Gold Star Futurity
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THE FUTURITY _______________________________________________ A group of dedicated Arabian owners and breeders began working on the rebirth of the Iowa Gold Star Futurity in 2003 as a means of drawing more excitement and participation in what was once a simple Class A show and futurity program. As with other futurity programs around the country, the concept is for people to purchase breedings to nominated stallions, building a significant treasury. Those monies are then distributed to the offspring of the nominated stallions participating in the Futurity classes at future shows. In the case of the Iowa Gold Star Futurity, the funds are available not only to those who purchase breedings at each year’s annual Stallion Service Auction, but also to any owner of a nominated stallion’s get, provided the owner pays the nomination fee to enter the horse. Another element making the Gold Star program unique is that it offers classes for both purebreds and partbreds. The appeal of the program to breeders is clear—it is far easier to market a foal that has earning potential than one who does not. More and more horse purchasers are looking for horses that offer the chance of winning back money by doing what many owners like to do—show. One of the judges, Janice McCrea Wight, says the Iowa Gold Star Futurity has been a great addition, benefitting Arabian horses around the country. “The futurity
programs, including the Iowa Gold Star, have infused a much needed shot of enthusiasm to the industry,” she says. David Boggs, Midwest, says the Iowa Gold Star is second to none in the country. “Of all the major futurities, it is the best in the nation right now. They are so pro-breeder and go out of their way to make their program and show exhibitor-friendly.” The Stallion Service Auction, traditionally held on Friday evening, has become something of a “must-attend” event in Arabian horse circles with the top stallions in the industry represented. This year’s auction drew more than 650 attendees, and when all was said and done, the one hundred purebred breedings and 53 partbred breedings totaled an astounding $367,100; funds that will be distributed to the winning offspring of those stallions in future years. Says Greg Knowles, who acted as emcee and auctioneer at the Stallion Service Auction for the fourth year, “In this modern era of horse shows, anytime you can get 5 or 600 people together in a room, get them excited about some great stallions and future prize money—it’s really fun to be a part of it. It’s a great event, a great opportunity for horse breeders, trainers and owners to come together. I wish we had something like it in the west that time of the year,” he says. To get an understanding of what helps get Stallion Service Auction attendees so excited, besides having the opportunity to purchase breedings to incredible stallions, just take a look at the payouts for 2010 (which were based
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