It Takes A Horse Show To Raise A Child
March 1, 2024 Comments Off on It Takes A Horse Show To Raise A Child
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, that saying could never be truer than in the horse show community. Those who grew up playing hide and seek in barn alleyways and roaming the showgrounds with a band of friends fondly remember exactly what that feels like.
That experience is certainly unusual in today’s modern society. How many other places would a parent be willing to turn their kids loose for a few hours knowing they have the freedom to explore, but knowing they’ll also be safe?
From The Publisher – Judging By The Book
February 28, 2024 Comments Off on From The Publisher – Judging By The Book
The Beatles recorded their hit song, Can’t Buy Me Love, in early 1964. Written by Paul McCartney, this song was the next big hit for the band. McCartney said the song was about the fact that no matter how much money could buy, it “won’t buy me what I really want.” Hence the refrian, “‘Cause I don’t care too much for money, Money can’t buy me love.”
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Back in 2008, before a young Cody Parrish could even drive, he was on his way to the Redbud Spectacular with his mom, Candy Parrish of Parrish Quarter Horses in Pavo, Georgia. “Bret didn’t want me to drive the whole way to Oklahoma myself,” Candy explains, “so he had us stop at Masterson Farms and spend the night.” It was there in Somerville, Tennessee where Candy first saw KM Hot Number–who was born that night.
Continue reading …How To Properly Tie a Hackamore For Perfect Fit and Function
February 7, 2024 Comments Off on How To Properly Tie a Hackamore For Perfect Fit and Function
Whether using a hackamore as a training tool at home, or getting a young Western Pleasure horse ready for the show pen, having it tied correctly and adjusted to your horse will either make or break your success with this piece of tack.
Continue reading …Top Ten Things Judges Hate in Showmanship
January 31, 2024 Comments Off on Top Ten Things Judges Hate in Showmanship
When it comes to Showmanship, there are some horse and handler pairs that make the discipline look effortless. They are precise, efficient, correct, and have a special flair that sets them apart from the rest.
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There is seemingly no end to those surreal horse show experiences that are remembered for years, and referred to with laughter by those who hear about them. Horses that run away with exhibitors in classes, a horse and rider performing a beautiful pattern from the in-gate cone instead of the start cone, or getting all mixed up in a trail pattern are just a few of the bloopers many have experienced. While unintentional, they are great for bringing people together to share a laugh and for creating memories of a great show.
Continue reading …Cases Of West Nile Virus In Horses Are On The Rise
January 19, 2024 Comments Off on Cases Of West Nile Virus In Horses Are On The Rise
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been in this country for 24 years. This disease of birds is spread by mosquitoes and sometimes affects horses and humans as end-stage hosts. The virus entered the U.S. in 1999 with birds brought to the Bronx Zoo in New York. It is a common disease in Africa, west Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
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It’s one of the most anticipated Showmanship maneuvers to watch and the most stressful to per-form–the challenging pivot. The multi-tasking that is involved for exhibitors to execute this technical maneuver correctly can be overwhelming, and it’s equally as demanding for the horses that show in this class.
Continue reading …Opening Pathways To Exhibitor Access
January 15, 2024 Comments Off on Opening Pathways To Exhibitor Access
When Select Amateur Debby Brehm set out to write an AQHA rule change proposal that would allow herself and her Amateur daughter to share a single horse, she didn’t know it would take eight years of attempts to make it happen. This annual rule change proposal she brought forth for consideration year after year at the AQHA Convention affectionately became known as “Debby’s Rule.”
Continue reading …Anne Oldfather – A Passion for Excellence
January 13, 2024 Comments Off on Anne Oldfather – A Passion for Excellence
When Anne Oldfather of McKinney, Texas, stood in the show pen at the 2018 All American Quarter Horse Congress–listening to the numbers being called–she was thrilled just to be in the top ten. Then, as all the numbers but hers were called, she realized that she had won the Level 1 14-18 Showmanship championship with her beloved partner, One Exclusive Cookie aka “Cash”. Not only did they win over a talented group of over 150 other competitors, but they did it at their very first trip to the Congress.
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