What’s New With The Horse Protection Act
The Horse Protection Act (“HPA”) is a federal law passed in 1970 to combat the inhumane practice of “soring” that generally refers to intentionally causing pain to a horse’s feet and/or legs to exaggerate its gait for competitive advantage. While historically associated with gaited breeds like Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses, the HPA applies broadly to all horses, regardless of breed or discipline. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which enforces the Act, has reaffirmed this point repeatedly.
The 2025 competitive season is well upon us. Travel can be like any of the other experiences in life–one that is positive and rewarding or one that produces health-threatening stressors and fatigue, and it often depends on the choices we make.
Continue reading …Equine Sedation: A Guide For Horse Owners
October 5, 2025 Comments Off on Equine Sedation: A Guide For Horse Owners
It’s not uncommon for horse owners to feel anxious about the use of sedatives in their pets, but the truth is that sedatives are commonly used, safe, and often easy to administer. In many cases, they aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Horses are powerful animals, and their size and fight-or-flight instincts can make for dangerous situations for themselves and those around them. There are also parts of a horse that aren’t physically visible or accessible to a veterinarian–such as their teeth–unless the horse is sedated and relaxed.
Continue reading …AQHA World Show Halter Eligibility Changes
October 3, 2025 Comments Off on AQHA World Show Halter Eligibility Changes
AQHA looks at a combination of World titles and points earned to determine level eligibility at World Shows. However, Halter–with its numerous classes for age and sex divisions–presented a challenge. Exhibitors could quickly “point out” of a level and find themselves only eligible to compete in Level 3 at the World Show.
Continue reading …WI Quarter Horse Partners Acquire Rising Star Mare “Forever In Always” (Peppermint) from Liz Baker
October 1, 2025 Comments Off on WI Quarter Horse Partners Acquire Rising Star Mare “Forever In Always” (Peppermint) from Liz Baker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WI Quarter Horse Partners Acquire Rising Star Mare “Forever In Always” (Peppermint) from Liz Baker WI Quarter Horse Partners, a newly formed collaboration between Williamson Quarter Horses (Dee and Laura Williamson) and Ironwood Farms (Jamie Busic and Amanda Boros), proudly announces the acquisition of the young, world-class mare Forever In Always (Peppermint) from renowned […]
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You, of course, take care of your horse’s daily needs including the feeding, grooming, training, and exercising. However, it is your veterinarian that handles the ailments, injuries, and any disease that may infect the horse. This, quite likely, makes your vet the second most important person in your horse’s life in terms of health and welfare.
Continue reading …Congratulations to Tim and Amanda Smith on the Purchase of 2YO Stallion KASH MONEY
September 29, 2025 Comments Off on Congratulations to Tim and Amanda Smith on the Purchase of 2YO Stallion KASH MONEY
By Delores Kuhlwein The moment I saw you, my heart whispered, ‘that’s the one.’– Unknown. Every horse person dreams of that moment of knowing they’ve found just the right one. That particular instance, when it happened between prominent exhibitor Amanda Smith and Two-Year-Old AQHA stallion KASH MONEY, couldn’t have been more poignant. “Historically, my husband, […]
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“Children do what they live. Then they grow up to live what they’ve learned,” once penned writer Dorothy Nolte. And learning–correctly–is what started four young ladies on a path to the horse show arena. Approximately three years ago, Sherri Johnson McDonald asked Shyanne Smith to teach her grandchildren the proper way to lead, groom, and ride a horse.
Continue reading …First-Ever Maiden Halter Stakes Comes To The Quarter Horse Congress With A $30,000 Payday
September 27, 2025 Comments Off on First-Ever Maiden Halter Stakes Comes To The Quarter Horse Congress With A $30,000 Payday
Maiden stakes classes are nothing new. Over the past decade, they’ve been popping up just about everywhere–in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and even Ranch Riding. The idea of “maiden” being that it’s the first time a horse has competed in the show pen.
Continue reading …Anneene Keen Miller nominated to Northwest Classen Hall Of Fame
September 26, 2025 Comments Off on Anneene Keen Miller nominated to Northwest Classen Hall Of Fame
“There have been about 18,000 graduates from our High School and about 5 people are nominated to the Hall Of Fame each year. Vince Gill is a 1975 graduate, and most inductees are scientists, doctors, governors, etc… People that have done something significant in their lives, so it is odd that I am receiving it […]
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