Stable Sheet - August 2023

From Your Board Of Directors

I think the hardest part of being President is keeping focus not just on now and what is next, but on what we need to be working on for the future. But it is our great Board of Directors that carries us. They all continue to do wondrous things. The President is really just a conductor. Looking back, I have served my share of years as President. I thank Kathy Christensen for so capably serving as President for the years she did. But now it is again time for another face in this chair. Anyone interested? Please give me a call at (503) 936-4276. Let's talk.

Other positions available are for a new Membership Chair, along with additional reporters and new main Editor for the Stable Sheet Newsletter. Elections will be coming up. Let me know if you would like to be more involved and with what. There may be more openings, but that is all I know of for now.

Meantime, on a club basis we are focused on the Foal Photo Contest, the Breed Challenge along with Morgan & Open classes for our members at the Oregon State Fair, and the MHAO High Point Award Banquet. Be sure to turn in your points if you are competing in ANYTHING!

Our Award Banquet will include a General Membership Program, our annual election, and a chance to smooze and visit with other local Morgan owners. Along with the benefit of getting to know the Morgan community, your Board loves to see you there and to hear your ideas!

We hope to see you there! More information is in the newsletter below and will come out in the months ahead.

My best to all and Good Luck in all your endeavors, whatever they may be. Praying for the safety of all thru the rest of this fire season. Stay safe, happy, and healthy! See you soon!

Our futurity was created in recognition of the importance of stallion owners, breeders and trainers to the preservation and continuation of the Morgan breed in our area. The mission of the futurity program is to aid in the promotion and development of horses owned by MHAO members. It is designed as a 5-year plan that follows a new born foal through its 4-year-old show season. Futurity classes are held at the Oregon Morgan Classic horse show in Eugene OR. More information can be found on the Auction/Futurity website or by reviewing the Futurity rules via the links below:

Click here to access the latest version of the MHAO Futurity Rules

Here is a link to the auction & futurity website:

www.mhaostallionserviceauction.com

Recent change:

We have expanded the Futurity halter classes into two equal Divisions. One is traditional, just like the halter classes we have always offered. The other is for Sport/Western horses. Both divisions now offer 2 classes for weanlings (colt and filly), and3 classes (stallion, mare, & gelding) for yearlings and for 2-yr-olds. Both divisions offer a Sweepstakes class for all futurity horses placing 1st or 2nd in their qualifying futurity halter class. Horses shown in the Sport/Western division are to be judged standing square. No cross entry is allowed between the 2 futurity divisions in any one year. Judging follows USEF rules. No change was made to any of the performance classes offered. All futurity horses are encouraged to enter any of the futurity performance classes. The 3-yr-old Futurity saddle classes remain as walk-trot.

At the Oregon Morgan Classic, these changes were all well received. I am still working thru some accounting issues, but prize money payouts should be out by month end.

For questions contact Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276

Benefits For Entering The Futurity:

• Prize money is earned for showing your horse in Futurity classes at the Oregon Morgan Classic. Those who have shown have earned back more than they have paid in for futurity fees.
• Prize money is offered for Futurity classes thru your horse's 4-yr-old year. Classes offered are age appropriate. Halter classes are available thru the horse's 2-yr-old year. Performance classes are offered from 2-yr-olds thru 4-yr-olds. 2-yr-old is driving only. 3-yr-old under saddle performance classes are walk-trot classes.. Halter, driving, and 4-yr-old classes do qualify horses to show at Nationals in like titled (not World Futurity) classes..
• A High Point award and prize money is offered to the 4-yr-old Futurity horse who has earned the most points thru the 5 yr program. You will receive an individual award, be listed on a perpetual award, and earn additional money.
• Bonus money goes to the stallion donor and the mare owner at breeding of Futurity horses who are the result of a breeding purchased thru the MHAO Stallion Service Auction if the foal wins Futurity Sweepstakes Champion or Reserve Champion.
• Futurity Sweepstakes classes are offered for horses entered in Traditional Futurity Halter classes and for Sport/Western Futurity Halter classes.
• Promotion of your futurity horse thru the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet. for each year they are nominated to the Futurity.. Show others about your breeding program or about that young horse you are raising..
• All participants in the Futurity need to be members of MHAO. As a member, you will receive the member reduced rate for any ad you place in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity booklet.
• The Futurity booklet is available at the 3 largest Morgan shows in the Western Region (Oregon Morgan Classic, Morgan Medallion, & C-Fair) as well as at Nationals.

Fees are very reasonable:

Initial nomination fee - $45 in the year of birth by December 31st

Annual renewal fee - $25 due by March 31st

Late payment of fees, the fee changes to $100

Class entry fee - $25 if paid to me by June 1st

Post entry fee - $50

NOTE: The foal does not need to be born this year, nor be entered in our Futurity. Photos are accepted from MHAO members and non-members.

Prize money is offered:

1st place - $100

2nd place - $75

3rd place - $50

Fun to do, and a great way to promote your breeding program.

All photos will appear on our Futurity website and Stallion Service Auction Facebook page, and be published in the 2024 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity booklet. The 1st place photo will become the cover for the 2024 booklet.

Click here for the application to be sent in for each foal submitted. You can submit up to 4-photos.

No time like the present! Get your foal pictures in NOW!

Questions, contact: Gay Adams, (503) 936-4276

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

For foals born in 2023, also consider entering your photos in the AMHA Foal Photo Contest. See more information on that later in this newsletter. You need to enter that contest separately.

SPECIAL SPONSORSHIP REQUEST

Can You Help?

We have been offered an opportunity to distribute our Futurity Booklet at the Morgan Superior Sale in September in Shipshewanna IN. We are seeking sponsors to help us cover the cost for printing additional copies for his event. ANY MONETARY AMOUNT ACCEPTED AND APPRECIATED!

We think taking advantage of this offer could really help the results of next year's Stallion Service Auction. Your support will be acknowledged on our website.

If you can help, please contact Gay Adams,

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

We need you! Have you renewed your membership for this year?

Check the link below to see. We need your support as a member to continue our programs. We need your voice as a member to help us do all we can to promote our wonderful breed. Please renew or join today!

Click here to see the membership list as of 8/10/2023.

Do you know someone who owns a Morgan horse who is not a member of MHAO?

If you know someone who owns a Morgan horse but is not a member of MHAO, we hope you will encourage them to join. Members from any address are welcome. We are an active club with programs for all those who are part of the Morgan community. We support all types of activities. Those who do not own a Morgan but want to support the breed are also welcome.

Did you just purchase your first Morgan horse from a member of MHAO?

If so, you are eligible for a free membership for the year of purchase in MHAO. We hope we will earn your continued support, and after this year you will renew with us. To get started, just complete a membership form, and where it asks for payment, say you just purchased your first Morgan horse and who you purchased the horse from.

Welcome to MHAO!

Click here to download a membership form

Once the form is completed, please email to:

wylieriley@aol.com

or mail to:

Karen Breckenridge

MHAO Treasurer

4715 Eola Drive NW

​Salem, OR 97304

2023 Membership Fees:

$35 for Family (includes two votes)

$30 for Individual (includes one votes)

If you haven't already, please complete our membership survey form

and send it in with your membership form.

Do You Give Lessons? Are you a trainer?

Are you willing to have people come see your Morgan horses?

Let us help you get the word out!

We would like to have a resource available to refer people to for lessons or to see Morgan horses. Please let Gay know if we can give out your name for these purposes. We can share this information along with any of our promotional material, at promotional events, or MHAO events. We would also like to post it to our website.

Please notify Gay Adams how you would like to be listed.

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

Be sure to turn in your points for any competitions you enter in 2023!

Click here to download a point submission form.

Click here to download a submission form for reimbursement

MHAO Award Banquet

There's just a little time left to get your application in for the 2023 Ava Boyce-Bender Memorial Grant, given by AMHECT in loving memory of Ava. It's available to AMHA Members under the age of 40 to further their equine education, skills, or proficiency (i.e., college courses, farrier schooling, riding instruction/clinics, riding instructor/trainer certification, and more). A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded for 2023.

Send your applications and any inquiries to Executive Director Carrie Mortensen at: execdir@morganhorse.com. For the criteria and application for the grant click HERE.

BreyerFest 2023 featuring new Breyer model, Morgan horse HD Harkness (By DPR Bandstand and out of Foxglenns Charity) bred by WH Miner Ag & Research Inst and owned by by Mary Christine Foxworthy. Congratulations on such a high honor! HOT day 1 and RAINY day 2 in the books but AMHA’s booth is a BUSY and happening place! Spreading the love and joy of the Morgan horse!

Share YOUR Morgan in the beautiful 2024 AMHA Wall Calendar that will be circulated to EVERY subscriber to The Morgan Horse magazine (mailed with the October issue). And, copies will be available for purchase at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show®, on AMHA's online store, and at various promotional events.

The $1,500 fee includes our professional design service and lets thousands of people enjoy your horse(s) and/or farm for an entire month. Contact Kathie today - (802) 985-4944 extension 202 or kathie@morganhorse.com to reserve your space. Availability is on a first come, first served basis.

Deadline to submit your information/photos is Wednesday, August 23!

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the 2023 National Youth Sportsman’s Award. Applications will be accepted through August 15.

The 2023 US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman’s Award is open to applicants aged 17 or younger as of December 1, 2022. The award is open to individuals across all breeds and disciplines who are active members of US Equestrian and their Recognized National Affiliate organization.

Applications for Morgan Horse exhibitors can be sent directly to AMHA Executive Director, Carrie Mortensen at carrie@morganhorse.com. AMHA will select one nominee to submit to US Equestrian for final selection of the overall award winner.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Click here to read more.

Be sure to complete the appropriate survey so the American Horse Council can provide the best report possible. These studies are so important - please take the time to complete it.

For links to the study go to https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

Lessons learned long and hard in the horse business as a professional..

1. It's easy to fall in love with your customers. They become a family who you spend a lot of time with. However, in the end they will do what's best for themselves. And, for you and them, those paths may not be the same. Prepare to get your heart broken. Keep business and personal relationships separate.

2. People will not always trust in your experience and will second guess you. They will think they know better because they read it in a book, or saw it online. Don't try to be all things to all people. Do what you are good at. Run your barn in a way that you can sleep at night knowing that you did right in your mind by them and their horses. The clients opinion of that may be different than your beliefs, but you have to live with choices that leave you at peace. That may mean confrontation, hard conversations and even asking people to move on for your own peace.

3. Horses are easy 99% of the time. It's the people who come with them that make things complicated.

4. Remember that horses need to be horses.

5. People will always judge you, and have opinions. The better you are, the more haters will have opinions.

6. Success isn't measured by ribbons and show placings. It's measured in happy animals and the quality of their lives.

7. There is always an exception or quirk that doesn't " follow the rules" in horse care. Do what works, not what the books say works.

8. When you get annoyed by seeing somebody's car pull in to the barn, it's time to let that person move on. Your barn should be a happy place. It literally only takes one bad sour apple to ruin the whole atmosphere and dynamic in a barn.

9. Let it go.... if someone moves on don't be upset by it. Ignore what they say. Don't take it personally. Every barn is not a good fit for every person.

10. This is a business. If a person or horse isn't working for you, or the compensation isn't offsetting your cost, it's time for them to go. The exception to this is your retired horses, see #11.

11. Horses only have so many jumps, so many runs, so many rides. Don’t waste your horses. Teach your students they aren’t machines. You owe it to your retired horses to have a safe, comfortable and dignified end. Your schoolies worked for you. When the time comes they can no longer do that, either give them a pleasant retirement, or put them in the ground where you know they are safe. Do not dump them at auctions or onto other people where you are not 100% sure that they will be cared for.

12. There is no shame in euthanasia for a horse owner. Always better a week too early then a second too late. Do not judge anyone for their reasons for doing this.

13. Most clients fall Into two categories. Those who are "high maintenance", open in their opinions and will confront situations head on. The second is the quiet type who will not say a word and will not openly talk with you about their expectations or issues. You have no idea they have a problem until it's too late. The people in between these two are the clients you want. They will be long term and make life easy.

14. Know your worth. KNOW YOUR WORTH. Your time and experience has a monetary value. Don't do things for free, even if you like the person. Every bit of time or effort you give to clients has value. So when you don't value your effort, neither will a client. They will come to expect "freebies", which always leads to resentment from someone.

15. Be honest. It's not always easy. But in this business it takes forever to build reputation and seconds to destroy it.

16. Remember horses are dangerous. Always use your best judgment and air on the side of caution when working with horses and students. Their lives and your own life can change in an instant.

17. Get paid up front. Keep good records. People don't go to the grocery store and ask for food they will pay for next week. Good business practices keep everyone honest and sets boundaries for clients.

18. Normalize passing on price increases. Service industries, especially ones like ours always "feel guilty " when raising prices. You are not there to subsidize someone else's horse habit. Prices have been going up on costs, so should your fees.

19. The buck stops with you. Your employees mistakes fall back to your responsibility. Always verify and check on important care aspects of daily activities.

20. Make time for family and rest. Too many of us get burnt out from the stress of expectations in this industry. In the end, boarders and students come and go. Your family is who you will have left.



Thanks for reading my thoughts. I hope it can help support some of you feeling burnt out, and maybe help some people who are starting out in their journey into this industry.

Written by Rhea Distefano

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue

2-Day Awareness Courses

Saturday-Sunday, November 18-19, 2023 in Eugene, OR

~OR~

Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21, 2024 in Hood River, OR

Registration is open now and we are already getting people signing up!

This intense training will show you the proper was to respond and prepare for large animal emergencies. The TLAER training courses introduces the latest concepts, techniques, procedures and equipment being used today – to learn to work together on a scene and build a great incident action plan, then extricate the animal safely for both the animal and responders. All who attend the whole course will receive a certificate of completion.

The TLAER courses produced by OHC qualify for 16 Oregon Vet Board CE Credits. You must attend all hours of both days of the course to receive credit and/or certificate. We will provide a light breakfast, lunch, and snacks both days.

Course fees are:

• $229 for non-Oregon Horse Council members
• $175 for Oregon Horse Council members (membership starts at $50 per year!)
• $125 for high school or college students (must have current form of school ID)
• Group rates also available, contact us for more information

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue courses are taught by world renowned expert, Dr. Rebecca Husted. These trainings are open to anyone, but are specifically geared towards fire department personnel, first responders, veterinarians, search & rescue members, animal rescue specialists, livestock breeders, horse trainers, and any large animal owner that wants to be more prepared.

Please share this with your local fire department, sheriff's office, vet, and friends!

www.tinyurl.com/TLAEROregon

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK - NOV 2023

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK - APR 2024

Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you have!

Brandi@OregonHorseCouncil.com or 971-224-5879

Metabolic conditions are on the rise, and overconditioned or obese horses are at the center of many of these health concerns. Nutrition is a significant factor for a healthy weight and body condition and can be a powerful tool to support horses with metabolic issues.

Physical Signs of Metabolic Dysfunction

• Easy keeper
• Obesity
• Difficulty losing weight
• Regional Adiposity, such as a cresty neck

HELPFUL TIPS FOR AN IDEAL WEIGHT

NATURE KNOWS BEST

Rely on the Natural Equine Diet

Good quality forage is the best and simplest way to feed overweight horses. Reduce or eliminate grains and concentrates that contribute excess calories. Use a Platinum Performance^® Wellness formula to help balance a forage-based diet.

GET MOVING

Exercise Supports Insulin Sensitivity

Exercise supports insulin sensitivity and helps maintain healthy blood glucose and insulin levels. For sedentary horses, start slowly even if it’s a handwalk or trot on the lunge line and gradually increase over several weeks.

GET A LITTLE HELP

Supplement to Support Weight Loss

Certain ingredients have the capability to support energy metabolism within the cell - magnesium and chromium for blood glucose maintenance and insulin effectiveness.

Related Article:

• SUGAR RUSH - THE RISE OF EQUINE METABOLIC CONDITIONS
• INFLAMATION IMPLICATIONS - Helpful or Detrimental?

Other Articles:

• AVOIDING GAS COLIC IN HORSES
• HAPPY FEET - THE ART OF NOURISHING THE EQUINE HOOF
• HORSE HOOF HEALTH - FROM THE GROUND UP
• The What, Why, Who, When, and How of Supplementing Horse Joints with Nutrition

These articles all likely contain a sales pitch for Platinum Performance products. They are not included here as an endorsement of the product, but because of the quality information they contain.

Kerry Morgans 7th Generation! He was the first foal out of Kerry Bay and the first of our 7th generation of Morgan horses. His sire was Scandia's Trademark. He carries on for Kerry Be Proud [Clifford] in promoting the Morgan horse as well as his other good works.

Sharon Harper

Experience with mares and foals and care of show horses would be a big plus. We are looking for a high level candidate and will offer top salary and a beautiful 3 bedroom home on farm. Salem Farm is home to many of the Morgan breed's most decorated show stars-many bred here including the 2021 World champion stallion Jus' Sayin'. I am a 69 year old national Hall of Fame trainer who is looking to semi retire and spend time with other things (grandkids, travel, etc.). We are looking for a long term employee - couples would be considered.

Contact via PM on Facebook.

The 2023 Distance Horse National Championships will be held in Menahga, Minnesota at the "Huntersville Hundred" site September 29 through October 1, 2023. This facility features fantastic trails with excellent footing and beautiful scenery. 

Please click on "Read More" below to view our webpage which contains the application form, ride schedule, past winners, and more. For more information or questions, please contact Nikki at nicole@morganhorse.com or (859) 448-5109.

Read More

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the 2024 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team Selection Trials. The application is open to active junior and amateur competing members of US Equestrian age 14 or older as of Jan. 1, 2024, and completing the application is the first step in the qualifying process for the team.

How to Apply

The application is available through the athlete dashboard at athletes.usef.org. Select “Online Application” and search in the Saddle Seat category for 2024. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Selection Trials

The U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup team selection trials will take place at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri on December 1-2, 2023. 

For more information, including selection procedures and application details, visit the Saddle Seat World Cup page on USEF.org, contact Emily McSweeney at emcsweeney@usef.org.

For the entire USEF Press Release and to learn about the most recent World Cup, held in 2022 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, where the U.S. teams won three-gaited gold and five-gaited bronze.

Click here for more information.

Sally Jackson and Stephens College are proud to bring back the $20,000 scholarship to the 2023 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final. The scholarship was created to support students who are committed to continuing their involvement with show horses and/or equine studies. The scholarship awards $20,000 to be used towards educational expenses at Stephens College. Two scholarships are open to high school juniors and seniors and will be awarded to two students who wish to participate in equestrian activities while advancing their education at Stephens College, in Columbia, MO.

$10,000 USEF Medal Scholarship

The $10,000 USEF Medal Scholarship will be awarded to the winner of the equitation rider video/application. Open to riders who will compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Finals, or for those who have competed in Medal qualifying classes during the show season (who have placed 1st through 4th). All interested applicants must apply and declare their interest in attending Stephens College no later than October 1 prior to the Finals.

$10,000 USEF/ASHBA Performance Rider/Driver Scholarship

Open to all riding and driving disciplines, and levels of competitors who compete in saddle seat, Western, hunt seat, driving, and Academy. Applications open May 1 and are due midnight ET July 1, 2023. Open to all high school juniors and seniors who are in good standing with USEF as a Subscribing or Competing Member and with ASHBA as a Competing Member (Junior, Senior, Charter Club, or Contributing).

Click here for more information.

After coming back to the show ring at 18 years of age, and leaving C-Fair Regionals undefeated in the English Pleasure Open and In-Hand Gelding divisions, officially gaining his Grand Champion title to become Alltitude GCH, Bobbie will officially retire from the show ring.

Words cannot begin to express how lucky I am to have had this incredible horse as my partner for so many perfect show seasons, and every single ride and moment together in between. I truly have never met a horse with a bigger heart. Bobbie had a very rough start in life, but will give me all and anything I ask from him without hesitation.

I’ve worked him lightly since he came home after 2021 OKC, because he loves working more than anything else, but when I decided I was going to take him to C-Fair to get his GCH, he really stepped up to the game in a way I didn’t know was possible. Being the one getting him ready for his comeback the past few months has been one of my greatest experiences with him that I am forever grateful for. Within a week, he was back working with the excitement and energy of a five year old show horse. Every single day, he got better, and put so much in to every single workout. Only having show shoes on for three weeks before the show, he knew he was going back to the show ring one more time, and he wasn’t going to disappoint.

This horse truly has no bad days, no ounce of bad intention, no capability of doing anything but his best, and not a single moment when he isn’t absolutely in love with his job, brothers, and people. He loves unconditionally, in a way I never knew a horse could. That really shined even brighter when I put him back to full time, hard work.

Bobbie is by far the most fun horse I ever have and will ever ride and show. Every ride I forget how fun he is, and holy smokes does this boy love to show. The second we trotted back in to the show ring, I felt every muscle in his body relax and he just floats through the class full of energy, excitement, and joy. He is the epitome of a show horse and a Morgan gelding.

Having him at home for the past year and a half has been such an incredible experience, and we’re so fortunate to have him here for the rest of his life. He got his show shoes taken off right after his last class, and got to go in his pasture with his brothers the instant he got home. He loves working more than anything else, and will never fully be retired out to pasture. He’ll go back to what his life was before C-Fair prep, his best life full of pasture time with his brothers, sun bathing in his run, being so spoiled, and light work several times a week to keep him as happy as he has ever been.

I knew the moment I met him that Bobbie would be my forever horse alongside my beloved Corey, and I’m so glad to carry out that dream and give my forever partner the retirement that he deserves a million times over.

Thank you for every class Bobbie, I don’t know why you chose me to be your person, but I’m eternally grateful that you did.

Grace Martin

Articles:

• FOUR POTENTIAL HORSE EMERGENCIES AND HOW TO RESPOND TO THEM
• 50 BEST HORSE MOVIES
• RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY COACHING RELATIONSHIP

Some exciting things have been happening around the Tacoma Unit in the form of upgraded arena footing and grooming equipment! Thank you to Jerry McCann, our staff, board of directors and the Floyd family for all your hard work on these projects! We will all surly reap the benefits! Happy riding, Y'all!!!!

Please join us for the 68th Annual PNW Morgan Horse Show, August 24-27, 2023! We are pleased to also be offering Arabian, HA/AA classes this year, as well as OTAB Western Dressage! Prize list and entry information coming shortly at pacificnorthwestmorganhorseshows.com.

For questions contact Kaitlin or Patty Lebon

pnwmorganhorseshow@gmail.com

425-239-4479

Important Updates For All Livestock Exhibitors:

We care greatly about the safety of our patrons and exhibitors attending the Oregon State Fair. Due to heavy traffic activity and for the safety of all involved, we are implementing changes for both load-in, load-out and the camping entrance.

Exhibitors will be allowed to drive in and unload your animals as usual. You may drive in and drop off feed in the mornings before 9 a.m. There will be NO vehicles admitted on grounds after 9 a.m. All vehicles need to be off the grounds by 9 a.m. If for some reason your vehicle is on grounds after 9 a.m., it will be subject to being towed. There will be no vehicles allowed on the West side of the Livestock Pavilion during Fair hours.

Exhibitors will only be allowed to walk in through the Blue Gate Entrance once you are parked. Please have your credentials (wristbands or passes) ready to show the gate attendant. The Gray Gate will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Please note we are using metal detectors this year. You will be subject to bag searches at each gate, including Blue Gate.

As a friendly reminder, no personal alcohol is allowed inside the fairgrounds. OSFEC will no longer allow crock-pot and BBQ use inside the barns as per the Fire Marshals rules.

There will be a maned-gate with a security check point at the Horse Show Stalls. There will be no pedestrian access at that point The Horse Stall doors will also be closed. 



There is a gate behind the Show Horse Barn in camping space 12 that you can walk through to get to the Blue Gate. Please be mindful of the people camping.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Oregon State Fair Management

October 7 - 14, 2023

Oklahoma Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, OK

Deadlines!

• August 10 - Program Ads are due (August 25 if camera ready)
• Entries are to be postmarked on or before August 15, 2023 or received by August 22, 2023 to avoid post-entry fees.
• August 31 - Sponsorships are due

NOTE: Sponsorships received by August 15 (next Tuesday) are eligible for $500 worth of Silver Possibility Tickets!

For entry and Show Information, contact Peggy Hatfield at (316) 755-0395.

For Sponsorship Information, contact Carolyn Sebring at carolynsebring@aol.com - OR - visit the Grand National website for sponsorship information and sign up directly.

AMHA Youth of the Year Program

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.

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.

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 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!

Want more information on guidelines, etc? Click here.

We are excited that the virtual Youth Of The Year contest is back for 2023. This year this all senior contest will be held from August 22nd through August 31st. All four (4) phases of this contest will be virtual. For more information please email Nikki at nicole@morganhorse.com. There will be a scholarship for the winner and all contestants that score over 800 will qualify for the Grand National Youth Of The Year Contest. Hope to see you there!

Click here for the application!

Click here to access the information you need to get ready to compete in the Youth of the Year - Work thru the Merit Program Levels. Then get more information on this year's contest from Nicole.

Included in the next Section/s:

Section 2:

Member News

Section 3:

Classified Ads

Advertising Thru MHAO

How to become an MHAO Member

Oregon Horse Council News

USEF News

AMHA News