together toward a common goal, something well understood by Back Country Horsemen of America. Interactions between user groups helps foster understanding and positive relationships, as well as respect and value for each other’s right to a quality trail experience.

About Back Country Horsemen of America

It’s clear that public land managers, other trail users, and national organizations recognize the huge difference Back Country Horsemen are making. Responsible recreation and protecting our right to ride isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility that requires action in a variety of forms. Back Country Horsemen of America is proud to live up to that and get the job done.

BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.

If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com <http://www.backcountryhorse.com/> ; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

26-Jan-12 8:30 AM

Agriculture Commissioner Comer Aids Farmer Denied Payment for His Grain

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2012
For more information contact:
Ted Sloan
(502) 564-1138

James R. Comer
Commissioner of Agriculture
111 Corporate Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-0450
FAX: (502) 573-0046
www.kyagr.com
www.facebook.com/kentuckyag

Rowe is first to get relief from Grain Insurance Fund since 2005

FRANKFORT, Ky. —Agriculture Commissioner James Comer today issued a relief payment to a Waynesburg grain farmer who failed to get paid when he sold his grain to a company that filed bankruptcy.

Randy Rowe, who produces grain and raises cattle, received $15,078.40 in aid from the Grain Insurance Fund. He is the first farmer to receive relief from that $5 million fund in almost seven years.

“When we received word that Mr. Rowe had been hit with this loss, our inspectors approached him with a way to help relieve some of that financial injury,” said Commissioner Comer. “I am pleased that in my first few days on the job, this Department has been able to fulfill its promise to assist and
serve the farm community.”

The Grain Insurance Fund is administered through and regulated by the state Department of Agriculture. When the Department receives information that a farmer sold grain to a licensed facility and failed to receive payment, its inspectors audit the troubled facility’s books, approach the aggrieved farmer and request proof of loss from the farmer. Through the fund, the Department can then fulfill up to 80 percent of the claim. Grain farmers pay for this fund through assessments, but the fund has been capped for years, and many farmers are unaware of its existence.

“When I found out I could recover this loss, I was shocked,” Rowe said. “I am so grateful to the Department of Agriculture for seeking me out, and I am hopeful that other farmers can receive the same assistance in the future.”

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

IHSA Graduates to the Big Time

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
L.A. Pomeroy, PomeroyLA@aol.com, (413) 586-6121

From Sports Club Awards to the History Channel, IHSA Presence Felt Far and Wide

Fairfield, CT—January 24, 2012—While the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association readies for the 39th anniversary of its prestigious National Championships, May 3-6, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC, riders, coaches, and alum have already been busy earning their own well-deserved 15 minutes of fame.

2008 USEF/Cacchione Cup winner, James H. Fairclough II, is a real “Renaissance Man” as part of the 16-member cast of Full Metal Jousting, a one-hour series premiering Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 10 p.m. on the HISTORY Channel. The 10-part series features full-contact jousts with competitors going head-to-head on horseback in tests of strength, endurance and courage. High-speed cameras capture every blow as jousters, equipped in modern suits of steel weighing 80 pounds, with 11-foot-long, solid fir lances, charge and collide at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour. The last man standing wins $100,000 cash.

"I wanted to show everyone that show jumpers are just as tough as any other division," said the Drew University alum. "After a week of boot camp, we went into full-on combat. It was an amazing experience." Jousters’ backgrounds vary from an ex-Marine stunt man and polo player to a bull rider. Since his Cacchione Cup win, Fairclough has ridden Starquest, owned by Mary Chapot, to the 2011 Six-Year-Olds Circuit Championship, and co-rode Zealous to the 2011 WEF Circuit title for the Seven- and Eight-Year-Olds, and 2011 Horse of the Year for Seven- and Eight-Year-Olds.

University of Findlay pharmacy student and IHSA teammate, Lauren Eichstadt, was recognized in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd. Eichstadt, who hails from Greenville, PA, and is now midway through her junior year, won the 2011 Farnam All-Around Amateur title at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) world championships on her 10-year-old bay AQHA gelding, Its My Lucky Detail. The prize included a check for $15,000, trophy and equestrian supplies.

Deborah Rittereiser, coach of the Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) IHSA team known as The Pride, announced that, for the first time in its history, the Hofstra Equestrian Club was recognized as 2011 Sports Club of the Year during the Hofstra Student Leadership Awards presented annually since 1935. “It was so unbelievable. I have wonderful students and riders,” said Rittereiser. The club was honored for its leadership and commitment, success in recruitment and retention (nearly doubling membership in 2011), and qualifying two riders for IHSA Zone Finals.

Follow more IHSA accomplishments on its website, www.ihsainc.com <http://www.ihsainc.com> , and official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/Intercollegiate-Horse-Show-Association <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Intercollegiate-Horse-Show-Association> .

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Central Kentucky County Agents Host Annual Pastures Please! Workshop for Horse Owners

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Contact: Adam Probst, 859-873-4601
Holly Wiemers, 859-257-2226

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Jan. 24, 2012) -- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and UK College of Agriculture Equine Programs will host Pastures Please! for horse owners and farm managers interested in the latest information about horse pasture management. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Clark County extension office, 1400 Fortune Drive in Winchester. The meeting is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

"We are pleased to offer our upcoming 5th annual equine Pastures Please! program this year in Clark County. This has been one of the most popular pasture management programs the Extension Service and College of Agriculture hold each winter. Attendees will hear important management practices they can use to improve their horse pastures,” said Ray Smith, UK professor and forage extension specialist. “This year’s program will focus on practical advice on pasture weed control, reducing parasite loads and when to fertilize horse pastures in Kentucky."

Attendees will also receive an update about the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.

“This program provides something for every horse owner. The planning committee each year aims to deliver timely and practical information,” said Adam Probst, Woodford County agricultural and natural resources extension agent and one of the event’s key organizers, along with fellow agents from Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Jefferson, Jessamine and Scott counties.

“With the current economic situation in the horse industry, it is extremely important to find ways to improve the bottom line. This may include how to get the most out of your pastures. This seminar is sure to provide great tips for pasture management, weed control and horse management. The agents are to be commended for organizing such an informative program,” said Ed Squires, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and executive director of the UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation.

Those interested in attending should RSVP through their local county extension agent, the Clark County extension office at 859-744-4682 or UK at 859-257-2226.

Writer: Holly Wiemers

UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

MSU Ranch Horse Team Members Earn National Recognition

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Members of the MSU Ranch Horse Team will be recognized next month at the American Ranch Horse Association Awards banquet in Nashville.

This past year the team competed at shows in Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky against individuals from across the nation. The team competes in the amateur division of the American Ranch Horse Association. Despite the tough competition from competing outside the collegiate level, the team members earned numerous year-end awards. Top-placing team members included the following students and horses:

Jacob Schwarm was first in the nation in Ranch Sorting, placed 12th in Ranch Cutting, and tied for 39th place in Working Cow Horse. Schwarm competes aboard his horse Pocos Pistol Two. “Peppy” is a 15 year old quarter horse gelding Schwarm regularly uses for ranch work outside the competition pen. Schwarm states, “I really enjoy participating on a team where we’re able to truly showcase the versatility of the American ranch horse.” Schwarm is a junior in Agribusiness from Kevil, Kentucky.

Laney Workman, a graduate student in the Hutson School of Agriculture from Zanesville, Ohio tied for 25th place in the Amateur Division overall, 11th place in horsemanship, 12th place in ranch riding, 15th place in ranch trail, and 27th place in ranch reining. Workman competes aboard the school stallion Papanita Fantasy, barn name “Punk”. Punk was bred, raised, and trained at Murray State University and is currently offered to a limited number of outside mares.

Abby Harper, a senior in Psychology from Hardin, Kentucky placed 5th in Timed Speed Events, a category that includes both barrel racing and pole bending. Harper competes on her quarter horse Bar None Hank.

Annalisa Bertsch placed 13th in the nation in Ranch Reining. Bertsch competes on Slide Me Sum Sugar, a three year old quarter horse stallion owned by Piney River Cattle Company. Bertsch is a senior in Equine Science from Oregon, Illinois.

Dylan Crain, a junior in Animal Science from Dover, Tennessee, placed 66th in Ranch Reining on his horse New Chex Clabber Girl. “Chexy” is a three year quarter horse mare owned and trained by Crain.

Other team members include Ashleigh Kelly, a sophomore in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Nashville, Tennessee; Dana Kielar, a graduate student in The Hutson School of Agriculture from Bartlett, Illinois; Sam Bucy, a senior in Equine Science from Kirksey, Kentucky; and Meagan McClain, a sophomore in Agriculture from Calvert City, Kentucky.

The team is coached by Daniel Pugh, MSU Equine Barn Manager. Pugh states “I’m very proud of our students and have enjoyed watching them improve themselves and their horses over these past two years. More so, I’m just proud to be a part of such a fun team. We’re all looking forward to learning, working, and competing this next year.”

The team competes within The American Ranch Horse Association. According to their web site, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes well broke, reliable, working horses. Members compete in several classes, ranging from cattle work classes where members are required to direct cattle through a prescribed set of maneuvers; to ranch trail class, where members are required to complete a variety of obstacles that assimilate real obstacles that a working stock horse might encounter as part of a day’s work on a ranch.

CONTACTS

Dr. Alyx Shultz, Assistant Professor in Animal Science, Murray State University, 270-809-6925, ashultz@murraystate.edu

Daniel Pugh, Equine Barn Manager, Ranch Horse Team Coach, Murray State University, 270-809-7027, dpugh2@murraystate.edu

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Tennessee Walking Horses Impress In Poland

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Tennessee Walking Horses proved to be a crowd favorite at Cavaliada, a prestigious equine fair, show and sporting competition held in Poznan, Poland. The event boasted approximately 25,000 visitors over four days, December 8 - 11, 2011. The Tennessee Walking Horse booth, which featured breed literature and videos, was in an ideal location and attracted numerous visitors.

The booth was manned by TWHBEA Owners/Exhibitors/International Vice President Stephen Brown, Polish TWHBEA members and breed enthusiasts. In addition to the booth, fair goers were treated to several Tennessee Walking Horse exhibitions. Horses were brought to the event by TWHBEA members and directors Danuta and Klaus Freiher of Poland and Russell Keyser and Denise Bader-Keyser of Germany.

The demonstrations took place at various locations throughout the fair with the horses being driven and ridden english and Western. An evening exhibition even included a gait comparison with other ‘Western’ breeds. Each performance garnered thunderous applause for our great breed. Overall Cavaliada was a huge debut success for the Tennessee Walking Horse. Special thanks to all who participated.

Contact:
Chris Coffey
TWHBEA Director of Marketing & Programs
www.twhbea.com
ccoffey@twhbea.com
931.359.0624

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Breyerfest British Invasion at KY Horse Park July 20-22

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

BREYERFEST^® BRITISH INVASION IS COMING!

JulY 20-22, 2012 -- Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY

Breyer’s Annual Model Horse Collector Festival and Horse Fair Celebrates Everything We Love About Horses and Cool Britannia!

Pequannock, NJ – Mark your calendars for BreyerFest British Invasion, Breyer Animal Creation’s 23^rd annual festival for horse lovers this July 20-22, 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. In honor of the London Olympics, this fun, family-friendly festival will celebrate everything we love about horses and Britain!

From Will and Kate to the 2012 London Olympics; tea, tweed and Tatler; the Beatles and the Rolling Stones; Harry Potter and everything in between, BreyerFest British Invasion will be a fun frolic for all ages!

BreyerFest draws more than 7,000 horse lovers each year to Lexington for the three-day festival. A limited edition collectible Breyer model is included in the ticket price with every model.

Activities on-site include Shakespeare, dog agility, exciting live horse demonstrations, a Trade Fair and Breyer Store, a pop-up Bit of British store, a Craft and Activity Center with free crafts and face painting, contests, model horse displays and shows, meet and greets with our special equine guests, workshops and seminars. On Saturday evening, a Beatles Tribute band will rock the Alltech Arena!

This year, BreyerFest will feature favorite British breeds such as Dales and Fell Ponies, Hackneys, Cleveland Bays, Shires, and Gypsy Vanners! Special equine guests include some of the real horses that inspired the models! See the amazing transformation of Padré, once a wild mustang, into a halter horse capable of showing at Dressage at Devon! And watch the high-stepping American Saddlebred, CH Sprinkles, and 13-year-old Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes who has taken the show world by storm.

The BreyerFest British Invasion Celebration Horse is Moonlit Acres’ Mariah's Boon,an American Drum Horse. Each three-day ticket holder will receive a portrait model of Celebration Horse Mariah’s Boon. Boon will recreate the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s

Household Cavalry while Villa Vanner’s Taskin, demonstrates the magic of the Gypsy Vanner horse.

Audiences will also get a chance to see potential future Olympians because the FEI No. American Young Riders Championships will be hosted at the Horse Park during the same weekend. Watch top young riders aged 16-21 years from three countries competing in the Olympic disciplines to determine who the North American Champions will be in show jumping, three-day eventing, and dressage, as well as reining and endurance.

So mark your calendar, talk to your parents about their vacations and make your plans NOW to be in Kentucky for the biggest tea party of the year: BreyerFest British Invasion.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at www.BreyerHorses.com

About Breyer Animal Creations®

Breyer Animal Creations is a division of Reeves International (www.reevesintl.com), a family-owned, NJ-based toy manufacturer and distributor. Breyer, founded in 1950, celebrates the horse and other animals, dedicating itself to the creation of authentic and realistic model horses for play and collecting.

Breyer is one of America’s iconic toys and its ‘portrait’ models of horse heroes and animals like Secretariat, Black Beauty, The Black Stallion and Lassie have inspired children of all ages to love animals. Breyer’s partnerships with publishers like Scholastic and Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing and studios like Universal (Seabiscuit); DreamWorks (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Dreamer), and Touchstone Pictures (Hidalgo) have provided a platform to create new content and play forms for children inspiring a world of imagination and creativity.

Visit us at www.breyerhorses.comor call 800-413-3348 to learn more about the model horse hobby and Breyer Animal Creations.

High resolution photos available. Contact Kathleen Fallon.

Reeves International (Breyer Animal Creations)
Kathleen Fallon 973-349-1704; Cell:917-592-5185
kfallon@reevesintl.com

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

American Paint Horse Association Announces Appointment of New Executive Director

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release:

January 19, 2012

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Michelle Reichert, Public Relations Specialist
(817) 834-2742, Ext. 429
E-mail: mreichert@apha.com

After a three-month national search that reviewed more than 40 candidates, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has named longtime equine association executive Billy Smith as its new Executive Director to lead APHA into its second 50 years of operation.

APHA hired MJM Global Search from Colorado to conduct the nationwide search. MJM Global Search came highly recommended as an executive search firm with extensive experience in Equine Association leadership recruiting.

"Billy's direct, confident answers to the Search Committee and the Executive Committee proved to be the deciding factor for all of us," says APHA President Scot Jackson. “After listening to his deep experience with leading efficient operations, directing marketing, and improving member service, the Executive Committee voted unanimously to select him as our next Executive Director."

Smith, 50, spent the last 13 years with the American Quarter Horse Association in both marketing and information technology positions, ending as Executive Director of Information Technology. Prior to that, Smith was a journalism/advertising professor at West Texas A&M University and freelance writer for various news and corporate publications.

“The whole interview process was refreshing and opened my eyes to the possibilities for APHA’s future,” Smith said. "I'm inspired by the history of the Paint Horse breed and can't wait for a chance to help craft the Paint Horse story across the globe. I felt a kindness and warmth from the APHA Executive Committee that truly energized me.”

“I am excited to welcome such a consummate professional to APHA,” Jackson said. “Together we will continue to strive to make APHA a progressive and successful breed organization. I look forward to working with Billy, and putting his expertise in member services, marketing, communications and information technology to work for APHA.”

In his role as Executive Director of Information Technology, Smith redesigned the technology arm of the world’s largest breed registry by automating a paperless registration system and architecting a redesign of AQHA’s computing system. Prior to moving into information technology, Smith also initiated various marketing and database mining initiatives.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside some of the brightest minds in the horse industry,” said Smith. “And I know I’ll have the opportunity to work with similarly talented staff at APHA.”

Smith received a Doctor of Education degree from Texas Tech in 1999 along with a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business from the University of North Texas in 1984.
He will begin his duties at APHA in February.

About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members' experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Funny Cide "Hoof-o-graphed" Newest Kentucky Visitors Guide

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

‘There’s Only One’ Travel Campaign Kicks Off

Funny Cide ‘Hoof-o-graphs’ Kentucky’s Visitors Guide

Release Date:

Contact: Bob Adams

Jan. 20, 2012

502-564-4930

FRANKFORT, Ky. – It started not with a stroke of a pen, but with the stamping of a hoof.

The 2012 marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors and tourism dollars to Kentucky ceremonially started today when 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide “Hoof-o-graphed” the newest version of the Official Kentucky Visitors Guide. The campaign being conducted by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is called “There’s Only One,” and focuses on the one-of-a-kind attractions and travel opportunities that exist only in Kentucky.

“There are many reasons that the successful promotion of tourism, and therefore that this campaign, is important to our state,” said Marcheta Sparrow, secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “Tourism’s economic impact in Kentucky is $11.3 billion and supports some 170,000 Kentucky jobs. That is the bottom-line reason that we invest time, energy and resources in promoting Kentucky tourism.”

“The foundation of ‘There’s Only One’ is very simple and at the same time, extremely compelling,” said Commissioner Mike Cooper of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism. “Travelers are seeking memorable and authentic experiences that exist in only one place. Kentucky is blessed with many of those and they form the basis for our ‘There’s Only One’ campaign.”

The campaign kickoff took place at the Kentucky Horse Park, where Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide resides. Also in attendance was Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable, Funny Cide’s owners, as well as John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

The campaign will roll out during the course of the year on radio, TV, print and Web-based advertising. It also is being incorporated into all facets of the Department of Travel and Tourism, including the Official Visitors Guide, website, e-newsletters, social media, welcome centers and other communications efforts. Local tourism organizations throughout Kentucky are being encouraged to adopt the “There’s Only One” theme as well.

So far, 31 Kentucky attractions have been designated “There’s Only One,” with others to follow. A listing of those, as well as samples of the TV, radio and, print materials can be found by going to KentuckyTourism.com and clicking on the “There’s Only One” icon.

The 2012 Official Visitors Guide can be picked up at all welcome centers in the state, as well as local tourism offices, and can be viewed online at kentuckytourism.com.

###

The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of $11.3 billion, supports about 170,000 jobs and generates $1.2 billion in taxes.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

New Year Sees Birth of New Farrier Association

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Bryan Quinsey, Executive Director
(859) 533-1465
E-mail: AAPF@ProfessionalFarriers.com

The American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) was launched on January 1 by ten well-known US and Canadian farriers, most of whom have been involved in governance and policy making in other farrier organizations. They see an opportunity to stimulate interest in continuing professional development for farriers by giving credentials that must eventually be maintained by attending farrier education events.

The founding members and board of directors are:

President - Jeff Ridley APF CJF TE (Leighton, Iowa)
Vice President - Dave Farley APF CF (Coshocton, Ohio)
Treasurer - Ed Reardon APF CJF (Lone Jack, Missouri)
Directors:
- Roy Bloom APF CJF (Drummond, Wisconsin)
- Dave Dawson APF (Uxbridge, Ontario)
- Jennifer Horn APF CJF (Dafter, Michigan)
- Scott Lampert APF (Lake Elmo, Minnesota)
- Bob Pethick APF CJF (Califon, New Jersey)
- Steve Prescott APF CJF (Hardeeville, South Carolina)
- Doug Workman APF CJF (Cleveland, Georgia)

The mission statement on the association's by-laws states: The American Association of Professional Farriers will promote the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members through continuing education and support at the state, national and international levels while improving overall equine health through collaboration with other industry professionals.

The AAPF hired Bryan Quinsey, former executive director of the American Farrier's Association, to serve as its executive director. Most recently, Quinsey was a Customer Service and Marketing staff memberat Farrier Product Distribution (FPD) in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The association will be headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

Regular membership in the AAPF is open to any full-time or part-time farrier or veterinarian. Associate membership is open to all other interested individuals. Horse Owners are encouraged to join at no charge.

Additional information about the AAPF can be found on their website – www.ProfessionalFarriers.com

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

American Horse Council Explains Changes in Tax Benefits for Horse Owners

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Bridget Harrison
202-296-4031
bharrison@horsecouncil.org

Despite the acrimony and brinksmanship, Congress eventually passed an extension of the payroll tax reductions in late December maintaining the 2% reduction in payroll taxes for workers and the self-employed. The relief is good for two months through February, 2012. Negotiations are already underway between the House and Senate to find a way to extend payroll tax relief through 2012.

But the bill ultimately passed by Congress did not extend the Section 179 expense deduction or 100% bonus depreciation at the 2011 levels. Both provisions have returned to prior lower levels.

Section 179 Expense Deduction

The expense deduction has returned to $125,000 for 2012 and phases out dollar-for-dollar once purchases of depreciable property reach $500,000. The 179 expense deduction applies to horses, farm equipment and other depreciable property used in a business and permits a horse owner or breeder to write-off up to $125,000 in assets purchased and placed in service in one’s horse business in 2012.

The expense allowance for 2010-2011 was $500,000 and phased out after purchases exceeded $2 million.

Bonus Depreciation

In addition, bonus depreciation has returned to 50% for 2012. Bonus depreciation allows horse owners and other horse businesses to write off 50% of the cost of “new” capital assets, including horses, when purchased and placed in service in 2012. To be eligible for bonus depreciation the original use of the property must commence with the taxpayer. Any prior use makes the property ineligible.

Bonus depreciation was 100% for eligible assets purchased and placed in service from September 8, 2010 through 2011.

Both provisions can be used together.

Retroactive Change is Possible

“It is possible that the higher levels could be reinstated retroactively to January 1, 2012. In fact, the House-passed payroll-tax bill extended 100% bonus depreciation through 2012, even though the Senate bill did not,” said AHC president Jay Hickey. “The negotiations between now and the end of February on the one-year extension of the payroll tax reduction could include other changes to the tax code, such as the expense deduction or bonus depreciation. But this is speculation at this point.”

Link to full article on AHC website <http://www.horsecouncil.org/press-release/american-horse-council-explains-changes-tax-benefits-horse-owners>

Find us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Horse-Council/76589595558>

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

American Horse Council Helps YOU to connect with Congress

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Bridget Harrison
202-296-4031
bharrison@horsecouncil.org

Despite the low approval ratings for Congress, Americans are still interested in what Congress is doing. Why? Because what Congress does - or does not do - impacts the horse industry. This is true regardless of your breed or discipline, whether you are an individual owner, run a track or show, own a horse business, work in the industry as a service provider or ride for recreation.

It is important that we build relationships with our elected leaders in Washington and that they understand and appreciate the $102 billion horse industry’s contribution to the economic, sporting and recreational sectors of the U.S. and their states. 2012 is a terrific opportunity to do this because it is an election year and so many members of Congress and new candidates are running for federal office and they want to meet you.

One of the best ways to build a relationship is to simply invite a member of Congress to your farm or ranch or to an equestrian event back in the district or state. Invite other horse people so there is a built-in crowd of voters. A personal experience with the horse community makes an impression.

All across the country there are farms and ranches getting ready for the breeding season, a great time to showcase the industry. There are horse shows, large and small, races, rodeos, organized and disorganized trail rides, horse sales, etc. Each of these events is an opportunity to build a relationship with a member of Congress or a candidate and to help them understand the horse industry a little bit better. Remember that going to a horse farm or event is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. Having voters there makes it even more pleasant for those running for Congress.

Building relationships with members of Congress is more important now than ever. There are many issues before Congress such as taxes, federal spending, immigration reform and racing legislation, trails legislation and disease programs that could all have profound implications for the horse industry. Only by having personal exchanges with their constituents, who are involved with the horse industry, will members of Congress fully appreciate how these issues impact the industry.

If you would like to invite a member of Congress to your facility or your organization has an upcoming event you think would be appropriate for your Senator or Representative to attend, please contact the AHC. The AHC will help you invite them and provide any guidance you might need. You can call or email the AHC at (202) 296-4031 or AHC@horsecouncil.org for help. Ask for our brochure, Getting Involved in the 2012 Elections, which will give you some pointers.

Please get involved. You will be helping yourself and your industry. And remember that while Congress’ approval rating as a whole is very low, polls still show that most people feel their Senator or Representative is doing a good job so you might even enjoy the visit. They will.

Link to full article on AHC website <http://www.horsecouncil.org/press-release/american-horse-council-helps-you-connect-congress>

Find us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Horse-Council/76589595558>

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Practical Horsemanto Present “Evaluating Horse Conformation for Potential Ability” Free Webinar with John Madden

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release
January 20, 2012

Contact:
Kate Light
Content Manager
klight@aimmedia.com
301-977-3900 x 129

Gaithersburg, MD – Practical Horseman magazine will host “Evaluating Horse Conformation for Potential Ability,” a free webinar with show-jumping trainer John Madden on Feb. 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Sign up for the webinar at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/559637206.

The webinar will focus on assessing horses by body type to determine which animals are built to succeed as sporthorses. Madden will also examine performance-limiting conformation traits and review horses that are exceptions to the rules. “Evaluating Horse Conformation for Potential Ability” will last approximately one hour and will include a Q&A segment at the end of the presentation.

“Practical Horseman has always been proud to provide expert training how-to for English riders, and this webinar is a great opportunity to expand that mission,” said Editor Sandra Oliynyk. “John Madden is renowned for his knowledge and expertise of sporthorse conformation—and for speaking his mind—so the webinar will be thought-provoking, educational and fun.”

Madden has extensive experience with sporthorses competing at the top level. He has trained riders at four Olympic games, multiple World Cup finals and World Equestrian Games. John is based at John Madden Sales, Inc. in Cazenovia, New York, with his wife, Olympian Beezie Madden.

To register for the webinar, please go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/559637206.

###

The Equine Network is owned by Active Interest Media, Inc (AIM). AIM is a leading publisher of enthusiast magazines, consumer shows, books and Internet sites. AIM was formed by Wind Point Partners, a private equity investment firm with office in Chicago, Ill., and Southfield, Mich., in partnership with CEO Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, in October 2003. The AIM Equine Network includes the print magazine titles American Cowboy, EQUUS, Horse&Rider, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Discover Horses, EquiManagement, USHJA In Stride, Spin to Win Rodeo, Horse Journal and The Trail Rider and the websites Equine.com, Discoverhorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com, MyHorse.com, USRider.org and EquiSearch.com.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Paul Saylor Issues Challenge to Benefit Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Diana Pikulski
(518) 226-0028
diana@trfinc.org

Saratoga Springs, NY (January 24, 2012) -- Thoroughbred owner and breeder Paul Saylor has issued a matching gift challenge to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. From now through February 29, Saylor will match any gift, of any size, to the “Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Saylor Challenge”, up to $50,000.00 in total. The funds will be used specifically to support the daily needs of more than 1,000 former racehorses currently under the TRF’s care. Donors may specify that their gifts be earmarked for “Olivia’s Herd” which represents the organization’s horses that are most in need of special care or feeding because of age or other physical condition.

“I am issuing this challenge to motivate people in the racing industry and Thoroughbred lovers to donate to the TRF,” said Saylor. “Thoroughbred racing as a business needs to show that caring for retired racehorses is a priority. I am pleased to be doing this work through the TRF, which I have found to be under sound management and on reasonable financial footing given the difficulties that most charities are experiencing raising money in these times.”

This announcement coincides with the upcoming launch of a web page dedicated to the horses which are a part of “Olivia’s Herd”. “Olivia’s Herd” was created in memory and honor of Olivia Saylor, who died January 1, 2011 in Charleston, SC. Olivia was very involved with her father and siblings in the Thoroughbred racing business. She is credited with naming Ashado, two time champion filly raced by the Saylor family in partnership with Starlight Stables. This partnership also campaigned Grade I winners Purge and Monba. Olivia with her siblings and father also owned and raced Grade I winner and champion Fleet Indian.

“We are immensely grateful to Paul for this generous demonstration of support and confidence in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation,” stated Diana Pikulski, TRF's Director of External Affairs. “Paul's actions bring needed funds and awareness for the important work of the TRF.”

Gifts can be made on line by going to Make a Gift at http://www.trfinc.org <http://www.trfinc.org/#utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oliviasherd> , or by mailing a check to TRF, P.O. Box 3387, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866 or by calling 518-226-0028.

About The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has provided compassionate care to retired racehorses for 30 years and proudly serves more than 1,000 Thoroughbreds at 29 farms around the nation. For more information, visit www.trfinc.org <http://www.trfinc.org/> .

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM