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ADVERTISING SALES Courtney B. Ament Deanna Green Willis WEBSITE ADVERTISING Courtney B. Ament TECHNICAL ANALYST Brent Adam Borton CIRCULATION Lenora B. Sheppard
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Equi+Focus and Equi+Calm Pellets and Paste • Prices Vary • https://shopehi.com/collections/equine-performance-pastes
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Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Suplerative Equine Pleasure. In 2020 Gus won both the 3-Year-Old NonPro Western Pleasure and the Breeders Championship Futurity 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the NSBA World Show with Timchak and was Reserve in the 3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure with Cochran. But not every successful show horse has what it takes to make a breeding horse. “Throughout the breaking him out, we all watched closely to determine how he took to training, what his mind was like, and how his body handled the physical aspect of the process,” Timchak said. “He passed all the tests with flying colors. He was strong very early, eager to learn, and easy to teach. The bloodlines were there, the ability and s
Most successful sires don’t arrive by happenstance. They are created carefully by honest assessments of mares and strategic selection of their crossings. Then it takes patience and a solid training program as they are given the opportunity to reach their potential. And that’s just the start of it. Hillary Timchak of Capital Quarter Horses in Pilot Point, Texas, gets it. She and her parents bred, raised and campaigned Hay Goodlookn (Gus), a 2017 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. “This cross was put together with the assistance of Rusty and Katie Green, Timchak explained. “We knew at the time that Candi would be a star producer after her first few foal crops, and wanted to breed her to an exceptional stallion with foundational bloodlines. This cross sure works! Not only do we love Gus, but we have repeated this cross and love the results.” Gus had a lot of presence from the start. Wellmade and with the exception of a “stallion moment or two’ he proved to be very easy to handle and train. “Just because a horse is bred to be a stallion doesn’t mean they should be one, and we knew we had to carefully consider that as Gus was being started under saddle,” Timchak explained. “Any concerns we had that he wouldn’t dazzle us were pretty quickly alleviated. From the first few trips around the round pen we knew that if nothing crazy happened, he would be everything we hoped and more.” As a 2-year-old, Gus won the Quarter Horse Congress Masters Western Pleasure with Andy Cochran and the pair went on to capture an AQHA World Championship title in the 2-Year-Old Western
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with Florida trainer Kathie Kennedy, showing. The gelding out of All Kinds Of Trouble was bred by Dorothy Hornback and is owned by Nancy Ditty, who showed him to a Reserve Congress Championship in the NonPro Western Longe Line. And Miss Goodlookn, a filly out of Missy Machine, earned a Color Breed Congress Championship in Open Western Longe Line with Anthony Leier showing and a Reserve Championship there in the Open NonPro Longe Line Solid with owner John Sparks. Timchak says they are pleased with all the early success but just as excited about the feedback coming from trainers across the country about Hay Goodlookn offspring. “The most common themes are that they are great-minded, exceptionally talented and smart,” she said. Kennedy said she’s been involved with two already and both have been exceedingly good-minded and talented. “I am thrilled to have a small part in Hay Goodlookn’s success as a sire with such a big future in front of him,” she said. “I was fortunate to foal out the first born, Do A Double Take (AQHA/APHA stallion) for breeder Adam Kober. He was then sold to Australia through agents Kane and Holly Skopp. I had this colt through his yearling year and loved his great mind and movement. In September, I received a call from Nancy Ditty, asking if I would show her new Hay Goodlookn yearling, Frank The Tankk. I agreed of course, and she had him ready for me to show. Again, great mind and great movement. I am happy to have Gus’s first Congress Champion. This stallion has a great future and I am thrilled to be part of it from the beginning!” King is also confident Hay Goodlookn has a great future ahead of him as a sire. “We’ve really enjoyed getting to start several foals from Hay Goodlookn’s first two foal crops,” said the Texasbased trainer. “They’ve had a lot of natural self-carriage and are very s
conformation was there, and the soundness of mind was there. We knew at that point that we could start marketing him as a future breeding stallion.” Hay Goodlookn’s first foals were old enough to show under saddle in 2023 and already they are collecting accolades like AQHA World Champion, Reserve Congress Champion, and Reserve NSBA World Champion. Up To Know Good, out of Momma Knows Best, was the Level 3 Champion in the 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show with RJ King in the saddle. The mare, bred by Capital Quarter Horses, also placed third in the 2-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure with Timchak; as well as fourth in the Coughlin 2-Year-Old Maiden Open Western Pleasure and fourth in the Super Sires 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure at the Congress with King. HayGirlHey, out of DarkSyde Of The Moon, was Reserve Congress Champion in the 2-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure Stakes with owner Brooke Granzow. They also placed seventh in the Congress 2-YearOld Non-Pro Western Pleasure. Teamed with Drew DeBuhr, HayGirlHey was Reserve in the Super Sires 2-Year-Old Sales Graduate Western Pleasure and ninth in the Congress Super Sires 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure. At the NSBA World Show, Granzow rode HayGirlHey to a Reserve Championship in the Breeders Championship Futurity (BCF) 2Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure and they earned a bronze in the 2-Year-Old NonPro Western Pleasure. Look Here Cowboy, out of Huntin For A Cowboy, placed third at the Congress in the 2-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure and ninth in the Open Division of that same class with owner Jessie Landry. Chase Barnes rode the mare bred by Ditty Up LLC, toa fifth place finish in the 2-YearOld Limited Open Western Pleasure there as well. From his second crop, Frank The Tankk was crowned Congress Champion in the Open Western Longe Line
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Hillary Timchak is pictured on this page (top) with Hay Goodlookn and (on the opposite page) riding him to a win in the BCF 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the 2020 NSBA World Show. At far left, Andy Cochran and Hay Goodlookn after winning the 2019 Congress Masters Western Pleasure and at left Cochran and Gus after being named AQHA World Champions in the 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure at the 2019 World Championship Show. Photos/Superlative Equine, Larry Williams and Shane Rux
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R.J. King and Up To Know Good pictured at top after winning the 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure at the 2023 AQHA World Championship Show. Below that (left to right) Hillary Timchak riding Up To Know Good in the 2-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the 2023 Quarter Horse Congress, where they placed third; Nancy Ditty giving Frank The Tankk a big kiss after winning the Open Western Longe Line at the 2023 Congress with Kathie Kennedy; and Do A Double Take, a 2021 AQHA/APHA stallion by Hay Goodlookn out of Lope The Line, bred by Adam Kober; owned by the All4One Partnership; and under the direction of Kane & Holly Skopp in Australia. Photos/Shane Rux & Tania Hobbs
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trainable. Gus is proving to be a very promising young stud. We’re excited to have some up-and-coming show horses sired by him and some mares of our own bred to him.” Timchak is especially excited about a 2021 mare owned by Capital Quarter Horses by Hay Goodlookn out of Ima Potential (the dam of No Doubting Me). She is in training with Angie Cannizzaro of CAC Show Horses in Oklahoma and will be shown in 3-Year-Old Maiden and Novice Horse events this year with Cannizzaro and in 3-Year-Old Non-Pro events with Timchak. “Every Hay Goodlookn I have been around or ridden has a great jog and very solid feet,” Cannizzaro said. “They are structurally correct, have so much rhythm and every one I have ridden jogs really well. The Gus foals have lots of self-carriage at the lope and are incredibly willing and smart.” And there are many more Gus foals just now getting ready for show careers, including those bred by Capital Quarter Horses, out of mares like Momma Knows Best, Johnnie On The Spot, Shez Immortal, Aint Nothn To It, and more. “We also purchased a couple new broodmares that we are very excited about and should produce some awesome Hay Goodlookns,” Timchak said. But she’s equally excited about the foals raised by others across the country. “Some names that stick out are Forever Kool, Cool Cruzen
Lady, Whos Cheatin Who, LDR Look My Way, Too Cute To Snooze, Made N May, Hereicomagain, Dressed To Party and Consider Me Best,” she said. “Some have had amazing Gus foals already, and some will be having their first.” Timchak said every single one of the Gus foals are pets. “They love people, walk right up to you in the pasture and do whatever is asked. I know others feel the same way,” she said. “One of my favorite stories came from Cole and Liz Baker. They sent me a video of their daughter, Brooklyn, leading their weanling Hay Goodlookn to turnout like an old show horse. I love to hear fun things like that.” Hay Goodlookn is standing at Capital Quarter Horses, owned by Timchak, her parents; Blair and Susan Roberts and her husband of just over one year, Eric Timchak. His 2024 fee is $3,500 including a $500 booking fee. Both fresh and frozen semen is available and shipping within the U.S. and Canada. Local pickup is $125; UPS and Fed-Ex is $325; and airline counter-to-counter is $425. Hay Goodlookn is enrolled in the following programs: NSBA BCF/SIF, Premier Sires, Super Sires, APHA Breeders Trust, Southern Belle Breeders, West Coast Breeders, and is offered every year in the Audrey Grace Auction, Michigan Breeders Futurity Auction, Iowa Breeders Auction, and Gallop Stallion Service Auction. With reaction to the Hay Goodlookn foals like that it’s easy to get excited about the future but Timchak remains pragmatic. “In my view, a breeder, more specifically, a stallion owner’s goal should be to improve the industry and better the stock we are producing as a whole,” she said. “My hope with Hay Goodlookn is to produce quality, trainable offspring that anyone can ride and that will last. So far, it seems like we are doing pretty well at that!” For information visit www.capitalquarterhorses.com or call (940) 3245952.
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While seasoned broodmare owners and their veterinarians understand how important it is to perform a uterine culture prior to breeding, there are still a lot of misconceptions around its importance, or when and if one is even necessary. However, a uterine culture provides invaluable information about a mare’s reproductive health. Uterine cultures can help determine if a mare is free of infection, identify any potential pathogens, and determine the appropriate antibiotic to use to eliminate infection. When looking at the expense of shipping semen, stud fees, and the overall investment involved with breeding, taking every precaution when it comes to the mare’s health is imperative.
The Benefits
Many stallion contracts require a culture with or without a cytology prior to breeding season. However, if the mare has a poor reproductive history, problems foaling, or any evidence of abnormalities on the prebreeding examination, a uterine culture and cytology are still strongly recommended by veterinarians for these reasons. “A routine culture provides evidence that bacteria is present, and the sensitivity gives us options for treatment,” said Dr. Rilla Reese-Hanks, resident veterinarian at Masterson Farms LLC in Somerville, Tennessee. “A cytology can help us determine if inflammatory cells are present in addition to bacteria, fungus, yeast, mucus, and debris. A mare can have inflammation (endometritis) with or without infection, and it is important to identify the cause to maximize the mare’s ability to conceive.” Mike Hay, owner of Pilot Knob Stud in Reddick, Florida, insists that any mare’s reproductive health starts with a uterine culture. “You must start with a simple culture to rule out any uterine infections that would prevent pregnancy.
A routine culture provides evidence that bacteria is present, and the sensitivity gives us options for treatment,” said Dr. Rilla Reese-Hanks, resident veterinarian at Masterson Farms LLC in Somerville, Tennessee. 22 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JANUARY 2024
may block her from conceiving. Even if you decide to quit trying and wait until the following year to breed your mare, you should culture her and clean her out because if you leave an infection brewing, in most cases, that mare will not clean herself out. This can cause scar tissue or other problems within the reproductive tract that may cause her to become permanently barren.”
The Timing
Culturing will be most effective when performed close to breeding and conception. “By culturing close to conception, you have a more accurate understanding of the condition of her uterus. This allows you to address any concerns that may affect her fertility and conception,” Dr. Reese-Hanks says. “Per my veterinarian’s recommendation, we always pull a culture before breeding season starts. Sometimes we even culture in January during their first heat cycle. If we see any retained fluid after delivery of a foal, we will treat with oxytocin, flush her, and then revisit with a culture if something seems out of the ordinary,” Jacobsen says.
The Reasons
It may also be necessary to culture a mare more than once during a breeding season to accurately monitor her uterine health. “Re-culturing several times through the season may be needed for a pregnancy,” Hay said. “We would prefer to have a negative culture done within 30 days of breeding, or preferably within the same cycle. We would then repeat a culture after two attempts to breed if there are no other obvious reasons for why she didn’t take. If you’re dealing with an older mare, or a mare that has torn foaling, you may need to caslick (also known as vulvoplasty) or staple between procedures to help rule out contamination.” Timing out a specific point in the mare’s heat cycle is also important when planning to perform uterine cultures. “I like to see the mare cultured on day three to four of her heat cycle,” McCraw explains. “If you perform the culture too soon in the cycle, the cervix may be very tight and damage can be done if forced. When the cervix is relaxed, that is when you will have the best results.” s
Many of the common infections are not noticeable with daily handling. With the expense of shipping semen, culturing your mare may be the most cost-effective procedure you can do. Before you question your vet, your stallion’s semen, or your mare’s breeding ability, do a uterine culture.” Nancy Kunkel, of Bedford, Kentucky, warns against being fooled by your own mares. She and her late husband, Paul, have been honored by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as 50-year Cumulative and Legacy Breeders. “Even if a mare looks clean, like she doesn’t have an infection, you can’t always tell by checking her vulva that there is an infection present,” she said. “Doing cultures is a great baseline for you to see where your mare’s uterine health is at. It could be a mare who always cultures clean, and then one season not come up clean. It’s a gamble to not culture – especially when breeding a maiden mare because you just don’t know what you’re going to get.” Becca Jacobsen, mare owner and breeder of Hillside Quarter Horses LLC, Burlington, Iowa, agrees. “It’s better to be safe than sorry and always culture them first,” she said. As the owner of Riverside Ranch in Sultan, Washington, Cindy Stephens-McCraw, along with her husband, Donnie, stands five AQHA stallions and, in addition to her role as a stallion manager, breeds many of her own mares. She always starts the breeding process with a culture. “I feel that it is very important to have a uterine culture done on your mare before you even begin the breeding process,” she explained. “A bacterial growth is usually evident within 24 to 48 hours. It is not a very expensive procedure to have done, and you learn so much about what is going on inside of your mare that
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When the goal is to end up with a healthy foal (like above), mare owners, veterinarians and stallion owners agree it’s smart to start with a clean uterine culture. At far left, Dr. Rilla Reese-Hanks checks one of the mares at Masterson Farms LLC in Somerville, Tennessee, where she is the resident veterinarian.
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“Having a reproduction clinic that can set up the culture and identify results as soon as possible is a big asset for mare owners,” said Mike Hay. “But considering the expense of shipping semen and the overall investment involved, I believe it’s a necessary step.” Hay also cautioned against assuming everything is fine with just one culture. “We as breeders need to remember that regardless of washing techniques, breeding a mare is not a sterile procedure and re-culturing several times through the season may be needed for a pregnancy,” he said.
Fear of missing out on a breeding cycle is one of the most common reasons some may consider skipping the important step of performing a uterine culture before attempting to breed their mare. “One reason I hear from mare owners that do not culture their mares is that they would lose the cycle, or it would take too long to get results back time is money, after all,” Hay said. “Having a reproduction clinic that can set up the culture and identify results as soon as possible is a big asset for mare owners. But considering the expense of shipping semen and the overall investment involved, I believe it’s a necessary step.” Another misconception is that a mare cannot be cultured, treated for any infection found, and then bred in the same cycle. “There are many circumstances where a mare can be treated and bred on the same cycle,” Hay explained. “Although anytime there is more than one bacteria present, we routinely treat for three days in a row and then re-culture during the next cycle. Ideally, we would culture mid-cycle with the mare showing good edema. This also minimizes risk to her cervix if she is not in a good cycle.” Another common misconception is that if there is an infection found and treated, then no follow-up culture is needed to verify the antibiotics cleared the infection before breeding. “Some people may choose to re-culture their mare for a second time after the treatment to make sure the infection they were working on is in fact gone before they begin to breed,” McCraw said. “If the mare does not conceive within two cycles, it may be time to re-culture again and also do a uterine biopsy at that time. The biopsy can let you know the quality of the uterine lining and gives you an answer with percentage rates on if the mare can 24 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JANUARY 2024
conceive. There comes a time when a biopsy is a must as it can also let you know if you have an untreatable condition.” Kunkle said cultures are a useful tool at all stages of the breeding season. “Having a clean culture at the start of breeding season doesn’t necessarily mean a culture isn’t needed later,” Kunkel said. “Even if a culture comes back clean and we breed them, I will culture them again. Sometimes infections can be resistant, and you just never know when an infection will appear or re-appear – especially during breeding season.” Jacobsen agrees. “This is especially true if you have a ‘problem’ mare,” she explained. “When it comes to infections, it’s better to be safe than sorry and make sure there is no chance of infection recurring again.” Seasoned Breeders Know Uterine Cultures Are Not a Step to Skip Bacterial infections are not uncommon among broodmares and sometimes this one skipped step could be what is standing between a mare and
conception. McCraw says that the most common bacteria found in a culture that requires treatment are Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus. “I don’t believe in overtreating a uterus, however, as overusing antibiotics can lead to resistance to treatment as well as yeast overgrowth. Gentamicin and amikacin are a few common of the antibiotics used,” she explained. “I also like to lavage with saline for several days to help evacuate the infection. As a long-time breeder that has learned new tricks from old dogs, I have many recipes up my sleeve that I will pull out for the tough infections. In my career over the last 35 years, I have just loved it when someone would bring me a mare that nobody else could get pregnant so I could work my magic.” Uterine Cultures may seem like an unnecessary, additional up-front expense to new breeders, but seasoned breeders know it will more than save money in the long run. “In today's modern breeding world, most all breeding’s are done via shipped cooled or frozen semen. If you are going to roll the dice and order semen without knowing your mare is reproductively sound, you could be looking at the cost on average of about $300 to $600 on receiving the semen and then around the same on the mare end per cycle,” McCraw said. “That is a pretty large gamble to do two or three times before culturing to make sure your mare is good to go, and you could then be more likely to have a one-shot deal. So, one little culture could save you thousands of dollars - not to mention the stress, disappointment, and extra time spent.” Kunkel stresses that the cost of culturing is minimal compared to the overall costs to ship semen and breed your mare. “I will even culture my mares who have had a caslick, just to be safe,” she said. Dr. Reese-Hanks points out that costs vary depending on the area you are in and if you’re doing frozen or cooled semen, but in general, culturing prior to breeding season could certainly save you a lot of money if there is an infection present. “If an infection is present, it allows you to treat it before having the cost of the collection, shipping and insemination fees,” she said. “In addition to the financial savings, you are more likely to have conception on the first heat cycle, and will therefore have a foal earlier in the year.” Hay says that a uterine culture should be the first step even with maiden mares. “In my experience, the small cost initially is over shadowed by the one in five chance that a young mare may have a contamination or immune system issue.” Kunkel agrees. sss
Mike Hay is pictured (left) in the photo on the opposite page working in the lab of his Pilot Knob Stud in Reddick, Florida. On this page, Cindy McCraw is pictured with a couple of the mares at Riverside Ranch in Sultan, Washington where she and her husband, Donnie, stand five stallions and raise several faols each year.
“In my career over the last 35 years, I have just loved it when someone would bring me a mare that nobody else could get pregnant so I could work my magic,” said Cindy McCraw. “I learned the hard way in my first few years of breeding the importance of culturing,” she said. “I had a mare who got pregnant but lost the foal early in the pregnancy. We cultured her shortly after and found she had E-coli. My vet and I are certain the inhospitable environment of that infection was what caused her to lose the foal. It wasn’t even a raging infection – just a minor one. But it was enough that the pregnancy didn’t stick. So now, I culture all my mares before breeding. It’s less expensive to culture and be sure she’s clean than spend the money to breed her before knowing if there is an infection present.” And don’t underestimate the value of an experienced reproduction veterinarian. “Getting a great repro vet who you can trust is the best thing you can do as a mare owner and breeder,” she said. Overall, it is in you and your mare’s best interest to spend the up-front cost to perform a uterine culture when planning out your next breeding season. JANUARY 2024 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 25
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It’s early in the year but already show managers are announcing changes to this year’s slate of shows and futurities. There are some new events, some date changes and many new additions to class schedules, all in an effort to lure exhibitors to shows across the country. Here are just a few of the changes in store for 2024. MARCH TO THE ARCH Over $200,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs at this year’s March To The Arch, slated for March 13-17, at Will Rogers Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Organizers Doug and Tara Landon announced that there will be several new classes at this year’s American Quarter Horse Association sanctioned show, complete with National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA futurity classes, including a 4-Year-Old Limited and Open Western Pleasure; a 4-YearOld Limited and Open Hunter Under Saddle; a 4-Year-Old $5,000 Limited Horse NonPro Western Pleasure, a Maturity $5,000 Limited Horse Open and Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle; a Maturity Limited Horse $10,000 Open Western Pleasure; a Maturity Limited Horse $10,000 Non-Pro Western Pleasure; a $2,500 Rider/$2,500 Horse Western Pleasure and a Non-Pro Trail - Non-Pro Ranch Trail. “All money classes are NSBA approved and we will have over $200,000 in cash and prizes to offer to our exhibitors in 2024,” said Tara Landon. The March To The Arch’s featured classes once again include a $100,000 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure Slot Class, a $50,000 3-Year-Old & Over Hunter Under Saddle Slot Class, Open and Non-Pro Derby classes, a Senior Trail Challenge and Green Horsemanship. To be eligible for the 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle slot classes, horses must not
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have won a World or Congress title and must have earnings under $5,000. The entry fee of $2,000 is due on Jan. 15. The Super Sires program will hold $5,000 added 3Year-Old & Over $5,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure concurrent with the Western Pleasure Slot Challenge. Horses must be a part of the Super Sires program and the entry fee is $250 or $350 after Feb 25. To be eligible for the 4-Year-Old & Over Hunter Under Saddle Slot Challenge, horses must not have won a World or Congress title and must have earnings under $3,500. The entry fee of $1,500 is due on Jan. 15. The National Snaffle Bit Association sanction fee is an additional $50. The Super Sires program will be holding a $2,000 added 3-Year-Old & Over $3,500 Limited Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle concurrent with the Hunter Under Saddle Slot Challenge. Horses must be a part of the Super Sires program and the entry fee is $250 or $350 after Feb. 25. The $10,000 guaranteed ($2,000 for Level 2 and $7,500 for Level 3) Senior Trail Challenge will run concurrent with the AQHA and NSBA Senior Trail classes during each day of the show circuit. To be eligible, horses must be shown in both classes both days. The Level 3 entry fee is $300 and the Level 2 entry fee is $150. There is an additional $50 NSBA sanction fee. Other added money classes include a $1,500 added Freestyle Western Riding; $1,000 added Non-Pro Hunter Derbies; Green Horse Non-Pro Horsemanship and Showmanship; and much more. Doug Landon founded the March To The Arch in 2005 after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The show debuted in St. Louis, Missouri and has since raised over $1 million for cancer research and $80,000 for Cook’s. In 2021 the event was moved to Fort Worth, Texas and the organization teamed with Cook Children’s Hospital. Last year the March To The Arch presented the hospital with a check for $30,000 and has also donated funds to the AQHA and the NSBA Crisis Fund.
The show circuit, approved by the Texas Quarter Horse Association, will have six AQHA judges and four NSBA judges and it is a Non-Pro and Rookie Qualifier for the Run For A Million. The judges pool includes Mike Rapley, Judd Paul, John Boxell, Jill Gomes-Newcomb, Murray Griggs, Jamie Dowdy, Carolyn Rice, Brent Tincher, Bradley Luebben and Haley Schoolfield. For more information visit www.marchtothearchhorseshow.com. VIRGINIA MAIDEN/VIRGINIA SPRING BREAKOUT
The Virginia Spring Breakout, featuring the Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle classes, has new dates this year. The show is moving from March to April 16-20, at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. “We’re so excited for the new April dates as Virginia in spring time is beyond beautiful,” said Meghan Tierney, one of the event’s organizers. “The picturesque grounds of the Virginia Horse Center is bright green and blooming with all the flowering trees lining the property. We’re planning on several evening parties and activities including a cornhole tournament, a basketball game “H.O.R.S.E on Horseback”, a few exhibitor parties and more.” In addition to the $30,000 added 3-Year-Old and Over Open Maiden Western Pleasure, the show will feature a $30,000 added 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Open Hunter Under Saddle. Both classes feature a $1,000 bonus to the highest placing Limited Rider as well as $500 to the second highest placing Limited Rider (even if they do not place in ttt
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Last year’s winner of the 3-Year-Old & Over Hunter Under Saddle Slot Class at the March To The Arch was Super Freek (pictured on the opposite page), shown by Jamie English. Aaron Moses piloted Saay My Name (above) to a win in the 3Year-Old & Over Open Western Pleasure at the 2023 Virginia Maiden.
the top 10 in the overall class placings). Also featured this year is a $12,500 added 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Working Western Rail class. In addition to the $12,000 guaranteed money, the 3-YearOld & Over Maiden Working Western Rail includes cash bonuses for the two highest placing Non-Pro competitors. The class is slated to run on Friday evening after the 3-YearOld & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle class. A $5,000 added All-Age Non-Pro Ranch Rail Class, will be featured following the 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Western Pleasure on Saturday evening. The Virginia Maiden Western Pleasure class has long been known as one of the highest paying slot classes offered for Western Pleasure contenders. Formerly known as the Hylton Maiden Western Pleasure Class, the event was sponsored for many years by the late Cecilia Hylton, owner of Hylton Quarter Horses in Gainesville, Virginia. Hylton introduced the class at the Reichert Celebration to encourage trainers to refrain from pushing young show prospects. The class was moved to Hylton’s home state in 2011 and is now managed by Cameron Van Sickle assisted by Meghan Tierney. The show circuit, sanctioned by the Virginia Quarter Horse Association, also offers a $10,000 added 3-Year-Old & Over Limited Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle; a $10,000 added 3-Year-Old & Over Open Western Pleasure; a $2,500 added 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle; a $3,500 added Maturity Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle; a $2,500 added 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure; and a $3,500 added Maturity Non-Pro Western Pleasure. The entry fee for the $30,000 added 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Open Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle slot classes was $750 up to March 15 but entries will be accepted up until 5 p.m. the night before each class for a fee of $1,000. The entry fee for the $12,500 added 3 & Over Maiden Working Western Rail is $500 up to March 15 but entries will be accepted up until 5 p.m. the night before each class for a fee of $750. Maiden horses can not have been show astride in any event prior to the class. To be eligible for Limited Horse classes, entries must not have won more than $2,500 in that specific discipline as of Dec. 31, 2023. Judges for this year’s Spring Breakout include: Liz Baker, Andrea Simons, Jessica Gilliam, Sissy Anderson, Rhonda Replogle and Mark Russell. “Our mission is to provide an event with as much of a local and friendly environment that we can,” Tierney said. ”We have worked hard to provide the best customer service we can, remain loyalty to our industry and make the show as much fun as we can. We have plenty of plans to make it even more fun this year. We want it to be like they were in the old days –like horse shows should be.” The show is produced by Suzanne Gonzales (Shows By Suzanne) and is managed by Christian Jaunting (Topline Event Management) with Tierney serving as show and futurity manager under Jaunting’s management. For additional information visit www.toplineeventmgt.com.
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A SUDDEN IMPULSE/ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC After taking a break in 2023, The World Equestrian Center in Ocala will welcome Quarter Horses back to the venue with two events that will be AQHA, NSBA and FQHA approved: A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA Futurity returns to the calendar in April, along with the addition of the Orange Blossom Classic. The Orange Blossom Classic will be held from April 1721, with four AQHA shows and an NSBA Futurity with $225,000 in added money. The Orange Blossom judge pool includes: Brent Tincher, Jill Newcomb, Murray Griggs, Lindsay Soderberg-Geiger, Mike Edwards, Will Knabenshue, Brad Luebben, Tina Anderson, Clay MacLeod, Jeff Allen, Jon Barry, Leslie Lange, Jim Dudley, Allen Mitchels, Mike Hoeppner, Clay Cavinder, Robin Swinderman-Mitchell, David Connors, Woody Dykers, Jennifer Powell A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA Futurity follows the Orange Blossom Circuit from April 24-28. The show will be approved by AQHA and feature NSBA approved classes with $400,000 in added money. A Sudden Impulse judge pool includes: Eric Hubbard, Karen Graham, Daren Wright, Clint Fullerton, Chele McGauley, Jimmy Daurio, Mike Weaver, Brendan Brown, Mike Rapley, Brett Clark, Derek Hanscome, Dean Ross, Kerry Allen, Tom Robertson, Jamie Dowdy, John Briggs, Nancy Renfro, Teresa Sullivan, Kelly Chapman, Stacey Roberson, Pam Scott, Andrew Lomker. A $25,000 3-Year-Old & Over Hunter Under Saddle will 30 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JANUARY 2024
be the featured event on Tuesday, April 23 in the Grand Arena and includes a $5,000 to the highest placing Limited Rider in the class. A $50,000 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Western Pleasure will be featured on Wednesday, April 24 in the Grand Arena. A $5,000 bonus is up for grabs to the highest placing Limited Rider in the class. Trail competitors will vie for bragging rights in a $40,000 Open Trail Challenge on Friday, April 26 in Arena 2. There is no entry fee for the contest. The Orange Blossom Classic will be held from April 1721, with four AQHA shows and an NSBA Futurity with $225,000 in added money. There are many other NSBA money classes including: • $10,000 3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure • $10,000 4-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure Maturity • $10,000 4-Year-Old Limited Open Western Pleasure Maturity • $10,000 Open Western Pleasure $25,000 Limited Horse Maturity • $10,000 Non-Pro $25,000 Limited Horse Western Pleasure For Ranch competitors, a $10,000 Senior Ranch Riding will be featured on April 25, in addition to many other purse classes. In addition to the $40,000 Open Trail Challenge. competitors in that event will vie for $10,000 in the 3-Year-Old Trail on April 23; $10,000 in Junior Trail on April 24; and $15,000 in Senior Trail on April 24.
For additional information, including show bills, on the Orange Blossom Circuit and A Sudden Impulse visit www.worldequestriancenter.com or email Greg Wheat at Greg.Wheat@wec.net. BACK TO BERRIEN FUTURITY
In just two years the Back To Berrien Futurity has awarded over $230,000 to exhibitors who traveled to Michigan for the return of competition at the Berrien County Fairgrounds. The facility was home to the Tom Powers Futurity from 1986 until 2018 when it was announced that the futurity would be moved to Wilmington, Ohio. Two years went by without a major event held in Berrien Springs. That’s when Gil Galyean, Jon Barry and Charles Cannizzaro took the initiative to bring a new futurity “Back to Berrien.” Over $85,000 was awarded at that first show in 2022 and an additional $148,000 was paid out last year. This year’s event gets started on Wednesday, June 19 with Special Event AQHA Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle classes, followed by four $1,000 added Open and Non-Pro Ranch classes. Action continues through June 22 with several new classes added to the Saturday lineup, including a $1,000 added Michigan, Illinois, Ohio Owner/Rider $2,500 Limited Horse Western Pleasure; and a $1,000 added Non-Pro Limited Western Pleasure $2,500 Limited Horse and a $1,000 added Shootout for any horse or rider not placing in the top five in a class (must have shown in a previous class) The futurity’s featured event - The DAC $10,000 added ttt
A Western Pleasure futurity class lineup at the 2022 Sudden Impulse Futurity is featured on the opposite page. After a year break in 2023 the event returns to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala this. On this page (left) Kenny Lakins and Straight Up Dirty, winners of the Novice Horse Western Pleasure at the 2023 Back To Berrien Futurity. At right, Ashley Lakins and Ladee Luck, winners of the All American 3-Year-Old & Over Novice Horse Western Pleasure held at the Big A Circuit last year.
$2,500 Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure will once again be presented at the end of the schedule on Friday, June 21. The class is open to Western Pleasure contenders not earning $2,500 as of June 1, 2024. The Super Sires program will also be presenting six Longe Line and Western Pleasure classes at the futurity, which will run concurrent with Back To Berrien classes. For more information on this year’s event visit the Back To Berrien Facebook page. THE ALL AMERICAN The All American Novice Horse Western Pleasure Futu-
rity has announced its return to the Big A Circuit in 2024. The Stars & Stripes Big A Circuit is slated for June 28July 7, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. The event features 10 complete shows - two qualifying shows and is approved by the AQHA, NSBA and Georgia Quarter Horse Association. Organizer JR Cook says that this year’s event will be even bigger and better. $15,000 will be added to the 3-Year-Old & Over Novice Horse Western Pleasure plus an additional $1,500 in Limited Rider bonuses ($1,000 to the highest placing Limited Rider and $500 to the second highest placing Limited Rider). An additional $7,500 is being added to the $2,500 3Year-Old & Over Novice Horse Non-Pro Western Pleasure class. Again, $1,000 will be awarded to the highest placing Limited Rider and $500 to the second highest placing Limited Rider in the class. “The 3-Year-Old Novice & Maiden classes are really starting to attract a lot of attention over the last couple years. Even though Melissa and I really enjoy watching 2-year-old futurities, we believe that these Novice Horse/Maiden classes are crucial to our industry,” JR Cook said. “Not every horse is going to make it to the arena as a 2-year-old. Some horses need more time to mature than others for a variety of reasons. Giving those horses another avenue to go show and earn a significant amount of money is important to us.” For additional information on the All American Futurity classes contact Cook at (713) 249-4220. For details on the Stars & Stripes/Big A Circuit visit www.gqha or An Equine Production at www. anequineproduction.com. JANUARY 2024 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 31
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Mel�n Y�� Success has been sweeter for Ohio trainer building his business from ground up with his wife Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Shane Rux, Corrin Hunt & Avid Photography Growing up in Kenton, Ohio, Melvin Yoder’s parents, Levi and Edna, both ran several businesses so the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship were instilled in him at an early age. Horses were a form of transportation and used in the field when Melvin was a youngster but his father always had a few in for training. By the age of 10 he too started to take an interest in training. After completing his education at Amish Academy, Melvin went to work as an assistant for Ty and Karen Hornick and then for Lori Gingrich. In 2014 he started his own operation out of Todd and Laura Salome’s facility in Utica, Ohio. “I ran my own horse training business when I still lived at home, and I always knew I would eventually go back to that once I learned from other successful horse trainers,” he said. Through mutual friends, Melvin met his wife, Elizabeth. They married in 2018 band welcomed their daughter, Charlotte, a year later. Then in 2020 Melvin and Elizabeth built their own facility on 40 acres in Mt. Victory, Ohio. The operation includes a 70-by-140 indoor arena with 25 stalls and a 125-by-300 outdoor riding pad. A total of 25 of the 40 acres is dedicated to growing their own hay. “Our successes mean more to me now, knowing that my wife and I created the product together,” Yoder said. Melvin said his favorite class is Trail but his operation is very diverse. “We do everything from Reining, Equitation, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship to Ranch Riding and Showmanship and Western Riding,” he said. “I don’t have any gimmicks or special methods of training. I just want my horses to be broke enough that anyone can ride them.” The Yoders have a wide-ranging clientele base, including youth, amateur and non-pro competitors. And, Melvin also has a modest farrier business. Over the last few years, the Yoders have had numerous successful show horses including: • Sleepnmarriedwhoknew – National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Champion Senior Trail Limited Rider; 4th place Open Senior Trail; Reserve World Champion Youth Level 2 Trail, Reserve Congress Champion Level 1 Senior Western Riding; Reserve Congress Cham 34 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JANUARY 2024
pion Level 1 Youth Trail 14-18. • Moonlight Potential – Reserve Congress Champion Level 1 Select Trail, sixth place Quarter Horse Congress 3Year-Old Open Western Pleasure. • VS Sweetryde – Reserve NSBA World Champion Green Junior Trail Limited Rider. • Gunna Be Alright – Tom Powers 2-Year-Old Limited
Open Western Pleasure Champion. Yoder’s clients have also enjoyed plenty of success in the show pen. Some of them include Quarter Horse Congress Champions and Reserve Champions: ttt
Melvin Yoder is pictured on the opposite page (center) with his wife, Elizabeth and daughter, Charlotte. At the top of the page he is pictured with Sleepinmarriedwhoknew at the 2023 NSBA World Championship Show. He is shown in his win picture at the NSBA World Show (bottom left) with VS Sweetryde and headed back to the stalls after showing at the World Equestrian Center. On this page, Melvin is pictured (clockwise from top) showing VS Sweetryde at Little Buckeye in Wilmington, Ohio, with his daughter on a winter escape and hunting with the family.
• Taylor Overmier and Wimpy Code Red – Champion Level 1 Amateur Reining. • Kailee Rife and Biker Chic Dream – Champion Level 1 Youth Ranch Riding. • Ashton Snow and Sleepnmarriedwhoknew – Reserve Champion Queens Horsemanship • Tianna Cooper and Sleepnmarriedwhoknew, Reserve Congress Champions Level 1 Youth Trail 14-18; and SDP Got Fancy Genes, Congress Champions, Level 1 Youth Ranch Riding • Suzanne Cooper and Chexys Cash Card – Reserve Congress Champions, Level 1 Select Ranch Riding • Kailee Rife and Shez Burnin Hot – Reserve Congress Reserve Champions, Level 1 Youth Horsemanship 1418 • Laura Salome and Moonlight Potential – Congress Reserve Champions, Level 1 Amateur Select Trail • Sadie Ross and Miss AOK Bo Acres – Congress Champions, Small Fry Trail In addition, Tianna Cooper was Level 1 Champion of Champions in Youth Equitation with Sleepnmarriedwhoknew and with SDP Got Fancy Genes in Youth Ranch Riding. At the National Snaffle Bit Association’s World Championship Show, Jennifer Michaels and Only Bittersweet were Level 1 Select Trail Champions. Melvin said his favorite part of the job is teaching horses new events while he dreads telling a customer his or her horse is not good enough for the job. A member of the AQHA, NSBA and NRHA, Melvin says when he’s not riding or at a show he enjoys hunting, golfing and fishing but most appreciates spending time with his wife and daughter. He said his idea of perfect happiness is a healthy family, being out of debt and having a barn full of nice horses. To contact Melvin Yoder you can call (567) 674-4513 or you can connect via the Yoder Performance Horses Facebook page.
Open Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a professional profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.
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Chey�ne R�ms North Carolina teen has set her sights on following in the footsteps of her trainer parents Text Olivia Lee Turner Photos Shane Rux & Courtney B. Ament For 14-year-old Cheyenne Reams, the love for a good horse runs deep. As the daughter to long time horse trainers, Steve and Jennifer Reams of Ellerbe, North Carolina, Cheyenne chose to follow in her parents’ footsteps by becoming involved in the horse industry. At the young age of four, Cheyenne competed in the Lead Line class at her first horse show in Camden, South Carolina aboard her first horse, Annie. Over the years, Cheyenne has had the opportunity to compete with many horses, including Best of Jasmine, Tool Man, and Lopen for a Blue. However, Cheyenne says her favorite all-time western horse is her own horse and one the industry has come to know well, Instantly Viral, who is more affectionately known as Wanda. “I’m actually a pretty big Marvel fan, so I named her after Wanda Maximoff,” Cheyenne explained. “I love her character, so I thought, why not include my favorite movie fandom in my horse?” Instantly Viral, sired by Gone Viral out of Huntin A Boss Lady, is a dark, chestnut mare with four white socks who Cheyenne describes as a one-of-a-kind horse who means so much to her that she considers her to be her best friend. Together they have had tremendous success in the show pen, most recently capturing a Reserve Championship in the Youth Western Pleasure 12-14 at the 2023 Quarter Hore Congress, as well as 15th overall in the 3- Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure. But Wanda has not been the only horse Cheyenne has ridden to success at some of the nation’s top shows and futurities. In 2021, teamed with Tool Man (Lugnut), a 2015 chestnut gelding by Mechanic out of Truly Hot Two Spot, Cheyenne placed seventh in the Novice Youth Western Pleasure and sixth in the Level 3 Youth Western Pleasure at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Show. That same year, she and Lugnut were eighth in the Novice Youth Western Pleasure and fourth in the 11 and Under Youth Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse Congress. The following year, Cheyenne and Lopen For A Blue (Bart), a 2014 chestnut gelding by VS Code Blue out of Ona Good Impulse, 38 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JANUARY 2024
placed in the Top 15 in the 12-14 Youth Western Pleasure and fifth in the NYATT Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse Congress. Clearly, the Western Pleasure is where Cheyenne’s heart lies, but she says she also enjoys watching Trail and would love to compete in that event as well one day. She is fascittt
Cheyenne Reams is pictured on the opposite page winning a Reserve Congress Championship in Youth Western Pleasure 1214 with Instantly Viral. She is pictured across the top (left to right) with Tool Man; Lopen For A Blue and in her Congress win picture with Instantly Viral. On this page Cheyenne is pictured (top) showing Instantly Viral in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the 2023 Quarter Horse Congress and below that (left) with long time show buddy, Logan Starnes; and with her mother, Jennifer, and brother, Curtis, at Curtis’ graduation.
nated by the complexity of the pattern. Cheyenne attributes much of her success in life and the horse industry to those she was lucky enough to grow up with and learn from, including her parents; Donnie Dickerson; Susan Simms; Taft Dickerson and Adam Mathis. “I have many people I look up to. They have all been there and supported me ever since I can remember and I would not have been able to do this without them being there,” she said. But two individuals stick out in her mind. “Whenever I think of who my heroes might be, my mind instantly goes to Taft Dickerson and Adam Mathis,” she said. “They are like my big brothers and I know I can always go to them with anything. I constantly ask for their advice and guidance, especially when I'm too scared to go to my parents. I get on their nerves, but I know they love me, and I know if anything's wrong, I can always go to them. So, thank you Adam and Taft for being brutally honest with me even if it hurts my feelings.” Cheyenne has chosen not to participate in many things outside of horses, except for enjoying the occasional good book or helping her dad out with his cattle business and spending time with her parents and brother, Curtis. It’s a decision she’s content with. “Every day is horses,” she said. “I’ve never played sports, nor do I have the desire to. I think I’m pretty good at what I do, and that’s good enough for me.” Cheyenne currently attends North Florida Christian Academy. Once she finishes school, she plans to follow in her parents’ footsteps and begin her own career as a horse trainer. It’s a life filled with ups and downs, something she understands all too well. The advantages include more riding time and experience. She can go to the barn as often as she would like, work with a wide variety of horses, and learn from her parents constantly. But that can work against you, she said. Working in close proximity with her parents as horse trainers, also puts the pressure on for Cheyenne. She says she feels as though she must be able to compete and live up to the accomplishments her parents have had over the years. But, in the end, that also drives her to continue working to meet those expectations and learn from them every day. “We are very big on waiting on the horse to develop and not rush them,” she said. “The rush to develop a horse can set a horse trainer back even further in the long run.” Youth Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a youth profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com. JANUARY 2024 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 39
The
ASSOCIATIONS
DELLIN APPOINTED CEO (IN) APHA NEWS The American Paint Horse Association, a multi-million dollar international organization and the world’s second largest equine breed registry, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Dellin as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. As CEO, Dellin will lead APHA’s family of brands: the non-profit American Paint Horse Association, its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary Marked For Greatness Properties LLC, and the charitable American Paint Horse Foundation. With more than a decade of experience as part of APHA’s senior management team, Dellin brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the position. An Oklahoma State University graduate, Dellin first joined APHA as director of judges in 2012 and was instrumental in the development of innovative showing- and judge-education resources, including APHA’s interactive learning platform horseIQ.com. Dellin’s expertise and experience has yielded partnerships between APHA and other equine organizations to streamline, modernize, and create their own stakeholder resources through APHA’s proprietary platform. Previously, Dellin was a professional horse trainer and judge; he also served as past president of the National Snaffle Bit Association. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead APHA into the future,” Dellin said. “For the last decade, I’ve been proud to be part of one of the most innovative and creative organizations in the equine industry. The opportunity to now lead that same organization is one that I look forward to with great enthusiasm.” For additional information on the American Paint Horse Association visit www.apha.com.
GET THE 2024 AQHA RULE BOOK
RULES AND REGULATIONS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN PRINT The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has made available its Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is now available online as a free PDF at www.aqha.com/aqharulebook. The printed rulebook can be purchased for $10 at www.aqha.com/rulebook-request-form. AQHA members can also download the app for free by visiting your smart phone app store and searching for “AQHA rulebook.” If you previously downloaded a 2023 AQHA Rulebook app, you will need to update the your current app. The AQHA Rulebook represents corporation bylaws; rules
and regulations of registration, racing, shows, and the amateur and youth divisions; and the constitution of AQHYA. The rulebook also answers all your questions regarding AQHA rules, show patterns, horse markings, equipment guidelines and much more. Disclaimer: Because the online version of the AQHA Rulebook can be updated throughout the year, it should be considered the most-current version of the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations. To access the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations, visit www.aqha.com/aqha-rulebook.
TOMORROWS HORSEMEN CLASS 3 MEMBERS LISTED; FIRST SESSION FEB. 5-7 (IN) NSBA NEWS The National Snaffle Bit Association and the NSBA Foundation recently announced the members of the association’s Tomorrows Horsemen Class 3. With a goal of protecting the longevity of the equine industry by teaching ethical and practical business applications along with leadership and professional development skills to young equine professionals, the Tomorrows Horsemen program has shown to have an extensive positive impact on the lives of the graduates of the first two classes.
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New members include: Jess Duffy, Crossroads, Texas; Jessica Noiseux, Falls Village, Connecticut; Justin Melvin, Marysville, Ohio; Kaitlin Hutchinson, Hampstead, North Carolina; Leah Currie, Hampton, NB, Canada; Lee Bennett, Springtown, Texas; Marion Troyer, Apple Creep, Ohio; Morgan Lantz, Fennville, Michigan; Sarah Keith, Longmont, Colorado; and Taylor Pearson, Woodburn, Kentucky The first session of Class 3 will be Feb. 5-7, in Weatherford, Texas.
RIDE SHARES by Katherine Jarve Understand the legal issues involved with accidents when trailering horses for others or death of a horse you do not own while it’s in your care and When non-horse people hear the term “ride sharing,” they riding in your trailer. However, some policies may limit the probably assume you are talking about catching an Uber. But number of miles or trailering trips. horse people probably think of the very common scenario of If in the end there is no insurance available, the driver may asking a friend, barn mate, or fellow horse person heading in be held personally responsible for damage to all people, horses, the right direction to haul your horse. Sometimes this involves the exchange of money and other times it’s done as a favor. No vehicles and equipment if he or she was at fault for an accident. Of course, if another vehicle caused the accident, you have a matter what the arrangements are, you should understand the cause of action against the driver of that vehicle. legal issues that can arise if an accident occurs. Horse hauling liability release. If you are frequently traiPractice hauling safety. Before you set out hauling anlering horses for others, you may consider having a liability reother person’s horse, you should make sure that it can be done lease signed prior to hauling. A release can limit your legal safely. Ensure that your truck and trailer are in good operating exposure in the event that something goes wrong. A wellcondition. Ask the horse owner about any known trailering issues or quirks, such has hating to be loaded first. Keep enough drafted liability release could hold the hauler harmless for infood, water and supplies in the event that there’s an emergency. Finally, make sure that everyone is If you are frequently trailering horses for others, you may comfortable with the situation. For example, some consider having a liability release signed prior to hauling. A drivers may be less experienced or may feel less release can limit your legal exposure in the event that confident trailering someone else’s horse if the trip is long or bad weather is expected. something goes wrong. Check your insurance coverage. What injury or death of a horse and also specify that a horse owner is surance coverage do you have for your truck and trailer? You should understand what insurance will and will not cover in the responsible for any damage caused by his or her own horse. event of an accident. Automobile insurance can provide cover- You should hire an equine attorney to assist you in drafting a release that will be enforceable in a court of law rather than age for damage to the truck and medical coverage for the peodownloading a basic form online. ple inside, but only if that coverage is purchased. However, Monetary compensation. You should also be aware that traditional automobile insurance generally does not provide there are insurance and licensing rules for those who accept coverage to the trailer and its contents, including the horses. Consequently, if you’re in an accident and the horses inside are money to haul horses. Trainers who haul clients’ horses are typically considered “commercial” haulers. If your truck or injured, automobile insurance will not pay for vet bills. Additrailer is part of a business, then you are considered a commertionally, costs for trailer repairs or reimbursement for damaged cial carrier. As a commercial carrier, you may be required to tack and equipment inside will also not be covered. You may consider investing in trailer insurance. Generally, obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, a Motor Carrier (MC) number, and a Commercial Driver’s Litrailer insurance will cover property damage to the trailer as well as damage to its contents. Trailer insurance does not cover cense (CDL). You would need a commercial insurance policy, which usually provides more coverage, but is more expensive. injuries to horses. So what will cover injury or death to the horse? Equine accident and illness insurance. Usually, expensive show horses Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey are insured. This insurance will often cover injuries to your law firm of Jarve Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New horse during travel. If your friend’s horse is insured, it will Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in peralso likely be covered for injuries in a trailering accident when sonal injury and civil litigation, including equine related isyou are behind the wheel. Each horse must have its own insur- sues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the ance policy. A policy taken out on one horse will not provide national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informacoverage for others also in the trailer. tional purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If Finally, if it seems like ride sharing might become a reguyou have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an lar occurrence, you may consider purchasing care, custody and experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or control insurance. This will protect the driver in case of injury suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.
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SENIOR HORSES by Sarah Welk Baynum Actions you can take to keep your older arthritic horse comfortable
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help combat loss of muscle and reduce stiffness. Some horses Osteoarthritis poses a threat to soundness and athletic might benefit from 10 minutes of longe work (at the walk and longevity in any horse but especially senior horses. The conditrot) prior to working under saddle to allow them time to warm tion can affect horses in obvious ways, such as lameness, but up without a rider. Walking and trotting over ground poles and sometimes the signs of arthritis are subtle. Because horses are cavaletti can also help senior horses maintain their muscle tone, prey animals, they are adept at hiding pain, which can make it said Garcia-Lopez. After exercise, topical therapies, such as challenging to identify these more subtle signs of discomfort. liniment or ice boots can be used to reduce inflammation, pain, “Subtle signs of osteoarthritis in senior horses can include and stiffness. alterations in their everyday activities,” says Kara Brown, Supplements, Medications and Other Treatments VMD, Dipl. ACVSMR, assistant professor of equine sports If your horse has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, feedmedicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania’s through supplements might be used to slow its progression or New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square. “For instance, a horse may be slower to come in from the field, have difficulty getting reduce pain levels. down to roll, or standing up from lying down. In rare cases, horses can even begin showing signs of Veterinarians might prescribe oral medications for pain sleep deprivation because they aren’t able to lie management in senior horses with osteoarthritis, including down and rest, resulting in periods of collapse due phenylbutazone, firocoxib, acetaminophen, and pregabalin. to exhaustion.” Under saddle, these horses might present with poor performance, such as being unMost practitioners recommend monitoring your horse able to complete a flying lead change, or lack of periodically using blood work to ensure he’s maintaining impulsion. normal organ function on these medications. Noticing these early subtle signs of arthritis before they progress is crucial, says Kyla Ortved, “There are numerous studies being performed and pubDVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, associate professor lished evaluating the effects of other supplements, such as of large animal surgery at New Bolton Center. “Our goal with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and othosteoarthritis is early recognition of joint injuries and inflamers,” says Brown. “Unfortunately, some label claims for supmation. That way, we can limit the progression of arthritis and plements are not supported by good-quality clinical trials, and I keep the joint as healthy as possible as the horse ages.” would encourage anyone considering oral supplements to evalWorking The Arthritic Horse uate the evidence behind their use and consult your veterinarian “Similar to humans, becoming sedentary is the kiss of the death for a horse with arthritis,” says Ortved. “Horses do better about any potential risks with use in your horse.” Instead, veterinarians agree that managing body weight has when they are allowed to, and encouraged to, move around and a more significant effect on senior horses with arthritis, espeengage in controlled exercise.” cially in those that are overweight. “Increased weight and fatty With regular maintenance, many horses continue working tissue can not only increase the amount of load on the limbs but and competing into their senior years. “Regular exercise, a also result in more pain and lameness in horses with oshealthy diet that is not too high in protein (although each teoarthritis,” says Brown. Osteoarthritis can make weight manhorse’s needs vary depending on their metabolic status) and making sure that the horse’s body condition remains as ideal as agement challenging for horse owners because it can lead to reduced movement, lack of calorie output, and, therefore, more possible can make a huge difference in these senior horses,” weight gain. Be sure to monitor your senior horse’s weight and says Jose Garcia-Lopez, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, associate professor of large animal surgery at New Bolton. “If a body condition score regularly to prevent him from losing mussenior horse develops pain or unsoundness due to osteoarthritis, cle condition and gaining weight. Veterinarians might prescribe oral medications for pain they will tend to move around less and begin using their bodies management in senior horses with osteoarthritis, including in an incorrect fashion which results in loss of muscle tone and phenylbutazone, firocoxib, acetaminophen, and pregabalin. conditioning.” Most practitioners recommend monitoring your horse periodiImplementing regular carrot stretches for 10-15 minutes cally using blood work to ensure he’s maintaining normal prior to exercise can help a senior horse’s body warm up to
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ARTHRITIS (continued) organ function on these medications. Our sources agree that intra-articular therapies can help decrease inflammation within the joint. Veterinarians base their injectable joint therapy selections primarily on your horse’s specific needs, such as which joint is affected, the severity of the arthritis, and potential side effects of the medication. While there is currently no injectable medication that completely regenerates damaged cartilage, treating joints with osteoarthritis early in the disease process—based on clinical signs—can decrease inflammation, slow the disease’s progression, and reduce clinical signs. “I prefer to use joint injections on an as-needed basis rather than just keeping horses on a specific maintenance schedule,” says Ortved. In addition to the interventions described, work closely with your farrier and veterinarian team to ensure the biomechanics of the hoof are optimized to improve your horse’s comfort. “Many horses can be managed very well barefoot with timely trimming; however, some horses do seem more comfortable with the additional support of shoes,” Ortved adds. Take-Home Message If your senior horse has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, watch for subtle signs of pain, continually monitor your horse’s comfort levels, and maintain a good working relationship with your veterinarian so you can be ready to make changes to your horse’s treatments and management strategies when needed. Warming your horse up well before exercise and maintaining them at a healthy weight can also help reduce the stress placed on their joints. Sarah Welk Baynum is a freelance writer and author. She graduated from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Business and and Facility Management.
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BUZZ
The
ON THE WEB (www.instrideedition.com) (IN) LIFE
AQHA and NSBA professional trainer Rick Klaus and Andrea Passe were wed on Oct. 7, at Historic Hope Glenn Farm in Cottege Grove, Minnesota. Andrea is a Sales Specialist for Purina Feeds. Klaus owns and operates Rick Klaus Show Horses in Cottage Grove.
(IN) DEATH
Breeder and trainer Kelsey AnnaLouise Tumey, 36, of Rockville, Indiana passed away on Dec. 20, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was a graduate of Rockville High School and a member of the American Quarter Horse, Indiana Quarter Horse, National Snaffle Bit, and American Paint Horse associations. Carole Ann Leeman of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on Nov. 10, at the age of 80. Carole and her husband of many years, Fritz Leeman, owned Leeman Farm, the one-time home of many AQHA stallions, including, Invitation Only, Lazy Loper, Cheesing It, Footwork Revolution, How Bout This Cowboy and Willy Be Invited. Ohio Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame Member Alan Roy Potts passed away on Dec. 10 in Coschocton at the age of 89. He served as president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, as well on every standing committee. He was involved with the All American Quarter Horse Congress from its inception, as well as being a TriChairman of the Congress for many years.
ANNUAL GALLOP STALLION SERVICE AUCTION FEATURES MANY WORLD CHAMPIONS OVER $2 M RAISED FOR CHARITIES OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS The 41st Annual Gallop Stallion Service Auction, presented by Rhodes River Ranch is slated for Sunday, Jan. 29, at Northern Quest Resort & Casino Doors in Airway Heights, Washington. A total of 46 stallions, including 33 World Champions and many Reserve World, Congress, NCHA, NRCHA, NSBA, and NRHA Champions are featured this year. Stallion breeding fees range from $500 to $5,000 per service. “We like to keep a pocketbook range, so everyone has a chance to be a part of the Gallop event and help our mission, as well as to raise the bar of their breeding program,” said Gallop Event Coordinator Barbara Turner. You need not be present to bid on the services. Pre-bidding is currently being taken, or you can bid on the day of the Auction in the Pavilion by calling Gallop’s toll-free number and speaking to an operator starting at 11 am (PST). For those who would like to bid online or from your cell phone, bids can be taken after you pre-register online at any time. Watch the event stream live at www.GallopAuction.com and have your credit card ready. If toll-free calling in, make sure to call one or two services before the one you are interested in. Are you not going to be near a computer? Are you on the
road, working, or hauling home from a horse show? Do not worry; contact Barb Turner, and arrangements for your bid before services hit the auction block can be taken. In addition to the stallion services the auction features non-service items like a three-day, two night stay for two in a exquisitely appointed Meadow Home at the Resort at Paws Up; a special McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital breeding package, including seven days mare board, all ultrasound exam fees, insemination fees, uterine culture fees, prostaglandins, ovulation induction drugs, caslicks if needed and pregnancy diagnosis in 14 Days; a one-night, two-day all-inclusive Dude Ranch vacation at KDiamond-K Guest Ranch in Republic, Washington; and much more. Since the start of the Gallop event, the Auction has raised $2,274,363.80, supporting three charities. Since 2006 the event has supported the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest. The Ronald McDonald House, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, provides temporary lodging, comfort, and support for families with children accessing medical services. For details on this year’s listings visit the Gallop website at: www.Gallopauction.com or Gallop’s Facebook page at Gallop Stallion Services Auction. For more information, contact: Barbara Turner at (509) 990-4167 or email: tttqh@aol.com.
JASON SMITH FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE ‘BE LIKE BRUCE’ AWARD ESTABLISHED RECENTLY BY THE WCHA The World Conformation Horse Association (WCHA) recently established an award to both honor and remember Bruce Walquist, a highly respected WCHA member and Specialized Halter Judge. The positive influence Bruce had on this industry can never be
forgotten and WCHA wanted to recognize professionals in our association that “best emulate” those qualities. “It is fitting that Jason Smith be named as the first recipient of the Be Like Bruce Award,” said Don Falcon, WCHA Executive Director. “He
has many of the same qualities as a professional trainer as Bruce. We were honored to have Bruce’s wife, Cindy, and daughter, Whitney Walquist Vicars, present the award at the WCHA Hall Of Fame Banquet at the WCHA Breeder’s Championships.”
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Armellini, Stephanie .............................57
Dickerson Show Horses .........................55
Lakins, Kenny ......................................50
Dobbs Insurance ..................................50
Leeman Farms ......................................53
Backes QH ..........................................51
Looney Show Horses ......................10-11
Baker Futurity Horses .....................26, 51
Elite Trailers .........................................53
Baker Show Horses .............................2-3
Equine Healthcare Int ..............................6
March To The Arch ..........................36-37
Bar H Photography ...............................55
English Show Horses......................51, BC
McLendon, Farley ..................................5
Barry, Jon .............................................55
Fisher, Alan ..........................................55
North Farm .....................................41-43
BattMan .................................................9
Folck Insurance ....................................55
Barger QH ...........................................51
Blue Ribbon Tack .................................51
Parrish Quarter Horses ...........................53
BooYah Custom Clothing .......................53
Galyean, Gil ........................................52
Pilot Knob ............................................50
Boxell, John .........................................52
Garcia Quarter Horses ...........................52
Powers, Tom ........................................55
Briere, Pierre ........................................51
Glover/Galyean ...................................54
Britton, Blake .......................................50
Golden West ........................................51
Recchiuti, Donnie ................................52
Burris, Tony ..........................................50
Gumz Farms .............................18-20, 54
Roberts, Alyse ..................................... 50 Roberts Quarter Horses ..........................51
CAC Show Horses ................................50
Harris Leather ..................................7, 52
Capital Qtr Horses ....................FC, 12-17
Hidden Creek Farm ..............................32
Caplinger Qtr Horses .............................54
Horn, Ron ............................................53
Chafin Perf. Horses ..............................53
Ryan Geiger Photography ......................54
Shane Rux Photography .........................55 Starnes Insurance Agency ......................54
Coast To Coast Trailers ............................54
Jeff Kirkbride Photography .....................52
Sweet Shop ..........................................54
Cook, JR & Melissa .............................2-3
Jones, Chris & Melissa .............................54
CR Ranchwear .....................................52
JML Design ..........................................51
Voge Quarter Horses ............................33
Kathy’s Tails ..........................................52
Wheeler Show Horses ............................50
Kendalls Western Hats ...........................50
Williams, Kathy ...................................50
CT QH .................................................52 Custom Tails ........................................54
DAC ....................................................53
Kennedy, Kathie ...................................53
Darci’s Show Horses .............................53
Knelly, Laura ........................................51
Davis, Wayne & Judy ............................53
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Zeitler, Mark & Judy .............................55 Zuidema Perf Horses .............................55