Category Archives: Conferences

Equine Therapy: 2011 PATH Conference, by Claire Dorotik

Now that the North American Handicapped Riding Association is now PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), they will be having their first annual conference. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky, November 9-12, the conference blends educational lectures and expositions from a variety of equine therapy experts. Here is an excerpt from the PATH website:

“Targeted at the ever-growing group of professionals in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), the 2011 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Conference and Annual Meeting, sponsored by Purina, will feature an impressive array of educational sessions presented by industry experts. The Horse Expo and keynote luncheon have been perennial highlights. Attendees also enjoy the opportunities to catch up with old friends at various discussion forums and social receptions and network while visiting our growing exhibit hall. And not to be missed is the annual awards banquet designed to celebrate the innovation, hard work and spectacular accomplishments of the EAAT industry.”

For any person with even a mild interest in equine therapy, the conference is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about equine therapy, find equine therapy centers in the area, and network with other equine therapy professionals. Additionally, experts with years of experience in equine therapy will be giving demonstrations featuring many different techniques and modalities in equine therapy. This will enable those who are new to equine therapy to experience a visual description, while those who are experienced in the practice can learn about new developments in the field.

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Country Music Singer/Songwriter Templeton Thompson to Perform and Receive a WHINNY Award

August 15, 2011 – Nashville, TN – The Women’s Horse Industry Network has announced that well known singer songwriter, Templeton Thompson, has been awarded a WHINNY award. The WHINNY awards are given out to people in the country music industry with high visibility who help save horses and use their love of horses to promote the equine industry. Some of the winners include: Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Amy Nelson, Raelyn Nelson, Bonnie Gardner, Lacy J. Dalton and Mike and Martha Borchetta.

In addition to her love of music, Thompson has an intense passion for horses. Not only does she own and ride horses as often as she can, her love of horses shows up in the songs she sings & writes. Templeton’s mare Jane is a Breyer model & she and Templeton have performed at many horse events together across the country. “My horses are my inspiration, my healers & my teachers,” Templeton says.

Thompson may not be a household name to many but in the music industry she’s well known and well respected. She has written hits for many of country music’s top artists such as Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Sherrie’ Austin & Little Texas and her song “Settle Down Cinderella” is featured in the 20th Century Fox motion picture, Dr. Doolittle 3. She has released several albums on her own label & is now working on a new CD called “Icy Blue Heart.”

“We are really thrilled to give this WHINNY to Templeton. She’s got a very loyal following and her music about her love for horses reaches a worldwide audience. And, that definitely helps the equine industry overall,” states WHIN’s Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

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FEI and OIE to Host Joint Regional Conference on International Movement of Horses in South America

Lausanne (SUI), 15 August 2011 – The FEI and the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) will jointly host a conference in Guadalajara (MEX) on 24 October focusing on modernising international movement of horses in South America.

The conference will also allow participants to attend the 16th Pan American Games, which are taking place in Guadalajara on 14-30 October.

With the mandate to improve animal health and welfare worldwide, the OIE is recognised as the reference standard-setting international organisation by the World Trade Organisation.

The current use of OIE standards allows the safe movement of horses while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers.

This unique conference will bring together a variety of experts from the OIE, the FEI, representatives from the public sector including Veterinary Services and all relevant stakeholders from the private sector.

Key areas that will be discussed include best approaches to safely moving horses internationally, in particular to competitions in compliance with international standards. An overview of the issues within the region’s growing equine horse industry will also be given.

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WHIN’s 3rd Annual Business Networking Expo

Our 3rd Annual Business Networking Expo, the 1st Annual WHINNY awards and the Rhythm & Hooves Benefit is coming along nicely. Winners of the WHINNY awards include such well-known artists as Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Lacy J. Dalton and Templeton Thompson as well as music industry notables such as Mike and Martha Borchetta and Bonnie Garner. Donations are coming in for our silent auction which will benefit the Cloud Foundation, The Equestrian Aid Foundation and NetPosse.com. Sponsorships are now available and information may be obtained by calling 615-730-7833. The events will be televised on HRTV on a delayed basis to millions of viewers.

Exhibitors who have signed up so far include:

My Girlz Clothing Company
Lisa Wysocky – Author, Clinician (new book coming out soon!)
Sciencepure Nutraceuticals, Inc.
Mountain Feather Originals
Rebecca Cagle, BS, CAPLC – Professional Equestrian Life Coach and Equestrian Book Author
Equinature, LLC
Colleen Kelly – World-Renowned Clinician/Speaker
Randi Thompson – How To Market Your Horse Business
Equestrian Aid Foundation
American Association of Riding Schools, Inc.
E3A Equine Experiential Education Association
Easy Mile Log
Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc.
EQ Bookkeeping
Natural Solutions by Anke, LLC
Exclusive Equestrian Services
Equine Wellness Magazine

“We have some great exhibitors already signed up and since we are still two months away we expect our exhibit space to be sold out very soon. The events are really going to be fun for our attendees and we know from past experience that a lot of business will be done,” states WHIN Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

WHIN has more than 750 members in all areas of the horse industry and offers every kind of product and service you can imagine.

For additional information, please visit WOMEN’S HORSE INDUSTRY or call 615-730-7833.

FEI Marks 250 Years of Veterinary Profession at WEVA Congress 2011

Lausanne (SUI), 9 August 2011 – The FEI will be running a special session during the 2011 World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) Conference in Hyderabad, India on 2 November 2011 to mark World Veterinary Year.

2011 has been designated World Veterinary Year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first veterinary school in Lyons (FRA) and the birth of the modern veterinary profession.

The FEI session at the WEVA Conference will highlight the past and current contribution of the veterinary profession to equestrian sport with lectures by eminent speakers in a variety of clinical disciplines.

“FEI regulated competitions are the pinnacle of international equestrian sport,” WEVA President Dr Tim Greet (UK) said.

“We are delighted that the FEI has chosen the 2011 WEVA Conference to celebrate the very long partnership between equestrian sport and veterinary surgeons. The entire WEVA Conference promises to be a very exciting event, and offers our delegates a great opportunity to visit India as well.”

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WHIA Partners with Equine Resources International, LLC

Nashville, TN – July 14, 2011 – The Women’s Horse Industry Association is pleased to announce that a partnership has been formed between the WHIA and Equine Resources International, LLC.

Equine Resources International (ERI) is one of the premiere marketing communications companies servicing the equine industry. Formed by well-known entrepreneur, Lua Oas Southard, the company has had over the years an illustrious list of clients, including current clients Pfizer Animal Health and the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA). Southard has won numerous awards for her work including being named 2010/2011 Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW).

ERI will work on behalf of the WHIA to bring in sponsors for the groups upcoming charity benefit and awards program called “Rhythm & Hooves”. The event will be held in conjunction with the WHIA’s annual networking conference in Nashville October 6-8 at the Radisson Hotel Opryland. It will benefit several equine charities including the Cloud Foundation, The Equestrian Aid Foundation and NetPosse.com. Awards called the “Whinnys” will be given out to music industry professionals who have used their high visibility to promote saving horses and the equine industry in general.

“The WHIA is delighted to partner with Lua and her staff at ERI,” said Catherine Masters, Executive Director for the WHIA.  “Lua and ERI has been a supporting member of our group since it began and they understand our desire to promote the equine industry. Her expertise and connections will help us make this event something that will grow bigger and better each year.”

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Willie Nelson and Family Win WHINNY Awards

Nashville, TN – July 12, 2011 – It’s become not only a mission with a passion, but one that has members of the Nelson family standing up and doing whatever they can to stop the slaughter of horses.

Willie Nelson has been an advocate against the slaughter of wild horses for years and of the almost 70 horses he owns, 25-30 were rescued directly from slaughter. He believes it’s our job to protect them and makes it a point to support many of the groups that work in this area. His passion and advocacy
is being shared by his family.

His daughter Amy and granddaughter Raelyn have joined in the fight testifying against the slaughter of horses and are making it a point to work with the State of Tennessee’s legislative branch to keep the dialog about any laws concerning these issues open.

“Here’s another great example of someone with high visibility taking the time to support this cause and who brings along not only his family but thousands of fans around the world to join him. There’s a reason why people like Willie Nelson. The man shows his dedication to horses and doing the right thing every day of his life. Willie definitely walks the talk,” states WHIA Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

The Whinnys are an awards program set up by the Women’s Horse Industry Association. The awards will be given out on October 6 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Rhythm and Hooves benefit to save horses. The event will raise funds for three equine charities: The Cloud Foundation, The Equestrian Aid Foundation and NetPosse.com. The benefit will be a part of the WHIA’s Annual conference (October 6-8 at the Radisson Hotel Opryland) where women in the horse industry will gather to exchange information and business.

For additional information on the WHIA and its upcoming conference and benefit, please visit Women’s Horse Industry or call 615-730-7833.

Atlanta Summer Classic Highlights 2011

Thank you to all the exhibitors that made such a wonderful two weeks in Conyers this year.  We had two sold out shows, great weather and wonderful competition.

On Tuesday we offered two USHJA Clinics free of charge.

A Pony Model Clinic with Bibby Hill and a Water Clinic with Wilhelm Genn.  Thanks Bibby and Wilhelm for donation of their time, I know the exhibitors and trainers alike enjoyed the clinic.

Thursday after the show, Practical Horseman sponsored a “Just Ask the Judges” clinic with Betty Oare, Scott Fitton and Barry Lobel.  It was a great experience with good questions.  I am sure Classic Co will pair with Practical Horseman again for another “Just Ask” clinic.

Friday the show offered the Atlanta Cup Equitation Challenge.  The class was won by Taylor Adams. This class was open to Jr Hunters.

Friday also offered the USHJA National Hunter Classic; this week was won by Julie Curtin aboard Vince, owned by Greg Burrow.

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American Horse Publications Awards Excellence in Equine Publishing Media

June 18, 2011 – San Diego, CA, welcomed American Horse Publications members to “America’s Finest City” and AHP recognized their “finest” in equine publishing media during the AHP “Hoofprints in the Sand” Seminar. The three-day conference held June 16-18 was jam-packed with educational sessions and activities, but on Saturday evening, the winners in the AHP Annual Awards Competition took center stage.

Sixty-nine American Horse Publications members were named finalists in the 2011 AHP Annual Awards Contest for material published in and dated 2010. Participation in this year’s contest represented a record-breaking 118 AHP members and 839 entries, an increase of 57 over last year. Held since 1974, the AHP Annual Awards Contest provides members with an opportunity to be recognized for excellence in equine publishing as well as professional critiques for improvement.

Always an anticipated event, the awards presentations were held Saturday, June 18, 2011, during the AHP “Hoofprints in the Sand” Seminar in San Diego. The evening began with a reception co-sponsored by Dover Saddlery and Branch Smith Printing and was followed by the Awards Banquet sponsored by Publishers Press. Breyer Animal Creations sponsored the centerpieces, and one lucky attendee at each table took a Breyer “Under the Sea” model horse home. This year’s beach-themed banquet was enhanced by elegant scenic décor produced and sponsored by Red Pony Productions, LLC and If Your Horse Could Talk.

The coveted General Excellence Award is presented to publications who fulfill their statement of purpose and show excellence in editorial content and design. Honorable mention is presented in classes with over five entries. General Excellence in the Tabloid/Newspaper category went to Quarter Horse News, a biweekly tabloid covering the cutting, reining and reined cow horse industries published by Cowboy Publishing Group. Thoroughbred Times, a national newsweekly magazine of Thoroughbred racing, claimed honorable mention.

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Australasian Endurance Forum Attracts Multi-National Attendance

Lausanne (SUI), 8 June 2011 – Over 150 delegates representing nine different nationalities are attending the Australasian FEI Endurance Conference and Forum, which began in Brisbane (AUS) today.

Delegates from Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UAE and the USA are taking part in three days of lectures and discussion sessions across a wide range of topics relating to international Endurance.

This is the first time the world forum has been held outside Europe and guest speakers have travelled from Canada, America, the UAE, Malaysia and Switzerland, and from across Australia.

The members of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee who are in attendance will also meet during the Forum and attend the Australian Endurance Festival taking place this weekend featuring FEI competitions at 1*, 2* and 3* level.

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