Stable Sheet - February 2023 |
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An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse |
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Get the most out of this newsletter -
For those viewing this newsletter for the first time, it is published in two or more sections. At the bottom of each section you will be prompted to click a link to go to the next section. Be sure to "click here" where indicated to continue reading. 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.
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From Your Board Of Directors |
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President's Message
Hi everyone,
We are past the holidays, our budget is set, the new year lies ahead of us. As we make our plans and roll up our sleeves to get to work, we want to hear from you. We will be sending our a survey to all our members. We want to know more about you and what your interests are. When you receive your survey, please take the time to go thru it, fill it out, and get it back to us. What we learn will affect what we do not only for this year, but for 3-5 years into the future.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Save The Date! Our Spring Clinic will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 about Working Equitation, an up-and-coming discipline said to be perfect for our Morgan horses. Come learn from Kim Barker! The location & fee amount is yet to be finalized. There will be 10 spots for riders. More information will follow on a reservation deadline for Morgan horse riders before we open it up to the general population. Auditors are always welcome, and we will have a General Membership meeting during the lunch break. We would love to see you there!
Watch for our full announcement soon!
Now let's take a minute to talk about some of the lesser known programs MHAO offers. If you and your Morgan horse compete in something but have not turned in your points in the past, please take a look at our High Point Award program. Just turn in your results after the competition is done. This program is designed to cover all disciplines and all types of competitions whether open to all breeds or those specifically for Morgan horse enthusiasts. Turn in your points for very nice and useful year end awards. Come to the banquet in November to mingle with other people who love this breed, and help us celebrate all things Morgan.
Another program just starting to be recognized by members is the Ride/Drive program. Earn patches for your time spent driving or riding your Morgan horse. Wear them proudly so people will ask you about your Morgan horse. We also have an Open reimbursement program. If you pay a fee for a clinic, an open show entry, to enter a parade, a poker ride, or any number of other things - you can be reimbursed up to $25 per event to a maximum of $100 per year per membership. That is more than you pay to be a member of MHAO. Don't miss out!
See more about these programs in the newsletter below. We will highlight more things that are available to you as we move thru the year.
Promoting the Morgan horse is very important to the future of our breed. This year we will be setting up a booth at the Oregon Ag Fest in our efforts to continue to promote the Morgan breed. It will be held April 29-30, 2023 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem OR. We need people to help us man the booth. Please contact Rhea Turner if you are interested in helping. See more below.
So far it has been a fairly mild winter, at least in the lowlands. I admit to having a bit of Spring Fever. The weather could still surprise us, so stay warm out there. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we hope to see you soon. Let the fun begin!
Gay Adams, MHAO President
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MHAO Board Meeting Minutes |
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Draft Minutes for the Board Meeting on January 18, 2023
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Your 2023 Board of Directors and their
committee assignments.
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Click here to download this information on the MHAO Board Of Directors
Click here to download the MHAO Board Meeting Schedule
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In an effort to serve you better, MHAO is putting together a quick and easy to complete survey that we will send to all our members. At least initially, it will go out to the email address we have on file for you.
WE NEED TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU!!!
What you tell us will affect what we do over the next few years. We want to get a better idea of what you are doing with your Morgan horse/s and where your interests lie. When you get it, please fill it out right away and mail it back to us.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and help us be better
stewards for our club and the Morgan breed.
We are here to serve you!
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Save The Date!!!
2023 MHAO Spring Clinic
Working Equitation With Kim Barker
April 15, 2023
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Pictured above, Kim Barker on Gladheart Black Harris
Location, stabling, & pricing still needs to be finalized. Watch for our announcement when everything is final. Make your reservation early! 10 riding spots available. We will set a deadline for Morgan riders to register, after which we will open it up to the general public. Auditors welcome. We will have a mike available so auditors can easily hear the instructor. Let Patricia know if you are interested.
An MHAO General Membership Meeting will take place over the lunch break.
More information to follow as soon as it is available.
Your contact for questions & reservations is:
Patricia Carlson, Education Chair
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MHAO 2023 Stallion Service Auction |
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24 Stallions Nominated So far...... |
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For more information on the stallions, go to the auction website:
Nominate your stallion now to maximize your promotion coverage from MHAO.
Nominations are open thru February. Bidding will begin March 1st and close on April 22, 2023 at 3pm Pacific Daylight Time. All bidding will be online. If anyone cannot bid online, they can call in their bid to Gay Adams @(503) 936-4276.
You will need to register on the Online Bid Site before you can bid. Be sure to provide both your phone number and your email address.
We are looking for "Other Items" to offer for bid, too. Let Gay know if you have anything you would like to donate.
Share the news!
Benefits of making a donation:
- Press releases on Northwest Morgan News, MHAO newsletter (Stable Sheet), MHAO website, MHAO Facebook Page & the MHAO Stallion Service Auction Facebook Page, in The Morgan Horse Magazine, on The Blast, etc. There is heavy emphasis on advertising the stallions included in our auction.
- The Stallion Auction will be promoted at the Oregon Morgan Classic (OMC) Horse Show with donated stallions highlighted at the show. OMC is one of the largest Morgan Horse Shows in the Northwest and the largest in Oregon.
- The name of all stallions with a bid will be put into a hat. A winner will be drawn to receive a free 2-page spread in the 2022 MHAO Breeders’ Cup Futurity Booklet.
- The MHAO Stallion Service Auction is the only Stallion Service Auction in the Western Region.
- Each stallion will receive a full page color ad in the MHAO Breeder’s Cup Futurity Booklet. This is a high quality magazine distributed not only up and down the West Coast but at Nationals.
- You will receive promotion of your stallion through other Equine and Morgan organizations in the Region.
- Minimum starting bid is $700, or an amount set by the stallion owner (higher or lower, but no lower than $500)
- Bidding is online and open from at least March 1 to April 22, 2023. Phone in bids are accepted from those without access to bid online.
- Bonus payments are made to breeders and stallion owners when a foal that is the result of a breeding sold through the MHAO Stallion Service Auction becomes a Futurity Sweepstakes Champion or Reserve Champion at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show.
- Funds from the MHAO Stallion Service Auction are used to support the MHAO Breeders’ Cup Futurity which is the only remaining traditional Futurity in the Western Region.
MISSION STATEMENT: The committees of the MHAO Stallion Service Auction and the Breeders' Cup Futurity are dedicated to the promotion of the Morgan Horse. We strive to support the breeders of the Morgan Horse by offering ways to publicize their breeding programs and to offer access to high quality breeding stallions. It is also our goal to increase the excitement about the Morgan Horse, and to draw the Morgan Community together.
Your Stallion Service Auction Committee:
Gay Adams, Chair - Nancy Eidam - Erin Shields
Diane Pixlee - Patricia Carlson
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MHAO Open Incentive Reimbursement Program |
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Do you take your Morgan to clinics, show at Open shows, attend trail rides where you pay a fee, or attend competitions of any type? Maybe you ride your Morgan in a parade. Check out this program. You can get a partial reimbursement. You are helping to promote the Morgan horse breed! If you are competing in something, be sure to register with our High Point Chair too, and to turn in your results after each event. |
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** Amounts to be reimbursed are subject to change. The amount of reimbursement is set at the beginning of each year by the Board of Directors. Watch for any announcement of changes after the January Board meeting.
For questions or assistance, contact Sandi Humphfres
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The Ride/Drive Program
For Everyone Who Rides Or Drives A Morgan Horse
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The Details:
1. Open to all ages of riders/drivers and to all styles of riding or driving.
2. Enrollment year will begin and end on October 15th.
3. Must be an MHAO member.
4. Only hours on a Morgan horse will count.
5. Hours must be logged on the MHAO Log Sheet.
6. Horse’s name and registration number must be included on the log sheet.
7. More than one horse may be used to accrue hours.
8. Eligible hours are any hours spent riding or driving either for recreation, trail riding, practice or to exercise your horse; or for hours in the saddle or driving at a non-Morgan competition or event. This includes 4H, OHSET, clinics, non-Morgan shows, etc. Time in the saddle or driving at a Morgan show count except for the time in front of a judge. See the enrollment form for more information.
9. The program is continuous and members can accrue hours over multiple enrollment years as long as MHAO membership is maintained.
Cost: Enrollment is a one time fee of $15 as long as MHAO membership is maintained. Must re-enroll (including another fee) if MHAO membership is dropped.
Awards: Awards will be presented for 25, 50, 150, 1,000 and 2,000 hours at the MHAO Fall Banquet. Additional Awards will be determined by committee
For more information, contact: Sandy Humphfres, Ride & Drive Program Chair
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Membership Renewal Time!! We need you!!
$30 for an individual membership/$35 for a family.
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We need your membership! Your support helps us to cover our fixed costs and to have the funds needed to provide our Youth program as well as to promote our wonderful breed. Please support our efforts and the Morgan breed by becoming a member or renewing your membership in MHAO. Renew now to be included in the membership directory. Be a visual part of the Morgan community! Thank you for your support!
We can't do what we do without you!
Click here to download a membership application form
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A membership directory will be out soon.
Join or renew now to be included.
Would you like an ad in the directory?
This year's directory will be delivered to members via email as a printable PDF file. Eventually we will open up a "member only" section on our website where members can access it. It will be sized as an 8.5" by 11" booklet that you can print off your computer, view on our website, or download off of our website. If you are unable to print it yourself, let Doana know you would like her to mail you one.
Close date is March 1st
Ad rates:
Full page (8.5x11) - $20
Half page (8.5x5.5") - $10
Quarter page (4.25x5.5") - $5
Business Card (3.25x2") - $5
Inside front or back page - $25
Outside back cover - $30
Add 1/8th inch if you want bleed
Be a part of the Morgan discussion and community!
Get your membership renewal or new application in!
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MHAO Is Looking For Volunteers |
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Attention!
Volunteers needed to help man a promotional booth at the Oregon Ag Fest, April 29-30, 2023 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem OR
If you can help, contact:
If interested in being a volunteer in something else:
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A Request For News From MHAO Members & Friends |
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Karen Weiderman is our reporter for member news. She would love to showcase you and your horse in the Members section of the Stable Sheet newsletter (Section 2). Send her a story with some pictures.
She is also looking for stories from Morgan owners on how and when they got into the Morgan breed and what they have done since then.
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Highlighting Our 2022 OMC Corporate Sponsors, OMC Vendors , & Donors of "Other Items" to our Stallion Service Auction. |
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February 25 - 9am-4pm in Salem
space is limited - get registered - it's FREE
Here is a chance to help Open Show judges know what they are looking at when they see a Morgan horse in the ring.
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It might be good to get some Morgan horses and exhibitors to ride in this event if space is still available. If that is not possible, it would still be helpful to have Morgan people attend for a sharing of information. |
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In the last article Janet wrote, we talked about teaching a new horse to be caught. The strongest mental lesson is formed if we teach the horse to come to us, rather than allowing us to approach him.
Suppose all the ideal conditions are met—the horse is young and new, he’s housed alone for a few days, the catch location is small, and you’ve tried the technique I described—but still, His Royal Majesty won’t approach.
First, make a plan. Horses are prey animals—their brains automatically perceive direct eye contact, strong movement, and military posture as threats, at least until taught otherwise. Body position is critical.
Enter the gate casually and call your horse’s name. Be sure he sees and hears you. When he looks your way, praise him verbally, then turn your face to the side, lowered so you can see foot movement from the corners of your eyes. Slouch a little, poke the dirt with your toe. Look down, squat down. Wait. See if he will take a few steps toward you.
No go? That’s OK, amble closer, calling the horse’s name again. Stop occasionally, slouch, turn sideways, wait. Squat down. If necessary, stop for a minute with your back to the horse, then begin walking away. Many horses change their tune as soon as you begin to leave, as if to say “Hey, wait a minute! Where ya goin’?” Go slowly with all this. He’s afraid; give him time.
As soon as the horse comes your way, say his name, especially in the last few feet of approach. You want his brain to link his name with the action of coming to you and with the rare edible reward he’s about to enjoy. When he arrives, immediately offer the reward along with strokes and praise. (This must be a hidden reward, not a lure—shaking the can of grain ahead of time teaches your horse to come to the grain. We want him to come to you.)
This technique works with most new youngsters, although you might have to use it two or three days in a row before achieving success. But suppose your little monkey is among the most resistant. (Sell him immediately! No, of course, I’m only joking.)
Meander toward his shoulder gently, enlisting help from a friend only if he whirls away repeatedly. Stroke him for a minute, then step about six feet back. See if he will take one step in your direction. If so, give him the best tasting edible reward you can muster. Not a carrot, more like a bite of carrot cake! (You’re only going to use this level of food reward once or twice, so splurge a little.)
You want to surprise this horse’s brain into releasing a giant spurt of dopamine hat says, “Wow, that felt great!” Stroke, praise, turn gently, and leave. That’s enough for today. If she follows you, stroke, reward, and leave again.
Want to read more on training the catch by Dr. Janet Jones? Check out:
Brain-Based Horsemanship is a weekly column that chronicles Janet Jones, PhD, and her journey with True, a Dutch Warmblood she trained from age three using neuroscience best practices. Read more about brain-based training in Jones’ award winning book Horse Brain, Human Brain.
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Janet Jones applies brain science to the training of horses and riders. She earned her Ph.D. from UCLA and taught the neuroscience of perception, language, memory, and thought for 23 years. Janet trained horses at a large stable early in her career, and later ran a successful horse training business of her own. She has schooled hundreds of green or difficult horses and competed in hunter, jumper, halter, reining, and western pleasure disciplines. Her 2020 book Horse Brain, Human Brain won Japan’s 2021 Equine Culture Award and is being translated into seven languages. |
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What makes a good leader? Traditionally, leadership in horses has been understood as a function of dominance, embodied in the myth of the “lead mare”: the highest-ranking individual in a group will be the one leading it. Thanks to a growing body of scientific evidence, we now know that this is incorrect.
Click titles to read more
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The "Imagining Morgan History" Youth Essay Contest |
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The Morgan Horse magazine is holding an essay contest, based on a post from Denny Emerson about an old Morgan horse shoe. The contest is open to those in grades 4-9, and the two first place essays will be published in a future issue of The Morgan Horse magazine while the first and second place winners receive a free one-year subscription to The Morgan Horse. If interested, winners will also receive a guided tour by Denny Emerson of historic Morgan markers in Vermont.
Deadline is February 14th.
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Posted by Karen Barber Gardner |
Lessons learned long and hard in the horse business as a professional..
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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 Destefano
Good for "customers" to read as well.
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Show Your Trainer Some Love |
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Close date is February 27 |
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From the Oregon Horse Council |
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Are you interested in having an impact on the Equine Industry in Oregon? |
The Oregon Horse Council was established in 2009 and has worked hard for Oregon's equine industry in many ways since - we are now searching for more enthusiastic people to join us in this important work!
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This valuable organization is overseen by a dedicated and amazing group of up to 11 board members who represent various businesses, disciplines, and regions of the state. Each board member has a 3 year term and they are staggered so that 3 board members roll off each year.
We are looking for new board members to join our team! This is an exciting time for the Oregon Horse Council as we come out of COVID and re-vision our future, programs, legislative efforts, membership, and overall plans.
The board meets via conference call monthly and in person once per year (dates and times determined by the board). The board works at a higher level than many organizations as there is staff to carry out the day-to-day tasks. The board's focus is deciding the future of the organization and does not do a large amount of hands-on work in between meetings. All applicants must be current OHC members (memberships start at only $50 a year!).
If you are interested, please see the link below. Please contact any of our current board members or our office with any questions at 971-224-5879 or Brandi@OregonHorseCouncil.com
2023 Board of Director Application & Information CLICK HERE
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Live on Facebook - Horse Nutrition Q&A
Thursday, February 16th at 5PM Pacific Time
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Co-hosts of the Beyond the Barn® podcast, PhD equine nutrition expert, Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr are bringing you a live Q & A event this winter for all your burning nutrition questions!
· What is the best way to help keep my horse warm in the winter?
· How can I get my horse to drink more water?
· How can I keep weight on my hard keeper horse over the winter months?
What do YOU want to know about when it comes to feeding your horse? Join us!
We’ll also be giving away some Standlee free product coupons to three lucky winners who join us during our Facebook Live – don’t miss this!
Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Time: 5 PM Pacific/6 PM Mountain/7 PM Central/8 PM Eastern
Join our event page on Facebook to get reminders about our upcoming Facebook Live!
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Get Your Listing In the OHC Oregon Horse Directory - Deadline is February 17th |
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Copies Distributed Throughout Oregon at:
Feed Stores – Tack Stores – Equine Events and Shows – Veterinarian Offices – Annual Association Conferences & Banquets – All OHC booths. Also available as a .PDF and a searchable directory on the OHC website.
All Equine Related Businesses and Organizations
can receive a FREE Classified Listing!
PREMIER classified listings are included
with membership, starting at $50 per year.
All Ads are in FULL COLOR! OHC Members receive Discounts!
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Allowing foals to run loose while moving their mothers to and from pasture or breeding stocks can be treacherous.
Try this easy and no purchases necessary (everybody has a halter hanging around).
We call it suitcasing a foal. Stops them from running off, laying down or flipping over. Later we add a foal halter. Then no longer need the halter/harness.
Happy foaling!!!!!
(Follow Red River Reproduction for daily foaling and foal raising tips)
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Thank you for sharing, Jessica Pelissier |
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From JMF Morgans - The North American Morgan Sale |
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Janzen Morgan Farm has long since been a part of the wonderful Amish communities acquiring Morgan Horses since the early 1990's. I have heard that you can see JMF bred Morgans driving around the hills of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, etc. etc. etc!!
Currently the Amish communities are doing a LOT of great breeding and are doing their share to keep our Morgan numbers up. If you were unaware, the strong Morgan market and prices are due in part to the strong Amish Morgan Auctions held around the USA. I WISH we had these sales in Canada, but we do not...
Therefore, in 2023, Janzen Morgan Farm is trying something BRAND NEW!! We were personally invited to send some of our home-bred Morgans to be part of an Amish Morgan Sale that has been around for 10 years already but is making a BIG change for 2023!!!
I would like to introduce to you the new:
"North American Morgan Sale" (or NAMS) that replaces what was known as the "Morgan, Morgan Cross" sale!! Dates are May 12 & 13, 2023!!!! MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!
The NAMS is being held at the same location as the "Superior Morgan Sale" which is the MEC or Michiana Event Centre at Shipshewana, Indiana. An excellent venue, centrally located, the NAMS is 100% Registered Morgans only. And on top of that, the Friday sale is a "Morgan Breeders Sale" where you must be the breeder of the horse to put it through that day!! The sale will be streamed live via the MEC website and telephone bids are welcome.
I will post more information as it becomes available! We are very honored and excited to have been invited to join this sale and we think we have the PERFECT Morgans for it!! Stay tuned as I will post which of our horses have been consigned to this exciting sale!! PLUS Bruce & I might just make an appearance at this sale AND hopefully visit some Morgan farms in the area too!!
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD!!!
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Imagine Horse Training Videos on UTube
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Here is a link to a number of UTubes on training horses. This is intended as a resource, not as an endorsement of any particular training method.
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Morgan Dressage Scholarships Available |
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MORGAN DRESSAGE SHOW HIGH POINT AWARDS *New for 2022*
The Morgan Dressage Association is sponsoring an award for the highest score achieved by a Morgan horse in a single traditional dressage test at dressage shows run by Morgan breed shows. Please contact the show manager to find out if they are offering this high point award at your show. All winners in 2022 who are MDA members are eligible for the end of year high point award.
Congratulations to MDA Dressage Show High Point Winners:
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The Morgan Dressage Association sponsors a number of unique programs designed to both further the training and education of members and their Morgans in dressage, and to celebrate the achievement of members and their mounts in the world of competition. Click here for more information. You can also see information about past winners of these programs.
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Here it is, the Morgans who have earned the right to be ranked in the 𝗨𝗦𝗗𝗙 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 and 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀. Both of these awards are earned in open competition venues, against all breeds, over multiple competitions. These are the Morgans who are the breeds best ambassadors.
Please take a moment to browse the pictures that many of the qualifying riders were kind enough to share. These Morgans worked hard to be ranked, and we congratulate them on their achievement!
Click here to see them, and the final results posted on Facebook
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The United States Eventing Association (USEA) awards points based on placings and the number of starters in a division competition.
Once again, we want to congratulate all the Morgans and Morgan-crosses that have fulfilled these requirements for the 2022 Season and share a few pictures of some of them here.
Click here to see the pictures and winner names posted on the Morgan Sporthorse Association Facebook page. Pictured above is Avatar Jazzman.
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National Morgan Reining Horse Association Stallion Service Auction 2023 |
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A Memory Shared - A Memory For Us All |
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2006 World Equestrian Games |
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Before the Cowboy Dressage/Morgan Presentaion
“Debra, I have been preparing my whole life for the
next 10 minutes”.
It was dark with rain clouds looming overhead. The wind was blowing and it was miserable and cold out. The weather was just plain rotten. Foreboding. Eitan was mounted on Santa Fe Renegade preparing for the biggest event of their lives. They had been stuck in a “holding area” for two hours before entering the stadium for the closing ceremony at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany in 2006. There was no rehearsal, no prep. This was a “cold turkey” deal. Santa Fe had never seen the inside of the stadium or the 60,000 + people in attendance. USEF and the American Morgan Horse Institute had flown Eitan, Santa Fe and I for 10 days to Aachen for a 10 minute performance in front of the World. There was no margin for error or last minute stage fright. There were no margins at all and it had to go off without a hitch or glitch. For us that have never put themselves under that kind of pressure it is hard to imagine the depth and strength it takes to meet such demands head on with our reservations.
I am a worrier. I got an “A” in worrying 101 in school. I paced and fretted. I had to go to the bath room a dozen times in 2 hours. I couldn’t stop worrying. I swear that my hair was turning white. I was beginning to feel like Bride of Frankenstein. What if it rained, what if it started thundering and lightning, what if Santa Fe refused to enter, what if he slipped on the wet grass? And worst of all what if they were just bad. I was making myself sick with all the things that could go wrong. While I was at my worst I looked up at Eitan sitting casually on Santa Fe as if he did not have a care in the world. I asked him how he could be so calm and wasn’t he scared. His reply was, “Debra, I have been preparing my whole life for the next 10 minutes. Santa Fe and I are partners. We won’t let each other down.” The man can drive me crazy but no wonder I love him the way I do. You see while I was worrying about all the things that could go wrong he was reveling in all the things that were going to go right.
I asked Kathy Cox who was instrumental in getting Eitan and Santa Fe to the Games in 2006. She said that his reputation preceded him as a horseman and that it was known that no matter what the circumstances were he would deliver. Deliver he did so much so that they were asked to return to the 2010 World Equestrian and open the Opening Ceremony in Lexington, KY. That is a whole other story of courage and adversity. One for another time.
That same confidence, drive, vision and passion is what drives Eitan and his Cowboy Dressage and Cowboy Dressage World. Am I worried? Not this time. I know that we are all in good hands.
Deb
Observations In Aachen Germany 2006
Two very moving observations while at the World Equestrian Games.
When it came time for the riders and their horses to jump for the gold the stadium was in a fever. It was supposed to start at 3 pm in the afternoon.
At 9 am when the gates opened people had literally camped out to save space in the cheap seats which is
standing room on the floor of the stadium....when the riders came in and jumped the course it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, not a noise.
Everyone in the stands was so respectful of the competitor. When a course is completed there are big cheers that shake the ground. It is the same for dressage...the silence tells you more than the cheering. I was impressed, but what set me back was that after the gold, silver and bronze had been won the riders came out to the area we were in. The gold winner from Belgium came out handed his horse off to his groom and was instantly covered in media. I mean he looked like a piece of barb b q chicken covered by bees.
The second place, the US got nothing, zip. Not one camera, oh there was one, but it was the US camera. I watched this in amazement. A Silver in this competition is so serious and such an achievement and all the press cared
about was the gold. No matter how much you dress up competition it is still about 1st place. Can I tell you either one's names, no. I do remember what they looked like but I can tell you that I did know how they felt and what it takes to get there. I had so much respect and admiration for them. First or second it takes the same amount of courage and work. These are amazing people and horses. The second was at the Horse Lay Over in Amsterdam. The place was full of horses from the WEG going home to one country or another. The US reining team was there. There were 3 horses and for each horse their was one groom.
The team not only had 3 grooms but they had ultra sound machines, digital x-ray equipment, blankets with magnets and magnets with machines. Buckets of ulcer guard. They were a traveling vet clinic. I was impressed.
As I walked through the barn I saw a stunning warmblood of some kind. It was fit and had a coat that was like satin. Beautiful horse. I also saw one lone Mexican in a corner, on the stall door the card said "Mexico." Meaning the horse was
going home to Mexico. The Mexican was sitting on the plastic tack box, quietly. I watched him watch these girls and all their endless equipment. I was standing by the Mexican Horse and he came over to check the water...I
asked him if that was his horse. He said yes, I told him how beautiful it was and then I recognized him, he was the rider at the WEG. He had done a nice job and I remembered his horse and his ride. He was there alone. He was a world class competitor and the groom. The US grooms left for their comfortable hotel but the Mexican slept there with his horse. I watched him
pick out his stall and feed him. The US team had to hurry home and I understand that, places to go and things to do.
We get caught in that too but I loved seeing good horsemanship in its purest form....the partnership starts with taking the responsibility. He rode him, he made sure he drank, he ate and that his stall was clean at all times. He stayed with the horse, never leaving him. The devotion was evident. He did not win a bronze, silver or gold but he was the biggest winner to me. I just smiled thinking that in
this world that there is still that kind of devotion to these noble creatures.
Deb.
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Cowboy Dressage
with Eitan Beth-Halachmy
"Poetry in Motion Understanding the Horse From the Inside Out"
There are videos and then there are videos and I have seen hundreds of them, but none like this one. If you would like to ride a better horse, here is the place to start. Step by step with the best horseman I know. It's the best investment in the horse industry. You can't show me a video comparable."....
Jack Brainard "
Eitan has produced and narrated a video that is a work of art, but, more important, a work of tremendous value to any rider. Beautifully illustrated with videography and animation, this video will help any serious rider, regardless of whether they are expert or relatively novice, to understand how they can get the most out of their mount".... Robert M Miller DVM
Available for purchase at:
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Indiana Morgan Horse Sale |
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For a live audio stream of the previews, dial 712-432-8773, then use ID: 4584635
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More From Horse TV Global |
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Click here to see what HorseTVGlobal has to offer. Call (940) 594-0000 for more information on access and services. Promote your services, knowledge, facility, breed, or events.
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Check out scenes from the Carriage Driving Cones Clinic held Labor Day 2016.
Awesome horses, driving, and burgers!
Shouldn't YOUR horse be Carriage Driving?
Carriage Driving is one of the fastest growing and most exciting equestrian sports!
Learn and enjoy more today…
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Click title or picture to watch this UTube |
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This is not intended as an endorsement of HorseTVGlobal. I am just sharing information on a possible resource that I found. |
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The 2023 Morgan Stallion Sweepstakes |
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The Morgan Stallion Sweeps committee is preparing for their annual drawing for a breeding to one of many popular stallions on Saturday, February 11th in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The drawing will be streamed live on the New England Morgan Horse Show Facebook page Saturday evening at 7:30 PM ET.
If you still need to purchase tickets for the drawing, call Steven Handy at 508-944-0787 or Jenny Taylor at 330-350-2839. You can learn more about the program HERE and see the full lineup of stallions.
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New 2023 USEF Rules on Memberships and Show Passes
As of December 1, 2022, USEF's new Non Member/Show Pass rules are in effect for USEF recognized shows. Here are some highlights:
- USEF non member fees have been replaced by a Show Pass for riders, owners, lessees.
- Trainers and Coaches must have an active membership and CANNOT purchase Show Passes.
- Show passes can only be purchased DIRECTLY from the USEF website. They can not be purchased from EqEntries or from Show Management.
- Show passes can only be purchased within the 7 days before the show or day of the show (again only online)
- Each person can only purchase a single USEF Show Pass per competition year, which allows them to compete in non-exempt classes at a SINGLE USEF recognized show. After that, they must purchase a USEF membership
More details can be found in our hopefully helpful FAQ
USEF's Show Pass FAQ also has more details
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Looks like more fun ahead. Time to get your "Safe Sport" training done! |
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Employment Opportunity At UVM Farm |
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The University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, Vermont is currently taking applications for our 2023 apprenticeship program! You do not need to be a UVM student to apply.
The apprenticeship program is a year-long inclusive educational experience, where aspiring equine students live on site and participate in all aspects of a Morgan horse training and breeding farm. This is a paid position with openings starting in the Summer of 2023!
Apprentice opportunities include learning young-horse handling, all aspects of young horse training, including backing, riding, and driving. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to care for stallions and broodmares throughout the breeding, pregnancy, and foaling process. Depending on the goals of the individual apprentice, you can assist in marketing horses for sale, handling mares and stallions during breeding, showing young horses and stallions, and working with our agritourism team to promote the breed and educate the public.
For questions or application information, please email Equine Manager Jamie Maguire at uvmorgan@uvm.edu
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Your Business Card Here
Just $10 for 12 months
Other Options:
Full page - $25 per issue
Half page - 15 per issue
Quarter page - $10 per issue
Discounts for multiple months
Free classifieds!
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To advertise in the Stable Sheet, contact Gay Adams - (503) 936-4276 or
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Location Announced for 2023 Distance Championship |
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The AMHA Distance National Championship, held in correlation with the AHA Distance Championship, is excited to announce the location for the 2023 Championship as the Huntersville Hundred Site, located in Menahga, MN from September 29-October 1, 2023.
With fantastic trails worthy of a National Championship Ride, the Distance Nationals Commission is excited to be hosting the 2023 ride at the Huntersville Hundred Site. A tentative ride schedule will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
For information on the Distance Horse National Championship ride, click HERE.
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AMHA Makes DNA Kits FREE to 501(c)(3) Rescues |
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AMHA recognizes that positive identification is an important tool in the rescue and rehoming of Morgans at risk. Dollars for DNA is a program developed by the AMHA Welfare & Rescue committee to provide free DNA testing kits, which currently cost $50 per horse, to registered rescues. |
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If you would like more information about donating to or applying for this program, click HERE.
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American Youth Horse Council Internship Opportunities Available |
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The American Youth Horse Council is seeking to fill three internship positions in each of the spring, summer and fall 2023 semesters. Internships provide tasks and engagements of national importance and result in elevated resume building and national networking. |
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We offer a fully remote, flexible schedule and hours with a minimum of three hours per week. The interns will report directly to the AYHC Executive Director and work in collaboration with various AYHC committees. Applicants should have good written and verbal communications skills, a passion for technical and creative writing, excellent attention to detail and a strong work ethic. |
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About The American Youth
Horse Council
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First established in the 1970s, the American Youth Horse Council was founded by breed organizations and specialists to provide support to all youth and youth leaders throughout the equine industry. Today the AYHC is leading the charge to unite kids and horses, across breeds and disciplines, through a variety of means and opportunities.
The AYHC is a national information center, working to promote communication between all breeds and disciplines. The organization promotes equine education through the development and distribution of quality educational materials such as the Horse Industry Handbook, and by providing ongoing training opportunities to youth leaders and people looking to teach kids of all ages about the wonder of horses. Additionally, the AYHC seeks to be a representative voice that brings together all facets of the equine industry with a common goal of uniting kids and horses.
Kids + Horses = Magic
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2023 Washington State Horse Expo Cancelled |
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Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2023: Here We Come Again!! |
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The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2023, presented by Akin Trailers, will be arriving again in Albany, Oregon, March 24, 25, 26, 2023 at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center! The expo will continue to feature top-notch clinics, workshops, exciting entertainment, tons of trade show shopping, and a chance to interact with horses up close and personal – all for one low admission price! Now in its twenty second year, this family friendly expo is perfect for horse owners and horse lovers of all ages, there is always something for everyone!
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A diverse group of top name equine professionals will present clinics at the expo for the education and entertainment of spectators. The experts from across the United States include headline clinician, Champion Trainer, Chris Cox presenting General Horsemanship clinics; Anita Howe sharing her Gaited Horsemanship methods; Julie Alonzo teaching about Western Equitation; Emily Elias of Back Country Horsemen with Packing for Back Country travels; and Wayne Williams, Radio and on-line TV host of Speaking of Horses.
Enjoy a diverse array of horse breeds providing entertainment throughout the weekend. From big to small, various breed groups and stallions will strut their stuff showing what makes them unique with the horse world. A drill team, elegant dancing horses and more will provide captivating performances to delight audiences.
The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo will also be featuring the Teens and Oregon Mustangs Adoption Showdown! This Mustang Adoption Showdown will bring the excitement, the beauty and versatility of Oregon’s Wild Mustangs. Watch as trainers of all ages, from across the Northwest show what they have accomplished in the last 100 days, and then compete for awards. The opening day of competition is Thursday, March 23rd, at 6:00 PM in the Akins Trailer Sales Arena. There is no charge to the public for this first round of competition. Each of the following days will feature another step in the trainers goal of winning this exciting showdown! Sunday finals will include a LIVE adoption of all the participating Mustangs. You will not want to miss any of this action packed competition.
The trade show will feature a wide variety of vendors from all over the country offering a broad variety of products and services. From trailers to clothing and home décor to feed, shoppers are bound to find what they need and what they didn’t know they needed. A growing list of vendors can be found at http://equinepromotions.ner/northwest-horse-fair/exhibit/vendor-space/ so you can plan your excursion.
Applications are being accepted for participants at the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo 2023, including trade show vendors, Breed Showcase and Stallion Review participants; clinic participants; sponsors and advertisers in the event program. Applications are available at http://equinepromotions.net/northest-horse-fair/.
New this year, pre-sale tickets will be available to purchase at http://equinepromotions.net/northwest-horse-fair/attend/tickets. Pre-sale Adult tickets are $13.00 each day, and Youth (ages 6-12) are $6.00 each day. At the gate, tickets will be $15.00 for Adults, $13.00 for Seniors age 65 + and $8.00 for Youth ages 6-12 years. Children 5 & under are free. Admission is all-inclusive.
See this event and more on our event calendar!
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UPHA/AMHA National Conference |
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From Suzanne Haberek for Fire Run Farm |
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Home from an incredible UPHA National Convention!
Such a wonderful time & experience to be part of this industry watching so many amazing professionals that I look up to receive awards that they so notably deserve. Congratulations to everyone that was recognized & awarded!!
And then what a humbling honor to go home with awards for Treble’s Patent Pending & Teri Rumens, named UPHA Morgan Amateur Western Horse of the Year and then on Saturday night to be awarded the UPHA Overall Morgan Western Horse of the Year!
I’m beyond grateful to everyone who voted for our team, THANK YOU SO MUCH
I’m also proud to be the UPHA Chapter Chair for Region 2 - excited to get our coast rolling!
Thank you to everyone who made
the convention happen in a Big way!!!
It was Magical!
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C-Fair named the UPHA Chapter 2 Horse Show of the Year! |
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Our very own Carol Fletcher was at the UPHA Annual Convention to receive this amazing award for the show as we were awarded the UPHA Chapter 2 Horse Show of the Year Award!
What a fabulous honor for our show!!! Thank you to all who make this show possible, from the amazing show committee, to our awesome exhibitors and families, sponsors, vendors, and each and every one of you!!
We can’t wait to see you all again August 2-6, 2023!!
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New York Stallion Service Auction |
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023 AT 3 PM PST
Stallion Service Auction
del Lago Resort & Casino
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Thank you everyone who donated a breeding, or purchased one! We can't wait to see your 2024 weanlings! Here are the results: |
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Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders' Futurity |
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2023 STALLION SERVICE AUCTION
March 11, 2023
MIDDLEBURY, IN
HOTEL INFO
HAMPTON INN
105 Crystal Heights Blvd.
Middlebury, IN
574-822-0288
Make your reservations by March 1st to get the MMH special rate.
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Announcement From Key Classic |
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We are pleased to welcome Matthew Roberts as our judge for this year’s Key Classic Benefit Horse Show.
Join us May 10-14, 2023 as we kick off the show season in PNW.
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Matthew owns and operates Matthew Roberts Stable in Cave Creek AZ, and brings 25+ years of show experience in the show horse world. He has produced several National & World Championship Teams. He is active in several clubs, UPHA, ASAA, and Pacific Coast. He is also an accomplished USEF carded judge Saddlebred, Saddle Seat, Equitation, Roadster, Morgan, Hackney and Harness Pony, and Friesians since 2013. |
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Key Classic Benefit Horse Show is putting together fun new events and photo ops for this year’s show, and we need your **UNWANTED RIBBONS**! Pick up possible, mailing them works too! Drop a comment below or send us a PM if you’ve got some!
ALMOST SHOWTIME!!!
From Linda Collins
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2023 Morgan Horse Show Dates |
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2023 Morgan Show Dates:
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April 20-23, 2023 - Diamond Jubilee All Breed Horse Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
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May 4-7, 2023 - California SpringFest Horse Show, Rancho Murieta Equestrian Center, Rancho Murieta, CA
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May 10-14, 2023 - Key Classic Benefit Show, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe, WA
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May 11-14, 2023 - Silicon Valley Horse Show, Pleasanton Equestrian Center, Pleasanton CA
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June14-17, 2023 - Oregon Morgan Classic, Oregon Horse Center, Eugene, OR
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July 19-23, 2023 - Morgan Medallion Regional Show, South Point Equestrian Center, Las Vegas, NV
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August 2-6, 2023 - C-Fair Charity Morgan Regional and Open Show, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe, WA
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August 24-27, 2023 - PNW Morgan Show, Tacoma Unit, Spanaway, WA
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August 30-September 3, 2023 - Oregon State Fair Horse Show, Salem OR (Morgan classes, Open classes, and Breed Challenge)
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August 31-September 3, 2023 - Mother Lode Show, Rancho Murieta Equestrian Center, Rancho Murieta, CA
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October 8-14, 2023 – Morgan Grand Nationals and World Championship, Oklahoma City, OK
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December 7-10, 2023 - Jingle Bell Horse Show, Del Mar CA
Newest information in red
For information on Cowboy dressage visit:
J
For information on combined driving events, isit:
This list will move to the bottom of Section 3 for this newsletter beginning with the March issue.
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Open Shows - Update From Shelley Bullard - NW Morgan News
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Feburary 25-26, 2023 - OPtHA Open Schooling Show. - Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield Washington.
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October 27 - 29, 2023 - OPtHA Poor Pumpkin Jubilee & All Breed Show.- Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR
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I saw this on facebook, but lost track of who posted it. Thank you to that person. These words are so true. I hope they help someone who has experienced this type loss so they know they are not alone in what they are feeling. The connection between a person and their horse runs deep. |
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A dear friend lost the horse of her heart suddenly and unexpectedly this week. I was talking to a mutual friend about this heartbreak and we were mourning the loss and I said, ‘It takes such a long time, this grief. I couldn’t look at a picture of the little bay mare for two years after she died, because it was too painful.
Just now, I was going through my archives when a picture of that glorious little mare popped up. I can gaze at her now with gratitude and love. I am not so much sad that she is no longer here but intensely grateful that she was with me.
Grieving a horse is a long, slow and dedicated process. I discovered that it was no good trying to run away from the pain. I had to step right into it, as if I was walking into a storm. I had to be very careful who I spoke to about it. There are people who don’t get it. They might say something like, ‘It’s only a horse.’ I don’t blame them at all, because they are working off the information they have at the time. I do, however, keep myself safe from them. I need people who understand the love, who know that when you lose an adored compadre it is as if a piece of you has been torn out, who aren’t afraid of the tears and the sorrow.
I wish there were words I could give to my dear friend, to ease the ache on her own heart. I know there are none, even though words are my passion and my business. Love is love and loss is loss and grief is grief. I think all we can do, when it is not our turn, is to stand by. To say - I am here, for the times you need to fall apart. The being there will take many forms. It might be to make soup, or to listen, or simply to make a space where the person can be their rawest, messiest self and not try to fix them.
That’s the thing, isn’t it, when someone is in grief? The tendency is to want to make it better, to take away the pain. I can’t bear that my friend is hurting, and there is nothing I can do about it. But that is not our human job, I come to believe. The hurt has to hurt. That is, weirdly, the point. I do remember after the little bay mare imagining what it would be like if my heart did not ache, and I suddenly decided it would be weird and horrible. The grief, after all, is a mark that we have loved, and that means something. It is a kind of honouring, and I think that process is a profound one.
I do sometimes think about the day when the red mare won’t be here any more. She is twenty-one, and even she can’t live forever. Sometimes I get frightened, because I will fall apart. I can’t really imagine a world without her in it. But I’m quite strict about not letting the thought of that cloud the time we do have together. When the love and the connection become almost terrifying, because they remind me of how much I have to lose, I very firmly bring myself back to the present moment and remind myself there is no point in rehearsing the grief.
I’ve identified the part of me which does this. I like giving names to everything, and this person is called Gladys. Poor Glad, she is so petrified of loss that she wants to armour herself and prepare herself and protect herself. I had a little chat with her today. She’s one of those characters you might find in an Agatha Christie novel - all distrait hair and flappy hands and fret. She’s always worrying about the things which have not happened yet and trying to defend herself against them. I found myself being firm yet reassuring. I gave her a nice place to sit and good book and told her that we didn’t have to run the doom scenarios, because no amount of preparation will prepare us. It will only wreck the joy which is here now.
So here I am, on a quiet Saturday night, thinking about love and grief. I like looking down the gun barrel at these things. Once I used to run away or try to shove them all into my internal cupboard of doom or pretend that they did not exist. None of those techniques worked, although I gave them my best shot. Now I think: face the realities of life, and accept them, and know them, and keep walking forward, one step at a time.
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Remembering WH Zimbabwe - 1995-2021
Recently inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2023 UPHA National Conference. Click here to view the Hall of Fame presentation on UTube.
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Established in 2008, the AMHA Show Horse Hall of Fame award is given to up to three registered Morgans of outstanding caliber that meet the criteria of being retired from competition having earned three or more World Championship titles at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show or having won numerous titles at the highest level of their discipline(s). |
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Included in the next Sections:
Section 2:
MHAO Requests & Other information
Classified Ads
Advertising Thru MHAO
How to become an MHAO Member
Oregon Horse Council News
USEF News
AMHA News
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