InStride Feb '24 Online

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COVER STORY

HAY GOODLOOKN 10-13

By

S. Borton

Photos by Superlative Equine & Shane Rux

FEATURES

SWEET SPOTS: DIYERS OFFER TIPS ON MAKING YOUR OWN HORSE TREATS 20-24

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S. Borton

Photos by Dreamscape Photography & Angela Wagner

EVENTS

JUST FOR SHOW: A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S FUN IN THE SUN/FOX LEA FARM WINTER CIRCUIT IN VENICE, FLORIDA 32-34

By

S. Borton

Photos by Jeff Kirkbride

CANDIDS

DIXIE NATIONALS 31

Cody Parmenter

PRAIRIE CLASSIC 36

Cody Parmenter

REGULAR COLUMNS

“INSIDE” LAW 37

By Katherine Jarve

“INSIDE” HEALTH 39

By Jordan Strickler

TRAINER PROFILE 40-41

Jimmy Daurio

ASSOCIATION NEWS 45 THE BUZZ 47

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Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Superlative Equine, Shane Rux & Courtney B. Ament

It’s going to be tough to top the year Hay Goodlookn (Gus) foals had in the show pen in 2024 as his offspring recorded earnings well in excess of $250,000. But Blair and Susan Roberts and their daughter, Hillary Timchak, of Capital Quarter Horses, located in Pilot Point, Texas, are confident this is just the beginning.

The 2017 sorrel stallion by legendary American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) performance horse sire Invitation Only and out of Whatscookngoodlookin (Candi), a multiple AQHA World and Congress Champion and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Horse of the Year was bred to be a show horse. And perhaps more importantly, he was bred to be a successful sire.

Hay Goodlookn’s first foals were only old enough to show under saddle in 2023 but already they are collecting accolades like AQHA World Champion, four Congress Champions, and Reserve NSBA World Champion.

Last year, Frank The Tankk, out of All Kinds

of Trouble won the Coughlin 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse Congress with Katy Jo Zuidema in the saddle. The win marked the second straight year the 2022 palomino gelding won a Congress Championship. In 2023 he and Kathie Kennedy won the Open Western Longe Line.

Up To Know Good was the 2023 AQHA World Champion in the 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure and in 2024 she and Hillary Timchak won a Congress Championship in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure and she placed fourth in the 3-YearOld Open Western Pleasure with RJ King.

City Limit Signs, a 2021 red roan gelding out of No Doubt Im Lucys, owned by Starland Ranch and shown by Aaron Moses, won the Novice Horse Western Pleasure and Green Western Pleasure at The Premier last year and was the Green Western Pleasure s

Champion at the Sudden Impulse Futurity.

Hay Girl Hayy, a 2021 sorrel mare out of Johnnie On The Spot, was bred by Capital Quarter Horses. Hay Girl Hayy and RJ King won the $100,000 Maiden Open Western Pleasure at The Sudden Impulse Futurity last year and Timchak rode her to a win in the Non-Pro Novice Horse Western Pleasure at The Premier. Jordan Macan, of Kearney, Missouri, purchased Hay Girl Hayy in July and went on to win the Super Sires 3-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the Congress, while Blair Thownsend earned a Congress Championship on the mare in the Congress 3-Year-Old Limited Open Western Pleasure.

Forever In Always, a 2022 bay mare out of Forever Kool, bred by Ditty Up Quarter Horses, Ocala, Florida, was Reserve World Champion in the 2-Year-Old Level 3 Open Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show with Cole Baker.

Feeling Groovey, a 2022 sorrel mare out of Forever N Ever, was bred by Stanley Scott, of Reddick, Florida. With Casey Willis in the saddle, Feeling Groovey placed third in the 2-Year-Old Level 3 Open Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show last year.

Look Here Cowboy, a 2021 red roan mare out of Huntin For A Cowboy, was bred by Stanley Scott, of Reddick, Florida and is now owned by Jessica Landry, of Titusville, Florida. She has logged numerous big futurity wins with Landry in non-pro classes.

Timchak says the thing she has noticed about the Hay Goodlookn foals is that they are all so trainable and so good minded.

“Every bloodline we’ve crossed him on has played to both his and the individual mare’s strengths, and made a solid, strong, show horse,” she explained.

And numerous trainers agree.

“The Hay Goodlookn babies we have had in our program have all been very naturally talented,” said

Pictured on this page (clockwise from top left): Katy Jo Zuidema and Frank The Tankk; Aaron Moses and City Limit Signs; Hillary Timchak and Up To Know Good; RJ King and Up To No Good; Cole Baker and Forever In Always; Casey Willis and Feeling Groovey; Blair Townsend and Hay Girl Hayy; Jessica Landry and Look Here Cowboy. On the opposite page, Jordan Macan, of Kearney, Missouri, is pictured riding Hay Girl Hayy at the 2024 All-American Quarter Horse Congress.

Florida trainer Cole Baker. “They jog well and lope very true and natural. They have great eye appeal and good size, very suitable to go onto the all around as well. Whatscookngoodlookin’s influence is very apparent in them especially the fillies. We have liked all of them we have had and have enjoyed great success in the show arena. Gus is a go to for us for breeding.”

Katy Jo Zuidema, a Florida trainer who started and showed Frank The Tankk, said he is just “the best.”

“He’s a true jogger and he has so much self-carriage and rhythm,” she explained. “Anyone can ride him. He loves to show. His ears are always forward and I trust him. I think he’s gonna be a great Western Rider too.”

Timchak said it is important to her that not just the trainers, but the nonpro owners are also having success riding Gus offspring.

“To me that’s a huge deal,” she said. “For our industry to continue to thrive, non-pros have to enjoy and be confident showing young horses. The more this happens, the more people will breed and purchase horses intended to show in the futurity business. If Hay Goodlookn can help contribute to keeping that market strong, I feel we’ve done our job”

In addition to watching and keeping track of Gus offspring raised by customers, Capital Quarter Horses is excited about youngsters sired by Gus out of such decorated mares as Aint Nothn To It, Momma Knows Best, Johnnie On The Spot, Shez Immortal, Flashy Looking Lady, and more.

“We usually foal out 10-15 a year, keeping a few for ourselves to send to training and offering a few to the public for sale,” Timchak explained.

In 2025 Capital Quarter Horses plans to expand sale offerings and select a few more for the public’s consideration.

“If you’re looking, we have it,” Timchak said. “Please contact us to come look at some of the best bloodlines in the business. From weanlings and yearlings to 2-year-olds, located at CAC in Purcell, Oklahoma or King Show Horses, in Pilot Point, Texas. We love to see our prospects continue on with other programs and be successful.”

Those foals born at Capital Quarter Horses get their start right there on the farm, under the supervision of

Greg Johnson, facility manager and trainer. Once they’re ready for the next step, they are sent out to Angie Cannizzaro, of CAC Show Horses; RJ King and Blair Townsend, of King Show Horses; and now, Reining prospects go to Kole and Kelsey Price, of Price Performance Horses.

“We will see where their training process takes them, but they all look to have very bright futures,” Timchak said.

Hillary and her mother, Susan Roberts will also return to the show pen later this year riding Gus offspring raised by Capital Quarter Horses.

“This year is a bit transitional for me as my husband, Eric, and I recently welcomed our daughter, Lena Elisabeth, to our family,” Timchak said. “However, when it’s showtime again, my mom, RJ King, and I will be showing Up To Know Good in the maturity events. I also have a fantastic 4-year-old mare with Angie Cannizzaro that’s by Gus out of the great producing mare Ima Potential. She showed last year at the Premier and was Reserve in the Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure with Angie (Cannizzaro). We are excited to break her back out and show her off. She’s amazing.”

Hay Goodlookn stands right there at Capital Quarter Horses. His 2025 stud fee is once again $3,500. The booking fee of $500 is included in the total stud fee. Shipping via UPS/Fedex is $325 while counter to counter is $425. Local pickup is $125. Gus foals are eligible for all the major programs: NSBA BCF/Color BCF and SIF; APHA Breeders Trust; Premier Sires and Super Sires; SBB, West Coast Breeders, as well as Iowa and Michigan Breeders Futurity. Discounts are offered to proven mares.

“Our breeding program is the integral piece of what we do. Breeding Manager Leslie Bailey and Assistant Ashley Wong do a great job with Gus, as well as new reining stallion Golden Coins and Appaloosa stallion That’ll Do, owned by Trish Doyle,” Timchak said.

This will be an exciting year for Capital Quarter Horses. In addition to adding a new baby to the family, welcoming new Gus foals into the world and returning to the show pen, a new facility us being built situated on 123 acres off Highway 455 and Merrill Road in Pilot Point. It will include a four-stall stallion barn, six-stall foaling barn, as well as a show barn, breeding barn and offices similar to those in the current location.

But Timchak says it’s the team that makes Capital Quarter Horses so successful.

“Every person that works with us has the best interest of our program at heart,” she said. “I think the level of quality and perfection we strive for is only attainable if the people on the team have the same ideals, goals, and expectations. Everyone comes to work to give 100% every day, and that’s what you have to have to run a successful business.”

For additional iformation all Capital Quarter Horses at (940) 324-5952.

As a Pre-K to 5th level STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teacher at Horry County Schools in Conway, South Carolina, Christine Smith McClure is always looking for a way to show her students how to engineer a fix for problems that arise daily. It’s key to providing them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a lifelong horse lover, however, she never hesitates to incorporate them into her lessons.

In March of 2020 McClure got the opportunity to teach an online course to second graders and it was around that same time she came up with Cowgirl Country Cooking with Christine, a Facebook page where she shares recipes and food tips for “hungry cowgirls and cowboys.”

“One of my friends had mentioned she was making treats for her dogs and was thinking of marketing them to sell,” McClure explained. “From that, the idea was born that I could make horse treats. Afterall, my horses love treats.”

Christine and her husband, Steven, have three registered Quarter Horses (FQH Blue Delux, Bueno Draggo and DHF Hickory Rose) and three American Miniature Horses (Sadie, Daily and Duke) at their Dreams Hope & Faith Ranch in Conway.

But McClure didn’t stop there.

“I thought, I could make my horse treats while teaching class online and then, as a way to reward good behavior from students, I could take the camera out with me to feed the treats to the horses,” she said.

Seemed like a winning strategy. The horses get treats and the students are all ears during class, excited to be able to see the horses devour the treats.

When she started discussing the idea of making horse treats with her friend, much of the conversation centered around cost ratios of making treats vs. buying them, and of course, how they could be made with maximum health benefits.

“My recipe was made up of ingredients I already had, starting with apples,”McClure said. “This teacher gets plenty of apples from her students. They always save them from lunch and bring them to me. This turns into a math lesson of we have x number of horses and if we want them all to have equal amounts of apples how should we divvy them up? Pumpkin puree is a key ingredient it adds flavor. Molasses helps the mixture stick together I like to use quick cooking oats, brown sugar, carrots and sometimes cranberries. If I have a little flax

seed I throw that in as well. I measure from the heart so the exact recipe varies with each batch.”

McClure uses a large bowl to mix everything together and then scoops out the mixture in 1 tablespoon portions and rolls each into a ball and spreads them out on a baking sheet.

“They can be placed very close to each other on the pan because they do not rise or spread,” she said. “I can usually get about five dozen treats per batch.”

McClure says the hardest part about making horse treats is deciding what to put into them. She likes to play with the

ttt

Christine Smith McClure, pictured on this page, has been making her own horse treats since 2020. In addition to providing her own horses with tasty and healthy snacks, she uses the process as a learning tool for her own students. First she assembles the ingredieants and mixes them together. Then she forms them into small balls and places them on a cookie sheet. Each batch is baked for 8-10 minutes. On the opposite page (top) Angela Hughes, makes her own birthday cakes for her horses.

recipe to add different ingredients to change up the taste.

“Once you have decided on which ingredients to use, you can turn out a batch in about 25-30 minutes,” she explained. “I usually bake them for about 8-10 minutes. You can bake for less time for a softer treat. Longer for a more traditional horse treat.”

ALTERnATIVE TREATS

Talk to any horse owner, and you are likely to hear of some weird food they have given their horse as a treat. This could range from gummy candies, cake, or even beer. Remember that treats should be given in small amounts and not be a main component of your horse's diet. In addition, many processed human food items, such as candy and cookies, contain high levels of sugar and starch. If you have a horse with metabolic issues (such as laminitis), you may want to avoid these treats. Ultimately, remember that feeding in moderation is key.

The Penn State Extension Service lists the following as acceptable and unacceptable food treats for horses. Note this is not a complete list; always talk with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist if you are unsure of feeding something to your horse.

ACCEPTABLE HORSE TREATS

• Apples – This is a safe treat. Cut the apple into slices so your horse will not choke.

• Carrots – This is a safe treat. If a large carrot, break into smaller pieces before giving it to your horse.

• Peaches – This is a safe treat. Before giving to your horse, take out the pit in the center. Just like apples, slice the peach into smaller pieces to ensure that your horse does not choke.

Broccoli may cause an excess buildup of gas in the hindgut. Tomatoes – Stay away from giving this to your horse. Tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which are toxic to horses.

• Bananas – This is a safe treat. Break the banana into small chunks to ensure that your horse does not choke.

• Cucumber – This is a safe treat. Break the cucumber into small pieces to ensure your horse does not choke.

• Peppermints – This is a safe treat. Keep peppermints in moderation.

• Sugar cubes – This is a safe treat. Keep the amount given in moderation.

• Commercial treats – This is a safe treat. Follow feed directions on label.

POTEnTIALLY ACCEPTABLE HORSE TREATS

• Animal Crackers – These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.

• Gummy candy – These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.

• Cake – These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.

UnACCEPTABLE HORSE TREATS

• Broccoli – Stay away from giving this to your horse.

• Potatoes – Stay away from giving raw potatoes as a treat. Potatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which is toxic to horses.

• Lawn clippings – Do not give your horse lawn clippings. Lawn clippings can quickly mold and ferment, which can be toxic to your horse.

SPECIAL OCCASIOnS

Angela Hughes of Washington, Indiana, who competes in AQHA and ARHA sanctioned shows with Ultimate Cowlady (Oaklee), her 2014 chestnut mare by Classy Jet Moon, and Bellas Last Dance (Beth), her 2021 bay mare by Gunners Last Dance, started making her own horse treats in 2017.

She and her husband of nearly 10 years, Brandon, do not have any children but they are the parents of two dogs, seven cats, a 40-year-old Galiceno mare named Bella and a 12-yearold mini gelding named Chance, in addition to Oaklee and Beth.

“I was looking for a fun and special way to celebrate my horses’ birthdays,” she explained. “I usually make them in some type of cake form, so that I can add their age with a candle. I found the original recipe online, but have tweaked it to make it my own.”

Hughes spent the first year fine tuning her recipe, making substitutions as she went along.

“I can’t say they are exactly the same each time,” she admitted. “I don’t usually measure my ingredients anymore, since I’ve made it so many times.” s

Hughes has been a dental hygienist for just over nine years and also owns her own photography business. She says she makes cakes for her own horses but she does get requests from time to time.

“I have had people ask me for my recipe after seeing me post on Facebook about my horses birthdays, which include photos and videos of the horses and their cakes,” she said. “My mom always gets wrangled into being my photographer/videographer.”

Hughes trusts her own horses to serve as treat testers.

“Oaklee is my main taste tester,” Hughes said. “She is a foodie through and through and is highly food motivated.”

HUGHES’ RECIPE

1 cup oats

1 cup flour

1/4 cup molasses

1 pre-portioned cup of apple sauce

Splash of water as needed to mix ingredients

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 mins

Let cool in the refrigerator then serve

Smith turns to her husband for initial approval.

“The horse treats have all natural ingredients and kind of come out looking like a health food cookie so, before they make it out to the horses my husband sneaks one or two,” she said. “He approves of the rich taste the molasses just like the horses.”

Penn State Extension specialists say there are a few other things to keep in mind when feeding their horses treats.

Palatability – Just like us, horses like certain flavors when it comes to their food. There have been several research studies showing that horses can be picky eaters and have specific taste preferences. With the wide variety of flavors available for treats, it can be hard sometimes to find the one flavor that your horse loves. Expect some trial and error, and you may need to try several different treats before you find the right one.

Amount to Feed – When feeding commercial treats, try to follow the guidelines provided by the product. Typically, the recommendation is listed somewhere on the bag or container. However, if it is not provided, a general rule of thumb is one to two pieces no matter the size of the treat. For treats such as carrots or apples, consider the weight of your horse or pony, but generally,1-2 is acceptable.

Storage – Keep treats in a cool, dry place to ensure that ttt

Pictured on this page (upper right) is a sample of a cake Angela Hughes makes for her horses on their birthday; the ingredients she starts out with (upper left) and how the creation looks as it goes into the oven.

they stay fresh. A sealable bucket or container that will keep out water and any bugs or rodents is a good way to store treats. If the treats are perishable, place them in a fridge to keep them cool. Do not give treats that are moldy or look like a rodent has gotten to them. If feeding commercial treats, make sure to look for expiration dates on the package and use the treats by that date.

Choke – Most horses when given a treat will chew the treat before swallowing, however, there are some horses that will try to swallow large pieces. Large pieces of fruits, vegetables, and larger horse cookies can increase the risk of a horse choking. Choke is when a horse’s throat (esophagus) is obstructed by partially chewed food that gets stuck, which does not allow food or water to be swallowed. A horse will start to cough excessively to move this mass of food. To ensure that this does not happen, treats should be broken up into smaller pieces. This is especially important to remember for older horses due to the decline of teeth. Most treats are made into bite-size nuggets but remember to break apart bigger treats like apples or carrots.

In conclusion, you may need to offer your horses several different types to find their preferred treat, as horses do have specific taste preferences. Remember to always feed treats in moderation, and if you are unsure about feeding your horses a specific type of treat, talk with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.

Over $50,000 in cash & prizes awarded at 2025 Florida event

Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Jeff Kirkbride

Over $50,000 in cash and prizes was awarded at the 11th Annual Fun In The Sun, held in conjunction with Fox Lea Farm’s Winter Circuit in Venice, Florida Jan. 6-11.

Futurity winners this year included: Western Pleasure

Maturity $10,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure (7 shown) – Masterly Made, owned by Peek Owen, shown by Kenneth D. Lakins Jr., champion; Rip Roarin Good, owned by Nettie Olsen, shown by Adam Mathis, reserve.

All-Age Novice Non-Pro Western Pleasure (8 shown) –Socks For Dayz, owned by Ingrid Miller Show Horses, shown by Ingrid Miller, champion; Made N Hot, owned and shown by Jessica Hartwell, reserve.

50 & Over Non-Pro Western Pleasure (2 shown) – The Town Bluezy, owned and shown by Nettie Olsen, champion; R We Clear, owned by Scott & DLynn Jones and shown by DLynn Jones, reserve.

Novice 50 & Over Non-Pro Western Pleasure (3 shown) –Heza Machinist, owned and shown by Millie Marshall, champion; Seek N U Shall Ride, owned and shown by Connie Raye Koch, reserve.

Green Western Pleasure (9 shown) – Im Batgirl, owned by Salt Clay Farms, shown by Katy Jo Zuidema, champion; She Be Creepin, owned by Kaitlyn Crane, shown by Jason English, reserve.

4 and 5-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure (4 shown) –Good Miss Breeze, owned by Vicki Pugh, shown by Jamie Hartman, champion; Hay Girl Hayy, owned by Jordan Macan, shown by RJ King, reserve.

Maturity Open Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Certainly Persistent, owned by Richard and Betty Jo Carr, shown by Jackie C. Starnes Jr., champion; VS The Fireman, owned by Ingrid Miller Quarter Horses, shown by Anthony Montes, reserve.

Maturity Limited Open Western Pleasure (9 shown) –The Whoo, owned by Linda Ball Sargent, shown by Lauren Dowdy, champion; WellThereYouGo, owned by Renee Norleen, shown by Mark Mark R Katafiasz Jr, reserve.

3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure (6 shown) – Frank The Tankk, owned by Karen G. Wood, shown by Katy Jo Zuidema, champion; Never Again, owned by Kenna Slater, shown by Kristy Starnes, reserve.

3-Year-Old Limited Open Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Bottle Service, owned by Beth McNichol, shown by Tyler W. Achtenhagen, champion; Made N Hot, owned by Jessica Hartwell, shown by Devon Jean Meshach, reserve.

3-Year Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure (3 shown) – The Wild Wild West, owned and shown by Raymond Arnona, champion; Im Batgirl, owned by Salt Clay Farms LLC, shown by Tiffany Pattison, reserve.

3-Year Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure (3 shown) – Im Batgirl, owned by Salt Clay Farms LLC, shown by Tiffany Pattison, champion; Made N Hot, owned and shown by Jessica Hartwell, reserve.

$5,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure (4 shown) – She Be Creepin, owned by Kaitlyn Crane, shown by Jason English, champion; Furever After All, owned by Lisa Pinner, shown by Blair Townsend.

Maturity Non-Pro Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Certainly Persistent, owned by Richard and Betty Jo Carr, shown by Richard Carr, champion; Hay Girl Hayy, owned and shown by Jordan Macan, reserve.

Maturity Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure (8 shown) – Certainly Persistent, owned by Richard and Betty Jo Carr, shown by Richard Carr, champion; The Town Bluezy, owned and shown by Nettie Olsen, reserve.

Trail

Novice Horse Open Trail (5 shown) – Recon Hes Southern, owned by Susan Sinnott, shown by Whitney Lagace, champion; Sumdiscretionadvised, owned by Alyssa Jipping, shown by Adam Winter, reserve.

First Year Green Trail (3 shown) – Slow Southern Drawl, owned by Ty Paris Dougherty, shown by Kyle Dougherty, champion; VS The Red Hot Lady, owned by Elizabeth S. Rinder, shown by Whitney Legace, reserve.

The 2025 Fun In The Sun Futurity was held Jan. 6-11 in conjunction with the Fox Lea Farm Winter Circuit in Venice, Florida. Competitors traveled from all over the Unuted States and Canada to compete in classes ranging from Western Pleasure to Hunter Under Saddle and from Trail and Western Riding to Pleasure Driving. Pictured above (left to right): Kenny Lakins and Masterly Made, winners of the $10,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure; Jamie English showing Doze Yo Momma Know in the Hunter Under Saddle Maturity; Anthony Montes showing VS The Fireman in Western Riding and Eugene Spagnola showing Suddens Made Man in Trail. On this page (top) Samantha Columbus shows Goodride Clyde in Non-Pro Green Equitation.

Six-Year-Old & Over Open Trail (12 shown) – UR Ride Has Arrived, owned by the Emma Brown Family, shown by Jennifer Paul, champion; Heza Flatliner, owned by Rhonda Lavekle, shown by Shannon Walker, reserve.

All Age Non-Pro Trail (3 shown) – No Doubt I Shine, owned and shown by Rachel Trebesh, champion; Hez All Batt, owned and shown by Katie Grossnickle, reserve.

50 & Over Non Pro Trail (7 shown) – Lets Ride, owned and shown by Janet Egolf, champion; Best Lopin s

Machine, owned by Laura Holzscheiter, shown by Lisa Mazurka, reserve.

Pleasure Driving

All-Age Open Pleasure Driving (2 shown) – Orange Is The Newbay, owned by Loretta C. Magnuson, shown by Kevin Dukes, champion; The Al Capone, owned by Kendall Wolford, shown by Joshua Faulkner, reserve.

Amateur Pleasure Driving (1 shown) – The Al Capone, owned and shown by Kendall Wolford, champion.

Hunter Under Saddle

3 & Over Maiden Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle (1 shown) – Whenthe Lites Go Out, owned by What A Ripper LLC, shown by Jullian Harris, champion.

Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) – Shezza Outlaw, owned by Brenda Ramirez, shown by Jamie English, champion; Im Al About The Best, owned by Sara A. JacksonVance, shown by Amber Hanson Pickard, reserve.

3-Year-Old Limited Open Hunter Under Saddle (1 shown) – RecalculateURAssets, owned by Jean Ann Jordan, shown by Lola Allen, champion.

Maturity Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (1 shown) –Party Gurl, owned and shown by Hannah Elizabeth Warren, champion.

Maturity Limited Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) – Flatten The Curve, owned and shown by Elizabeth Gorski, champion; Redd Corvette, owned and shown by Christine Ann Bivens, reserve.

Green Hunter Under Saddle (3 shown) – Shezza Outlaw, owned by Brenda Ramirez, shown by Jamie English, champion; Yu Had Me At Hello, owned by Lisa Piner, shown by Niole L. Rice, reserve.

Sophie Jo Buhn and Onthehuntforsweets complete their pattern in Youth Equitation at the 2025 Fox Lea Farm Winter Circuit in Venice, Florida.

EMBRYO SALES by Katherine Jarve

Written contracts are key to address rights and obligations

Breeding and foaling season is upon us once again. With advancements in science, it is now very common for horse owners and breeders to buy and sell embryos. Embryo transfers allow breeders to produce multiple offspring from a single mare in a given year. This procedure involves taking an embryo from a donor mare, and depositing it in the uterus of a recipient mare who carries the pregnancy to term.

There are a number of ways that embryos are exchanged. Sometimes, an owner will offer for sale a certain number of the mare’s embryos outright. An owner may sell the mare and retain future breeding rights via embryo transfer. This practice has become popular with the sale of top show mares.

Regardless of whether you are selling embryos outright or selling a mare and retaining future breeding rights, the first thing you should do is create a written contract.

In the scenario of selling embryos outright, you should execute an embryo transfer contract. This is a document that will specifically discuss the rights and obligations of the mare owner/seller and the embryo purchaser.

Typically, you will want to include the following information:

or nurse within 24 to 48 hours after birth. But what happens if that embryo transfer does not result in a pregnancy or if a foal dies on day three? Unless the language specifies otherwise, the fact that the foal stood and nursed will mean that the seller has met the live foal guarantee.

• Transportation and shipping fees of the mares.

• The governing jurisdiction. In the event that a contract dispute arises, the contract should define which state’s law applies and where a lawsuit can be brought.

• Signatures of the buyer and seller.

If you are selling the donor mare and simply retaining the rights to future embryos, then you should include all the terms related to the future breeding in the sale agreement. In other words, it is preferable to have one document that discusses the sale of the horse and the future breeding rights. In addition to

Regardless of whether you are selling embryos outright or selling a mare and retaining future breeding rights, the first thing you should do is create a written contract.

• Identity of the parties, including name, address and phone number.

• Identity of the donor mare, including the mare’s registered name and number, age, markings, etc.

• The number of embryos purchased.

• The purchase price, including any payment schedule, any deposits made, whether such deposits are refundable and under what terms deposits may be refunded.

• The breeding season when the embryos will be flushed and placed in the recipient mare. The contract should also define what happens if the donor mare cannot produce healthy embryos that particular season.

• Identity of the party providing the recipient mare.

• The horse farm or breeding facility where the embryo transfer will take place. Alternatively, if the embryos will be cooled or frozen, then the contract should specify this method.

• The costs and fees associated with the care of both the donor and recipient mare and who will pay for them, including veterinary fees (both before and after an embryo transfer), immunizations, boarding costs, farrier services, and grain and hay. Never assume that the breeding farm or owner of the recipient mare will be paying for these expenses.

• Whether there is a “live foal guarantee” associated with the embryo. This term has been defined as a foal that can stand

the above, you should consider adding terms that address the following:

• The seller’s remedy in the event of the sale or death of the mare. The contract should clearly state what happens if the mare dies or the buyer later decides to sell the mare before providing the contracted embryos. It would be incorrect to assume that the contract will be enforceable against any future purchaser of the mare.

• The future breeding schedule. The breeding season should be clearly defined so that there is no misunderstanding.

Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil litigation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.

HOOF ANATOMY by Brian Burks

Understanding of how the hoof is designed can help you maintain soundness in your horse

The hoof is a modified skin (epidermis) covering the third phalanx and all enclosed structures. It provides protection to the distal limb, formed by keratinization of the epithelial layer and modification of the underlying dermis. The thickened, cornified keratin of the epidermis is referred to as horn and makes up the outer surface of the hoof, and is resistant to mechanical and chemical damage.

Each epidermal region of the hoof is associated with a dermal region (corium). The corium are connected to the underlying structures by the subcutis. The foot can be divided into 5 segments – Wall, coronary, periople, sole, and frog – and there are 5 corresponding underlying corium.

The hoof is a form of protection to the distal phalanx and also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the concussion of impact on the structures of the distal limb. The wall of the hoof is the visible portion of the hoof, forming medial lateral, and dorsal aspects, being further divided into the toe, quarters, and heels. At the heels, the walls reflects back upon themselves at the angles to become the bars, which progress cranially along the edge of the frog. The wall is widest at the distal aspect of the hoof (toe) and decreases in width around the quarters. The wall of the hoof is 5-10mm thick and consists of three layers.

inae of horn and dermal laminae which ensure that the hoof wall is well attached to the coffin bone. It is more pliable than the outer wall due to it having a higher moisture content which enables the inner wall to stretch more as the outer wall moves, ensuring the inner workings of the hoof are protected from too much shock as well as allowing the pedal bone and the outer wall to move in different ways without losing strength of attachment. This living bond between the horn (insensitive laminae) and dermis (sensitive laminae) gradually allows the hoof wall to slide distally where the distal border is worn away by ground contact.

The laminar corium consists of laminae engorged with

The hoof is a form of protection to the distal phalanx and also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the concussion of impact on the structures of the distal limb.

blood vessels. The sensitive laminae mesh with the insensitive laminae of the wall on one side and are firmly attached to the pedal bone on the other side. This bond with the insensitive laminae is disrupted during laminitis. The laminar corium suspends the entire weight of the animal by the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule.

The periople extends almost 19–25 mm (¾ to 1 inch) at the top of the wall to protect the sensitive coronary band at the junction of the skin and the hoof. It is very tough and of a similar consistency to the frog. After extending nearly 20 mm (¾ inch), the periople changes into a thin layer of material that covers the rest of the hoof and gives it a shiny appearance, acting as a protective covering. It helps to control evaporation of moisture from the wall. In the early stages, this horn material is quite soft – deliberately so because it helps to prevent the coronet band becoming bruised as shock is transferred upwards through the hoof wall during the weight bearing phase of the stride. The periople covers this horn to provide protection.

The middle layer is the main structure of the wall, composed of amorphous horn, reinforced with tubular shaped horn rods. Its main purpose is to bear the weight of the horse. The outer hoof wall is pigmented and strong, protecting the inner structures of the hoof from shock and to store energy, which is released during phases of stride to help propel the horse forward. It will be nearly impermeable, keeping water out, unless it becomes damaged via injury or nutritional imbalance.

The inner laminar layer is composed of interdigitating lam-

The coronet band is the “crown”. Sometimes called the coronary band, with coronary pertaining to the heart. The coronary band is the primary source of growth and nutrition for most of the hoof wall. Injuries to this structure are serious and usually leave a permanent defect in the wall as it grows. The wall of the hoof grows from the coronary band at a rate of 6-9mm (¼ to ½ inch) per month. The average toe is 76–100 mm (2½ to 4 inches) long at the toe, this means that the horse grows a new hoof in about a year. The hoof wall is made of a tough material called keratin that has a low moisture content (approximately 25% water), making it very hard and rough. The main function of the hoof wall is to bear weight (NOT the sole). It must be trimmed at regular intervals to keep it properly shaped and level.

Dr. Brian Burks is the owner/veterinarian at Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine Practice). This certifies him as an expert in all categories of equine practice. You can reach him by calling (724) 727-3481.

Jimmy Da�io

Colorado professional still utilizes his ‘old school’ theory of training

It was Jimmy Daurio’s childhood dream to some day become a professional horse trainer. Although the Colorado native admits that the life is not always perfect – there are long hours and the occasional tough client – but he says at the end of the day, he loves the horses.

“I grew up old school and I still use that theory today,” he said.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Durio started riding his father’s friend’s Roping horses when he was just 14 years old and during high school he worked for JD Yates.

“I never apprenticed for anyone and I always trained my own horses,” he explained. “Working for JD taught me so much about Roping, which I still enjoy today.”

Following graduation from high school Daurio attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, earning degrees in Equine Science and Agriculture Business.

Today his Daurio Performance Horses training operation focuses on the preparation of All-Around and Ranch Horse contenders as well as a few Reiners. He also coaches Youth, Amateur and Amateur Select competitors.

Daurio has had numerous Quarter Horse Congress Champions and Reserve Champions, National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Champions and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) top three finishers.

He has trained and/or exhibited such decorated show horses as:

• Calling All Cowboys, a 2008 sorrel gelding by CC Remember

Colorado trainer Jimmy Daurio (pictured on the opposite page center) owns and operates Daurio Performance Horses in Loveland, Colorado. He is pictured across the top with his partner, David and Cowpuncher Cadillac at the 2024 Congress; at the Arizona Sun Circuit; and at the 2024 NSBA World Show. Inset he is pictured with Outrageous Nite Life at the Fall Campionship Show in Scottsdale. On this page (top) Daurio accepts a trophy saddle for Cowpuncher Cadillac’s All-Around Open Ranch Horse Championship at the 2024 NSBA World Show. He is also pictured with clients at the Colorado State Fair and with his partner, David Renier on a snow skiing trip.

Me out of Asset To Scotch, a Congress Champion and Reserve Congress Champion;

• Chex Is The Choice, 2002 bay gelding by Zippo Pine Chex out of Ima Lady By Choice, winner of numerous AQHA circuit championships who went on to earn several World Championship titles;

• Cowpuncher Cadillac, 2017 bay roan stallion by Royal Blue Quixote out of Miss Dakota Eyed, earner of numerous Congress Championships, AQHA and NSBA World Championships as well as the third place finisher in the race for the 2024 AQHA World Show Superhorse title;

• Hez Pretty Extreme, 2012 sorrel gelding by Extremely Hot Chips out of Roll Her Assets, NSBA Reserve World Champion;

• Mr Mac Lucky, 2008 bay gelding by A Lucky Decision out of Modern Mac Miss, bronze winner at the NSBA World Show.

Although he kept his ranch in Pueblo, Colorado, two-and-a-half years ago Daurio moved his training operation to Loveland, where he leases stalls at Raptor Ridge. The facility includes an indoor arena and huge turnouts.

He is a member of the AQHA and NSBA and holds judging cards from both organizations.

Daurio met his partner, David Renier at the Congress and they were married in 2019. When he is not training or at a show he enjoys skiing, fishing and hunting.

Daurio says the accomplishment he is most proud of is the success he and Renier are having with their own horse, Cowpuncher Cadillac.

He says the best advice he ever got was to “get a college education” and he figures that if he were not a horse trainer he might have become a firefighter.

“My idea of perfect happiness is riding my favorite horse or horses at the end of a long and stressful day,” he said.

You can contact Daurio at 1161 W. 10th St., Loveland, CO 80537 or by calling (719) 252-1565. You can also connect with him via the Daurio Performance Horses Facebook page.

Trainer Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a Trainer profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com

BUZZ

(IN) LIFE

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) competitor Hillary Timchak and her husband, Eric, welcomed their first child, a daughter, on Jan. 20. The new arrival, named Lena Elizabeth, weighed 7 pounds, eight ounces and was 20.25 inches long at birth. Hillary helps operate Capital Quarter Horses and stands the AQHA stallion, Hay Goodlookn.

(IN) DEATH

Dr. Robert Herman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a longtime AQHA, APHA, WCHA, PtHA and NSBA competitor passed away on his 48th birthday, Feb. 6, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Herman earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and his doctorate and master's degree in Orthodontics from the University of Oklahoma. He owned and operated Superior Care Orthodontics in Tulsa. Dr. Herman developed a love for horses at an early age and he and his family, including wife, Krista; son, Jackson; and daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth Katherine (Ella Kate)built their ranch, Black Top Ranch, in South Dakota, with horses he showed with his children. The Herman Family has already amassed 10 AQHA World Championships, and more than 30 Championships in APHA and PtHA, as well as many WCHA and Quarter Horse Congress Championships and NSBA futurity wins. Dr. Herman excelled in a wide range of stock horse specialties including, Longe Line, Western Pleasure, Halter and all-around classes. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Feb. 14, at St Bernard's Catholic Church in Tulsa.

NATIONAL SNAFFLE BIT ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATION’S

2025 JACK BENSON AWARD GOES TO BOBBY SMITH, OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS

The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) recently announced that the 2025 recipient of its Jack Benson Award is Bobby Smith, of Fort Worth, Texas.

The native of McLean, Illinois, was a member of Illinois Quarter Horse Association youth team and continued showing horses as an adult. It was the connections he made in the horse industry as a youth that shaped a career that has kept him in the business all of his life.

Smith has worked for Miller International, parent company of CINCH Jeans and Rod Patrick Boots, for more than 20 years. He serves as vice president of CINCH Jeans and has been president of Rod Patrick Boots since the company was acquired in 2010.

Smith has been instrumental in CINCH Jeans’ involvement as an active corporate sponsor with the National Snaffle Bit Association for several years, including supporting the National Snaffle Bit Youth Association’s denim drive, the CINCH Duel First 2 Finish Trail competition and the CINCH Horsemanship Invitational, which is now in its fifth year.

He is also the smiling face representing Rod Patrick Boots as a commercial exhibitor at the NSBA World Championship Show and at major horse show circuits around the country.

“I believe in what the horse community does for people, and what it’s done for me,” Smith once said. “It’s important for the folks who can make a positive impact to do so, to help keep these organizations growing and thriving. I am blessed to do

what I love for a living, and I’m blessed to work for companies that want to make a difference. I feel there is no organization any better for youth than the horse community, and I’m especially fond of that area of the business.”

Smith will be recognized at the NSBA Honors banquet on Sunday, Aug. 10, during the NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity and World Championship Show, being held Aug. 7-17 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

ROD’S WESTERN PALACE SOLD TEXAS-BASED NRS ACQUIRES OHIO

STORE

NRS (National Roper’s Supply), a family-owned company, based in Decatur, Texas, has acquired Rod’s Western Palace, based in Columbus, Ohio.

NRS is a multi-channel retailer of products for the western lifestyle including saddles, tack, ropes, animal health supplies, boots, hats and western apparel. NRS plans to continue the Rod’s tradition of supplying products for the western lifestyle to customers in the Midwest and beyond. Specifically, NRS will continue to support customers at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus in October as both a sponsor and a retail resource. The NRS flagship location in Decatur, Texas includes a 90,000 sq. ft. store surrounded by several hundred acres of beautiful North Texas landscape to trail ride or explore by golf cart. For more information visit www.nrsworld.com

ASSOCIATIONS

NEW COLOR ELIGIBILITY (IN) ABRA NEWS

In 2025, the American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) recently expanded the color eligibility rule to allow previously ineligible color patterns into the Buckskin Bred Program.

This means a paint, pinto, appaloosa, etc may be eligible to register and show at the 2025 ABRA World Championships in BBP classes as well as any of the Futurities and Ranch Challenge, which are all Open to any color/age/breed registered with ABRA.

How do you know if your horse qualifies?

If you own a non-colored offspring from one of these sires that carry at least one colored parent (dun, buckskin, or grulla) from either sire or dam lineage up to four generations back then your horse is now eligible to show ABRA Buckskin Bred with this new rule.

Check your horse’s pedigree on allbreedpedigree.com and look for a dun, buckskin, red dun, grulla, or perlino dun for a chance to become a part of the American Buckskin Registry and compete for regional and national awards.

The following non-registered ABRA sires offspring are now eligible to register with ABRA as Buckskin Bred, in showing BBP classes and/or futurities under the Hardship Clause, a small fee applies to any sire not already registered with ABRA.

The following is a partial list of eligible sires: Machine Made; Lazy Loper; My Sleepy Valentine; Heart Stoppin; The Lopin Machine; VS Code Blue; Yell Oh Stone; The Extreme Machine; Fire N Ice; Good Better Best; The Best Martini; RL Best of Sudden; Good I Will Be; Bank On The Best; Im Willy Fabulous; Millionaire Machine; First Thingz First; Salt On The Rocks; VS Phantom Code ; All Time Fancy; Lopin My Best; Potential Investment; Good Bar Rising; For additional information on the ABRA or to register you can visit the association’s website at visit www.americanbuckskin.com/abra-online-registration

HORSE OF THE YEAR

NSBA HONORS DOUBLE TAPN, OWNED BY DAN FOX, WITH 2024 TITLE

The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA recently announced that AQHA gelding Double Tapn, owned by Dan Fox, of Weatherford, Texas, has been named the association’s 2024 Horse Of The Year. Double Tapn is by Lil Joe Cash and out of Whiz N Snap (by Topsail Whiz) and was bred by Kiera Johnson.

The 2018 sorrel gelding known as ‘LJ’ saw Amateur Katie Fox as well as professionals Bud Lyon, Logan Pluhar and Emilie Bendix Mathisen share showing duties on his way to earning NSBA’s Horse Of The Year title. Double Tapn is the second horse showing in primarily the Ranch division of NSBA competition to earn NSBA’s Horse Of The Year award.

The show team’s highlights from 2024 include world championships at the NSBA World Championship Show in Senior Ranch Riding and Senior Ranch Rail; wins in Amateur Ranch Trail, Amateur Ranch Rail and Senior Ranch Riding at the Arizona Sun Circuit; Senior Ranch Trail at the Redbud Spectacular; futu-

rity championships in the Open Working Western Rail Stakes and the Open Ranch Riding Stakes at the All American Quarter Horse Congress; and AQHA world championships in Level 3 Amateur Ranch Trail, Level 3 Amateur Ranch Riding, Level 3 Amateur Working Western Rail, Open Ranch Rail and All Age Non-Pro Ranch Rail. Double Tapn also earned $50,784.83 in NSBA earnings in 2024.

As per the NSBA Rulebook, the Horse Of The Year title is determined based on NSBA participation, show record and points earned in the specified year.

Double Tapn will be recognized during the NSBA Honors banquet on Sunday, Aug. 10, held at the NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity and World Championship Show, being held Aug. 7-17 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

For additional information on the NSBA or on the Horse of the Year program visit www.nsba.com.

AjPHA YOUTH FUTURITY PROJECT ADDS 3-YEAR-OLD DIVISION AND MORE (IN) APHA NEWS

The American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) has expanded its Youth Futurity Project to include a 3-year-old horse division.

This unique Youth horse-training project is open to all AjPHA members and all breeds of horses. It culminates with a special slate of championship classes at the APHA World Championship Show. Horse ownership is not required, but only the Youth participant may train the horse from March 1 of the current show year until completion of the Youth Futurity Project classes. Participating horses must be nominated by March 1. Youth Futurity Project 2025 Classes include:

• Yearling Classes – Fitting & Handling; Longe Line; InHand Trail; Logbook & Video.

• 2-Year-Old Classes – Fitting & Handling; Walk-Trot Rail; Walk-Trot Trail; Logbook & Video.

• 3-Year-Old Classes (Horse must have participated as a 2-year-old to be eligible to compete as a 3-year-old.) – Versatility Pattern Class; Trail; Rail; Logbook & Video;

• New Award: The Youth Futurity Horseman Award recognizes the highest-placing 3-year-old horse exhibitor who has participated in the project all three years.

Top 10 placings in each class will be awarded, along with an overall Top 10 for each division. The overall Highest-Placing Paint Horse will be awarded in each division. The Highest-Placing Logbook will also be recognized.

For additional information on the Youth Futurity Project or the American Paint Horse Association visit the organization’s website at www.apha.com.

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