2020 Tom Powers Triple Futurity Christmas Challenge
November 3, 2020 Comments Off on 2020 Tom Powers Triple Futurity Christmas Challenge
Click here to read the complete article 132 – November/December, 2020 By Delores Kuhlwein If you thought the Tom Powers Futurity was a vacation with horses before, hold on to your hats, folks. Before you even think about the horse show part, picture this: You can be part of history by attending one of the […]
Continue reading …It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Western Pleasure
November 1, 2020 Comments Off on It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Western Pleasure
First, be correct. When it comes to Western Pleasure, both top riders and judges look for trueness of gait and correct striding before thinking about hocks or speed. At the end of the day, a Western Pleasure horse should be just that- a pleasure to ride.
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While nine-year-old Darla Halbe was first dabbling in horses thanks to the help of her 4-H leader in Apple Valley, California, then 11-year-old Brian Lee, born into a family of horsemen in Ohio, was growing up in the barn aisles at horse shows. His father, Dean Lee, was well-known in Ohio for his success showing Halter horses and, by the time Darla got her first horse–a grade Quarter Horse named Maxine–Brian was more than comfortable in the saddle aboard his first horse, Angel.
Continue reading …Assistant Trainer Spotlight – Taylor Thayer
October 11, 2020 Comments Off on Assistant Trainer Spotlight – Taylor Thayer
It’s about 1,400 miles from Troy, Maine to Somerville, Tennessee; but, in all actuality, it’s a world away from the tiny midcoastal town to one of the premier Quarter Horse breeding and training farms in the country. Taylor Thayer’s journey from her hometown in Maine to Masterson Farms in the hills of Tennessee is a story of hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of good fortune.
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The horse show industry is just now returning to competition after a cascade of show cancellations up-ended the well-planned itineraries of trainers, owners and exhibitors in 2020. Approximately 40% of shows were cancelled or rescheduled this spring due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. As one show cancelled, exhibitors sought out other opportunities, only to see those new plans evaporate. The cancellation of the All American Quarter Horse Congress was a blow to the collective psyche not only of Quarter Horse folks but Paint and Appaloosa enthusiasts as well. However, there are many shows that are moving forward in the fall of 2020 with the hope of salvaging a productive show year. With several high-profile shows still scheduled to proceed, show management, trainers, and exhibitors are cautiously optimistic. Many of these surviving shows are anticipating greater than normal turnout as a result of the cancellations earlier in the year. Here is a rundown of what’s still to come in 2020.
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Coming across a news story about a trailer wreck evokes a horse owner’s worst nightmare. Even though accidents can happen for countless reasons, we would do anything to avoid this scenario from happening in our own lives.
Continue reading …It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Hunter Under Saddle
October 5, 2020 Comments Off on It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Hunter Under Saddle
The minute a Hunter Under Saddle horse trots down the center line, your eye should be drawn to a soft, elastic step that floats above the ground. You could set a beat to the sweeping stride that seems to cover a lot of ground, but in elegant, slow motion. The ideal Hunter Under Saddle horse moves effortlessly and appears to almost hover above the ground instead of touching it. But what makes up this elusive stride and how can you identify and develop these qualities in your own horse? We spoke with three leading trainers to gain perspective on how to identify, develop, and maintain correct strides for Hunter Under Saddle. Read on for an in-depth look at the all-important legs that create a winning Hunter Under Saddle performance.
Continue reading …Youth Profile – Isabella D’onofrio
October 3, 2020 Comments Off on Youth Profile – Isabella D’onofrio
It’s amazing how a horse can become the golden thread that intertwines generations of a family. Jennifer Griffith D’Onofrio grew up riding and competing with her horse, Teddy. The pair had a career highlight of taking third at the APHA World Show in 13 & Under Trail in 1988. A little over fifteen years ago, Jennifer placed her three-month-old daughter, Isabella, on his back. The connection was instant, igniting what would become a shared passion and family legacy of success in the show pen.
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Gone are the days of the horse that did ten different classes before lunchtime. Over the past decade, the trend has undoubtedly shifted towards even more specialization with riders often having multiple horses: a rail horse that specializes in movement, a pattern horse with athletic maneuvering skills, and perhaps even a fun horse for ranch-type classes.
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Here’s the story of a man named Bradshaw. Surrounded by four, very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, and teeth so white. E! said, “Let’s film a show.” He said, “Give it a whirl!”
Here’s the story of a man named Bradshaw. Breeding Quarter Horses on his farm. Once a quarterback for the Steelers. Now it’s family BBQs and grandchildren on his arm.
Kardashians, you’d better watch out. Here comes the Bradshaw Bunch!