MHAO Stable Sheet

April & May 2026

Get the most out of this newsletter -

For those viewing this newsletter for the first time, links to websites or documents for more information are shown in blue and underlined throughout this newsletter. So are email address links if you choose to use them.

From Your Board Of Directors

Kathy Christensen, MHAO President

Board Meetings are open to all members if you would like to attend. Most of them are via a conference call. If you would like to attend a Board meeting, please contact Kathy Christensen at mikekak33@gmail.com.

Here is our schedule:

April 18, 2026 - close of the MHAO Stallion Service Auction

April 25-26, 2026 - MHAO Booth at the Oregon AgFest Festival

May 1, 2026 - Deadline for the 2026 Humanitarian Award

May 15, 2026 - Deadline for applications for the 2026 MHAO Alex Mooney Scholarship

May 20, 2026 - MHAO Board Meeting via conference call

June 1, 2026 - Close date for show & futurity class entries, and for advertising in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet

June 17-20, 2026 - The Oregon Morgan Classic in Eugene OR

ATTENTION!!

The publication date for the Stable Sheet has changed from the 10th of each month to the 15th. We are late for April due to all the work on the Stallion Service Auction. April and May are combined. The size of the Stable Sheet will be compressed for a time. We are looking for a new Editor. Please let Gay Adams know if you are willing to step forward.

Calling all members who offer a service or product in any industry

Do you have a business card? You can put it in the monthly Stable Sheet newsletter for just $10 per year. Let MHAO members know what you do, and give them an easy way to contact you! All ad sizes are welcome and available at very reasonable rates.

10% discount for multiple publication of sized ads.

Ads in the Stable Sheet help offset the cost of the Constant Contact program. Your help would be much appreciated.

Questions, contact: Gay Adams

Email or text your card or ad to:

(503) 936-4276

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Advertising Rates

Full Page - $25

Half Page - $15

Quarter Page - $10

Business Card for all year $10

Classified Ads are FREE



The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon needs your membership. We need your voice and your ideas. We represent the Morgan community in our State. Over the last decade, many Morgan clubs have disappeared. We are one of only two that are left in the US portion of our Western Region. That is scary. It is just the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon (MHAO) and the Morgan Horse Club of Washington State (MHCWS). Both organizations are doing all they can to support one another.

Clubs are the hub of the Morgan community and responsible for organized promotion of our breed. Without clubs, our wonderful breed is at risk of disappearing in our area. Clubs work to make the Morgan horse visible in our market, and to offer education and services that their members are interested in. But a club cannot survive without members. Below is a list of what MHAO offers you.

Click here to download a Membership Form

Or you can now apply for membership on our website:

https://www.morganhorseoregon.com/membership.html

Latest list of members as of April 16, 2026.

Help us support you and our wonderful breed.

Join MHAO!

Individual Membership

$30

1 vote

Family Membership

$35

2 votes

Do you have something for sale? I'm sure you do! People are always looking for something or have something they would like to sell. From horses to tack to property, vehicles, trailers, training, lessons, stallions standing, trails to ride on, other services or products. Put your classified ad in the Stable Sheet. Members can sell anything here. Also post it on the MHAO Facebook page between the 1st and 5th of each month.

YOUR CLASSIFIED LISTING IS FREE!!

I'll even include pictures. Larger ads can be put into the main part of the Stable Sheet newsletter for a modest fee. Do you put on events or clinics? Summer Camps? Let us help you get the word out.

Do You Give Lessons?

This is something we get questions about. We are not currently very good at knowing or promoting those with lesson programs. We would like to be able to refer people to places where Morgan horses are included in the program. Give us the opportunity to refer people to you.

I have created a separate section of this newsletter for classified ads. Join me as I endeavor to make it the "go to" place to share with those looking for horses or horse related items in this area. If you give lessons or sell something on an ongoing basis, why not put it here and on our website? Your listing is free!

Another idea, put your business card in the Stable Sheet! It only costs you $10 per year, and it helps us cover the cost of producing this newsletter. We need your support.

Once you no longer need the classified ad, be sure to let me know.

Click here to see last month's list.

Ads will be updated next month.

Send your ad to Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Did you sell your item of horse? Be sure to let me know.

Let's talk about the AMHA Youth of the Year Program and why you should participate!

Youth had the opportunity to WIN $7,600 in scholarship money in 2025. The Grand Nationals Winner took home a prize package valued at $8,500 and the reserve winner $4,000!

Why should you compete in a Youth of the Year Contest?

-Increase your knowledge
-Meet other Morgan loving friends

-Any age AMHA Youth member can participate

-Get Rewarded for your horsemanship knowledge and skills

-Not a member of AMHA? Join MHAO and complete the Figure Merit Badge. 
Click here for more information.

Youth of The Year Information

Click here for more information and the MHAO Study Guide

Get ready for the Youth Of The Year Contest

at the Oregon Morgan Classic!

In the year ahead, plans are being made to increase our Youth activities and to add young members and families to our club. If you can help or have any ideas on things you think we should be doing, please contact Kathy Christensen at mike-kak@Q.com.

We thank all those who are donating funds for this program.

We miss you Alex!

The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon (MHAO) Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship is established to promote the values of learning, sharing, leading, volunteering and good sportsmanship inside and out of the arena. We do this by awarding an annual scholarship to MHAO members of any age in any discipline or career for college, trade or continuing education type classes. We want to support the expansion of knowledge, skills, or leadership ability for any of our members. Our goal is also to attract new youth to MHAO youth programs and activities and thus increase our club membership.  

Click here to download the application form

More information about the program and the qualifications is available on our website, click here.

For questions or assistance, contact Sara Breyman

(503) 930-8421, tripledjb@aol.com

This year's recipient will be announced at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show.

The OMC Premium Booklet is Out!

Click here to go to Pacific Northwest Morgan Horse Shows

You can also enter the show online at HorseShowsOnline.com

from April 18 to June 20.

Schedule Changes:

Class 69-Morgan English Pleasure Junior/Novice Horse is moving from Thursday afternoon to the last class on Thursday evening behind class 104

The following classes are being added:

Class 14.1 -ASB Training Walk/Trot/Canter Snaffle Bit will be on Thursday in the morning session after class 41

Class 159.1 -ASB Training Walk/Trot/Canter Snaffle Bit Championship will be Friday in the evening session after class 159

Questions: Contact Karen Breckenridge, (503) 580-4716, wylieriley@aol.com

Watch the Oregon Morgan Classic Facebook page for more updates!

Or search for the Oregon Morgan Classic Sponsored by MHAO

​This year we celebrate the show's 25th year! In celebration, we are adding even more fun events. Don't miss it! This is a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful breed, and have great fun with all the members of our Morgan & Saddlebred Community. Some open classes are available, too. The show also has Academy, Opportunity, and Miscellaneous fun classes.

$$$$$ Incentive Bonus

Don't forget, this show offers two drawings totaling $500 as an incentive to our owners and professionals for attending our show ($250 each). The drawings happen before the evening session on Saturday, and you need to be present to win. We want you to know how much we appreciate your attendance at our show.  

USEF Approved "A" Rated Show

Our Judges for 2026:

Center Ring – Manya Smalley

Dressage – Carolyn Lindholm (R)

Western Working – Karla Moffitt

Classes for the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity are held at this show. 

Click here for more information on the Futurity.

​

Points earned toward the MHAO High Point Program count double at OMC

Click here for more information about MHAO High Point

OMC High Point & Special Awards offered at this show:

High Score Dressage

High Score Western Dressage

High Point Colorful Morgan (click here for more information)

High Point Morgan Walk-Trot

High Point Morgan Jr. Exhibitor, 13 and under

High Point Morgan Jr. Exhibitor, 14-17

High Point Morgan Versatility (sign up in the office required)

High Point Western Working

High Point Carriage Driving

​Judge's Choice Award

Exhibitor Hotel this year is

LaQuinta Inn and Suites.

3480 Hutton Street,

Springfield OR.

Call the Hotel directly at 541-746-8471



Request the Oregon Morgan Classic Exhibitors Group Block.

Make your reservation before May 17th when any remaining rooms will be released back to the hotel.

Our block of rooms is offered at the same rate as last year ($189/a night)

Make your 2026 Hotel Reservations Early

UofO graduation is about the same time as our show.

​Rooms become scarce and expensive.

​

See you there!

​For questions or assistance, contact

Karen Breckenridge, Show Chair - (503) 580-4716

wylieriley@aol.com

Our thanks to the Nancy Falk Trust

Nancy Falk was a long time owner and breeder of Morgan horses in the Northwest. She had a special place in her heart for colorful Morgan horses and for young people involved with the breed. She was struggling with ill health, so she made an estate plan and created a trust that would take care of her horses upon her passing. And it did. Over time, the remaining funds in her trust were no longer needed for her horses. In 2017, the administrators of her trust donated $15,000 from the trust to MHAO in support of two things: a special monitary award for the highest scoring colorful Morgan horse at the Oregon Morgan Classic, and funds to be used in support of the Youth of the Year competition at the show. Our thanks for this donation goes out to the trust administrators, Robbie Falk and Kathy DeFazio; and to Nancy Falk who is missed by all who knew her.   

Click here to learn more about the Youth Of The Year Competition at the show.

The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon is once again holding the ever-popular Silent Auction at the Oregon Morgan Classic horse show held June 17th to June 20th in Eugene, OR. We are asking for donations of new and VERY GENTLY used items to be included in this years auction. We would gladly accept any gift cards, “interactive experiences”, farm tours, lessons with a favorite trainer etc. as well. We do ask that if you are donating any clothing or tack, that it be in good useable condition and clean. A portion of the proceeds of the silent auction go towards our youth scholarship and programs.



If you have items you would like to donate, please contact

Kathy Christensen at 805-279-8179 or

Erin Silver at 971-600-8933

We so appreciate the support of all of you. Sponsors are so important to all of our shows. To become a sponsor for this, our 25th year, please reach out to Karen Breckenridge, wylieriley@aol.com. For questions or assistance, she can be reached at (503) 580-4716.

Patron Sponsorships

Click here to download the Patron Sponsorship Form

contact Karen Breckenridge, wylieriley@aol.com

Can you help us find Corporate Sponsors?

Corporate Sponsorships

Do you know a local business that might sponsor our show? Help us find them.

Click here to download the information on Commercial Packages

Click here to download a Corporate Sponsorship Signature Form

These forms are also available on our website.

Custom packages are also available.

For assistance and questions, contact Sarah DeFazio, defazios@gmail.com

MHAO Stallion Service Auction

Astronomicallee, ATMF Katmandu, Caffeinated, Clayhill's Creed, DBA Street Talk, Faragamo GCH, Ingate's Eye Of The Tiger, MSV Shooting Star, Promise's Legacy, Ragime Oro Blanco, RMW Free Rein, Roberto Cavalli, RWF Noble Peace, Sarde's Shinning, Sarde's Shock Wave, Serene Acres Starpower, Stand In Tribute, Stolen Illusion, TG Double D Strider, The Thrill Of It All, LBR, Treble's Busy Signal, Trickling Stream My Dream, Triple Pines Brooks, GCH, Wintergreen Beaufort

We still have some wonderful stallions available for a short period of time. Click on the stallion's name for more information about him.

Contact Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net.

www.mhaostallionserviceauction.com

Our thanks to the donors of Other Items this year. All of these items sold:

Other Items: Full page color or black and white ad in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet. Stall at the Oregon Morgan Classic. Full page black & white ad in The Morgan Horse magazine. Stall at either the Key Classic or C-Fair Charity Show. Paperback set of the Morgan Stories Collection by Anthony Steven Pierce. Print of a recent piece of art work by Barbara Thompson. 4 hours at Blackburn Farrier & Training in Banks OR. Includes cross training in riding, driving, and working with horses. Must be used before the end of the 2026 show season. James Walls Triumvirate - 3 prints, Howard Schatzberg High Resolution Digital Image. Hard cover signed copy of "How To Not Irritate The Judge" by Allison Deardorff.

Summary: The 2026 auction brought in $7,200 this year. Our top three stallions were ATMF Katmandu for $1,025 followed by Roberto Cavalli for $950 and Caffeinated for $850. All of the other items were sold. We had more participation from bidders out of our Region this year! We still have some nice stallions available for a short time. Contact Gay Adams at (503) 936-4276 if you are interested.

Thank you to everyone who donated or bid!

Your support is much appreciated.

Funds from the auction support the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity.

Last year, over 23,000 people attended Ag Fest to touch, taste and experience the incredible world of Oregon agriculture, in a fun-filled, festive environment. Our two-day event, aimed to help families better understand where their food, fiber, and flora come from, is a unique learning experience where hands-on exhibits make learning about Oregon’s vast agricultural industry educational and entertaining.

We strive to bridge the gap between urban and rural life, and to share the wonder and abundance of Oregon’s bountiful and diverse harvest. Most importantly, we do this in a family friendly way, where kids 15 and under receive free admission, and virtually all activities at the event are free of charge. Thanks to our sponsors, kids ride ponies, plant seedlings, watch sheep get sheared, pet farm animals and much, much more! Come check it out for yourself: join us the last weekend in April for the 39th annual Oregon Ag Fest.

From our organizer, Erin Silver:

2026 Oregon Ag Fest is a wrap! PL Dancing with Angels was a star once again! This mare has aged so well for us, at 19 she's a solid citizen and polite to all her admirers! Not much bothers or scares her, and she knows how to position herself to be JUST out of "touch range" by literally 1-2" when she's ready for a quick nap! She had THOUSANDS of pats and touches and pictures taken, and we handed out over 1300 Morgan horse promotional packets!



Endless THANK YOU to my helpers! Kathleen Klopchin-Christensen, Kimberly Moore , Kiersten Moore , Kyndle Cummins , Julie Tuggy Ropp , Courtney Marie

This is a great event for promoting the Morgan Horse!

Thank you everyone, and especially Erin Silver!!!!

Let's show the Morgan world what we have to offer in our area. I am seeking ads for the 2026 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet. Rates are very reasonable and it's a great promotion tool for you.

MHAO members receive a 10% discount.

Close date is June 1st.

Contact Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net, (503) 936-4276.

Important notice. Please read.

Head's up- we're going under!... and if we do so do all the horses we care for. We know times are hard but we need funds to continue to care for those we've already committed to!

Forever Morgans is a volunteer supported, volunteer run rescue. No one in the organization is paid- everyone is a volunteer including your hard working board members. We KNOW times are hard. We KNOW many folks are doing their best just to care for their own animals. But we also know that donations are down, we’ve been operating in the red for over a year no matter how many corners we trim. Horses are also being returned to us because their people can no longer care for them (and we promised we always would when we rescued them!). People are losing their homes and their pastures. Morgans are still showing up at the wrong kind of auctions. Boarding costs are going up as hay and gas goes up. Vet costs are increasing too. We KNOW all this because the five of us, yes- only 5 for a nationwide rescue, are the ones doing the intake on horses, following up on auctions, paying bills, answering emails, responding to concerns and questions from the public, the fosters, the boarding facilities, responding to people who are asking if we can help with their horses, or their neighbors horses, discussing issues with vets, following up on horses in dangerous situations, and stressing over how on earth we will make ends meet. We do it because we are dedicated to Forever Morgans and the horses we help!

Does this sound like we are exaggerating? We aren’t. Our treasurer shared with us at our Board meeting last night that we have enough funds for approximately 3 months if nothing changes. You might ask- what do we spend money on? Bail costs. Transportation. Vets. BOARDING for those who have no foster homes to go to. Medicines. Etc. These expenses are all ongoing, none are going away!

We do NOT want to drown, and we’re working hard to stay afloat, but we must do something. So, as we always do, we are coming to you- the life preservers of Forever Morgans.

PLEASE help us keep our heads above water! If everyone just committed to $5 a month we can pay the bills and continue the basics. (and we very much appreciate those of you who already donate!)

PLEASE consider becoming a foster home! Boarding costs are our biggest expense. (info on what is involved is on our webpage)

PLEASE respond to our Zeffy fundraiser OR donate through our webpage. Don’t think – “Oh this is too small an amount to help” – it’s not! Every penny helps!

PLEASE join us in keeping Forever Morgans afloat!

Your support means the world to us and to our horses. Forever Morgans has been operating for over 20 years and has offered hundreds of horses a better life. Together we can keep swimming!

Member News!

For more information on the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon and our programs, go to our website at www.MorganHorseOregon.com

You can also visit our club Facebook page.

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General Industry Information

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Are you interested in Virtual Shows?

About Spotlight Horse Shows

We Put You in the Spotlight!

Horses are our passion. We know they are yours, too!

Spotlight Horse Shows provides the rider with a venue for education and friendly competition. We hire certified judges to evaluate your rides and provide scores and feedback. Don't have a truck and trailer? Online shows is a great way to start showing. Do you have a new horse or are moving up a level? Experienced riders receive valuable input prior to going to a live show. Plus you get to compete with people from anywhere in the world!

Spotlight Horse Shows is an online show management company that works with corporate clients to develop and implement programs tailored to their needs. Spotlight's turnkey platform is designed to reduce the traditional burdens of event management by:

• Growing rider participation and developing a strong entry point into equestrian sport.
• Eliminating facility costs — competitions run virtually, without venues.
• Minimizing staffing requirements — Spotlight manages judging, scoring, and results.
• Providing built-in marketing support — co-branded campaigns drive entries and visibility.
• Creating new revenue streams — organizers earn revenue with every online test without upfront risk.

Spotlight Horse Shows Gives Back to the Community

As a corporate sustaining partner for The Dressage Foundation, our monthly donations help fund this non-profit organization. Full Grant information is available on The Dressage Foundation website.

This site currently supports

Dressage & Eventing,

Western Dressage,

& Driven Dressage

Click here to go to their website for rules, tips, and shows on tap.

Supported by the Western Dressage Association of America

See the East Meets West Challenge Below in this Newsletter

Cascadia Morgan Horse Alliance

Moving Forward with the

BC Show for 2027

May 27-30, 2027

Lynden WA

The Cascadia Morgan Horse Alliance is puttting on events to raise funds toward bringing back the BC show. I see them on Facebook and Instagram, but could not find a webpage. Their purpose is: Promoting the breed through education, shows, and events that connect our Morgan community. I recommend we all support them in any way we can. They are conducting fund raising events in Washington State. You can see information on those events on the Facebook page for the Morgan Horse Club of Washington State. You can also contact Denise Lester for more information: dnn366@gmail.com, (425) 280-8038.



Description: Western Dressage ride off brought to you by the Pennsylvania and the Pacific Northwest Western Dressage Associations. Rider's home address will be used to determine on which team the rider will compete. East, West, and Show high point prizes! Full details in prize list. WDAA Show Recognition #: 26-304

Click here for the Prizelist

Opening: May 08, 2026

Closing: May 31, 2026

Video Due: Jun 21, 2026

Results By: Jul 02, 2026

Judge:

Wayne Quarles - Western Dressage

Additional judges may be added or changed.

WDAA Western Dressage Online International Challenge

Visit the Show Secretary Site to View the Prize List

Phase 1 - Entries Accepted 

May 18 - June 1, 2026

Phase 2 - Videos Submission Accepted

(Once Entry Is Accepted) - June 16, 2026

Phase 3 - Judging and Score Board

June 18 - July 1, 2026

Online Awards Ceremony

July 5, 2026, via Zoom 5:00 PM Mountain time (invitations will be sent following the close of judging)

Online International Judges

To be announced soon.

Online International Challenge Teams Competition

The WDAA Online International Challenge (OIC) Teams Competition Is a great way to share the online show experience with friends and family, old and new. Participation in the Teams Competition is open to anyone entered in the OIC who has submitted a ride from a test or freestyle (rail classes are not included). No additional videos are required. Each member of a Team will designate one of their best tests as the score they will contribute to the Team, this happens BEFORE judging is complete. Each participant whose team wins First – Tenth place, or Honorable Mention, receives a personalized certificate to commemorate their participation. Each member of a first place Team will receive a special prize.

Learn More About and Register for the Team Competition

"A stubborn horse walks behind you, an impatient horse walks in front of you, but a noble companion walks beside you."

Author Unknown

Articles:

• Morgan Horse Magazine Staff Reorginization
• 2026 AMHA Horse Stars Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced
• Applications Are Open for the AMHA 2026 Alex Mooney Memorial Scholarship
• Applications Are Open For The Amanda Hill Young Breeders Incentive Grant
• Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders' Stallion Service Auction

December 30, 2025 by Brandi Ebner

Oregon Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) is a ballot initiative deceptively branded as the “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act.” It represents one of the most aggressive assaults on animal ownership, agriculture, and private property rights ever proposed through a state ballot initiative. Despite its carefully crafted title and emotionally charged messaging, IP28 is not about improving animal welfare. It aims to criminalize lawful animal use, dismantle food production, and promote a long-standing animal liberation agenda through voter confusion rather than legislative debate.



This initiative is not hypothetical. It is not fringe. It is real, organized, funded, and dangerous.

The Broader Agenda Is Not Hidden

Perhaps most revealing is the rhetoric of IP28’s own advocates. Campaign leaders have openly stated that the goal is not to improve animal care but to eliminate animal use entirely, including food, research, hunting, and breeding. This initiative is based on a radical ideological belief that humans have no legitimate right to use animals under any circumstances. That belief conflicts with modern agriculture, food security, wildlife management, and private property rights.

What IP28 Does

Under current Oregon law, animal cruelty statutes include specific exemptions for lawful activities involving animals, recognizing that livestock production, veterinary medicine, wildlife management, research, and working animals are governed by science-based animal husbandry standards rather than criminal law. IP28 removes those exemptions.



The removal of those exemptions would make farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, pet owners, trainers, hunters, and researchers face felony and misdemeanor charges for activities that are currently legal, humane, and necessary. The initiative does not significantly improve enforcement against true abuse. Oregon already has strong animal cruelty laws. IP28 instead redefines normal animal care as criminal behavior. If passed, IP28 would criminalize:

• Harvesting livestock for food, fiber, pharmaceuticals, and other everyday products
• Livestock breeding and reproduction
• Harvesting wildlife for food, like hunting and fishing
• Wildlife population control
• Common pest control methods
• Standard veterinary procedures such as artificial insemination and castration, which the initiative relabels as “sexual assault”

A Repeated, Escalating Campaign Against Animal Ownership

IP28 is the third version of the same radical idea promoted by animal liberation activists in Oregon over multiple election cycles. Earlier versions, IP13 (2022) and Petition 3/IP3 (2024), did not qualify for the ballot, but not because voters rejected them. They failed because organizers couldn’t gather enough signatures. Each time, supporters regrouped, rebranded, and returned with more funding and sharper messaging.

Supporters explicitly recognize IP28 as a revised version of IP3, designed to go further and eliminate all remaining statutory exemptions that presently allow lawful animal husbandry, veterinary care, hunting, fishing, and food production.

This Time Is Different: Over 80,000 Signatures and Counting

Unlike the previous attempts of IP3 and IP13, IP28 is now backed by significant outside funding and an organized paid signature-gathering operation. Petition circulators are being paid up to $25 per hour, and are funded by national animal rights organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), and the Karuna Foundation.

As of late 2025, IP28 supporters have publicly reported gathering over 80,000 signatures, bringing the initiative close to the roughly 117,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. This is no longer speculation. IP28 is a genuine and imminent threat.

Ballot Initiatives and the Danger of Voter Deception

IP28’s greatest strength and greatest danger lie in the ballot initiative process itself. Ballot initiatives skip the legislative process entirely. They do not go through committee hearings, lack expert testimony, and offer no chance for amendments. Instead, voters see a brief, emotionally appealing summary that often hides the true legal consequences found in the statutory language.

Animal rights groups have openly admitted that ballot initiatives are their most effective tool for promoting policies that can’t pass legislative review. IP28 fits directly into that approach. Once such a measure reaches the ballot, defeating it becomes much harder, especially when urban voters are asked to weigh in via their votes on agricultural practices they don’t understand but are told by activist groups are “cruel.”

Conclusion: Oregon Must Not Become the Test Case

If IP28 passes, even narrowly, it will not stop in Oregon. It will become a national blueprint, replicated state by state, using the same misleading language and emotional tactics. Oregon voters, policymakers, and agricultural communities must recognize IP28 for what it is: a calculated attempt to criminalize animal ownership, collapse animal agriculture, and rewrite property law through voter confusion.

The time to act is before this measure reaches the ballot. Once it does, the cost to agriculture, to rural communities, and to property rights will be far higher.

Links

AGPROfessional’s article, “Ballot Initiatives Have Become Tools for Activist Groups” HERE

AGPROfessional’s article, Oregon IP 3 HERE

Ballot Initiative Process by BallotPedia (including interactive map) HERE

No on Oregon IP 28 website HERE

Full Text of Oregon IP 28 as filed HERE

Article provided by: https://www.agpros.com/articles-and-information/oregon-ip-28-a-direct-threat-to-animal-ownership-and-agriculture

Deadline Extended -

There Is Still Time!

Updates To All Listings Are In Process!

In today’s competitive marketplace, visibility and credibility are everything—especially in the equine industry. Joining the Oregon Horse Council (OHC) gives your business a powerful marketing advantage while aligning you with the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to Oregon’s horse industry.

OHC actively promotes its member businesses to horse owners, industry professionals, event producers, and the general public across Oregon. Membership includes placement in the Oregon Horse Directory, a widely used resource for equine services that helps potential clients find trusted businesses by discipline, service type, and region. For many members, the directory alone drives valuable leads and long-term client relationships.

Beyond the directory, OHC regularly highlights member businesses through its website, email newsletters, social media platforms, and industry outreach efforts. These promotions position your business as reputable, professional, and engaged in the broader equine community—building trust with customers before they ever pick up the phone. When OHC speaks, the industry listens, and members benefit from that amplified reach.

OHC also markets the industry itself, which benefits every equine business in Oregon. Through public education, events, partnerships, and legislative engagement, the Council works to elevate the visibility and value of horses in our state. A stronger, more recognized equine industry means more participation, more events, and more demand for equine services—directly supporting your bottom line.



Membership signals that your business is invested in professionalism, advocacy, and the future of Oregon’s horse community. It tells clients you are connected, informed, and part of a trusted statewide network.

If you want to grow your reach, strengthen your brand, and be promoted alongside Oregon’s leading equine businesses, the Oregon Horse Council is more than a membership—it’s a marketing partner.

Click here to apply for a business level membership.

There are three levels of membership: $50, $100, or $250. You decide based on the level of support you are looking for.

Join to stay informed and to support this organization so it can support you and the way of life you love. We need you and your voice.

Click here to apply for an Individual or Family Membership

Individual $35, Family $60

Benefits to you:

• Stay up-to-date on Legislative activity that can affect you.
• The Oregon Horse Council newsletter & Facebook page
• Enrollment in ‘Get Out and Ride’ program (2 enrollments for family level – you choose age category)
• Oregon Horse Directory mailed to you directly
• Discounted registration for OHC industry and educational events
• Connection to the Equine Resources you need
• Knowing that you are helping strengthen and grow Oregon’s equine industry!

Our Mission Is To Strengthen, Connect, & Represent the Oregon Equine Community

The American Horse Council works daily to advocate for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that it will postpone the effective date for the Horse Protection Amendments final rule. Previously scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2026, several provisions of the rule have been vacated by the courts, and the non-vacated provisions will now become effective on December 31, 2026. This postponement follows ongoing legal developments and legislative directives aimed at providing regulatory clarity for the horse industry and federal inspectors.

The final rule, originally published in May 2024, was designed to strengthen the Horse Protection Act (HPA) by replacing the industry-led inspection model with USDA-authorized Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs) and implementing stricter prohibitions on soring—the cruel practice of using chemicals or mechanical devices to induce an exaggerated gait in horses.

However, recent events have required further extension of the implementation timeline.

• Judicial Vacatur: A January 2025 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated several key provisions of the 2024 rule, including the prohibition of pads and action devices and the proposed replacement for the "scar rule."
• Ongoing Litigation: A June 2025 lawsuit challenged existing HPA regulations, including a policy prohibiting noncompliant horses from competing in subsequent classes and the current scar rule standards. A preliminary injunction granted in August 2025 has created a piecemeal regulatory environment, making it impractical to implement the surviving 2024 provisions at this time.
• Legislative Direction: In November 2025, a House Committee Report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package directed APHIS to withdraw the 2024 final rule.

"Moving forward with a partial implementation while key provisions are under litigation would result in an unworkable patchwork of rules,” said APHIS Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez. “This delay ensures that APHIS has the time to identify the most appropriate next steps to effectively end the practice of soring while providing clarity and regulatory certainty to exhibitors, managers, and owners."

The delay also relieves horse show managers from new recordkeeping and reporting requirements that were slated to begin in February.

APHIS remains committed to ending soring and enforcing the Horse Protection Act. The agency will use this period to evaluate potential new rulemakings or revisions that align with court rulings and Congressional intent.

For more information regarding the Horse Protection Act and current enforcement standards, please visit the APHIS website.

AHC Members can direct their questions and concerns to info@horsecouncil.org

Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.

CONTACT:

Contact: Julie Broadway

American Horse Council

Phone: 202-296-4031

Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AHC Announces Call for Speakers for 2026 Conference: One Horse, One Industry – Year of the Horse

 (Washington, D.C., January 14, 2026): The American Horse Council invites members of the equestrian community to speak at the 2026 AHC Conference, which will be held June 21-24, 2026 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC. The AHC Conference provides a unique platform for experts to share information, ideas, and insights with attendees, which includes equine association/organization leaders, industry professionals, suppliers/manufacturers and stakeholders.

The theme for 2026 is “One horse, One Industry – Year of the Horse”

This year is celebrated globally as the Chinese Year of the Horse, and the American Horse Council embraces this theme that reflects both the symbolism of the horse and the real-world connections that define the equine industry. In Chinese culture, the horse represents strength, unity, perseverance, and progress, all qualities that mirror the values and mission of the American Horse Council. These same qualities define an industry built on collaboration across sport, recreation, racing, breeding, welfare, research, education, business, and public policy.

The One Horse, One Industry theme underscores the idea that while the horse industry is made up of many disciplines and perspectives, it is united by a shared responsibility to advocate for the horse and ensure a strong, sustainable future. In the Year of the Horse, AHC calls attention to the importance of working together across sectors, recognizing that progress in one area strengthens the entire industry.

The 2026 AHC Conference will highlight voices and ideas that bridge disciplines, connect industries, and strengthen collective advocacy. Speakers are encouraged to present topics that reflect innovation, cooperation, and leadership, demonstrating how unity drives positive outcomes for horses and the people who depend on them.

As the unifying voice of the horse industry, AHC brings together stakeholders of all ages and backgrounds to learn, network, and share ideas—celebrating the horse while advancing the industry as one.

“We invite all kinds of experts within the horse industry, or those with interesting or important horse-related topics, to speak at the AHC Conference,” said Julie Broadway, AHC President. “We always strive to provide a wide variety of topics from knowledgeable sources. In the past, speakers have covered a range of topics from science and research, technology innovation, membership and development, etc.  Consistent with our theme, we encourage speakers who have bridged disciplines, sectors, and industries to apply.”

The AHC Conference is the premier educational conference provided by AHC where attendees of all ages come together to learn, network, and share ideas to grow the horse industry. Individuals with expertise, passion, and a desire to share knowledge are encouraged to submit abstracts. Presentations can be 45 minutes in length.

Abstracts for workshops should be submitted to info@horsecouncil.org, no later than Feb 15, 2026, and should include a presentation title and a short (100 words or fewer) description of the presentation, including the key takeaways for the audience. Please also include a copy of the presenter’s CV/resume.

About the American Horse Council: The American Horse Council is the trusted voice of the equine industry in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to advocate for the health and welfare of the horse, as well as the economic and legislative interests of the equine industry.

To advertise in the Stable Sheet, contact Gay Adams - (503) 936-4276 or

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Time to introduce you to your 2026 MHCWS Board Members!

Thank you to all the members who took the time to vote, and to the outgoing board members for their time and hard work in 2025.

President~ Nicole Barbour

Vice President~ Katie Hoover

Secretary~ Linda Collins

Treasurer~ Marla Miller

Board of Directors~

Sandra Nichols

Kristiana Schreiber

Kasey Mougine

Karen Peterson

This five-day Regional horse show, held in early August, is one of Washington’s best multi-breed horse shows. It features Morgans, American Saddlebreds and Friesians. The show offers a variety of multi-breed classes appealing to all ages. The goal of this show is to highlight several breeds in the Northwest in a competitive environment that is enjoyable, challenging, and fun for the exhibitors and exciting and entertaining for spectators.



We are thrilled to welcome Jolene Galvin-Yerckie as our Main Ring Judge for 2026!

Get ready for an unforgettable C-Fair—amazing horses, great competition, and so much fun ahead!

See you there, July 29-August 2, at the Evergreen Equestrian Park in Monroe WA.

·

Hello PNW Community!

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the Pacific Northwest Morgan Horse Show has come to an end. After celebrating 70 years with this historic show, we do not make this decision lightly. However, increasing costs and economic instability for many of the businesses and resources that we rely on to make our event possible have ultimately become cost prohibitive for a small show.

We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our exhibitors, who have poured so much heart and support into keeping PNW going all these years. You are the reason we have loved managing this show, and we will miss our beloved community who helped to make this “The Fun One” for generations.

We also want to thank Chris Laine and Emily Thorpe, and their friends and family, who helped develop the dressage portion of the show into the highlight of the weekend over the years. Thank you to our show committee, including Denise Lester, who helped organize donations and prizes to help make our 70th anniversary celebration such a great success! Thank you to the show staff and officials who worked with us and donated their time and portions of their salaries back to the show to help keep us going. And of course our enduring thanks to our sponsors, both new and old, without whom any show would not be possible.

This show was the epitome of what it means for a community to come together and celebrate our wonderful Morgan (and, later, Arabian) horses. We will miss this show, but will hold dear the many memories that we have created with PNW as exhibitors, trainers, and ultimately managers.

If you were awarded a perpetual trophy for the 2025 show, we will be in touch with you to arrange a trophy pickup. The perpetual trophies will be donated to the AMHA museum to memorialize Morgan history in the Pacific Northwest.

All our best,



Patty and Kaitlin Lebon

Prize lists will be available online in May, in the June issue of The Morgan Horse, at Regional shows throughout the year or by contacting Peggy Hatfield.

Competition begins Saturday, October 10 with three shows daily through Saturday, October 17. Show times are 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Wednesday-Saturday evenings begin at 6:30 p.m.)

Plans are underway for another great Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. Look for more details in the coming months