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MHAO Stable Sheet
June 2026
| | An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse | | |
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 | | |
Hello everyone!
As many of you know, our signature event, The Oregon Morgan Classic, is rapidly approaching and final plans are being put in place. The show will be held once again at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, OR and will start on June 17th and continue thru Saturday, June 20st. This show attracts exhibitors not only from Oregon but from Washington and California and attracts spectators from the Pacific Northwest.
This event is not only an opportunity for you to come see some beautiful horses but to also meet and talk to people who all share one thing in common.a love of the Morgan horse. The Morgan community has always been a welcoming family and our love for the breed has always been the common bound between those who have an interest in showing and those who simply enjoy their horses in other “arenas”. Regardless, we love our Morgans and we love to talk about them.
As you can imagine, putting on this show takes a lot of time, dedication, planning and great effort. Our show chair, Karen Breckenridge, spends a great amount of time paying attention to the details and making sure that a quality show is put on and representative of the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon. No doubt her hard work will be on full display and we will have an excellent show! During the show, we will have events such as a pizza dinner as well as a Taco Bar and other interactive activities for all to participate in. One of our special events that we have during the show is a silent auction filled with many donated items. You may find anything from wine offerings to paintings to experiences being offered in the auction. A portion of the proceeds goes to fund our programs as well as youth scholarships that the club offers.
To be able to put on this show, we rely on the generosity of sponsors and benefactors of the show. The more successful the show is, the more funds we have to pass on to the membership in programs and other offerings throughout the year. To help offset the cost of the show, we do offer sponsorship opportunities on both the corporate and individual levels. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please see our sponsorship packages and contact Karen Breckenridge. We are all in this together.
I would like to invite you all to come to Eugene, see some very pretty horses and enjoy your Morgan family. I would love to meet you and hear from you as to what you would like the club to do for you! Come find me, lets talk and lets enjoy the Morgan horse!
| | Kathy Christensen, MHAO President | | MHAO Board Meeting Minutes | | | |
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Click here to read a draft of the minutes from the May 20th, 2026 Board Meeting. The meeting was held via conference call.
Our next Board meeting will be July 22, 2026 via conference call.
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Board Meetings are open to all members if you would like to attend please contact Kathy Christensen at mikekak33@gmail.com.
Activity Coming Up:
June 17-20, 2026 - The Oregon Morgan Classic in Eugene OR at the Oregon Horse Center.
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.
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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
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Advertising Rates
Full Page - $25
Half Page - $15
Quarter Page - $10
Business Card for all year $10
Classified Ads are FREE
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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
Help us support you and our wonderful breed.
Join MHAO!
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Individual Membership
$30
1 vote
Family Membership
$35
2 votes
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REMEMBER!
If an MHAO member sells a Morgan horse to a first time Morgan owner, the purchaser can have a free membership in MHAO for the year of purchase. Send in their information using a blank membership form. In the area for payment, put "1st time Morgan buyer." Our goal is with your help to earn their paid membership from that year forward.
| | | Do You Have Something For Sale? | | |
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 with 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 the latest list.
Ads will be updated in the July newsletter.
Send your ad to Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net
Did you sell your item of horse? Be sure to let me know.
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MHAO Youth Program
There will be a lot of focus on Youth this year!
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Click here to see information about our Youth Program
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Let's talk about the AMHA Youth of the Year Contest 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 to automatically become a member of AMHA for the year of completion..
Click here for more information on the AMHA website.
Youth of The Year Contest Information
Morgan horses have long been defined by their ability to suit people with varying interests. Similarly, AMHA believes that Morgan youths should also be versatile.
Youth of the Year contests are designed to recognize top achievers. Youth of the Year contests consist of four parts: a written exam, an oral presentation, a judging contest and a horsemanship pattern. Each section of the contest is worth approximately 250 points.
Many contests offer divisions for the leadline, walk-trot, and junior aged exhibitors. Expectations for these divisions are modified to be appropriate for the age of contestants. Please contact your local contest organizer for more information on the divisions being offered at your local contest. In Oregon that is Sierra Breckenridge, (503) 428-3700, sierrabreckenridge@gmail.com.
Youth who win the Senior division or who score over 800 points in the Senior division at local contests qualify to compete for AMHA Youth of the Year at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. The winner of this prestigious title receives a unique prize package customized by the winner valued at $3,500. The reserve winner receives a unique prize package customized by the reserve winner valued at $1,500. Local and regional contests are open to youth of all ages, but only those aged 14 years and older can qualify to compete in Oklahoma. If there is a Youth that fits this requirement that wins at the Oregon Morgan Classic, they will be able to apply for up to $400 in reimbursed expenses for representing OMC at Nationals.
In 2023, the Youth of the Year contest received a generous educational scholarship enhancement honoring the memory of Morgan industry icon, Mr. Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., this enhancement awards an additional $5,000 to the winner and $2,500 to the reserve winner of the Youth of the Year contest. Thank you to the Kohler family for this generous addition to the program.
Why should you compete in a Youth of the Year Contest? Youth of the Year contests reward those who are well-versed in horsemanship skills. They provide a wonderful opportunity to improve one's horse knowledge as well as a means of setting realistic goals and learning the benefits of hard work and dedication. Most importantly, youth contests create a positive atmosphere in which young people and adults who share a love of the Morgan can interact. Friendships developed through youth contests are a rewarding and fulfilling benefit. How can you become involved?
Sign up to participate or volunteer in a local youth contest! There is no better time to become involved than right now! Every region offers Youth of the Year contests, so keep your eyes open. Discover where the next contest is being held. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain!
Click here for more information and the MHAO Study Guide
Get ready for the Youth Of The Year Contest
at the Oregon Morgan Classic!
Register for the competition now, before the show. This year, the speech and riding pattern portions will be virtual and completed before the show. For the other sections, check in at the OMC office.
Here is the schedule:
- Judging Contest: Wednesday, 6:00 p.m session during Sport Horse In Hand Stallions/Geldings class - location is in the stands.
- Written Test: Will be in the stands to run after the judging contest.
- Horsemanship Contest: Will be completed before the show with a video sent to Sierra Breckenridge.
- Please contact Sierra either by email (sierrabreckenridge@gmail.com) or phone (503-428-3700) to sign up and get your pattern and instructions.
- Speech contest: Will be completed before the show with a video sent to Sierra Breckenridge.
- Topic: How important is a farrier to your horse’s care, and how do you choose the one you need?
- Awards Presentation: Saturday evening in Silverado Arena
| | In the year ahead, plans are being made to increase MHAO's 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. | |
25th Oregon Morgan Classic
June 17-20 2026
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The OMC Premium Booklet is Available!
Click here to download the Premium Booklet
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
124,1 - Morgan Pleasure Driving Limit Horse, Friday at the end of the 9:30am session.
Class 159.1 -ASB Training Walk/Trot/Canter Snaffle Bit Championship will be Friday in the evening session after class 159
Class 175.1 - Exibition OTAB Western Pleasure Championship, Saturday during the 9am session, before all the Academy classes.
This is a favorite show for many. DON'T MISS IT!
Questions: Contact Karen Breckenridge, (503) 580-4716, wylieriley@aol.com
Watch the Oregon Morgan Classic Facebook page for more updates!
Or search Facebook for the Oregon Morgan Classic Sponsored by MHAO.
The Oregon Morgan Classic 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.
Watch for the announcements about the recipients of this year's MHAO Alex Mooney Scholarship, and of this year's Humanitarian Award. We will also honor the memories of two people who have contributed a lot to our Morgan community over the years: Ethyl Carlock and Marilyn Nicks. Although they will be greatly missed, we will always remember all the good things they gave to us and the good times.
This year we also celebrate 25 years of the Oregon Morgan Classic. To do this there will be a number of fun events for you to enjoy. Don't miss them!
| | Summary of Fun Events at the Oregon Morgan Classic | | Don't Forget - Saturday Night! | | Another thing not to miss is the drawing at the beginning of the Saturday Night Session for the Incentive Bonuses! Everyone is entered automatically by being entered in the show. And you need to be present for the drawing to win! | |
$$$$$ 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
Separate from that,
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.
Colorful Morgan High Point Award At The Oregon Morgan Classic
| | Turn In Your Points For the MHAO High Point Program | | |
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
| | Thank You To Our 2026 OMC Sponsors! | | MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Classes Are Held At OMC | | |
Futurity horse halter and performance classes are held at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse show.
The schedule is:
Wednesday Evening - All Futurity Halter Classes (2 separate Divisions, one for Traditional Halter Horses, and one for Sport/Western Horses), Ages 0-2yrs old. Those horses placing first or second in their halter class are eligible to move on to the Division Sweepstakes Classes held on Saturday evening.
Futurity Performance Classes are woven thoughout the show.
Saturday Evening - Sweepstakes Classes and presentation of the Futurity High Point winner.
This year's foals can be nominated to the Futurity for $45 through December 31, 2026. Thereafter, a late fee of $100 would apply instead. The Futurity is a 5-yr program, and a renewal nomination fee of $25 would apply each year through the foals 4-yr-old year. Renewal fees are due by March 31st each year. If paid late, they also convert to a fee of $100. Nomination fees need to be current in order to show in Futurity classes. Class entry fees for Futurity classes are $25 each if paid by June 1st. After that, they become a post entry fee of $50.
Here is a list of benefits for entering your foal into the Futurity:
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Pick up a copy of the 2026 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet at the Oregon Morgan Classic, the Morgan Medallion, or the C-Fair Regional. It highlights the stallions donated to our auction this year, and our current Futurity horses. It will also be available at Nationals and at the Superior Morgan Horse Sale.
This year we had several sponsors for our Futurity. We so appreciate their support: With their help we will be able to pay out a normal level of prize money for our Futurity classes. Help was needed because we like other club auctions this year did not sell as many stallion services as we normally do. Thank you so much to all our sponsors. Our Sweepstakes sponsor (and more) is Alena Rae, owner of Kyalami Farms. Lindsay Naas is the sponsor for our High Point award (and more). Kayla Powlesland is providing the flowers used to outline the show circle in the arena for our Futurity Sweepstakes Classes.
| | Forever Morgans Needs Our Help | | |
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!
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General Industry Information
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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. | | Western Dressage Challenge | | |
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.
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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
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" Where in this wide world can man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy, or beauty without vanity? Here where grace is laced with muscle and strength by gentleness confined."
Ronald Duncan
One of my favorites....
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The Morgan Horse Magazine
| | Advertise in The Morgan Horse Magazine | |
From The Oregon Horse Council
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ATTENTION!
THIS INITIATIVE IS CURRENTLY ON TRACK TO BE ON THE BALLOT NOVEMBER 2026! TALK TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS IS AND WHAT IT WILL DO.
Read Everything you can find about it before you decide how to vote.
| | Oregon IP 28 – A Direct Threat to Animal Ownership and Agriculture | | |
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
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Oregon Horse Council
Connecting Horse Owners To The Services Available To Them
Get Your Ad Or Listing In Today
Renew your membership or Join US!
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Deadline Extended -
There Is Still Time!
Updates To All Listings Are In Process!
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Do You Own Or Run A Business, Offer A Service or Have A Product to Sell, Or Are You Representing An Association?
Join The Oregon Horse Council Today!
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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.
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Individual & Family Memberships
Are Also Available
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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AHC Is Seeking Speakers for the 2026 AHC National Conference June 21-24, 2026
In Washington DC
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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.
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Your Business Card Here
Just $10 for 12 months
Other Options:
Full page - $25 per issue
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Discounts for multiple months
Free classifieds!
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Morgan Medallion Classic
July 15-19, 2026
South Point Arena & Equestrian Center
Las Vegas NV
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Looking to show in a fun atmosphere in front of excited spectators??
Wondering why we show to ourselves and wishing you could share your amazing breed and horses with the world??
Medallion offers these things! This is our chance to show our horses off to the world and spread the joy of our show horses! We have the chance to reach outside of our world and expose a lot of people at this one event to great show horses being enjoyed by enthusiastic riders. We challenge everyone to help us show the world how wonderful our horses are…join us in Las Vegas July 15-19 to enjoy a resort atmosphere for you AND your horses and show in front of an appreciative audience!!
We will have the option of EARLY ARRIVALfor the first time ever at this year’s Medallion! Exhibitors that choose early arrival will be able to get in at 10AM on Sunday July 12th.
AND…as an extra bonus for our Grand Champion sponsors, if they choose early arrival they will be able to arrive at 5 AM on Sunday.
From 5-10AM will be reserved for our Grand Champion sponsors with early arrival to come in and unload.
The rest of our early arrival exhibitors will be able to enter the barn at 10 am. Regular arrival is Monday 8 AM.
Our show will start Wednesday morning this year. As has been the case in the past, our Grand Champion sponsors will also be on the marquee in front of the hotel on the 15 freeway as well as on the posters throughout the casino and hotel (we are happy to give any GC sponsors posters at the end of the show as well) AND they will also receive preferred stabling.
We are looking forward to the show this year and we encourage anyone that is planning to come to MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS ASAP with our code MOR0713 (3 letters, 4 numbers). call South Point direct at 702-797-8901
As everyone makes their reservations, remember that we start Wednesday morning at 10 AM and our main ring will end with our Saturday night session. Sunday will be dedicated to our Dressage and Western Dressage exhibitors and will start at 10 AM.
All exhibitors must vacate the stabling area by 10 AM Monday morning
Have questions? Call Lori at (859) 457-0841
Youth of The Year is here!
Contact Sue McCullough
suemccullough1@gmail.com
For Information (speech topic, etc) click here
W/T pattern click here
Jr pattern click here
Sr pattern click here
Seniors:
A contestant that has qualified to compete at the Nationals MUST have completed their Sherman badge BEFORE the time of the National contest.
| | Morgan Horse Club of Washington State (MHCWS) | | | |
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
| | Results For The Key Classic | | |
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May 6-10, 2026
5-Day Show
169 Horses
126 Owners
Great Turnout! Great show!
Congratulations To Everyone! And To The Show Committee!
Click here to see the results
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C-Fair Charity Morgan Regional & Open Horse Show
July 29 - August 2, 2026
Evergreen Equestrian Park
Monroe WA
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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 an outstanding panel of judges for this year’s show!
Main Ring Judge – Jolene Galvin Yerckie
Working Western Judge – Sheri Odom
Dressage & Western Dressage Judge – Natalie Lamping
Their experience, knowledge, and dedication to our industry will help make this year’s event one to remember. We are honored to have each of them joining us in Monroe and look forward to a fantastic week of competition, sportsmanship, and fun!
Join us for the 41st Annual C-Fair Charity Morgan Regional & Open Horse Show, featuring Morgan, Saddlebred, Friesian, Open and All-Breed competition. Whether you’re exhibiting, supporting exhibitors, or simply enjoying great horses and great people, C-Fair is a show you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another memorable year.
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The Evergreen Inn and Suites is our host hotel again this year and will be offering us a horse show rate for C-Fair.
If you are in need of a hotel room, please call them at 360-863-1900 to reserve your room for the show.
Just a reminder, there is always a big car event the same weekend as C-Fair and rooms fill up fast.
Below is a list of other hotels and lodging in the area as well .
Join us July 29-August 2nd for another fun show!
| | PNW Horse Show Announcement | |
So Sad To See This Historic
Show Close Down
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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
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2025 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®
October 10-17, 2026
State Fair Park
Oklahoma City, OK
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The Prize List is out. It was included with the June issue of the Morgan Horse magazine. Click here for forms and information.
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
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