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Stable Sheet - June 2022
An American Legacy - The Morgan Horse
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For those viewing this newsletter for the first time, it is published in three 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.
From the Board

President's Message

Hi all!

Morgan Classic (OMC) is here - the highlight of our events for the year! OMC will be held at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, Oregon, starting on June 15th and running through to June 18th. Did you know that the Oregon Morgan Classic is the only Morgan show here in Oregon? The show features both Morgan and Saddlebred horses and will have a wide variety of classes that showcase the versatility of the breeds.
We all talk about the versatility of the Morgan but here is an opportunity to see it in person and in action! Lots of pretty horses and wonderful people to see and meet! 

And.. in between watching your favorite classes, please stop by and check out the silent auction. A portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the Alex Mooney Memorial Scholarship that is offered by MHAO. There will be lots of different items that should appeal to everybody. There is something for everyone! 

Check out the vendors, too!
 
Hope you can join us and help celebrate the Morgan Horse here in Oregon at the Oregon Morgan Classic!

Kathy Christensen, MHAO President
Meeting Minutes
Click here to read a draft of the minutes from the MHAO Board Meeting on May 18, 2022.

Next meeting via conference call:
June 22, 2022. MHAO members are always welcome. Contact Kathy Christensen if you would like to attend at

Click here to see a 2022 Board Meeting Schedule.
$30 for Individual Membership
$35 for Family Membership
Join Today!
New members or those who have not joined for awhile are always welcome.
Click here to download a membership form.
Click here to see if you have renewed yet or not. Information as of March 16th. We need you! Please renew today.

These are hard times for clubs. We need your support so we in turn can support you and our wonderful breed.

Your club needs your support to help us continue with our Youth programs and our promotion of the Morgan Horse.

Membership Chair, Doana Anderson
(503) 250-2500
The Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show
Is Almost Here!!
The Oregon Morgan Classic has been cleared to move forward. So has the Oregon Horse Center. We look forward to having you join us for the only Morgan show in our state.
We have a new Dressage Award.
We are pleased to announce that the Morgan Dressage Association is giving us a special ribbon to award to the highest traditional (classical) dressage score in a single test at OMC. Please note: This does not include Musical Freestyle or Western Dressage classes.

Show Class Changes:
  • Class 68 is changing from English Pleasure Junior Horse to English Pleasure Junior Horse/Novice Horse 
  • Class 159 is changing from $50 English Pleasure Junior Horse Championship to $50 English Pleasure Junior Horse/Novice Horse Championship.

Futurity Class Changes:
  • Class 6 - Futurity 3 yr old Western Pleasure Wednesday afternoon will change to Futurity 3 year old Classic Pleasure saddle
  • Class 145 - Futurity 3 yr old Pleasure Driving on Friday evening will change to Futurity 3 yr old Classic Driving

In general, Futurity Halter Classes take place Wednesday evening in the main arena, Futurity Performance Classes are woven throughout the show, and Futurity Halter Sweepstakes Classes will take place Saturday evening.

Announcing our patterns at the show:
Ranch Riding:
Class 339 - pattern is in the office
Class 340 - USEF pattern 1
Class 341 - USEF pattern 3
Class 342 - USEF pattern 1
Class 343 - USEF pattern 4
Reining:
Class 344 - USEF pattern 4
Class 345 - USEF pattern 5
Class 346 - USEF pattern 5
Class 347 - USEF pattern 6
Class 348 - USEF pattern 8
Trail class courses can be picked up in the office
Our 2022 Vendors, Corporate Sponsors, & Donors of "Other Items" In Support of the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity
Highlighting Our Vendors!
Be sure to take time to wander thru our vendor booths at the show - we hope you will support them as a way to encourage them to come back next year:
  • Stargazer Equestrian
  • Cedar Ridge Galleries
  • Oregon Horse Council
  • KR Northwest
  • Larri's Creations & Dapper Dickies
  • MHAO, MHCWS, & the NW Saddlebred Association
  • Cindy's Creations
  • Once Upon A Tail
  • Rusty Barn Boutique
Don't Miss Out On All The Fun Events Outlined in the Premium Booklet Or To Be Announced At the Show. There is also a Silent Auction During The Show.

Highlighting The "Other Items" from the 2022 MHAO Stallion Service Auction that are offered along with the OMC Silent Auction. These items were donated in support of the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity. I did not get them promoted or set up in time to include them with the Stallion Service Auction, so we are offering them for bids at the Oregon Morgan Classic:
  • April Wilson is donating a beautiful art print. Don't miss this!
  • 2 night stay at Kelly Kraegel's Air BnB at Cotton Creek Ranch
  • Black & White full page ad in The Morgan Horse magazine
  • Beautiful equestrian theme bracelet from Little Silver Lining
  • Leather care products from Sterling Essentials
  • Ellen Feld books, some packages paired with a Morgan Breyer horse

Sold earlier:
  • Stall at the Oregon Morgan Classic
  • Full page ad in the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet
But That Is Not All --
As usual there will be a SILENT AUCTION at this show in support of the Oregon Morgan Classic & our Scholarship Program.
Shelley Bullard is seeking NEW and very gently used items looking for new homes
where they are loved and appreciated,
AND your donations help support the show
& the MHAO Alexandra Mooney Memorial Scholarship.
 
Think about it. 
What is sitting in your tack room, closet, or….  
And will never be enjoyed. Bring them to the show to donate!
Let Shelley Bullard know before the show what you have to donate.

This year the Silent Auction will be set up in the "Feed Room" restaurant. Come browse while you are in that area. Lots of nice items offered.
 
Thanks in advance.
Shelley   skedling@aol.com

Whether You Are Bringing A Horse Or Not,
We Hope To See You At the Oregon Morgan Classic!
Come Join Us!

It's show season!
Don't forget to turn in your points for the MHAO High Point Program!

Click here to download program information
Click here to download the Point Submission Form
MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity
Will you have a foal
born this year?
Don't forget to get your foal nominated to the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity before December 31st.

Show off your breeding program!

Click here to download a Futurity Nomination Form for your 2022 foals
Click here to download the Futurity Rules
Click here to download a Futurity Class Entry Form
All foals from AMHA registered parents are eligible
for this futurity! Fees are very reasonable.

$45 - Initial nomination fee
$25 - Annual renewal fee thru the foal's 4 yr old year
$25 - Futurity class entry fee

This year we will return to our normal class schedule for the Futurity at the Oregon Morgan Classic. However, there will be continued discussions about our program over this coming year. If you have any input for us to consider, please email it to Gay Adams. The only change we have made is to remove any reference to color. Color does not affect conformation and is not included as the conformation standard of the Morgan horse. We welcome Morgan horses of color to be entered in any of our Futurity classes.

The 2022 MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet will be available at the show!

Gay Adams, MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Chair
A Request For News From MHAO Members & Friends
Karen Weiderman would love to showcase you and your horse in the Members section of the Stable Sheet newsletter (Section 2). Send her a story with some pictures.

She is also looking for stories from Morgan owners on how and when they got into the Morgan breed and what they have done since then.

Send your story and photos of your versatile Morgan to: dazzby1@gmail.com
Why A Horse?
The plan was to take photos of them riding outside, but as Sam tacked up, I saw this thin stream of light shining into the barn and was entranced. I positioned them in as much light as I could and waited for a moment to unfold.

This photo reminds me of the quote: "A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life’s true priorities are clear. When you take a step back, it’s not just about horses — it’s about love, life, and learning. We honor our horses for their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of our fields of personal battles. Those who know them understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart.” ~ Lauren Davis Baker

Canon R5, RF 70-200 at 70, ISO: 400, f3.5, 1/320
A HUGE Congratulations goes out to the newly elected officers of the AMHA Youth Council!!

President: Allison Hall
Vice President: Kiana Pearson
Director of Public Relations: Jordan Freitag

So excited for what the future will bring!!

If you are interested in joining the AMHA Youth Council just fill this out:

And send to nicole@morganhorse.com. Please contact NIkki with any questions.

Congratulations
Allison!
AMHA Youth of the Year Contests - 2022
Why should you compete in a Youth of the Year Contest?

Youth of the Year contests reward those who are well-versed in horsemanship skills. They provide a wonderful opportunity to improve one's horse knowledge as well as a means of setting realistic goals and learning the benefits of hard work and dedication. Most importantly, youth contests create a positive atmosphere in which young people and adults who share a love of the Morgan can interact. Friendships developed through youth contests are a rewarding and fulfilling benefit.
Interested in competing in the 2022 Youth of the Year Contest? Be sure to check out the upcoming contests. There are still 11 remaining contests, all around the country, for 2022. Check with the Contest organizer for the divisions being included. (Local and Regional contests are open to youth of all ages, but only those aged 14 years and older can qualify to compete in Oklahoma.)
 
Click HERE to find a contest near you!
 
Click HERE to learn more about the Youth of the Year!
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT** From AMHA
AMHA will be holding it's first annual Virtual Youth of the Year contest. This contest will be completely virtual, open to ALL AMHA Youth members between the ages of 14 and 21. (Senior division only)
 
The winner and any contestant scoring over 800 points will qualify to compete in the 2022 Grand National Youth Contest in Oklahoma City, OK. The winner will also receive a $500 scholarship to help aid in travel to Oklahoma City for the Grand National contest. Click HERE to sign up!
Contact Nikki at nicole@morganhorse.com, (859) 448-5109 for more information.
2022 AHP Equine Media Awards Program
Thought For The Month


Author: Wayne G. Hipsley
Stop and think, without horse competitions where would the Thoroughbred, Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian, Miniature Horse, and AQHA/APHA be with regard to size and dominance in the horse world.

Competitions drive the desire to breed better horses. Competitions drive the desire to own and show better horses. Diversity of competitions drive the broad base of ownership interests, which in turn drives the number of horses. For many years, 75% of the horses in the US were used for recreational purposes, with 7 to 10% of the horses being used for competition within each breed association.
With the current changes in society, the cost of horse ownership, and in many cases the necessity for the need of a professional trainer to prepare and compete horses, amateur recreational riding should be increasing. But, the cost of living & the economic down turn in 2008 caused many changes in the horse industry which centered around the decrease in annual foal registrations, hence the number of horses. Some of that was good & necessary; yet some of this was bad because people sold out or got out of the horse business. This is mixed with the scenario that the US is not and does not have a 'horse tradition' like most of the British colonies and other countries. As a result the appreciation and desire for ownership has to come from another source.
And, we cannot forget that disposable income becomes the driving force for ownership and competition. During a socio-economic period when money was readily available and people were not struggling with the cost of living issues including fuel costs, the horse industry thrived. When the cost of living goes up, the desire and ability to own horses goes down.
And you cannot overlook the fact that there are many 'hangers on' - older people who once had horses, enjoyed their life with horses, but have 'aged out' due to the physical requirements associated with horse ownership, and trying to live on retirement incomes.
The horse industry was huge in this country, and it depended upon television, novels, movies, and much more to promote the industry as there was never one unified organization that promoted the entire horse industry. All breeds operated their own marketing and promotion programs, independent of and in competition with other breeds.
Think about it, if you read details about every breed, the horse of every breed can do it all, there is nothing the horse cannot do. In a real world how can that be.............when horses are being bred for a specific purpose? Ranch horses, race horses, show horses, speed event horses, rodeo horses, jumper horses, cutting horses, reining horses, dressage horses, draft horses, driving horses, endurance horses, pleasure riding horses, and on and on. It usually takes a specific conformation type to perform the athletic challenge of these equestrian sports.
In the 1950's and 1960's one horse did it all. In the 1970's we saw the start of specialization of horses for a purpose in competition and it has evolved from there. You have the halter horses who in some cases are not ridden or shown in performance. You have the performance horses who are not shown in conformation, breed classes.
There has become a class for everyone to fill the premium list and make competitions successful economically. So, the basic economic theory of supply and demand has not changed the means of creating value when influenced by use. And specialization of horses will continue to drive the market for those who can afford and want to compete. The development of disciplines and their respective organizations will continue to evolve.
And for the rest of us, let's enjoy our horses in whatever manner we deem appropriate.......................


These thoughts from Wayne G. Hipsley put the horse industry, its place in time, and the trends we see in perspective. The question is, how do we adapt to the changes we see and keep our breed and industry alive. We need to figure out how to drive more people of all ages to join us. We need to show the worth of the horse to people. We need to earn the desire of more people to make horse ownership more of a priority in their lives. How can a horse help with mental health and internal healing? And how do we spread the message.

Our thanks to Nancy Eidam for seeing this article and asking it to be included in this month's newsletter. Wayne's Facebook page: (20+) Wayne G Hipsley | Facebook
The Morgan Horse June/July Issue
Available Online Now
The Morgan Horse June/July issue is now available online to subscribers.
 
The popular Breeders Tour advertising section anchors the publication in addition to exclusive editorial centered around breeders by Stephen Kinney, a working equitation feature authored by Bernadette Stang, current industry news, and much, much more!
 
Not a subscriber? A one-year subscription with access to our digital publication is only $45 and available HERE.
Coming Soon!
Rocket - The Miniature Morgan Horse
From Ellen Feld
I'd like to share the cover for my forthcoming book, Rocket: The Miniature Morgan Horse. What makes this cover extra special is that the artist, Heidi Osgood-Metcalf, is the niece of my original artist, Jeanne Mellin.

This is the first book in a new series, for readers ages 7-8. And like my other books, this one is based on a real horse, er, pony, named Rocket. He's my heart pony, frequently very naughty and very opinionated, but he always makes me laugh. And he's half Morgan. His daddy is a Morgan and his mom, a short, pudgy, Shetland pony. The book is at the printer now, and will be out in July.

An Upcoming Article in TMH On Working Equitation
From Nadette Stang, posted on the Morgan Sport Resource Facebook page:

Very excited to share the "𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲" from an article coming out in The Morgan Horse June/July issue!"

For those of you who have wondered what all the excitement is about in regards to Working Equitation, are curious about Morgans in Working Equitation (or, just would like to know what *IS* Working Equitation )--here ya go.

The full article will be out in the June/July TMH, but I think it will be possible to get single copies of the magazine as well (or subscribe).
Watch for the June/July issue of the Morgan Horse, coming out soon!
Ian Millar: Are You Really At Home On Your Horse?

#MasterclassMonday is a collaboration between Horse Network and NOELLEFLOYD.com to empower equestrians. Every Monday we’ll bring you a new lesson from a leading trainer to help you troubleshoot your training, master your mindset and up your game. This month’s featured rider: Ian Millar.
Any imbalance in a horse is going to imbalance the rider and vice versa, the balance of the rider will affect the balance of the horse.

I learned balance on the longe line. When I was about 12 years old, I was a working student for a dressage rider in Edmonton, Alberta. He was an older gentleman, classically trained in Germany, and he was a great believer in longeing as a training tool.

This trainer put me on his horses nearly every day without stirrups or reins, and he’d have me sit facing the front, facing the back, juggling tennis balls, and doing various exercises. Through this experience, I became very balanced and at home on a horse.

All these years later, we still use those same exercises with our students. It’s very common that we longe our students without reins and stirrups to emphasize their balance and help them understand how their bodies interact with their horses.
Like all things in horse training, you do it incrementally. You start with a really good, safe horse. You keep your stirrups at the beginning. You keep your reins. Eventually, you’re comfortable enough to tie a knot in your reins and lay them down on the neck and ride with your elbows crossed or your hands on your hips or behind your back. In due course, you’re comfortable enough to drop your stirrups and pretty soon you’re just sitting up there at the walk, trot,
and canter relying strictly on balance and feel.

Once a rider reaches that stage, we’ll apply the same skillset to jumping. When we’re training riders and horses to do gymnastics, we’ll get to the point where they can tie a knot in their reins, let the reins lay on the neck, cross their arms across their chest, and away they’ll go down through the gymnastic. They cannot use the reins at all for any form of balance.

This helps with riding on course, too. It also helps keep a rider safe. If a horse decides to rear, for example, and you need to lean forward quickly to stay in balance rather than get caught back and risk falling out the back door, your balance will instinctively react and correct. If a horse goes to stop at a jump and you’re balanced, you’ll instinctively come back to center. You typically don’t come by this balance naturally—you develop it over time.
I had the good fortune to have those instructors that really insisted that I work on my balance and recognize the importance of being balanced in the saddle—and that pays me dividends every single day on a horse.



This is an excerpt from Ian Millar’s new Equestrian Masterclass on body control and feel. To access the course, as well as a full library of courses from the likes of Anne Kursinski, Martin Fuchs and more, go to equestrianmasterclass.com
Equine Trail Sports
Click flyer to go to event on Facebook
Trinity Trail Events hosts fun and challenging obstacle trail events that cater to all ages and levels of riders. Our Buckles & Bling Summer Trail Challenge consists of nine separate events in June, July, and August.

We pride ourselves on creating events that challenge the horse and rider and help increase overall horsemanship. You can expect a wide variety of obstacles that focus on precision, confidence, ground manners and your relationship with your horse. Our events rarely use the same obstacle twice so you will get a unique experience each time. We also focus on having FUN and can confidently say we have the BEST community of riders that attend our events!

EVENTS
Each weekend:
Friday 3-5 p.m.: In-hand competition on the mountain trail obstacle course.
Saturday & Sunday: Trail challenges on the park's trail system.

To register and for more information, visit:
Whole Heart, Whole Horse Excerpt
From "the Barngoddess Chronicles"
Coming Clean
"It’s not as though I never heard of cleaning a horse’s sheath before. After many years of owning geldings…of course I have! But, as it turns out, I didn’t know enough. It wasn’t until I read renowned horse trainer Mark Rashid’s book Whole Heart, Whole Horse, that I learned about “smegma.” Smegma is a relatively round, rock hard object composed of dirt, dead skin cells and sweat. Also known as “beans.” Yuk! Sounds disgusting enough, but what I didn’t know, was how “beans” might affect behavior."

Click here to read
The Story of “Bill” and to get more information about the book, "Whole Heart, Whole Horse" by Mark Rashid.
National Morgan Reining Horse Association
From Morgan Sport Resource
A HUGE congratulations to Mia-Mar Hillbilly Rock (Mia-Mar Remo x Shato's Lucky Star) and Patricia M. Schaefer for successfully being the latest Morgan to compete at the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 level in eventing and earning a second place! Rockster" is proudly owned by Dr. Tricia Arnold and was bred by Judith Dexter.
What is involved at this level? Read on for more background:

"Dressage: You can expect to see shoulder-ins, travers, as well as lengthen and collected gaits. This is comparable to the USDF Second Level.

"Cross Country: Like the preliminary level, intermediate is a test of technical difficulty on course, with an array of combinations and questions that demand superior skills. Offering up to 34 obstacles at a speed of 550 mpm (a little over 20 mph), the courses are much more demanding on both horses and rider. The maximum height is 3' 9" with brush fences having a maximum of 4' 5"

"Stadium: At this point, stadium is a test of fitness and precision. With a maximum height of 3' 11" and a speed of 350 mpm, intermediate level stadium is a test of how responsive and fit your horses is after a harder cross country course. This is comparable to a 1.20 meter jumper class)."
Complete Foaling Manual
Recommended by Mary Anne Morrison for all breeders.
Be a foaling expert! This book explains everything, from prenatal care of the mare to the foal's first weeks, with special emphasis on the foaling process. It is based on highly proficient knowledge and the most current scientific data. It is graphically illustrated and very easy to read. Whether you are a breeder, a foaling attendant, or a beginner, your questions will be properly answered.

Click here to see on Amazon
Start Preparing Now For Wildfire Season & Other Possible Emergencies




Click here for more information on how to become prepared.

Meghan Gobel /Ringen - Congratulations!
Congratulations to Meghan Gobel on earning her Silver Medal, First and Second Level Rider Performance Awards!

Meghan earned her Second Level and USDF Silver Medal on her Morgan, Ensbrook Trivanti (Ensbrook Avanti x Triflick Reflection). This pair has been a wonderful ambassador in the PNW for Morgans -- Thank You!
YourDressage! - Morgan's are June 2022's Breed of the Month
USDF is celebrating the versatile Morgan Horse as their June Breed of the Month on YourDressage! They have recently asked their social media followers to share photos of their favorite Morgans, and they have lots to share! Check some of them out in "The Versatile Morgan - Part Two" by clicking HERE.
Dressage riders who choose Morgans as their mounts are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as the American Morgan Horse Association is a participating organization. Learn more about these awards HERE.




Some pictures from the Western Weekend parade in Point Reyes.
Dear Cowgirl - Adrian Brannan
Shared by Denise Lester on Facebook
Dear Cowgirl,
I hope you make zero apologies for who you really are.
I hope you know you are going to make weak people uncomfortable when you start living how you are destined and choosing the path you know to be right.
I hope you limit who has access to you, protecting yourself by keeping your circle small and carefully chosen.
I hope you choose to treat yourself kindly and with grace when needed, and with honesty and realness when you need wakeup calls.
I hope you stop focusing on finding the right person, and BECOME the right person. When you do, they have a habit of showing up when least expected.
I hope you have the chance to experience hard times as we all must, and are able to look back with pride on how you overcame them with strength and grace.
I hope you have joy in your life.
I hope you have love.
I hope you have peace.
I hope you have hope. ©Adrian Brannan
Buy the book: www.buckaroogirl.com
WDAA International Challenge 2022 - A Virtual Event
WDAA World Championship Horse Show -
Prize List Available!
10 Year Anniversary Show
The 2022 WDAA Western Dressage World Championship prize list is now posted online!
 
The show runs from Tuesday, September 27th to Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
 
There is a chance to win the WDAA Harmony Award Saddle and sponsorship opportunities are available and welcomed. Click here to learn more.
Thank you Kelley Rankin
Your Business Card Here
Just $10 for 12 months

Other Options:
Full page - $25 per issue
Half page - 15 per issue
Quarter page - $10 per issue
Discounts for multiple months
Free classifieds!
To advertise in the Stable Sheet, contact Gay Adams - (503) 936-4276 or
Important Information - Morgan Medallion Room Availability
AMHA was informed that the ONLY rooms still available at the South Point Hotel for the weekend of the Morgan Medallion Show are those rooms being held under the show's room block.
 
If you are planning to attend, you may want to make your room reservations right away. To get access to the room block and show rate, please place the code MOR0721 (three letters and four numbers) in the box labeled "Group Code" when making your reservation. DO NOT put the code in the box "Promo Code" or it will result in an error.

Only a few rooms left in our block! Get your reservations in NOW!
 
Show Dates: July 21 - 24, 2022
Show Location: South Point Equestrian Center - Las Vegas, NV
Hotel: South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
 
Visit the show's Facebook page for updates. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Stacy Hennessy.
To Help You Update Your Calendar:
2022 Morgan Show Dates:

For other equine type events, a good place to check right now is the Oregon Horse Council website under Events: Events - Oregon Horse Council
 
Washington State Horse Expo – March 4-6, 2022. Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds. Ridgefield WA. Vendor applications are currently being accepted.
For details please contact kathy.sulla@cceventcenter.org or call
(564) 397-6180.
Clinicians: Richard Winters – Horsemanship, Caeli Cavanaugh – Liberty work, Robert Eversole – Trailmeister. More will be added with information available up to the date of the Expo.
 
Northwest Horse Fair & Expo – March 25-27, 2022. Linn County Fair & Expo Center, Albany OR. Tentative line up of Clinicians / Presenters!! - Ken McNabb – Horsemanship, Julie Goodnight – Horsemanship, Peggy Cummings - Connected Riding, Rob Peterson, Drill Team seminar and clinic, Wayne Williams - Speaking of Horses. Demonstrations!! - Mane Attraction Rodeo Performance Team, Endo the Blind. Special Event!! - Colt Starting Challenge USA. Muffy Seaton also coming.
 
Other discipline/facility specialty sites to check for Open Competitions & events:
 
Please send me information on other facilities or discipline websites that should be included here.
American Driving Society
Important Dates and Information for 2022
From The Wheelhorse, February 2022:
 
·   2022 ADS Rulebooks are now available for purchase in the online ADS Store. Rulebooks will ship the week of February 14.
·   February 23, 2022 – “Horse Brain, Human Brain” Webinar with Janet L. Jones, PhD. 6 PM to 7 PM Eastern Time. Dr. Jones will detail equine brain facts to help us better understand and communicate with our horses and ponies. Must be ADS Member. Registration Fee $10. Register at (608) 237-7382 or online.
·   April 2, 2022 – Applications for ADS Blue Ribbon Club designation are due.
·   April 30, 2022 – ADS Rule Change suggestions are due.
·   August 19-21, 2022 - North American Preliminary Championships in Metamora, Michigan. Hosted by the Metamora CDE.
·   September 29-October 2, 2022 - North American Intermediate Championships in Wilton, California. Hosted by the Clay Station CDE.
·   December 2-4, 2022 - ADS Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
In Memoriam
Blackjack
aka Rum Brook Immortal Star
(Immortal Command x Rum Brook Aphrodite)

1994 - 2022

I've been procrastinating about posting this but it's time. I'm sad to report that I had to put Blackjack down last week. The face paralysis was just too much for him to overcome, even with heavy doses of steroids and antibiotics. He had not eaten or been able to drink for three days, surviving by getting I.V. fluids every day. He was miserable and it was time.
Blackjack wasn't just a horse - he was my best friend.

We'd been through a lot in the 28 years we were together. He was my first show horse, with Bill Parker introducing us both to the show ring (hey, Bill, those were the days, huh?). Blackjack went on to become a somewhat goofy trail horse, full of spunk, up through our last ride. He had what Bill called "the Gallant Lee grunt," meaning he'd do this funny grunt when he wanted to go and you wanted him slow. It always made me laugh.

My kids grew up with Blackjack, in fact I was pregnant with my son Nicky when I bought him (crazy time to buy a horse!). The kids don't remember a time without Blackjack and it's been hard on them too.

Blackjack introduced many people to Morgans, both from his personal appearances (he was a "celebrity horse" at numerous horse expos), traveling to BreyerFest the year Breyer made his model, and through his books (our books, really, he inspired me to write). Most of all, though, he was my best friend and the barn feels so empty without him.

Ellen Feld
Click here to continue reading
Included in the next Sections:

Section 2:
Member News

Section 2A:
Key Classic Pictorial

Section 3:
MHAO Requests
Classified Ads
Advertising Thru MHAO
How to become an MHAO Member
Oregon Horse Council News
USEF News
AMHA News