All posts by Associate Editor

Amendment to Restore Horse Slaughter Not Considered by Full House

Earlier today on the House floor, Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) offered an amendment to strike the prohibition on fee-for-service in the defund language.  This would have allowed for slaughterhouses to pay the USDA for part of their inspections and resume operation.  She claimed people should be able to pay for their own inspections and it wouldn’t cost taxpayers anything.  Of course, that isn’t true.  Individuals wouldn’t be paying for these inspections, the foreign owned plants would.  Furthermore, even a fee-for-service program costs federal tax dollars.  The slaughterhouses would only pay a small portion of the USDA inspector’s salary.  The taxpayer would pay most of their salary, benefits, training, etc…  As horse welfare champion Representative Jim Moran noted in his speech in opposition to the amendment on the floor, it would also pull critical inspectors away from our own food safety oversight. Fee-for-service is basically another taxpayer subsidy for corporations.

After debate on her amendment was concluded, Representative Lummis withdrew it from consideration and the House moved on to the next item on the agenda. We can be assured horse slaughter proponents are not going away on this issue.  Their arguments persist and have become very emotional therefore horse owners and those concerned about the welfare of America’s horses must continue to contact their legislators in support of a permanent ban on horse slaughter.

Thankfully, Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) and Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) were on the floor to talk about overwhelming support for the full ban.  AWI commends them for their continued leadership on this important issue.

To view this eAlert online, please visit: http://www.awionline.org/ht/display/ContentDetails/i/42301/pid/11187.

Sincerely,
Chris Heyde
Deputy Director, Government and Legal Affairs
Animal Welfare Institute
www.awionline.org

Motivation from Moshi 66, by Jane Savoie

I blew it. I mean I really blew it. I was trying to show off to the cute new mare in the barn, and I ended up tripping over my own feet and landing with a splat in the mud. I was so embarrassed I thought I’d light up the sky a bright red. Good thing I’m covered in black hair or there’d have been a rosy glow all over the gentle hills of Vermont. I wanted to shrink my bulk down to mouse size and disappear in one of Indy’s rabbit’s holes.

Don’t you just hate it when you make a public mistake? It’s bad enough when you make a mistake that only you know about. When everyone else witnesses your shame, it makes it really hard to let it go.

So, what do you do?

First, as I always say, you have to honestly feel your feelings. Don’t hold back. Resisting emotions just give them more power. FEEL them. Hold on to them as long as you can. You’ll be surprised how fast they dissipate.

Then, you can do one of two things. The most powerful is finding the humor in the situation, and laughing about it. If you can make your faux pas into a funny story, it will take so much of the sting out of it! Not everyone can do this, however, so if the humor in the situation can’t be found, you just have to forgive yourself. Recognize that you did the best you could, and move on. Remember, you can’t change the past, but you can change how you hold it in your mind. Let it go…

Continue reading Motivation from Moshi 66, by Jane Savoie

Giving Back

After the tragic fire on May 31 at True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA many in the Eventing community have joined together to support Boyd and Silva Martin, Lillian Heard, Caitlin Silliman, Ryan Wood and others affected by the tragedy.

A fire at the farm, owned by Phillip and Evie Dutton, destroyed the barn utilized by Martin and took the lives of six horses while injuring five others. Three people living in an apartment near the barn lost all their possessions. The Eventing community has rallied with support and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), organizers of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone, has already pledged a $1,500 donation.

In addition EEI will donate 5% of all sales of merchandise sold through the Kentucky Three-Day Event Shop at http://www.rk3de.org/shop/ until August 15, 2011. The Kentucky Three-Day Shop includes various Rolex Kentucky merchandise, from hats to jackets and everything in between.

© 2011 Equestrian Events, Inc.

Charlotte Jacobs Scores Winning Ribbons at HITS Saugerties

Charlotte Jacobs and Bring It On won the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championship at HITS Saugerties III. Photo By: James Parker/ Kathy Russell, The Book LLC.

East Aurora, NY – June 14, 2011 – Junior rider Charlotte Jacobs continued her winning ways this past weekend at HITS Saugerties during Week III of the prestigious event. After a very impressive showing at the Devon Horse Show, she scored victories in the Junior Hunters, the WIHS Equitation, and the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers with her talented string of horses.

In the hunter ring, Jacobs and her top mount Bring It On took home the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championship. The duo won two classes, including the handy, and also earned two second place ribbons and a third place ribbon to secure the division’s top prize. “Bring It On had a week off between Saugerties and Devon,” explained Jacobs. “I think that helped, he felt great and he went perfectly.”

Later in the jumper ring, Jacobs scored top ribbons with three of her mounts. She was aboard Karonda V Schl’hof CH to earn the winning prize in two of the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper classes, and later placed second with a double clear effort in the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic aboard Umberto. In the Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Jacobs scored a second place ribbon with Robin.

Continue reading Charlotte Jacobs Scores Winning Ribbons at HITS Saugerties

Sons of the Wind’s Pride of Portugal Lusitano Festival Raises over $5,800 for Breast Cancer Research

Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts hosted their annual "Pride of Portugal; the Lusitano joins the Ride for Life" Festival on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Merrimac, MA – June 15, 2011 – The Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts hosted its Pride of Portugal; The Lusitano Festival on Saturday, June 4, 2011. There was a field full of guests in attendance for the horse show, which showcased the beautiful Lusitano horses and highlighted the amazing Portuguese culture. This year, the event donated all proceeds to the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation for Breast Cancer. The event helped raise over $5,800 for the organization. Later this month during the PVDA “Ride for Life,” Sons of the Wind will demonstrate the quadrilles and athletic aires above the ground to the thousands in attendance for the worthwhile cause.

The event got underway 2 p.m. at the beautiful Sons of the Wind facility in Merrimac, Massachusetts. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy the Portuguese culture while watching the beautiful Lusitano horses perform. It began with a presentation of two horses from the Sons of the Wind Lusitano Breeding Program, which was followed by an exciting Couple Quadrille, where riders showcased their horses in beautiful costumes.

Next, Sons of the Wind Founder Vitor Silva entered the ring to showcase the art of long lining, where the horse performed the piaffe, passage, and pirouette. A beautiful Ladies’ Pas de Trois and an exciting working equitation demonstration followed, and then Silva and his son showcased the Lusitano’s versatility with a simulated bullfight.

Continue reading Sons of the Wind’s Pride of Portugal Lusitano Festival Raises over $5,800 for Breast Cancer Research

Neversaynever Sets 350 Yard World Record

The American Quarter Horse Journal, June 15, 2011 – The 4-year-old stallion Neversaynever has officially captured the 330 yard world record. The gray, owned by Tony Sedillo and Sherri Galvez, on February 27 raced to a time of :15.859 at Sunland Park, and the mark was approved by AQHA.

The time lowers Wcrseperateandcool’s record of :15.951 set 21 days earlier at the same track.

Neversaynever set the record in a starter allowance for horses 4 and up. He was trained by Tony Sedillo and ridden by Miguel Perez, and won the race by two lengths while earning a 124 speed index. There was a 28 mph tailwind during the race over a fast track.

The verification of the new record was pending when Vaughn Cook’s Ivory Riches raced to a 330-yard time of :15.922 on May 30 at Arapahoe Park, which appeared to be faster than Wcrseperateandcool’s time, but is slower than Neversaynever’s time.

Bred by MJ Farms, Neversaynever is out of the Thoroughbred mare Numbered Lady, by Polish Navy. He has won five of 12 lifetime starts and earned $63,862.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104

USEF Names List of Qualified Riders for USEF Youth Reining National Championship

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced the list of Youth Reining Riders who have qualified for the USEF Youth Reining National Championships to be held in conjunction with the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City on July 2, 2011. The USEF will award Youth National Championship titles in three age categories: 13 and under, 14-18, and 19-21 age divisions.  The Youth qualified for the USEF Championships by earning points in Qualifying Classes throughout the country in 2010-2011.

More information regarding this event, including the prize list is available here: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allreining/developingYR.aspx.

2011 USEF Youth Reining Championships Qualified Riders:

13 & Under
Stephen Timberlake
Rylee Justus
S. Alexandra Fuller
Olivia Hartman
Nick Taylor
Caroline Gute
Jordan Eddy

Continue reading USEF Names List of Qualified Riders for USEF Youth Reining National Championship

The Bromont International Driving: A Unique Opportunity in Canada

Chester Weber wins the 2010 Bromont International Driving. Photo Credit: Normand St-Jacques.

Bromont, Quebec, June 15, 2011 – The Bromont International Driving celebrates its 10th anniversary and invites you to join us!

On the picturesque setting of the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park in the Eastern Townships, the Bromont International Driving is getting ready for its 10th edition. The only FEI Combined Driving show in Canada, Bromont International Driving is proud to host some of the best drivers of the sports’ elite on one of the best sites in the country.

Last year’s 9th edition was particularly successful: the show allowed participating drivers a chance to qualify for the Kentucky World Games. Moreover, the International hosted a record 8 four-horse driving teams including talented American driver Chester Weber, an honor for the competition.

For its 10th edition, the Bromont International Driving is hoping to host even more driving teams. Amongst our officials this year, we are happy to count FEI Judge Marsoe Larose and returning course designer Gunnar Larsson, who was here in 2007.

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HSBC FEI Classics Leader King Heads for Luhmühlen

Mary King – leader of the HSBC Rankings - is all set for HSBC FEI Classics in Luhmühlen with Apache Sauce © Kit Houghton/FEI

Lausanne (SUI), 15 June 2011 – The unstoppable Mary King (GBR), who moved to the number one spot in the HSBC Rankings at the beginning of this month, indicated at the start of the year that the HSBC FEI Classics were going to be a major goal for 2011.

The 50-year-old’s plan is certainly going splendidly so far, and she now heads to the third of the five legs, Luhmühlen presented by E.ON Avacon (GER), with a strong 10-point lead in the HSBC FEI Classics series over Mark Todd (NZL), who does not have a ride at Germany’s premier event which starts tomorrow (16-19 June).

King, who has had a storming season so far with a third place at Badminton and a record one-two at Kentucky, rides the veteran Apache Sauce. He is a white-faced chestnut with great character and a definite “sense of humour”, but several of King’s CCI4* placings in the past few seasons, including seventh at Burghley last year, have been thanks to the 15-year-old gelding by Endoli.

King’s compatriots Piggy French and William Fox-Pitt both have a strong interest in earning more HSBC FEI Classics points. Fox-Pitt, the series champion in 2008 and 2010, rides the Argentine Thoroughbred Macchiato, his winning mount here in 2008, and French, runner-up at Badminton, brings the rising star Flying Machine to his first CCI4*.

Continue reading HSBC FEI Classics Leader King Heads for Luhmühlen

Draper Equine Advisory Board Member Michael Tokaruk Dominates Germantown Charity Horse Show Grand Prix

Grand Prix show jumper Michael Tokaruk, a Draper Equine Therapy Advisory Board member, dominated the Germantown Charity Horse Show Grand Prix, placing first, second and fifth in the class.

Germantown, TN (June 14, 2011) – Grand Prix show jumper Michael Tokaruk, a Draper Equine Therapy Advisory Board member, dominated the Grand Prix ring at the Germantown Charity Horse Show in Germantown, Tennessee. In the $25,000 Grand Prix, Tokaruk placed first on Roger Rabbit owned by Castle Point Farm LLC, second on his own horse Lord Byron and fifth on Gama Righter Z, owned by Peggy Jones of Germantown.

“This is the second time I have won the Germantown Charity Horse Show Grand Prix,” Tokaruk said. “The first time was on Lord Byron in 2005. Germantown has always been a fun event and a highlight on the local calendar.”

Tokaruk added that the excitement of the Germantown Grand Prix was topped off by unpredictable weather. “The weather was very hot all week and severe storms rolled through just in time for the jump-off to begin,” he said. “The rain started when I was on my second jump-off horse, Roger Rabbit, and really opened up for my last horse Lord Byron. We didn’t let it faze us, however, and the weather provided a very dramatic ending. The horses were all fantastic and I am thrilled to have a nice string of mounts to show in the grand prix right now.”

Continue reading Draper Equine Advisory Board Member Michael Tokaruk Dominates Germantown Charity Horse Show Grand Prix