MHAO Stable Sheet -

May 2025

Get the most out of this newsletter -

For those viewing this newsletter for the first time, it is published in two sections. At the bottom of the first 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

In addition during April, the Stallion Service auction concluded with frenzied last minute bidding on the fabulous stallions as well as other non-stallion related offerings. A big thank you to Gay Adams who coordinates and manages the auction and is responsible for its success. Gay puts many hours of time and effort into this and it is evident with the success of the auction. It is a lot of work and I, as well as many others, truly appreciate all that she does to make this happen. 

Rounding out April, MHAO had a promotional booth at the Oregon AgFest event at the State Fairgrounds in Salem. Our thanks to Erin and Mike Silver for heading that up, to Lorraine who is the chair of the promotion committee, and to everyone else who helped or came to talk to attendees about the wonderful Morgan horse. PL Dancing With Angels was there as an example, and acted as our equine ambassador. More information follows on this later in this newsletter.

Our next big event, the Oregon Morgan Classic will be held at the Oregon Horse Center on June 18^th to June 21^st. Karen Breckenridge has been hard at work making sure that MHAO has a top-notch show. Once again, this too is a big job and occupies many, many hours of hard work, coordination and drive to get the job done. I would encourage our members to come to the event and show your support and encouragement to exhibitors and staff. One great way to show your support is to consider being a sponsor of a class at the show. There are several levels of sponsorships available to help with the cost of the show. We look forward to a successful show as that it impacts all the programs that MHAO offers to all members, not just to those who show. If you are interested in doing a sponsorship, please contact Karen Breckenridge at 503-580-4716 or email her at wylieriley@aol.com. She would be happy to discuss options that are available!

I hope this note finds you all doing well and looking forward to the longer, warmer days of summer!

If you have not renewed yet, please do. If you know someone who owns a Morgan horse but is not a current member, please ask them to join. We are stronger together. The main mission of MHAO is the preservation and promotion of this wonderful breed. We can't do it without members. MHAO offers a full array of programs for our members as highlighted in this newsletter and on our website - www.morganhorseoregon.com. The website will be updated this month. Your voice is very important to our success. We need you as a member in order to remain a viable and highly valued organization able to serve you.

Individual Membership - $30 (gives you 1 vote)

Family Membership - $35 (gives you 2 votes)

Another way you can help: if an MHAO member sells a Morgan horse to a first time Morgan owner, that new owner can have a free MHAO membership in the year of purchase. Just fill out a membership form with them and send it to Karen Breckenridge as outlined on the form. Where it asks for payment information write "First Time Morgan Owner", and who the horse was purchased from. It will be our job to earn their paid membership thereafter. Send me their email address so I can add them to our distribution list for the Stable Sheet - send to sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Click here to download the 2025 Membership Form

Click here to see our current membership list as of 4/10/2025

Members who have renewed since 4/10/2025:

Lindsay Naas

Chris Laine

Kyla Davidson

Please renew today! We need your voice & your support.

For questions or to volunteer to help, contact Kathy Christensen

mike-kak@Q.com

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! Ads are also welcome at very reasonable rates.

Ads in the Stable Sheet help offset the cost of providing it to you. Your help would be much appreciated.

Other Size ads also available at very reasonable rates.

Questions, contact: Gay Adams

Email or text your card to:

(503) 936-4276

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Put your ad in the Membership Directory and the 2025 Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet, too!

Taking ads now!

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. YOUR CLASSIFIED LISTING IS FREE!! I'll even let you include a picture. Larger ads can be put in 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.

I have created a separate section for classified ads. If you give lessons or sell something on an ongoing basis, why not put it on our website? Let me know if you would like that. Another idea, put your business card in the Stable Sheet.

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

Click here for our most recent classified ads!

Send to Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Advertising Rates For MHAO Members

Close Date for the MHAO Breeders' Cup Futurity Booklet is June 1st.

Put your ad in the Membership Directory at the same time. Deadline for the directory is now set for

June 30th.

Close Date for the Membership Directory has been extended.

New date yet to be determined.

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

MHAO High Point Program -

Show Season Has Begun!

Sierra Breckenridge has put together a study guide for you to use in getting ready to compete in the Youth of The Year contests both locally and at the main event. Thank you Sierra! This guide is now available on our website, or you can download it here.

The Youth of the Year winner at the Oregon Morgan Classic for the Senior Level becomes eligible to represent OMC at the National competition. If they go to Nationals and compete in the YOTY program on behalf of OMC, MHAO offers a reimbursement of up to $400 toward their expenses. A copy of their travel receipts are required.

Want more information on the Youth Of The Year Program? Check out the information shown on the AMHA Youth of the Year Website Page.

MHAO also offers an educational scholarship. See more information below.

This scholarship is funded via donations and is available for application by all MHAO members - no age limit! Scholarship proceeds are paid to the educational institution on the recipient's behalf. Prior recipients can apply again!

Click here for more detail and to download an application form.

This is a separate scholarship program from the one offered thru AMHA.

Please note the following class changes for OMC.

They are as follows:

**Class 105 Futurity 3 year old Western Pleasure has been moved from Friday, June 20th to Thursday, June 19th after class 85

**Class 134 Futurity 3 year old Hunter Pleasure has been moved from Friday, June 20th to Thursday morning, June 19th after class 41

**The OMC carriage division has been changed from OTAB to MORGAN ONLY

**Class 180 Morgan Exhibition Ranch Rail Pleasure is the first class on in the Saturday (June21st) afternoon session. It was accidentally put in the premium as being at the end of the afternoon session on Saturday.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Karen Breckenridge

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



The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon is once again holding the ever-popular Silent Auction at the Oregon Morgan Classic horse show held June 18th to June 21st in Eugene, OR. We are asking for donations of new and VERY GENTLY used items to be included in this years auction. We would gladly accept any gift cards, “interactive experiences”, farm tours, lessons with a favorite trainer etc. as well. We do ask that if you are donating any clothing or tack, that it be in good useable condition and clean. A portion of the proceeds will be used to supplement the Alex Mooney Scholarship as well as programs in MHAO.

If you have items you would like to donate, please contact Kim Moore at 503-507-7268 or Jnkmoore96@gmail.com

It's time to line up your booth for the Oregon Morgan Classic! Get your reservation for space in now! First come, first to get the best location. You can pay by the day, for a bundled price, or with a Sponsorship of the show.

Contact Gay Adams for more information.

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

OMC is excited to offer some great events this year,

STAY TUNED!

You won't want to miss it!

Interested in being a Sponsor?

DM Denise Lester on Facebook for more info!

Or contact Karen Breckenridge, wylieriley@aol.com

VOLUNTEERING more your style? WE NEED YOU!

Reach out to Karen for ways you can help!

Get the Oregon Morgan Classic on your show calendar,

and we will see you June 18-21st at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene OR!

This event is for EVERYONE! Come join the fun

MORGAN YOUTH OF THE YEAR CONTEST

Sign up for the contest will be in the horse show office.

OPEN TO ALL YOUTH 17 & UNDER

Judging Contest: Wednesday, 6:00 p.m session during Sport Horse In

Hand Stallions/Geldings class in the stands.

Written Test: Will be in the stands to run after the judging contest.

Horsemanship Contest: Thursday at the end of the afternoon session,

patterns will be available in the show office.

Speech contest: Friday during 1:00 p.m. session Signup in show office..

Topic: Explain the use and purpose of two different bits.

Awards Presenta􀆟 on: Saturday evening in Silverado Arena

EXPANDED YOUTH OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES

THANKS TO A DONATION FROM THE NANCY FALK TRUST

Contact Sierra Breckenridge at 503-428-3700 or

sierrabreckenridge@gmail.com

And Don't Forget.......

30 minutes after last class Saturday Afternoon Session in Emerald Arena:

CARROT OBSTACLE COURSE AND DOG TREAT OBSTACLE COURSE

Join the fun!

OR THE INCENTIVE DRAWING BEFORE THE SATURDAY NIGHT SESSION!

In appreciation of your OMC support, there will be a $250 drawing of an owner’s name and a $250 drawing of a professional’s name. The only requirement is to be entered in the show and present on Saturday night. We appreciate your support of the show!

Funded by a donation from the Nancy Falk Trust

All this and more!

Whether to compete or as a spectator or volunteer,

COME JOIN US At The Oregon Morgan Classic!!!!

Here are pictures of our set-up before the event began.

PL Dancing With Angels is ready!

More information will follow next month

Wording on the plaque will be adjusted to reflect the reason for receiving this award.

Members of MHAO are dedicated to the health and welfare of animals and members of their communities. Many volunteer and donate generously to various causes. Indeed this organization wouldn’t exist without those who contribute their considerable time and talents. It is not surprising our members would do whatever they could to help others, especially during a time of crisis. It is the intent of the MHAO Humanitarian Award to honor and thank those especially generous members who step forward when they are needed.

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 Deadline is May 15th

for Presentation at OMC

Award Created & Sponsored by Patricia Carlson

Send the nomination to Patricia Carlson, patricia@dressagemorgans.com

Board Meeting

Schedule

Board Member List

Other

Important Dates

The Kentucky Derby

An ugly, muddy day at Churchill Downs was a picture-perfect one for Sovereignty.

A bit of an afterthought behind favorites Journalism and Sandman, Sovereignty found himself locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Journalism in the final stretch and won comfortably, rocketing over the finish line with a time of 2:02.31.

Next up:

• Preakness Stakes: May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course.
• Belmont Stakes: June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course.

Thank you Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen for re-posting this article on Facebook

Maybe we take it for granted, maybe we just don’t think it will ever happen to us, but the fact is that our truck and horse trailers carry flammable liquids, that under the right conditions, can burn your entire truck and trailer down in just minutes!

If we consider the sources of these flammable items we can to some extent, try to minimize the loss of our equipment and protect our horses. But only if you understand what to do and act quickly!

Before we get into specific types of fires that can occur on your truck and horse trailer let’s do a quick review of the common fire extinguisher types and which fires they are suitable to be utilized upon.

“A” – Type A – Hay, wood, paper, fabrics, plastics, rubber - (Never use Water on oil, gas or grease)

“B” – Type B – Flammable liquids, gasoline, diesel, grease

“C” – Type C – Electrically charged sources such as fuse panels, appliances, circuit breakers

A type “A” extinguisher will be typically water based, but foam and dry chemical are also options. Type “B” extinguishers can utilize foam, CO2 gas or dry chemical. Type C extinguishers are either C02 gas or dry chemical. (Aka Halon gas was used in computer rooms and was replaced by C02 gas). C02 is ideal for electronics.

When dealing with a fire on a truck and horse trailer you will need to understand this because you will require different types of extinguishers at different locations on your rig. Most of you will only need to carry a Type “ABC” Dry Chemical extinguisher for your vehicles and a type “A” WATER based in the horse compartment. Got it? Ok . . . let's get into the minutia.

Engine Fires!

Despite the automotive companies’ best efforts, their vehicles do sometimes catch on fire. Whenever you are pumping fuel under pressure to an engine there is always the possibility of a leak occurring and a subsequent fire engulfing the engine. An engine fire is a full-blown emergency and you have to act fast! My suggestion is to immediately stop on the pavement wherever you are and use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The last thing you want to do is pull to the shoulder and set the grass on fire around you.

If you have someone with you, work together, while one is trying to put out the fire the other person should be unloading the horses. If you are alone you need to make a judgement call as to whether you think you have time to attempt to put out the fire and save your rig or go straight for the horses and let it burn. This is a decision only you can make.

Just keep in mind with an engine fire there is a good chance as the fire burns through the electrical components, the engine will stop running. If you bail out and try to put the jacks down on your trailer and then try to pull the truck away you may not have time before the engine quits. It all depends on how quickly you recognize the situation.

My personal priority is to try to extinguish the flames as quickly as possible and keep it from spreading from the truck to the trailer. If I am unable to open the hood and or my extinguisher fails to put out the fire, then the decision is easy. I am on my way to my horses!

In an engine fire you have a very small window to get the fire out. One word of caution on opening the hood as it will likely be hot and by opening the hood you add more air to the fire. Don’t be surprised if the flames jump up or right towards you. The best option in this situation is to keep as large a Class “ABC” Fire Extinguisher behind the truck seat along with a set of leather gloves. The ABC class of fire extinguisher utilizes a dry chemical called monoammonium phosphate. This chemical adheres to the fuel source and thus prevents it from gaining the oxygen needed to continue burning.

These ABC fire extinguishers are very effective on fuel-based fires. The only downside is the vehicle sized extinguishers only last a short time before they fully dispensed. So be sure to get as large an extinguisher size as you can store in your tow vehicle. Mine sits in a storage tray behind the rear seat of my crew cab.

LQ Trailer Related Fires

If you are running a living quarters trailer, then you likely have two propane tanks located under the gooseneck structure. These tanks are exposed and in the event of a vehicle fire that engulfs the tow vehicle and spreads to the trailer these tanks will be in the direct path of the fire. Given enough heat and a long enough burn time and these tanks will explode. If you made the decision to grab the horses and “Let it Burn”, then take the horses and get as far away from the rig as possible. When the fire department arrives, be sure to tell them there are propane tanks on the trailer and where they are located. If you have a generator, inform the fire department where the fuel tank is located and the fuel type (Gasoline, Diesel, Propane).

Kitchen Fires

Kitchen fires can be very serious, especially if there is only one way out of your living quarters and the fire is between you and the exit. Stop and think about this for a moment! Everything in an LQ trailer is flammable! Curtains, shades, cabinetry, tables, bedding, towels, clothes. It’s all a huge source of fuel for a fire! With a virtually unlimited fuel source, an LQ fire usually results in complete loss of the trailer.

Is there a way to prevent losing your trailer? Absolutely! Here are a couple of things you should know. One, ALWAYS have a Fire Blanket and a type “ABC” fire extinguisher in the LQ Trailer, preferably near the kitchen. If a grease fire flames up use the fire banket to put the fire out. If the flames catch the blinds or cabinets on fire, you should use your “ABC” extinguisher to put out the fire and minimize any damage / repairs. The reason you would use and ABC extinguisher is the likelihood of a multi-fuel source. Aka hitting a grease fire with water (Class A) would spread the fire. A type A or B extinguisher might also act as a conduit for shock if you spray the kitchen with an active microwave or electrical outlet. So ALWAYS use a type “ABC” extinguisher in a kitchen fire. The emphasis on the C portion of the rating if anything electrical is involved.

My first line of defense would always be to use the fire blanket first and then the extinguisher. Barring that this fails to fully extinguish the fire in the kitchen, my next step is turn off the propane tanks. Turning off the propane tanks will eliminate the pressure from the tanks and stalls the feeding of the propane to the fire. If your horses are safely away from the trailer and you cannot stop the fire, then you will have to use your best judgement if you have time to remove the propane tanks carry them away from the trailer. This will protect Fire and EMS personnel arriving on scene from having to worry about exploding tanks.

Electrical Fires

Living Quarters trailers are a marvel of both AC and DC engineering. Many have 30 or even 50 AMP external shore cords as well as DC battery banks to provide power when not plugged in. These two different power systems are tied into a fused control panel in the LQ to protect the appliances in the trailer. Electrical fires are fairly rare, but they can occur. Again, what type of extinguisher do we use for an electrical fire? . . . . . . . Type “ABC” so we don’t get electrocuted!

Brake Fires

Brake fires are serious issue in that the fire is located immediately under your horses’ feet and if they burn through the fender well your horses are in IMMEDIATE danger! Rubber tires, pour-in flooring and matted walls are the perfect source of fuel and when they burn, they can produce toxic gases. Because brakes have a multi-fuel source (Brake Lining, Rubber Tires, Hydraulic Fluid and or Electrical Brake magnets we again use a LARGE Type “ABC” extinguisher. The reason I say LARGE is because you could very well be fighting fire on both sides of the axles.

Tire Fires

Tire fires are difficult to extinguish. Partly because of the compounds used and partly due to the fact that a tire would have to reach a temperature of approximately 750 degrees for several minutes before they would burn freely. A burning tire is actually a very serious situation as the thick black smoke that comes off them contain some very dangerous chemicals including carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide and even cyanide.

Worse if you are successful at extinguishing the fire and then attempt to drive to a nearby tire place you easily run the risk of the tires reigniting. The reason for this is it takes tires sometimes as much as 3 days to fully cool down after reaching fire ignition temperatures. If you experience a tire fire, be very careful driving your rig, especially with horses inside. Leave them with someone if you can. Again, a type “ABC” dry chemical extinguisher is suitable for tire fires.

Generator Fires

Generators on living quarters rigs are usually located in two places. A common installation location on older trailers was to install the generator in the rear manger door. This brought with it a lot of problems. The feed pan was hot whenever the generator was in use and the exhaust found its way into the horse compartment. Today most generators are roof mounted. Both are bad situations at best. You have electrical current, fuel and combustion occurring all in the same place, and it’s between you and your horses. Worse it requires a type “ABC” type extinguisher to put out the flames. The chemicals used in these extinguishers are the last thing I would want coming into contact with my horses’ eyes, lungs and skin. In this case I would probably reverse my thinking and get the horses out and then fight the fire.

Hay Fire

Any type of fire that breaks out in your hay, be it in a feed manger, hay bag, hay rack or hay pod should be extinguished with a type "A" water-based fire extinguisher. If you were to use an "ABC" dry chemical extinguisher you would contaminate all of the hay with chemical that renders your hay unsafe to feed to your horses. With a water-based extinguisher you can feed any hay that you saved from the fire.

Horse Compartment Fires

Let me first say GOD forbid a horse compartment fire ever happens to you!

This is where my program changes. I specifically carry a 2.5 Gallon WATER based pressurized fire extinguisher in the rear tack of my horse trailer. The take away here is that I am using a WATER based fire extinguisher. The last thing you want to do is spray a horse with an ABC dry chemical extinguisher. The chemical in these extinguisher’s should never be sprayed into the eyes of a horse or on burned skin. You will only complicate the extraction of your horses if they can’t see and make recovery painful as they have to scrub the chemical out of their burns. Correspondingly if burning fuel has leaked from the generator on the roof into the horse compartment do not EVER hit it with a WATER extinguisher. This will quickly spread the fire. Use an ABC extinguisher on any fuel sources first and then protect your horses with the water extinguisher.

Running into a burning trailer takes a lot of courage, but there isn’t a horse person alive that wouldn’t do so to get their horses out. So, before you do, consider what you are about to encounter. As you enter the trailer you may very catch on fire yourself. By using the WATER based extinguisher to spray a small amount of water on your hair, face and clothes you reduce the risk of catching fire and increase the amount of time you can spend inside under highly adverse conditions. Wrap yourself in the Kitchen Fire Blanket if time allows. Keep in mind that nylon clothing and tennis shoes will easily melt at even at low temperatures. When they do, they will have to be scraped or cut off your skin. Wet cotton shirts, jeans and leather riding boots are your best bet short of wearing a fire suit.

I use an Amerex 2.5-gallon water-based extinguisher for this purpose. This oversized metal extinguisher is loaded with clean water and pressurized using a standard tire inflation fitting. If you don’t have a compressor to fill one you can always stop at a gas station. Mine is mounted in the rear tack for quick access to horse compartment. Another good location would be inside the manager storage area if you have this type of trailer.

This subject is not an easy subject to write about. Nobody wants to lose a rig or their horses and every situation is different. You will have to exercise your best judgment when the time comes. If you took anything away from this article, I hope that it motivates you to carry the right kind of fire extinguisher in the right places on your rig. I also pray that you NEVER need to use them. If you do . . always remember to point the extinguisher at the base of the flames and fan to the left and right!

Be safe out there!

Dwayne Russell

Sign up for Triple Crown's Senior Horse Care Guide for strategies to help care for your senior horse.

Sign up for our Metabolic Diseases— Is Your Horse at Risk? guide and receive this resource directly to your email.

Articles Off Their Website - click here

• Help Your Aging Horse Feel Their Best
• Common Feeding Mistakes To Avoid With Your Senior Horse
• Senior Horse With Poor Teeth?
• Farrier Resources
• Feeding Metabolic Horses Prone To Laminitis
• Nutrition For Foot Health
• Building A Better Foot Through Better Nutrition
• Body Condition Evaluation Worksheet
• Does Your Horse Have A Healthy Hindgut?
• Foal To Yearling Growth Monitoring
• Unit Conversion Tool

"Wherever man has left his footprints in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization, we find the hoofprint of a horse beside it."

 John Trotwood Moore



Introducing Lynn Palm

Meet your clinician for the upcoming Winning Ways Western Dressage Show and Clinic! Dont miss out on this fabulous event.

Lynn Palm is an American Quarter Horse Association judge and holds her USEF R Western Dressage Judge’s License. She continues to compete in both the United States Dressage Federation and the Western Dressage Association of America. Palm’s competition record is second to none. She has earned 4 AQHA Superhorse titles, over 30 AQHA World and Reserve Championships, several AQHA European Championships, more than a dozen WDAA World Championships, 15 USDF All Breed Awards Champions and most recently the Dressage and Western Dressage Championships at the AQHA World Show.

Lynn was a special guest performer at the 1996 Olympics and was named 2000 AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation. In 2003 she was the recipient of Equine Affaire’s Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award. She was titled Horsewoman of the year in 2007 by the American Quarter Horse Association. In 2010, she presented at the World Equestrian Games as a clinician and entertainer. She did the same at the 2017 FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha.

Lynn and her husband, Cyril Pittion-Rossillon, lead their annual European Journeys. She presents Winning Ways with Western Dressage alongside Marie-Frances Davis. Lynn is also an author who frequently contributes articles to leading equine publications along with an activity online community. Lynn’s extensive educational library of DVDs and Books can be found at http://www.lynnpalm.com

Click the link following for more information about the clinic including pricing, and to register: https://online.fliphtml5.com/xxirr/qtuu/#p=2

Articles:

• Inflammation Implications - How Diet Can Make An Impact
• The Cervical Spine - Clinical Advancements Helping To Treat The Equine Neck
• The Feed Trinity: Wellness, Digestive & Joint Care
• Navicular Syndrome
• Don't Sweat It! Hydration, Electrolytes And Your Horse

Click here to read the Back Country of Oregon April Newsletter.

AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR FREE ADVERTISING THAT LASTS ALL MONTH LONG!

This year, we once again invite our members to submit their favorite Morgan horse photos for a chance to be featured in our calendar, ABSOLUTELY FREE! All submissions will be reviewed with the most captivating images being selected as the monthly feature. And – the premier photo will be selected to appear on the front cover! Calendars will be available for purchase starting at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® as well as at AMHA’s online store.

Submissions must include: a 300 dpi High Resolution Image, Name of Owner, Rider or Driver, Registered Name of Horse, Sire & Dam and Photographer. Due to copyright restrictions, all images must also be accompanied by written confirmation of permission from the photographer.

Submission Deadline:

MONDAY, JUNE 30th, 2025

SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO:

Carol Aldridge, Programs Associate, CarolA@morganhorse.com

Deadline: May 19, 2025

Hoping you will join us as part of the Morgan Breeders Tour in the June/July issue of The Morgan Horse. It’s the annual catalog of stallions at stud, broodmare herds, young stock awaiting their futures, and Morgans of all ages for sale.

Special Price: $700 (Normally $850)

Your templated, full page, full color ad includes: Brief Breeders Statement (50 word limit): goals, specialty, preferred bloodlines, color preference, sport, show, etc.; Three photos with horses’ names and breeding; Lists of the following: Stallions Standing, Broodmares, Young Stock*, 2025 Foals Expected*, 2025 matings planned; Signature: Logo, Names, Street Address, City, State, Contact (phone, email, website).

Extra distribution at Gold Cup Regional, Medallion Regional, Blue Ridge Charity, Syracuse International, Oregon Morgan Classic, and Tri-State All Morgan.

*(indicate those for sale) • please note: these are NOT custom designed ads. Templated ads will be created with common fonts, background, and design.

Contact:

Stephen Kinney: Stephen@morganhorse.com, (802) 985-4944, ext. 504

Kim Oplotnik: KimO@morganhorse.com, (802) 985-4944, ext. 505

JOIN THE AMHA YOUTH COUNCIL & HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth Council members serve to:

• Attract equine-minded youth nationwide to AMHA Youth Programs by developing diverse, interesting, and effective campaigns and programs to increase youth involvement.
• Perpetuate and promote the Morgan’s long-standing history of excellence, athleticism, intelligence, and willingness.
• Offer guidance to other AMHA youth and serve as exemplary role models.

All Youth are eligible to join the Council.

Click here for more information on this exciting opportunity, and to fill out an application, If you have questions, contact Nikki Dumas at (859) 287-2470 or Nicole@morganhorse.com.

AMHA News:

• The 2025 Amanda Hill Young Breeder's Incentive Grant - Now Open for applications. Close date is June 13, 2025
• Check out the AMHA and 2025 Grand National Corporate Sponosrs
• Final AMHA Judges School at Morgan Gold Cup. Deadline to apply is May 23, 2025
• Learn About AMHA's Open Competition Program
• Morgans featured as the Breed Of The Month by "Your Dressage".
• Applications being accepted for the AMHA Alex Mooney Mooney Memorial Scholarship
• Announcing: The 2025 AMHA Competition Grant Recipients & the 2025 Breed Promotions Recipients (MHAO received both)

American Association of Equine Practitioners

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) was founded in 1954 by a group of 11 charter members who saw that together they could direct the focus of equine veterinary medicine. Today, the AAEP, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., at the Kentucky Horse Park, represents an educated group of men and women who cover a broad range of equine disciplines, breeds and associations. Nearly 9,300 veterinarians and veterinary students in 61 countries are members of the AAEP.

www.aaep.org

Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.”

Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require tremendous strength and coordination, and horses carry the majority of their weight in their front end. Therefore, it is imperative that the bulk of the muscles that support the front end are kept healthy and conditioned, and the horse is trained to use their “motor” — that is, engaging the large hind end muscles as much as possible to avoid excessive weight bearing on the front end.

If the front end of the horse is consistently overweighted or not at an appropriate level of fitness, repetitive biomechanical stresses get transferred down the leg to the smaller ligaments and tendons that were not designed to bear this weight, which can then lead to injury.

Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

What is School of Ranch?

 School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire experienced locals to teach practical and artisan skills, live and in person. Beyond teaching skills and creating paying gigs, we help strengthen our community by bringing people together in person and helping them find common ground, the basis for a strong community.

Congratulations to this Organization!

School of Ranch has been named to the Oregon Cultural Trust’s list of nonprofits committed to preserving Oregon’s cultural heritage.

"School Of Ranch" just added two new cool workshops and wanted to get the news out!

"Darn It!" What better way to save resources and money than to learn how to mend that favorite sweater and other stuff. Check it out: https://schoolofranch.net/w-darn-it

"How to Make Pine Needle Baskets". Beauty and function...just the opposite of me!   Seriously, learn this fun and rewarding traditional craft: https://schoolofranch.net/w-basket-weaving

Deadline Extended

1. You want to grow your business or oganization.

2. You don’t have a big budget, but can come up with less than $2 a week to promote yourself.

3. You need to reach out to more people in the equine industry in Oregon.

4. You are ready for more customers, volunteers, or clients.

5. You have a unique business or organization and want people to learn about it.

6. You want to find other equine businesses or organization that could cross-refer or partner with you.

7. You need a strong online presence so search engines find your business more often.

8. You need new ideas to grow your business…marketing, social media, business planning, legal, insurance, etc. – bring it on!

9. You enjoy meeting like minded, horse loving people who could buy from you or promote your business.

10. You know that the Oregon Horse Council is the most affordable option to promote your business, grow your association, learn, and network in Oregon! It works for you 24-7!

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.

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’ Ore,onngon 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

Article:

• What is a Forage Balancer, and when should you use one?

Click here to download more information and the entry form.

Click here to see "The Tales" newsletter for January.

See last year's high point winners inside!

The show is on now - May 7-11, 2025

Celebrating our 50th anniversary!!

Judges:

Renee Lavery - Main Ring Judge

Carolyn Lindholm - Dressage Judge

Sue Muir - Working Western Judge

Want to track what's going on at the show?

For coverage, go to: HorseShowsOnline

Prior To the Show:

136 Horses entered

98 Owners Participating

Send me your pictures and highlights from the show!

C-Fair Morgan Regional Horse Show

The C-Fair Charity show is proud to once again be a designated qualifying show for the UPHA Classic Classes for Morgan Horses.



Please see the link below for more information and be part of the excitement!

Nominations are due April 1st!

https://www.uphaonline.com/classics

Save the date for this wonderful show at the exquisite Rancho Murietta Equestrian Center. This A-rated Morgan Horse Show includes Saddleseat, Driving, Western Dressage, Cowboy Dressage, Classic Dressage, Hunter, Western, Jumping, Trail, and Ranch classes. The beautiful Gypsy horses join us in this fun filled show and we have plenty of classes open to all breeds. There is truly something for everyone!

The Mother Lode Morgan Horse Show is now part of the Golden West Morgan Horse Council. Please click HERE for more information regarding how to join the award program!

   The West Coast's oldest Morgan Horse Show celebrates its Platinum 70TH ANNIVERSARY this year!!!!!

We all recognize this show has struggled in the past, but this year, with this anniversary, it's a GREAT jumping off point for making significant changes to bring this show back to its GLORY DAYS!! We will need the support of ALL of our PNW Morgan Family to make it shine!!

Watch social media and Shelley's NW Morgan News for exciting news about the show, its board, and plans for a GRAND FUTURE for 'THE FUN ONE!!'

Volunteers & Sponsorship questions and commitments can go to Denise Lester at dnn366@gmail.com or Heather Jellerson at

heather@millennium-lc.com.  

And make sure you put August 21-25 on your calendar! 

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!!

We are quickly approaching show season, and we are looking for volunteers for a few events this summer! Notify Denise Lester if you can help.

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

sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

Press Release - April 7, 2025

Are you planning to attend this year’s Morgan Grand National and World Championship Horse show?  Read below to learn about some important changes for this year’s show.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

• To ensure exhibitor safety during ongoing arena construction, all driving classes will take place in the Performance Arena, rather than the new Coliseum.

• Likewise, Open In-hand and Futurity In-hand classes will be held in the performance arena. 

• Evening sessions on Friday and Saturday will start at 6:30 PM as usual with special presentations, followed by performance classes not to start before 7:00 PM.

• Some equitation classes have been moved into the Coliseum in order to accommodate the driving classes in the Performance arena.

ADDED CLASSES

Exciting additions this year! New and split classes provide more opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their skills.

• WC Western Pleasure Gentlemen

• GN In-Hand Trail Finals

• GN Western Dressage Fourth Level with WC High Point Award

• Split Western Dressage Basic Level tests for Amateurs and Jr. Exhibitors

• Split Dressage Basic Level tests for Amateurs and Jr. Exhibitors

QUALIFICATIONS

• Exhibitors can now qualify for all classes within a division by competing in any class from that division at a USEF-rated show. However, minimum placing requirements still apply.

• The classes not requiring qualifications remain the same

CAMPERS

• Spots in the Premium Lot, and West Lot are now able to be reserved through the Show.

• To reserve a spot in the Premium Lot, visit www.gnwcmhs.com/shop.

• Premium Lot spaces are $1,500 for the show including Sunday Sept. 28th move-in. To move in earlier, contact the Fairgrounds to book extra days.

• To reserve a spot in the West Lot, visit www.gnwcmhs.com/shop.

• West Lot spaces are $950 for the Show, including Sunday Sept. 28th move-in. Contact the Fairgrounds if you’d like to move in earlier to reserve those extra days.

• Visit https://okcfairgrounds.com/visitors/rv-park to view the lot locations and to book spaces in the South Lot

ONLINE ENTRIES

• We will again be offering online entries at www.horseshowsonline.com.

• To streamline processing, we strongly encourage using our online entry system at www.horseshowsonline.com.

• A credit card will be required at the time of entry and payment will be processed at that time.

• All owners and competitors, including Canadians, MUST have an active USEF membership and complete the SafeSport requirements to compete.

AT THE SHOW

• Joint stabling WILL affect stall locations

• Dogs MUST be on leash or otherwise restrained

• Scooters and hoverboards are prohibited inside barn aisles for safety reasons. Only licensed drivers may operate motorized vehicles on the grounds.

Board Meeting

Schedule

Board Member List

Other

Important Dates

A Tribute to Ray from Christi Nicholson:

My heart is shattered… . I write this through tears and an emptiness in my heart, gut and soul.

The Morgan Horse World lost an AMAZING man a few days ago….AND I lost an amazing man personally, who not only changed my world with horses but became like a second dad to me…a “dad in the horse world” who always referred to me as his other “daughter” .

He first walked into my life when I was 13, first as our families horse farrier, then second as my trainer.

I will never forget one day he came to our house to shoe our horses as usual and I happen to be riding my new show mare Bredwinner Wingd “Lady” (bred by Ethyl Carlock of Bredwinner Morgans—yet another very special person in my life).

“Lady” was a sweet, willing and powerful power house mare, and I was thrilled and proud to be upon her back!! While I had an amazing foundation and start to riding taught by Eve Burlson …saddle seat on a powerful mare, was new to me!

He watched us struggle here and there for a few minutes and said to my mom “I can help her”, and asked “would that be okay?” He saw something in me and believed in me and Lady’s potential. This is where our weekly riding lessons and a beautiful friendship and partnership began!

He taught me so much about taking my riding skills to the next level, but more importantly he also taught me lifelong skills. To believe in myself, have grit, growth mindset, strategy, and that our hard work will yield results.

He showed up every week for me for many years without fail! We had many laughs, many jokes, and a partnership that clicked!

He reminded me recently when celebrating his 80th birthday (organized by the amazing Erin Silver) about how I would often say “we did good didn’t we?” —referring to us back in the day, as we exited the arena with a first or second place ribbon in hand. He was always there for me but his response to my question after a class would be “yes but we still have work to do.” He had an amazing way of believing in me, and I felt that, while not letting me off easy, and continuing to push me.

It wasn't until we achieved our joint goal of winning the Classic Pleasure Regional Championship after several years as a team, that we both had tears in our eyes and were jumping up and down for joy! When we won that title, I looked at him and I said to him, “so…now you’re celebrating ”, and he said “Yes, now I am…because I knew you could do it”.

He and his amazing wife Debby were an extension of our family. Our family spent some time hanging out as families at their Triangle Lake home, and my first job and job through college was working for his amazing wife Debby, at the medical clinic she managed.

Ray Parnell: You were a gift in my life and a BLESSING beyond words! You touched not just my life but many others. You cared for and loved our Morgans and many other’s horses you cared for and loved like your own.

I had been trying to track Ray down for the past 6 months or so. I learned only days ago where he was at. I called this morning to see if he or his family were accepting visitors, to learn he just passed away a couple of days ago.

I am saddened beyond belief that I did not get there to say good bye to him…I am so mad that I did not get there in time.

Ray Parnell I love you . Thank you for giving me a life long gift. You now get to be with your “one and only” Debby. Until we meet again. My parents are working to get information on his service. I will post more details when I learn them.

I think everyone who knew him has a story like this to tell about Ray Parnell. Christi, I think he hears you. You can say your good-byes now, and already have by this beautiful tribute.

I am looking for information on Richard's life and his many contributions to our Morgan breed and community. He knew and readily shared a lot of Western Region history thru Facebook.

If you can help me, it would be much appreciated. Our heart goes out to his family and friends in this loss.

Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net

We suffered the hardest loss since my grandpa passed. I never could have imagined one horse could teach myself and many other riders so much. Chinook helped make me a better horsemen every ride. When I needed humbling she humbled me, when I needed a good ride she was right there in-between the reins as push button as they come. Our hearts are heavy and hurting after loosing Chinook. We know she is up there with Grandpa now but she will always be missed down here. Rest easy Littlewood Chinook, until we can ride again.

David Silver

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