MHAO Stable Sheet

July 2026

Get the most out of this newsletter -

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

From Your Board Of Directors

Kathy Christensen, MHAO President

Board Meetings are open to all members if you would like to attend please contact Kathy Christensen at mikekak33@gmail.com.

ATTENTION!!

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

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

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

10% discount for multiple publication of sized ads.

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

Questions, contact: Gay Adams

Email or text your card or ad to:

(503) 936-4276

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Advertising Rates

Full Page - $25

Half Page - $15

Quarter Page - $10

Business Card for all year $10

Classified Ads are FREE



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

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

Click here to download a Membership Form

Or you can now apply for membership on our website:

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

Latest list of members as of

Help us support you and our wonderful breed.

Join MHAO!

Individual Membership

$30

1 vote

Family Membership

$35

2 votes

It is wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work of these two young ladies.



More information will follow in the August Newsletter

This year Kathy Christensen was awarded the 2026 Humanitarian Award in recognition of her donation of a kidney to a family member.

Kathy is greatly admired for her selflessness. She was nominated by Shelley Bullard for this award. More information will follow in the August Stable Sheet.

Kathy, it is our priviledge to honor you.

This award is sponsored and was created by Patricia Carlson of Autumn Twilight Morgans for us to honor and recognize the heros among us.

Thank you for this and all you do Kathy!

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

YOUR CLASSIFIED LISTING IS FREE!!

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

Do You Give Lessons?

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

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

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

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

Click here to see the latest list.

We are here to help!

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

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

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

Click here to see the show results

124 horses

94 Owners

41 Trainers

98 Exhibitors

Click here to see photos and testimonials on this year's show!

We now have a category for Half-Morgans, too!

MHAO Members - Be sure to turn in your points!

For more information on the MHAO High Point Program and for a
point submission form, go to https://www.morganhorseoregon.com/highpoint.html

Click here to viw this year's Futurity Booklet off our website.

On the website, click on the cover to open it.

Nominate your 2026 foal by December 31st for $45

This is a 5-year program with $25 nomination renewal fees due each following year by March 31st

See the flyer below for a list of benefits

After December 31st, all nomination fees paid late are $100.

Late re-nomination fees paid after March 31st are also $100.

All Morgan foals are eligible.

Join the fun!! Promote your foal!!

All the information you need and forms you need are on our website.

Click here to download the Futurity Rules, or go to

www.mhaostallionserviceauction.com or

www.morganhorseoregon.com

Thank You To All Our Futurity Sponsors !!!

You really helped us out this year!

Are you interested in entering the Futurity?

It is our mission to support our breeders!

For more information and all the forms needed, go to our website:

https://mhaostallionserviceauction.com/futurity/futurity-information/

Important notice. Please read.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLEASE join us in keeping Forever Morgans afloat!

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

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

You can also visit our club Facebook page.

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General Industry Information

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Cascadia Morgan Horse Alliance

Moving Forward with the

BC Show for 2027

May 27-30, 2027

Lynden WA

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

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• Equine Liver disease
• Summer Safety Checklist For Your Horse

 " When your horse follows you without being asked, when he rubs his head on yours, and when you look at him and feel a tingle down your spine...you know you are loved."

John Lyons

Every horse carries two ages.

One is counted by calendars. The other is written in the miles they've walked, the storms they've endured, the foals they've protected, and the hands they've learned to trust.

When a horse is just one year old, the world is an endless adventure. Every sound is new. Every sunrise is an invitation to run a little farther. Curiosity is stronger than fear, and tomorrow feels infinite.

By five, confidence replaces hesitation. Strength begins to shape the body, but kindness still shapes the heart.

At ten, a horse reaches its prime. Powerful, fearless, dependable. This is the age when so many people admire what they can do, often forgetting everything it took to become that horse.

Fifteen and twenty bring something even more valuable than speed—wisdom. They no longer waste energy proving themselves. They know who they are. They read people with a single glance and offer quiet comfort without expecting anything in return.

Then comes twenty-five.

The muscles soften. The face grows gentler. Gray hairs begin to appear around the eyes. The gallop slows, but the heart never does.

An old horse doesn't ask to be remembered for the races it won or the ribbons it earned. It simply hopes that someone will remember the years it spent standing faithfully beside the people it loved.

Too often we celebrate youth and overlook the quiet beauty of growing old. But if you've ever looked into the eyes of a senior horse, you know they hold something impossible to measure. Patience. Forgiveness. Loyalty. A lifetime of stories that no words could ever fully tell.

Age is not the loss of beauty. It is the proof of a life that has been lived with courage.

If you're lucky enough to share your life with an old horse, treasure every slow walk, every gentle nuzzle, every peaceful sunrise together. One day those moments will become your most precious memories.

Because the greatest gift a horse gives us is never its speed.

It's the privilege of growing older together

The rule of thumb is to choose one, Western, English, or Iberian for your style and stay true to that for all your horses tack and your own clothing. Do not mix looks and if you are uncertain about a particular piece of clothing or something, ask a USAWE TD or judge or just bring an option and ask the TD before the show. Cleanliness is essential and nothing worn out or awkwardly repaired should be used. A vest, chaps, jacket, gloves, and braided manes give an extra polished look but are not required. Avoid being, excess sparkles or ornamentation as this is a "working sport".

For me, my tack and attire is usually dictated by the saddle that best fits the horse. Personally I prefer to honor our Western traditional attire, but as my English saddles fits my current horse best, I am riding English this year.

Reading the USAWE rules is always important and the section about Tack and Attire can be found here on page 6:

Rule 1.9

https://usawe.org/.../03/2026-Rules-v9.1-February-26.pdf

Working Equitation is a sport that specifically honors the heritage of the working ranch horse in each country. When I first got into the sport I was confused by the expectation about tack and attire and did not understand why we could not use any style including Australian, American Calvary, and other historic outfits. At the time and up until this year there was a separate score mark for tack and attire and everyone wanted that to be an 8 if possible. What I eventually realized was what a difficult thing that was for the USAWE judges to be fair and consistent in evaluation as so much was left up to opinion by default. So to clarify things, it is best to stick to one of the three styles (Western, English, or Iberian). That being said, there is no longer a presentation mark and your tack and attire (outside of disallowed items as noted in the rules) has little influence in your overall score as it only effects the Rider mark which is a double coefficient.

Photos are of three polished riders in the 2025 Working Equitation Challenge at the Midwest Horse Fair.

The nomination period for the 2026 AMHA Annual Awards is now open.

Which person deserves the title of 2026 AMHA Person of the Year? Which horse do you think should be inducted into the Show Horse Hall of Fame? We want to know!

Visit the link below to fill out the nominations survey before the deadline of Friday, August 7, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. To learn more about all of the AMHA Annual Awards, visit the AMHA website HERE.

All AMHA awards will be distributed at the AMHA Annual Convention Weekend, which will be held March 4-6, 2027, in Kohler, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for more information.

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES HERE

(Important Note: Once you submit the survey, you will no longer be able to go back and do another one. If you have multiple nominees, please submit them all at the same time on the same survey.)

Through a great partnership, The Morgan Horse Foundation, Inc., and the World Morgan Futurity have generated many thousands of dollars each year for the betterment of our beloved breed. Be a part of this important event with a sponsorship or an ad in our catalog.

*OUR CATALOG WILL BE MAILED TO ALL MEMBERS, SUBSCRIBERS, AND 2025 BREEDERS.*

Deadline for all enrollment materials and advertising submissions: July 25, 2026.

Contact Erica at erica@morganhorse.com with any questions

The World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction is a true win-win for breeders, stallion owners, and the Morgan breed. Through a successful partnership between The Morgan Horse Foundation, Inc. and the World Morgan Futurity, thousands of dollars are generated each year to support and promote our beloved breed.

New this year:

-$10,000 World Champion Stallion Award: WMF will award $10,000 directly to the World Champion Stallion, provided the stallion is enrolled in that year's auction.

-World Morgan Futurity Jackpot: WMF Jackpot will be distributed equally among all World Morgan Futurity class winners whose sires are enrolled in that year's auction.

Nominate Your Stallion By July 25, 2026

Click here to download a Nomination Form

We are excited that the virtual Youth of the Year contest is back for 2026! This year this all senior contest will be held from August 19-August 28.

All four (4) phases of this contest will be virtual. For more information please email Nikki at nicole@morganhorse.com. There will be a $500 scholarship for the winner and all contestants that score over 800 will qualify for the Grand National Youth of the Year contest.

Application deadline is July 19, 2026.

*There must be a minimum of three contestants enrolled for the contest to proceed*

Hope to see YOU there!

Click here to sign up

Entries for the National Distance Championships are now open!

You can enter online, or find the entry form on our website. This year the championships will be held in Menahga, MN, at the Huntersville Hundred Site October 2-4.

Close of entries for office submissions is September 16, 2026; to be eligible the entry must be electronically postmarked or received in the AHA office by that date. After September 16, all hard copy entries MUST be hand carried to the ride site. Online entries will be accepted all the way to the start of the ride.

Click here for more information

It appears this will be on our November ballot. Talk to all the people you know. And be sure to VOTE this mid-term!!!!

December 30, 2025 by Brandi Ebner

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



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

The Broader Agenda Is Not Hidden

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

What IP28 Does

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



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

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

A Repeated, Escalating Campaign Against Animal Ownership

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

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

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

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

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

Ballot Initiatives and the Danger of Voter Deception

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

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

Conclusion: Oregon Must Not Become the Test Case

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

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

Links

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

AGPROfessional’s article, Oregon IP 3 HERE

Ballot Initiative Process by BallotPedia (including interactive map) HERE

No on Oregon IP 28 website HERE

Full Text of Oregon IP 28 as filed HERE

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

Deadline Extended -

There Is Still Time!

Updates To All Listings Are In Process!

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

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

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

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



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

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

Click here to apply for a business level membership.

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

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

Click here to apply for an Individual or Family Membership

Individual $35, Family $60

Benefits to you:

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

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

Oregon Horse Council Articles:

• When A Horse Lives Alone
• Sun Damage In Horses
• Two New Leaders Join The American Horse Council Board Of Trustees
• Myth: Horses Should Not Be Fed Before They Are Worked
• Horse Trailer Brakes: Going Is Optional. Stopping Is Not.
• How To Protect Large Animals In A Fire Emergency

And more on the Oregon Horse Council website

https://www.oregonhorsecouncil.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.

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

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Looking to show in a fun atmosphere in front of excited spectators??

Wondering why we show to ourselves and wishing you could share your amazing breed and horses with the world??



Medallion offers these things! This is our chance to show our horses off to the world and spread the joy of our show horses! We have the chance to reach outside of our world and expose a lot of people at this one event to great show horses being enjoyed by enthusiastic riders. We challenge everyone to help us show the world how wonderful our horses are…join us in Las Vegas July 15-19 to enjoy a resort atmosphere for you AND your horses and show in front of an appreciative audience!!

We will have the option of EARLY ARRIVALfor the first time ever at this year’s Medallion! Exhibitors that choose early arrival will be able to get in at 10AM on Sunday July 12th.

AND…as an extra bonus for our Grand Champion sponsors, if they choose early arrival they will be able to arrive at 5 AM on Sunday.

From 5-10AM will be reserved for our Grand Champion sponsors with early arrival to come in and unload.

The rest of our early arrival exhibitors will be able to enter the barn at 10 am. Regular arrival is Monday 8 AM.

Our show will start Wednesday morning this year. As has been the case in the past, our Grand Champion sponsors will also be on the marquee in front of the hotel on the 15 freeway as well as on the posters throughout the casino and hotel (we are happy to give any GC sponsors posters at the end of the show as well) AND they will also receive preferred stabling.

We are looking forward to the show this year and we encourage anyone that is planning to come to MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS ASAP with our code MOR0713 (3 letters, 4 numbers). 
 call South Point direct at 702-797-8901

As everyone makes their reservations, remember that we start Wednesday morning at 10 AM and our main ring will end with our Saturday night session. Sunday will be dedicated to our Dressage and Western Dressage exhibitors and will start at 10 AM.

All exhibitors must vacate the stabling area by 10 AM Monday morning

Have questions? Call Lori at (859) 457-0841

Youth of The Year is here!

Contact Sue McCullough

suemccullough1@gmail.com

For Information (speech topic, etc) click here

W/T pattern click here

Jr pattern click here

Sr pattern click here

Seniors:

A contestant that has qualified to compete at the Nationals MUST have completed their Sherman badge BEFORE the time of the National contest. 

For those that haven’t heard, the schedule at the Medallion this year will be a bit different…



Main ring classes will be held on Wednesday-Saturday with Sunday being an entire day dedicated to our Dressage and Western Dressage exhibitors! Nobody will need to be out before Monday at 10 am! So, no hurry to pack and leave tired…you can stay and enjoy another great meal in Vegas, catch a show, and leave overnight when it’s cool and convenient on Sunday or Monday…whatever fits in your schedule!

Back By Popular Demand! Saddle Raffle

Back by popular demand is our Freedman saddle raffle! We will only sell 40 tickets. Tickets are $100 each. You do NOT need to be present to win. Who can’t use a brand new Freedman for $100?? Buy a few tickets and increase your odds! You get to pick which saddle from the Freedman collection you get

Venmo Morgan-Medallion with your ticket money and put ‘saddle raffle’ in the notes! Winner will be drawn live Friday night at Medallion.

AMHA/USEF Rules Forums are being held at the following show:

Morgan Medallion Charity Classic, which takes place July 15-19, 2026, at the South Point Arena &

Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, will hold its forum on:

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Time: Immediately following the last class of the morning session

Location: Arena Stands

Time to introduce you to your 2026 MHCWS Board Members!

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

President~ Nicole Barbour

Vice President~ Katie Hoover

Secretary~ Linda Collins

Treasurer~ Marla Miller

Board of Directors~

Sandra Nichols

Kristiana Schreiber

Kasey Mougine

Karen Peterson

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



We are thrilled to welcome an outstanding panel of judges for this year’s show!

 Main Ring Judge – Matthew Roberts

 Working Western Judge – Sheri Odom

 Dressage & Western Dressage Judge – Natalie Lamping

Their experience, knowledge, and dedication to our industry will help make this year’s event one to remember. We are honored to have each of them joining us in Monroe and look forward to a fantastic week of competition, sportsmanship, and fun!

Join us for the 41st Annual C-Fair Charity Morgan Regional & Open Horse Show, featuring Morgan, Saddlebred, Friesian, Open and All-Breed competition. Whether you’re exhibiting, supporting exhibitors, or simply enjoying great horses and great people, C-Fair is a show you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another memorable year. 

Show Officials

In-Hand & Performance: Tammie Conatser

Dressage & Western Dressage Level 2 and Above: Donna Richardson

Western Dressage Intro Level 1: Kathleen Elliott

Working Western: Deb Witty

USEF Steward: Pat Hough

SHOW MANAGER: Nancy Harvey | 626-390-8918 | nharvey440@aol.com

The Evergreen Inn and Suites is our host hotel again this year and will be offering us a horse show rate for C-Fair.

If you are in need of a hotel room, please call them at 360-863-1900 to reserve your room for the show.

Just a reminder, there is always a big car event the same weekend as C-Fair and rooms fill up fast.

Below is a list of other hotels and lodging in the area as well .



Join us July 29-August 2nd for another fun show!

The Prize List is available.

Click here to download the Prize List.

Or go to the club website, https://mhcws.org/cfair/

for everything you need.

You can also enter online at www.horseshowsonline.com.

Entry Close Date Extended to July 15th

Saturday is going to be FUN at C-Fair!



Join us for our C-Fair Fun in the Sun Picnic & Games—great food, fun games, friends, and plenty of laughs!

And don’t miss our Mystery Picnic Game! We’ll need a team of two from each barn to take on the mystery challenge… and trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!

Gather your teammate, bring your competitive spirit, and join the fun!

We are thrilled to have Foxfield Landscape Design and Graphics designing the Center Ring and Winners Circle for this year’s show!

This year’s theme “Bloom & Harvest” will be inspired by our exhibitor party theme, “Fun In the Sun Picnic & Games”. Plants featured will include fruits, herbs and beautiful backyard blooms.

All of the plants in the Center Ring and Winner’s Circle will be for sale! Want to save some money on beautiful flowers?? Pre-order your plants ahead of the show and get 10% off your entire order! Pre-orders close July 26th! 

Click the link below to reserve your plants:

https://forms.gle/9o4FegbJLzDmFTvBA

Need a golf cart for C-Fair?

A limited number are available on a first come, first served basis and must be rented for the entire show, July 29–August 2.

 Contact Carol Fletcher-Churchill before the show for availability, rates, and reservations: d3ofnine@gmail.com

Don’t wait—reserve yours early! 

The nominations are in. This year's recipients will be announced during the Saturday evening session at the show.

Here is a list of past recipients!

Click here to download the above coupons

The Prize List is out. It was included with the June issue of the Morgan Horse magazine. Click here for forms and information.

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

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

NOTE: Susan Posner of Lexington, Kentucky will now officiate in the Dressage classes instead of Doreen Horsey.

The Young Adult Alliance is very proud of their annual scholarship that is awarded to one individual aged 18-40, professional or amateur, who is interested in attaining their Morgan judging card. The 2026 scholarship will be worth $2,500. This year's scholarship winner will be announced at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® in Oklahoma City in October.

Deadline to apply is September 1, 2026

Apply Here

The AMHA Convention Committee needs your help in finalizing plans for the 2027 AMHA Annual Convention to be held March 4-6, 2027, in Kohler, Wisconsin. We want to know what topics you would like to hear discussed, which speakers you are interested in, and what learning experience you would like to see presented. Are you interested in judging or hearing from a blacksmith, a veterinarian, a breeder or other industry professionals? Would you like a tabulator to explain judge’s cards or a top trainer to share experiences?

All suggestions will be considered. Let us know by sending your suggestions to Marketing Manager Kim Skipton at Kims@morganhorse.com. Help US to help YOU have the best possible Convention experience!

Kohler Stables

Marilyn Nicks

8/3/1934 - 5/29/2026

Marilyn K. Nicks, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026. She was born on August 3, 1934, in Newton, Kansas, to Kenneth and Gladys Greene. She was raised in both Kansas and California and graduated from Simi Valley High School in California.

Marilyn met the love of her life, William (Bill) Nicks, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Their relationship blossomed into a loving marriage that would span many years and create a legacy of family, friendship, and service to others.

A devoted homemaker, Marilyn dedicated her life to caring for her family and community. She was an active parent volunteer and served as a foster parent for more than twenty years, opening her heart and home to countless children in need. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support touched the lives of many.

Marilyn was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and lived her life guided by values of compassion, service, and kindness. She was a longtime 4-H leader and an active member of the Morgan Horse Association, sharing her love of animals and mentoring young people throughout the years.

She enjoyed many creative pursuits, including tole painting, macramé, ceramics, sewing, and gardening. Whether creating something beautiful with her hands or tending her garden, Marilyn found joy in nurturing both people and things around her.

Those who knew Marilyn will remember her as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was an involved and supportive parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and great-great-grandparent whose encouragement could always be counted on. Her door was always open, and her home was a welcoming place for family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Jim Nicks; daughters, Sharon Nicks and Erin Silver; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (Bill) Nicks.

No funeral services are planned at this time.

Marilyn's legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family will be cherished by all who knew her.

At the show --

1. From her dear friend April Wilson:

There have been so many years, and so many memories of Ethyl Carlock, that it is difficult to put them in a couple of paragraphs.

When I bought my first Registered Morgan mare in the early 70’s, Ethyl was one of the first Morgan people I called. If I recall, she was the Secretary of MHAO at the time. She immediately reached out to me and helped me every step of the way. I joined MHAO and from then on it became a part of my life with Morgans.

Ethyl taught me about breeding, bloodlines, who to contact about what, and most of all, how to be a best friend.

I could go on and on about how much Ethyl dedicated to the Morgan Horse, and to MHAO. She was always ready with a helping hand.She was the first one in line to help out. She knew everyone and her knowledge of the breed was invaluable.

Ethyl served about every position that was possible in MHAO. She was instrumental in helping put on the Morgan shows during the early and mid 80s. At that time, the shows were huge with many horses in all the classes. Ethyl was friends with everyone.

MHAO had lots of promotional events during that period of time. From play days, to promotional booths at other shows and events. We had drives to see the new foals each Spring, and Mall exhibits of Morgan horses. They may not have even happened if it were not for Ethyl.

On a personal note, Ethyl was a dear friend through all the years. She would be the first to come out and see our new foals. Any event she was invited to she would show up!

I saw Ethyl the Thursday before she passed. She had been having trouble breathing so was on oxygen. But she was happy and smiling like always. But I am happy for her that she went the way she wanted. Just weeks before, she told me she was happy to be at the front of the line. The front of the line to heaven. Just weeks after losing her last Morgan mare, she took her step off the front of the line.

There is a saying that says “People won’t remember what you said or what you did. They will remember how you made them feel.” There is a lot of truth in that saying. Ethyl made us all feel important. She made us all feel like her best friend. Above all, Ethyl made us feel loved.

What she never really knew, was how loved she was by all of us!

Godspeed Dear friend

2. From her dear friend Toni Johnson:

Ethyl was such a grand horsewoman. I know she doesn’t want us sitting around crying over her passing. During our trail rides there was hardly a person that we passed that didn’t know Ethyl. Each horse person I’ve encountered had one common goal, “I want to be like Ethyl when I grow up”. Always made me smile. She was always so humble about her own horse skills but often, “The Old Morgan Judge” would come out in her. I learned so much from her and….. IF she “ didn’t know” she would say so. I remember one day as I was training my first mustang in her arena andhaving a difficult time with a maneuver and she said lets get the dressage training book out. I inherited that book. I couldn’t believe my ears. She read from the very old book of dressage each step. And lo and behold we broke the barrier and my lovely horse thus became so soft and willing. She referred to me as a real horse woman instead of “just a horse owner”. The compliment of a lifetime for just a trail riding backyard horse woman. Ethyl throughout her life was always willing to learn, but most of all willing to share. She had a work ethic that many people could not hold a candle to. We did hay together into her 90s. She worried so much about the timing of the cut and putting the hay up. We laughed and worked hard. We worked hard on the trails at Elijah Bristow on a number of projects. We enjoyed many many trail rides with a number of people. I didn’t know her as the Morgan Judge but heard many stories and attended a number of shows with her. More lessons in the horse world. What a lady! What a horse woman and most of all a treasured honest trustworthy friend. Always, always, always, there for me. She will be missed but I try not to cry over her passing but treasure and remember all of our good times, as she would have it. She was the best riding buddy ever!!!!

3. From her dear friend Cindy:

Ethyl Carlock was born loving Horses. Her equines served as a gateway to connecting with many people in the Morgan world as a competitor, a trainer, a breeder and a judge. Ethyl’s quest for understanding and knowledge of Horses spanned her entire life and she and friends drove great distances to learn more from the best. Morgans were her favorite breed of course but she admired many other breeds of horses. Did you know she bought a young Mustang and trained that critter? Did you know Ethyl and three friends piled in a rig and drove cross country to UVM in Vermont to pick up a friend’s Morgan, and hauled it home to Oregon. She was always up for an adventure whether it was camping in the Steens mountains or heading to Sisters for a driving clinic. Ethyl Retired from the Saddle at age 90 when her beloved Robbi Sue Dun Morgan mare Shadow reached age 31. Her favorite place in the world was sitting on Shadow at Elijah Bristow Park riding along the river trail. So long Ethyl until we meet again, happy trails to you.

4. Christi Nicholson would like to….

Thank you so much everyone for all of the kind words and for being here this evening for a moment of silence and remembrance of Ethyl Carlock. The heavens welcomed a great one in. Ethyl was more than a friend to me, she was family, much like a grandma to me since a very young age. Ethyl lived an amazing life filled with love, friends, family, and of course the Morgan Horse. I learned so much from her, she shared her wisdom in life with me, horsemanship, Morgan bloodlines, and most of all I cherished all of the chats at her kitchen table sipping tea and out in her beautiful barn. Also, Ethyl did have a great sense of humor….You had to know to appreciate. I was also so grateful that she often took the time to share her wisdom with my own daughters. Teaching Cami horsemanship skills and Ella painting. I had the privilege of owning and showing one of her exquisitely homebred Morgans: Bredwinner Wingd Lady (by Wing Ding and Porvenir Julianne) many years ago and the most recent privilege a few years ago, of ground driving Flame with her in her outdoor arena.

I proudly have kept the western saddle she gave me a couple of years ago with her name engraved on the back, the one that she rode Miss Shadow in for all those years, “the best horse in the world”. The two of you are united again and that saddle will stay with me for life. I am so glad my daughters and I were able to take you to dinner a couple of weeks before your passing. That night after dinner, when we dropped you off at home, you handed me a box of items. I opened up the box when I arrived back home, and I was “deeply moved” that in that box was your Registered Morgan Banner that hung in your barn for 40 years! I promise that we will proudly hang it in our family barn. We love you and we all miss you so very much, and it is with deepest gratitude that we thank you for making room in your life for all of us.

In closing, in a recent conversation with Ethyl’s daughter Karen,

she shared that she is putting together a “Memories of Ethyl” book for the grandchildren and for whomever else would be interested.

On a closing note, Karen also shared that Ethyl had a new and healthy GREAT grandaughter born on June 11th, from her grandson Erik and his wife. Such a blessing, and her name is Mara.

As Ethyl would want it, go compete, try hard, and have a ton of fun this evening …..the “Show Must Go On”!

Click here to read the obituary for Ethyl


Helen Crawford

3/18/1935 – 6/20/2026

Posted in weekly news from AMHA

Our Morgan community is a little less bright with the loss of our good friend and life member, Helen Crawford, who passed away on June 20, 2026, in Oregon. Helen was not only an amazing person, she was also an amazing horseman and a lifelong lover, breeder, and exhibitor of the Morgan horse. Along with her late husband, Bill, and her daughter, Carolyn Dillon, Helen owned the celebrated Boston Morgan Farm which produced many champions such as Tug Hill Whamunition GCH, HVK Ancient Cry GCH, and Cry Baby.

Honoring Helen's wishes, no services are scheduled. AMHA sends our deepest sympathies to Carolyn, family, and friends - you are in our thoughts. Please watch for a remembrance of Helen in The Morgan Horse September 2026 issue.

Boston Morgan Farm: A Legacy in Motion

Honoring Helen Crawford, Tug Hill Whamunition, and the Powerhouse Behind a Morgan Dynasty

By Anthony Pierce

“I will always remember how excited Bill was to tell me they officially had acquired Tug Hill Whamunition… and how he saw him as Helen’s greatest show horse.”

In the annals of Morgan history, few farms have left as lasting and recognizable an imprint as Boston Morgan Farm. Tucked in the lush countryside of Wilsonville, Oregon, Boston was not just a breeding operation—it was a force of inspiration, a cradle of champions, and a family-driven enterprise where passion met polish.

At the heart of it all was Helen Crawford, a woman whose quiet elegance in the show ring was matched only by her strength as a breeder, horsewoman, and leader. Alongside her husband Bill and daughter Carolyn Dillon, Helen stewarded Boston Morgan Farm through decades of success, breeding and presenting some of the Morgan breed’s most beloved horses.

Some horses leave behind far more than a pedigree—they leave a legacy.

Today we say goodbye to Play The Odds, a stallion whose influence will live on for generations. After overcoming incredible hardship earlier in life, Vegas found a home with Bay Acres Morgan Farm, who was blessed with nearly four wonderful years, four foal crops and one final foal due in 2027.

Samantha Jones described him as "the most amazing, dumb luck thing to ever happen to us," and it's easy to understand why. Through him, friendships were formed, breeding programs were enriched, and an important bloodline was preserved.

Rest easy, Play The Odds. Your legacy lives on through every descendant and every life you touched. It was an honor to know your story.

Play The Odds

May 6th 2000 to July 3rd 2026

— Anthony Pierce

From Samantha Jones

Thank you for the beautiful post, Anthony. There will never be enough words to represent what he meant to us. When searching your page for information on the Black River lines, it was through you I was able to track him down. And, by some miracle, he came home to us. I knew our time with him would be short and we were blessed with some exceptional foals. Many have gone on to new homes, where they will show both breed and open as well as be foundation horses for a few budding programs. He was so much larger than just me. I hope Mike is resting easy, knowing his incredible stallion will live on for many years to come 

He was kind, silly and full of life. He has left an impossible space to fill.