MHAO Stable Sheet -

January 2024

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.

From Your Board Of Directors

There will be another opportunity to order See's Candy just in time for Valentine's Day. Watch for more information.

Futurity horse renewals will be due by March 31st. We hope all our current participants will renew. New nominations are always welcome.

April is going to be a very busy month!

• We will have our exciting Spring Clinic with Mary Jane Brown on Ranch Riding and maybe more. If you would like to be a rider in the clinic, let Patricia Carlson know, (503) 851-1950. Watch for more information about it including the location and exact dates to come out in the weeks ahead. Our Spring General Membership Meeting will be held during the lunch hour break on Saturday.
• We are setting up our Stallion Auction now. It will be all online and close at 3pm on Saturday, April 20th. If you own a stallion you would like us to promote, or you know someone who might be interested in participating, please let me know, (503) 936-4276. We are seeking nominations and ads as well as "Other Items" to auction off. Information on our website will be available in early February. Nominations will be open thru Mid-March.
• We will have a promotion booth at the Oregon AgFest at the Salem Fairgrounds April 27-28, 2024. Erin Silver is taking the lead on that event. Let her know if you can help, (971) 600-8933.

Plans for the Oregon Morgan Classic in June are in full swing. Karen Breckenridge and her family do a fabulous job. Some fun things are in the works for the show. At the show we will announce the recipient for this year's scholarship, and honor those being recognized for the Humanitarian and other special awards. As always, there will be a Youth Of The Year competition. See more about this in the newsletter below. We need a volunteer to organize the Silent Auction at OMC. Let me know if you are willing to help.

The Board is putting their heads together to find new ways to support our Youth and encourage them to be more involved. Do you have any ideas to share? Sierra Breckenridge and Camryn Nicholson are the people to contact. Their numbers are (503) 428-3700 and (541) 799-4635 respectively. We are also looking for more ways to draw more families into the club. As already mentioned, we will be awarding our $500 scholarship again this year. See more about that below.

That is just the start of our year. Stay in touch, and we hope to see you at the Spring General Membership meeting. Your input is very important to us. Sometimes it takes a while to transition to something new. Sometimes we are unable to incorporate your ideas. But we want to know what you are thinking and will work on implementing as many of your ideas as we possibly can. Come talk to us. See you soon at the General Membership meeting during the Spring Clinic!

Happy New Year everyone! We wish you all and your families the very best. I hope you are all staying warm and safe during this cold spell.

Gay Adams, MHAO President

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

MHAO Membership

We need you! Have you renewed your membership?

2024 renewal requests are out. Please make any needed corrections and send the renewal with your dues to Karen Breckenridge as indicated on the renewal or new membership form.

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 sell a Morgan horse to a first time Morgan owner?

If so, the buyer is eligible for a free membership for the year of purchase in MHAO. We hope we will earn their continued support, and after this year they will renew with us. To get started, just complete a membership form, and where it asks for payment, say you just sold the applicant's their first Morgan horse and sign your name. Send it to Karen, and we will welcome them to MHAO and into the local Morgan community!

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

For Our Renewing Members:

Renewal forms have been sent via email. If you did not receive one, please download a new form from the link above and send it to us along with your dues:

$35 for Family (includes two votes)

$30 for Individual (includes one vote)

Life members just need to update their personal and horse information with us.

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

and send it in with your membership form. This information helps us to serve you better.

If renewing for 2024, either mail your check with your membership form or if emailing the form, call Karen at (503) 580-4716 with your credit card information.

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!

Looking for people throughout the Western Region!

Only two people have responded to this so far.

I have only heard from two barns. Surely we have more to offer than that to new equine enthusiasts. We would like to have a resource available to refer people to for lessons &/or to see Morgan horses throughout the Northwest, maybe even the Western Region. Please let Gay know if we can give out your name for these purposes. I would like to create a brief summary/sale type spiel for each barn. We can share this information along with any of our promotional material, at promotional events, or even 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

Promotion is a part of the mission of MHAO and very important for the continuation of our breed in the State. MHAO will have a booth at this year's Oregon AgFest event at the Oregon State Fairgrouds April 27th & 28th. This event introduces all things Agricultural to Oregon families. It is an important place for people to also be introduced to the Morgan horse. MHAO will have a Morgan horse and handouts at this event. It will be headed up by Erin Silver. Please let her know if you can help her populate our booth.

Can you help?

Contact Erin Silver, silvermesamorgans@msn.com, (971) 600-8933

Qualifications:

1.Member of MHAO at time of service, or a member of the Morgan community.

2.Nominated by member or non-member

3.Submission of at least one brief written description of the nominee’s exceptional community service and impact.

4.Nominations and essay submissions will be reviewed and nominees contacted before acceptance.

Nomination Cutoff is May 15th Each Year for

Awardee to be announced at the Oregon Morgan Classic

Award Created & Sponsored by Patricia Carlson

Send to Patricia Carlson, patricia@dressagemorgans.com

Questions, call Patricia - (503) 851-1950

I have received a couple suggestions to change the timing of our auction so that it closes earlier in the year. I am working on finding new ways to communicate with potential Amish bidders so we are not so dependent on when the TMH magazine comes out. Historically the Amish have played a significant part in the success of our auction. They have only seen information about us in TMH. If we can make that shift I may be able to move our close date to March. If successful, we will also need to move our search for stallions to earlier in the year.

Gay Adams

Waiting for conformation on Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli, NS Fame & Fortune, Clayhill's Creed and Privilege. Calls are out for more.

We love promoting stallions out of the Western Region. That said, no matter where located, is there a stallion you would like to see in our auction? Do you have an in with the stallion owner or agent? Your help is welcome. We would like to have between 30 & 36 stallions in our auction.

Click here to download the list of benefits.

Click here to download a nomination form with instructions on what else is needed.

NOTE: I am working on an upgrade to our auction website. Once completed our auction should be easier to see via a cell phone and should load quicker. Online bidding will start in late February or early March. The auction will close on April 20th at 3pm, Pacific Daylight Time.

Our judges this year will be:

Main Ring - Jessica Sebring (r)

Western Working - Ann Judge

All Dressage - To be determined

The Holiday Inn Express will be our host hotel

at basically the same rate as last year.

Register early as the Olympic Trials will be coming in

right behind us and rooms may become scarce.

Stay tuned for updates!

We are working on planning a FUN show!

For questions contact Karen Breckenridge

(503) 580-4716, wylieriley@aol.com

If you ride or drive a Morgan horse, you need to be enrolled & participating in this program!

Program Rules:

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 Award Banquet. Additional Awards will be determined by committee

Sandy Humphfres, Ride & Drive Program Chair

(541) 415-1230, firemed13@yahoo.com

www.MorganHorseOregon.com

This program offers a reimbursement of up to $25 per event to a maximum of $50 per year per membership for any fees paid to enter your Morgan horse in open shows, clinics, trail rides, or basically anything you pay an entry fee for other than a Morgan show. Whenever you get your Morgan horse out and about, you are promoting our breed. This is our way to say thank you.

If you are willing, we would love you to have brochures available to handout. Just contact Lorraine Beaumont for handouts. Her phone number is (503) 364-4119.

Be aware, the reimbursement amount can change each year. A maximum of $50 is what is set for 2024. That is more than you pay to be a member of MHAO.

Click here to download a reimbursement request form.

For questions on the program, contact Sandi Humphfres, (541) 415-1230, firemed13@yahoo.com.

All our members of any age can apply for the MHAO Alex Mooney Scholarship. Payment is made to the educational institution of your choice on your behalf. Past recipients are able to apply again.

This year's recipient will be announced at the

Oregon Morgan Classic

Click here to download an application form and see all the terms.

Thank you to Sally Plumley for her donation in support of this year's scholarship!

Questions, contact Sara Breyman, (503) 930-8421, tripledjb@aol.com

Information will follow about this exciting clinic, including dates, location, pricing and rides available. Ranch riding is a growing discipline for all breeds. Riding spots are limited, so if you are interested in a ride, please contact Patricia Carlson to reserve a spot. Audit options will also be available.

Patricia Carlson, (503) 851-1950, patricia_carlson40@yahoo.com

In addition to the sale, there will be a Stallion Presentation featuring 30 stallions. On Tuesday, a series of educational clinics will be held along with an in-hand age group presentation and driving sale preview. All horses sell on Wednesday. AMHA Registrar Erica Eulau will be on site to assist with your Registry questions and paperwork.

Sales Contact - Henry King - Phone: 717-826-2618 - Fax: 717-803-8999 

Click here for more information and to request a catalog.

Our mission expands Western Dressage in the Pacific Northwest region through education, models of correct and kind horsemanship, and providing quality show opportunities based on a fair, transparent, and ethical structure.

We are looking for interested parties from the States of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia to join us on our mission in launching this PNWD affiliate and to potentially join us as a board member.

Please contact us!

Ann Avansino horseclnc@aol.com

Stacy Sutton vineyardoakdressage@yahoo.com

Membership Benefits​

• ​Discounts on attendance and invite-only participation at select PNWD events.
• Eligible to participate in the PNWD high point program by sending in copies of your scored tests at any schooling or 
• approved show that uses WDAA tests and rules.
• Eligibility to earn high scoring member awards at approved shows.
• Eligibility to attend our annual, members only meeting.
• Eligibility to vote, run for office, and submit your ideas for the future activities of the affiliate.
• ​Helping you connect locally with interested riders in your area and helping you advertise clinics or shows at your facility.

REGISTER NOW.  SPACE IS LIMITED!

WDAA Membership is required for registration

Registration fees include all instruction, lunch for 3 days, and a Western Dressage Judges Workbook.  All practice tests sheets will be provided.

 ALL REGISTRATIONS must be received no later than Jan 20th, 2024.

AUDITORS ARE WELCOME

For those that are interested in an intense learning experience covering Western Dressage rules, tests and USEF WD judge expectations, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to be a silent spectator and audit the seminar, all meals and judge’s workbook are included. 

NEW JUDGE APPLICANTS

You MUST start your USEF judge applicant dashboard PRIOR to the seminar or the seminar WILL NOT count towards your USEF judging requirements.

LICENSED JUDGES

This seminar will count for your USEF maintenance requirements. 

You must attend all 3 days.

LOCATION & HOTEL BOOKING:

Embassy Suites Denver International Airport Hotel

7001 Yampa Street, Denver, CO 80249

Hotel shuttles are available at the airport.

• Booking Link: Click Here 
• or call 303.574.3000 and ask for the Western Dressage room block.

DATES &TIMES: 

Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 11, 2024

Clinic Check-In and packet pick-up is Friday 8 AM - 8:30 AM

Seminar will conclude on Sunday, 3 PM so you can catch an evening flight home.

REGISTRATION FEE:

$510.00

For additional information, contact Gail Matheus at Gail@WesternDressageAssociation.org

ATTENDEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN AND OUT EVERY DAY.

NO LATE ARRIVALS OR EARLY DEPARTURES ALLOWED.

Join WDAA or renew your membership today so you don't miss out on exclusive member benefits!

Take advantage of this free member beneft! Professional directory to connect potential clients with professionals.

The Learning Management System is a great way to learn more about Western Dressage.

Only available to members.

Click picture to go to the Horse.TV website for more information

or to enroll.

Folks, very recently there was a Morgan at Enumclaw auction that we were unable to pull. One of the primary reasons is that we do not have enough approved foster or adoptive homes in that area to be able to regularly and quickly pull Morgans that appear at that auction (and they do).

What we would like to do is to have a campaign to get more foster homes approved ahead of need, preferably ones that can quarantine, but if we can get a reliable quarantine facility there as well ones that can't would work.

So our challenge to you is, if you live in the Northwest within a reasonable distance of Enumclaw, and you've been thinking of fostering or adopting but haven't because it seems most of our horses are on the East Coast, step up! This is the only way we can rescue more Morgans in your area, by planning ahead. If you're interested, email us at ForeverMorgans@hotmail.com, and our applications can be found under Adopt or Foster on our website, www.ForeverMorgans.org.

If you give your child a pony, they will want to ride. You’ll buy them the best pony you can find, followed by a helmet, boots and all the other things pony.

You look for a local barn to ride at where you start to socialize with the equestrian community…………And then life as you know it, will end.

Before you know it, they want to show so you find a circuit …..There will be no more lazy weekends watching tv. You will see more sunrises than you ever thought possible.

Every spare minute of your time will be spent hauling campers, horse trailers and horses and enduring a crazy addiction to practice for the next show.

Your house may be a mess, and your car will be dirty. All because you gave your child a pony. Your weekends will be spent freezing or burning to death on a fold up chair. And their weekends will be spent gaining confidence and friends, learning new skills and having fun and getting dirty!!!!

You will be there the day he or she takes the first few steps of canter, the first taste of a jump, first ribbon, first championship. And they will make you SO proud. Other parents will congratulate you, but you feel weird saying thank you because it's not you on the pony, it’s your child. It's everything that they did, they achieved. And right before your eyes, your little boy/girl will be transformed from the baby who bounced around on their rocking horse into an exceptional young horse enthusiast on the hunt for the next pony finals or maybe even the Olympics!

When you give your child a pony , you give them more than just something to ride. You give them a sport, a talent, hope and dreams. Friends, a new family, a place to learn about life, room to grow as a person where they can push their limits, and bravery, and courage, and memories. And they will have ALL of these things, simply because you gave your child a pony.

Because you gave your child a pony, you too will develop new/lifelong friendships, developed solely from the same passion for the sport. You will have a equestrian family because you gave your child a pony.

Then one day, many years from today…they will be in their room and a certain trophy will catch their eye. And they will pick it up and realize instantly that when you gave your child a pony, you also gave them a childhood that they would never forget, at this point, you realize that everything you gave up along the way and sacrificed was totally worth it…..

All because you gave your child a pony.

Thank you for sharing this Kathy Christensen

Your first aid kit should be easily accessible

Be prepared to stabilize any injuries your horse, or mule, incurs until your veterinarian can get there by maintaining a conveniently located equine first-aid kit. I have 3 separate first aid kits: Barn kit – Trailer kit – Trail kit; Each kit is stocked with the items I’ll need until the vet arrives. Time is critical when an accident happens and you don’t want to waste time hunting around for bandages, thermometer, or other necessities.



Over the years I’ve compiled a list of items, with my Vet’s help, to include in our first-aid kit.

NOTE: It’s not the items that you carry but rather it’s having the knowledge to use those items. Talk with your veterinarian about how to use all the items in your 1st aid kit.

Basic 1st Aid Equipment

• A tight-sealing plastic container (I use clean kitty litter containers) is a good option. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s clean, airtight and waterproof to ensure the contents stay sterile and ready to use. The tub not only serves to hold the kit but also as a bucket to soak hooves or wash a wound.
• Headlamp (with working batteries) to care for your horse on a dark night or dimly lit barn
• Rectal thermometer—a plastic digital version is safer than an old school glass
• Small jar of Vaseline or other lubricant to help insert thermometers
• Stethoscope to check heart rate and listen to gut sounds
• Surgical gloves to help prevent wound contamination and keep your hands clean
• Roll of duct tape—convenient to wrap a hoof because it is waterproof and durable
• Safety scissors with rounded ends to avoid cutting your horse when removing a bandage
• Tweezers—handy to help remove a splinter or ticksWire cutters to free a horse from wire
• Sharp knife to use if a horse is tangled in ropes or has a foot stuck in a hay net
• Cold pack to reduce swelling from an injury. Chemical cold packs that create “instant cold” are handy when ice or cold hosing isn’t available are very handy.
• First-aid knowledge booklet

Treatment Supplies

Horses can suffer a variety of injuries, and whether the situation requires an emergency call to your vet or is something you can treat yourself at home, you’ll want supplies to quickly and gently clean and disinfect the wound. They include:

• Antiseptic scrub such as Betadine (povidone iodine) or Nolvasan (chlorhexidine) for washing/disinfecting a wound.
• Antiseptic wound cream, powder or spray-on treatment to prevent infection and encourage healing – always seek veterinary advice before applying these products.
• Saline solution (contact-lens solution with a squirt nozzle) for flushing hard-to-reach, delicate wounds, such as near an eye
• Triple-antibiotic ointment to treat minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.
• Electrolyte paste for treating dehydration. An oral supplement to encourage horses to drink.

Bandages

Once a wound is cleaned, you’ll need various bandaging materials to cover and keep it clean. You also want them on hand to stop bleeding quickly. Bandaging items include:

• Nonstick sterile gauze pads (telfa) squares to clean and cover small wounds
• Self-sticking bandages— such as Vetrap™—used to keep the gauze squares in place. Replace these annually.
• Gauze rolls for padding
• Sanitary napkins or diapers – wound dressings

Medications

Depending on your veterinarians comfort level on your skills in administering medications you may want to have a few of these in your 1st Aid Kits. Ask your vet to teach you when and in what circumstances to administer these drugs. If it is at all possible always consult with your vet first. If they can get to your horse quickly, they might not want you to administer anything so they have a clearer idea of the extent of the issue.

• Phenylbutazone (“bute”) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Talk with your vet to learn the correct dosages and when to use.

No matter how extensive your first-aid kit is, it will never replace a call to your veterinarian in an emergency. Your vet has years of experience and skills that you don’t possess. We just need to be able stabilize any injuries your horse, or mule, incurs until your veterinarian can examine the animal.

6 Things to Do NOW Before an Emergency Happens

• Post emergency contact information for your vet and farrier in all of your 1st Aid Kits, save it in your phone, and post it in your barn.
• Know how to take your horse’s temperature, pulse and respiration and be aware of these typical resting vital signs. Ask your vet to teach you how. Write down these figures so you can tell the vet what they are for your animals.
• Check your first-aid kit on a regular basis (I check mine annually). Discard and replace expired medication.
• Replace anything you take out of your first-aid kit as soon as possible.
• Educate yourself. Make sure you know how to use everything in your kit or have your veterinarian show you. Practice wrapping your horse’s leg before a stressful emergency situation. ASK YOUR VET TO HELP
• Keep your horse’s health records up to date and handy so you can answer any questions your vet might have about his medical history. This is especially important when you travel.

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Course

Now Taking Reservations For The

April Session

This course is important for first responders, Vets, or anyone who owns, hauls, or cares for horses

or other large animals.

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue  

2-Day Awareness Course

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 ways 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 for a business, $35 for an individual!)
• $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 - APR 2024 

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

Brandi@OregonHorseCouncil.com or 971-224-5879

There was a full house for our Eugene Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue course! We had a great mix of people representing search and rescue, mounted posse, 4-H, fire departments, veterinary staff, equine/animal rescue groups, horse owners and more in attendance. Everyone can learn from this amazing training by Rebecca Gimenez Husted!! If you have missed out, join us in Hood River in April. To see comments about the event, go to the Oregon Horse Council Facebook page: These pictures from the November event will give you an idea of the content. It has classroom learning plus hands on experiences on working with large animals in emergency situations. There are also portions on trailer safety, barn safety, and more. This training is as important for anyone who owns, cares for, or transports horses or other large animals as it is for first responders and for large animal Vets and their staff. The training does count toward continuing education requirements for Vets.

Click here to go to OHC's Facebook page

The Oregon Horse Council is excited to announce the production of our 10th edition

Oregon Horse Directory

This is the only statewide yellow page style resource for equestrians.

To say this book is well used is an understatement!

Thousands of print copies are distributed across Oregon, including at the NW Horse Expo, feed and tack stores, veterinarian offices, equestrian events, associations' annual events/banquets, online and more!

Don't miss your opportunity for FREE exposure for your equine business or organization! Please SHARE this information with any equestrians you know might be also interested! ALL equine businesses, non-profits, and organizations operating in Oregon can receive a FREE basic listings (business name, city, state, phone number) in the directory! Premier classified listings (which also includes your address, email, and website) are only $50 or included with any level of OHC membership.

CLICK HERE to submit your listing and/or select paid advertising.

Interested in Oregon Horse Council membership? Please CLICK HERE

Questions? Contact brandi@oregonhorsecouncil.com or 971-224-5879.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ADS OR CLASSIFIED LISTINGS: FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Time to get your ad in for the upcoming

Oregon Horse Directory!

Click here for more information including advertising rates.

For more information or to place an ad -

Contact Brandi Ebner, Executive Director, (971) 224-5879, brandi@oregonhorsecouncil.com

The Oregon Horse Council is excited to launch a new event to provide an opportunity for horse lovers to shop their favorite vendors. This inaugural event will be held in conjunction with the High Desert Stampede PRCA Rodeo, a well-attended event that kicks off the rodeo season in the greater NW, and the Central Oregon Ag Show. Our new Country Market will be Friday, April 5: 1-7 pm and Saturday, April 6: 9 am-7 pm at the Deschutes County Expo Center in the High Desert Activity Center.

Applications are now available – we are looking for a variety of western/ranch home decor, clothing, jewelry, tack, farm/ranch products, feed, and more! Vendors will enjoy the smooth concrete floor, restrooms, and ease for set-up and tear-down with multiple large doorways around the hall. A 10’x10′ booth is only $125, with corner spaces being $50 more. Table spaces (which will allow 1 8’x30″ table with 2 chairs behind it) is only $50.

Still some booths or tables available!

Click here for more information and to access a booth application.

For questions or assistance,

Contact Brandi Ebner, Executive Director, (971) 224-5879, brandi@oregonhorsecouncil.com

"4-Steps to ​​​​​​​Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally"

Here's what you'll learn:

• The top 3 most common mistakes that can stand in the way of your horse's recovery from IR, PPID, and PSSM.
• My 4-step guide for prevention and recovery from IR, PPID, and PSSM naturally

Elisha Edwards is your host

Click here to sign up!

Articles:

• Happy Feet - The Art of Nourishing The Equine Hoof
• Laminitis in Horses - Propelling The Prevention and Treatment Forward
• From The Ground Up - Supporting Healthy Hooves Through Nutrition
• Know The Signs Of Common Hoof Concerns
• Research Finds Nutrition Directly Impacts Reproductive Success - Find Out How

RUNAWAY TRAIN

Being on the back of a bolting horse is like being on a runaway train—you’re at the mercy of a big, powerful entity that you have no control of. Horses bolt for a number of reasons: they get spooked, they’re barn sour, they’ve found it’s a way to get out of work, etc. Some horses have figured out that if they bolt, their riders will do a One Rein Stop and they get to rest. Horses that are cold-blooded and lazy are quick to pick up on what gets them out of work.

ONE REIN FOR CONTROL

If you find yourself on the back of a bolting horse, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know how to safely handle the situation. When most people are on a runaway horse, they panic and pull back on two reins to try to stop the horse. At the same time, their entire body tightens up and they squeeze the horse’s sides with their legs. Curling up into this fetal position only makes the horse feel trapped and claustrophobic. The horse is already using the reactive side of his brain, and when the rider grabs on to him in this manner, it very much resembles a predator leaping on his back and digging his claws in.

As a prey animal, the horse has a flight or fight response, and when his ability to run is taken away from him, he’ll do whatever he can to survive the situation by bucking, rearing, kicking out, etc. What most people don’t realize is that they have better control of a panicked or out-of-control horse with just one rein. In fact, I have a saying I tell people to remember: One rein for softness and control; two reins to get killed. Why use one rein instead of two to control a horse? Using two reins makes a horse feel trapped, and it’s very easy for him to get leverage by lifting his head and neck up and pushing against the rein pressure you have on his face. With just one rein, you can make the horse bend his head and neck laterally, causing him to yield his hindquarters.

If you teach your horse how to properly do a One Rein Stop, you’ll always have control of him and be able to prevent a dangerous situation before it happens. You should be able to flex your horse’s nose to your toe, have him stop moving his feet and soften from the walk, trot and lope. Anytime a horse disengages his hindquarters, his gas pedal and balance are immediately taken away from him. It’s like pushing in the clutch of a car. Without a gas pedal, he can’t go anywhere, and without balance, he can’t rear or buck.

I refer to the One Rein Stop as an emergency handbrake because anytime you feel unsafe or out of control, you can slide your hand down one rein, causing the horse to yield his hindquarters and stop immediately. Horses don’t like being scared, so when you’re in control and give them leadership, you’ll be amazed at how fast they’ll start to relax in any situation. However, in order for the One Rein Stop to work effectively, you have to prepare and teach your horse how to react when you sit back in the saddle and slide your hand down the rein. Otherwise, when he’s panicked and running from a perceived danger, he’ll get confused and panic more when you pick up on the rein. Sliding your hand down one rein to stop the horse has to be second nature to you as well. When an emergency situation occurs, you can’t stop and think about what to do—sliding your hand down one rein to stop the horse has to be an ingrained habit. The only way that happens is by practicing it over and over and over again.

If a horse is flat out galloping, you’ll have to spiral the horse down in a tighter and tighter circle until he eventually stops. Because he’s going so fast, pulling abruptly on one rein could throw him off balance and it’ll take longer to get his feet to stop. The secret there, though, is to not let the horse build his speed up to 90 miles an hour and then worry about how you’re going to stop him. Shut him down before he gets out of control.

HUSTLE THOSE FEET

Once you’re back in control of the horse after doing a One Rein Stop, put the horse’s feet to work. And I mean you need to make him hustle, constantly moving his feet forwards, backwards, left and right. Trot him in serpentines, do rollbacks, lope circles, etc. What you do isn’t important; it’s just important to hustle his feet and make him constantly change directions. Those two things will force the horse to use the thinking side of his brain and focus on you.

Then, after about 10 minutes of making his feet hustle, walk him down the trail on a loose rein. Dare him to take off again. If he breaks into a gait faster than a walk, immediately shut him down with a One Rein Stop, and then put his feet to work. Make him realize that bolting just results in more work. After a few repetitions of having to hustle and sweat, he won’t want any part of taking off on you. This fix will not work if you’re not assertive and do not make the horse hustle his feet like his life depends on it. If you bend him around in a few cutesy, cutesy circles, you’ll be wasting your time and teaching your horse nothing.

This correction will also not work if you give the horse any rest. Don’t do a One Rein Stop, sit on the horse and cry for 10 minutes while you sort out your feelings, and then put his feet to work. Put him to work as soon as you feel like you’ve got him under control again. In fact, if you don’t feel like you have to, don’t even bring him all the way down to a standstill. Pull on one rein until you’ve slowed him down enough so that you don’t feel in danger, and immediately go put him to work. The less downtime you give the horse, the better.

PICK THE SAFEST OPTION

If, once you get the horse stopped with one rein, you do not feel confident handling the situation from the saddle, there’s nothing wrong with that. You can just as easily hustle his feet from the ground to get him to use the thinking side of his brain. Lunging for Respect Stage Two is a great exercise to do in this situation. Remember, there’s never any shame in getting off your horse and fixing him from the ground. A great horseman finds the solution to a problem by keeping his and his horse’s safety foremost in mind. Just like my mentor Ian Francis told me: There are a lot of heroes in the graveyard. Too many people let their egos get in the way and end up getting bucked off their horses. You have one body, so take care of it. You can’t train the horse if you’re dead. The worst possible thing you could do is have the horse bolt and then get off him and take him back to the barn and put him back in his stall. Then the horse starts to think that bolting is the answer to getting out of work. You’d be surprised how quickly horses, especially the lazier ones, pick up on things like that. That’s why it’s so important to put the horse’s feet to work and show him that running off only results in more work, not less.

CHECK IN

One of the best ways to deter a horse from bolting or doing any other dangerous behavior on the trail is to check in with him every once in a while by asking him to move his feet and soften his body. As you’re walking down the trail, ask him to two-track or sidepass. Do a bending transition. Draw him to a stop. Keep him tuned in to you and on his toes.

I’m not saying you can’t ever put him on a loose rein, but every so often, you need to put his feet to work and get him to check back in with you. If you only ride your horse on autopilot, letting him go down the trail on a loose rein, he’ll find something to do with his energy and I can guarantee that whatever he finds to do won’t be your idea of a good time.

The bottom line, though, is that if your horse is truly bolting with you on the trail, you’ve done a horrible job of teaching him the Fundamentals. After taking your horse through the Fundamentals groundwork and riding exercises, you should have enough control of his feet and have earned his respect to the point that bolting is never an issue. If it is, he’s telling you that you’ve got a hole somewhere. You need to go back and figure out where it is.

From "No Worries By Clinton Anderson"

Click here for more information on the "No Worries Club".

Click here to go to the Downunder Horsemanship website.

Click here to go to Downunder "training resources".

July 27-28, 2024

2024 Walkabout Tour

Rancho Murieta CA

Murieta Equestrian Center

7200 Lone Pine Dr

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL 2 DAYS ANY HORSE LOVER CAN HAVE

At Walkabout Tours, Clinton holds nothing back. He shares the ultimate goal of horsemanship with his personal horses and explains the training process, right from the start, by working with local problem horses. Step-by-step, he demonstrates how his training method helps real horses with real problems get real results. Whether you ride English or western or are a serious competitor or love to hit the trails, learn how Clinton uses the Method to develop respectful and safe horses. From problem horses and learning to build your confidence to advanced riding techniques and trick training, the weekend offers something for every level of horseman.

Articles From Horse Network:

• The Confusing Nature Of Horse's Teeth
• Is This New Stall Side Insulin Test the future of laminitis prevention?

Looking forward to opening the Northwest Morgan Circuit with the Key Classic.

Mark your calendars for

May 8-12, 2023

Evergreen Equestrian Center

Monroe WA

It will be here before you know it!

Volunteers needed!

If you are able to help, send a private message via the club's Facebook page.

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

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

AMHA will be holding the 2024 Annual Meeting of Members on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Eastern) in conjunction with the UPHA National Conference. The Conference is being held at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Lexington, Kentucky

Registration for the UPHA National Conference is now open, and the hotel room block information is also posted. Registration must be received by the UPHA Office on or before December 20, 2023, to receive the discounted rate. The hotel room block deadline for reservations is January 8, 2024. It is highly recommended that you make your reservations immediately as rooms may sell out.

Click here to see a schedule of Morgan Horse events at the convention & to register or arrange lodging.

Click here for the most up-to-date information on the UPHA website

AMHA proudly announces the 2023 AMHA Honor Awards that will be presented at the UPHA National Conference being held January 24-27, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky.

For questions contact AMHA Marketing Manager, Devin Sell at devin@morganhorse.com or 802-985-4944, Ext. 402.

AMHA proudly announces the 2023 AMHA Year-End Club Awards that will be presented at the UPHA National Conference being held January 24-27, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Club Competition of the Year Award

• Champion: Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association
• Reserve Champion: Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

Club Educational Event of the Year Award

• Champion: Show Me Morgan Horse Club
• Reserve Champion: Lippitt Morgan Breeders Association

Club Most Unique Event of the Year Award

• Champion: The Lippitt Club

Club Outstanding Member of the Year

• To be announced. 

Club Promotional Event of the Year Award

• Champion: Iowa Morgan Horse Association
• Reserve Champion: Ozark Morgan Horse Club

Club Social Event of the Year Award

• Champion: The Lippitt Club

Congratulations to all this year’s recipients! (Recipients should have received an email notice previously. If you have not received notification, please reach out to AMHA Marketing Manager Devin Sell at devin@morganhorse.com or 802-985-4944, Ext. 402.) And, thank you to all that applied for the awards. Your hard work and dedication to the Morgan horse was evident, and is much appreciated. 

Information regarding the UPHA National Conference is posted on the UPHA website. 

For the AMHA Convention schedule of meetings and more, click HERE. 

To learn more about our AMHA Recognized Clubs and the year-end awards, click HERE.

2024 Western Region Morgan Show Dates:

•    March 28-31, 2024 - Carousel Charity Horse Show, Scottsdale, AZ REGIONAL
•    April 18-20, 2024 - Diamond Jubilee All Breed Horse Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA      
•    May 8-12, 2024 - Key Classic Benefit Show, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe, WA
•    May 16-19, 2024 - Silicon Valley Horse Show, Pleasanton Equestrian Center, Pleasanton CA
•    June 12-15, 2024 - Oregon Morgan Classic, Oregon Horse Center, Eugene, OR
•    June 12-15, 2024 - Charity Fair Horse Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
•    July 3-6, 2024 - Santa Barbara National Horse Show, Earl Warren Fairgrounds, Santa Barbara, CA
•    July 18-21, 2024 - Morgan Medallion Regional Show, South Point Equestrian Center, Las Vegas, REGIONAL
•    July 31-August 4, 2024 - C-Fair Charity Morgan Regional and Open Show, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe, REGIONAL
•    August 22-25, 2024 - PNW Morgan Show, Tacoma Unit, Spanaway, WA
•    August 28-September 4, 2024 - Oregon State Fair, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem OR. Open & Morgan classes and Breed Challenge.
•    August 29-September 1,  2024 - Mother Lode Show, Rancho Murieta Equestrian Center, Rancho Murieta, CA
•    September 20-22, 2024 – Labor Day Classic Horse Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar CA
• October 5-12, 2024 - Morgan Grand National, State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, OK

Other Events:

• January 24-27, 2024 - UPHA National Convention, Griffin Gate Marriott Hotel, Lexington KY
• March 22-24, 2024 - NW Horse Fair & Expo, Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany OR
• April 6-7, 2024 - Country Marketplace, Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Redmond OR
• April dates to be determined - MHAO Spring Clinic & General Membership Meeting, Ranch Riding With Mary Jane Brown, Location and date to be announced soon.
• April 27-28, 2024 - Oregon AgFest, Oregon State Fair Grounds, Salem OR
• November 10, 2024 - MHAO Award Banquet and General Membership Meeting, time and location to be announced

MHAO events in blue

For open shows and other equine related events, go to the Oregon Horse Council event calendar or the show calendar at the end of the January issue of NW Morgan News (scroll down after you open the file - Thank you Shelley).

Included in the next Sections:

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