Mmha newsletter june dec 2016

June - December 2016

MASS MORGAN

NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE: -

Mass Morgan Horse Show....2016

-

Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship MMHS Youth of the Year Contest

Dressage at Mass Morgan Carriage Driving at Mass Morgan

Trotting

in with News from....

USEF Award and Scholarship winner.. Lexie Ferris

* President's Message *Committee News * Membership and MMHA Update *Chuck Wagon *Ask the Membership *Let us Remember....Peter Webster

Committee News Youth: •

•

MMHA Anna Ela Memorial $2000.00 Scholarship is posted on www.massmorgan.com. There is a new format. Completed applications must be submitted by August 1st.

The Youth Council is looking for active members.

Plans are again being made to bring all Youth together at the 2017 Mass Morgan Horse Show.

Members are needed to help coordinate activities during the show. Anyone interested can contact Sue Therrien at sue.therrien@gmail.com.

Communications: •

We want to hear from you! If you have a question you would like us to answer, please send it along. If you have a special event you would like us to post on our calendar, let us know. Please submit questions/ events to Chris Delude at kdelude3028@charter.net or Judy Candage at jcandage@cericfab.com.

Membership: •

Have you renewed your Mass Morgan membership??? You can renew at www.massmorgan.com, or email Judy Candage at jcandage@cericfab.com for a membership application.

Happy New Year from the Mass Morgan Horse Association !

As the New Year begins, we reflect on the year

that has just past, and we begin to set our goals for the next year. Let us take a few minutes to celebrate the good times we've had with our

friends and reflect on those that we have lost

during 2016. Remember and smile, "And we'll

take a right good-will draught for auld lang syne."

Let us never forget them.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year ! Looking forward to a great year and seeing everyone in 2017 !

Horse Show: 2017 * The show committee is planning another fun and exciting show ! Go to www.massmorgan.com for more details that will be coming soon !

Banquet Committee : * Saturday, March 4, 2017 will be the date for the Mass Morgan Horse Association Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. It will be held at the Villa Rose Restaurant, Ludlow, MA. More information will be posted on the website including year end point totals.The Banquet Committee is planning to make this a very ! enjoyable, fun evening !

Gail P. Camara-Marks

Mass Morgan Horse Show...2016 Submitted by: Chris Delude

The 45th Mass Morgan Horse Show was held on August 17 - 20, 2016 at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts. There are many reasons why this show continues to be the 3rd largest Morgan horse show in the country ! The show offers a variety of classes across all of the divisions that include In Hand, Hunter, Classic, Pleasure, Park, Western, Carriage, Dressage and Academy. There are activities and games provided for both young and old along with several parties during the week.

But above all, the Mass Morgan Horse Show continues to provide a warm and welcoming environment that makes this the horse show place to be .... and it was.... for almost 400 horses and their riders.

Mass Morgan is known for its entertaining themes which add to the excitement and energy at the show, and this year was no exception. This year's theme, "Throwback," featured a centre ring that displayed a time machine that opened up on Friday night to a smoking, roaring volcano, the 1995 theme that was one of the show committee's favorites. The theme was also celebrated in the barn aisles, the box seats in the coliseum, at the parties and the games, with the centre ring officials and the exhibitors. The centre ring time machine was created by the talented crew of the horse show committee.

The show, managed by Molly O'Brien together with the show committee co- chaired by Cindy Mugnier and Jillian Marks, attempted to make sure that the horses, exhibitors and trainers were all well taken care of. Conky Price livened things up as Paddock Master, and Ringmasters Jerome Parker and Steve Ducharme kept a watchful eye on the classes. Grace Yaglou sounded the horn at the Friday night session. Judges Phil Fountain and Larry Thurber were kept very busy judging in the

main ring of the coliseum with a good number of classes being large and very competitive. The Hunter, Classic Pleasure Saddle and Driving classes, as well as, the Western, Pleasure and Park classes had high numbers and quality horses.

In the outdoor rings, many participants came to show their carriage and dressage horses, including western dressage. The weather was beautiful, and the carriage judge W. Craig Kellogg was kept busy judging the numerous carriage classes.

The X-Pro class in the carriage division was a big hit again !

The ridden dressage classes, judged by Ida Norris, were also well represented.

A spectator at the dressage arenas for the 2016 MMHS would certainly have observed and appreciated the partnership between horse and rider/driver working in harmony. (See articles that follow on dressage and carriage at MMHS.) The MMHS always takes a great deal of pride in the Silent Auction that is held during the horse show. Over 40 items, all generously donated, were bid on. This year the proceeds went to the Anna Ela Scholarship Fund with Olyvia O'Brien being the recipient of the $2000.00 award and also to The National Museum of the Morgan Horse in Vermont, a 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated, among other things, to educating the public about the Morgan horse.

The Youth Contest, an annual event at the show, had very good participation.

A large group of riders also participated in the Academy classes that were held on Saturday afternoon, including a therapeutic leadline class.

Every year the trophy booth at MMHS is a busy place where in addition to the ribbons and trophies that are given out, old friends come to visit and new friends are made and this year was no exception... in fact it had it's own very special "Throwback Moment" !

Katie Coney Hennessy, along with her 9 month old son, Connor, and her mother, Ann Coney, stopped at the booth and asked to see the Jill Lampman Trophy. Katie won the trophy in 2003 and 2004 as a Junior Exhibitor Equitation rider. She has since

moved to Washington but was home visiting her mother and was able to catch a ride on Pondview EZ Spirit at the show.

In addition to Katie showing, Ann also showed in the Limit Classic Pleasure Driving class. "It's been so long since I showed, and I started showing again this year under the direction of Nikki Rae Woodworth at KGA Morgans," Ann told us.

Her excitement was so obvious as she talked about her drive and how grateful she was to everyone who made this possible.

Mass Morgan Horse Show is about horses and people and a sense of joy and personal accomplishment. It is about showing passion for what we love... no matter what ribbon we win. It is about developing a harmony between horse and rider and feeling the thrill of that connection. It is about those who show and those who once showed... and come back to show again to feel that excitement once more. It is for the young and the young at heart and those who cheer for them... like the father on the rail who shouted out, " That's my daughter ! " as the announcer called her name.

All too quickly Saturday evening came and the show drew to a close. The parties and games held during the week brought old friends together and welcomed new friends to our Mass Morgan community. The Mass Morgan Horse Show committee congratulates all who participated in the horse show this year and wishes to thank everyone who contributed to making this show such a great success.

Looking forward to Seeing everyone in 2017 !

Thank you all for participating in the

Mass Morgan Horse Show 2016!

Dressage at Mass Morgan.... 2016 Submitted by: Tina DeLullo If you are ever at Mass Morgan and in need of some fresh air, wander over to the dressage ring behind the state buildings. There you will see riders and horses focusing on the movements and directives necessary to achieve balance and harmony between the two. You might also see horses that once showed in the main ring and are now enjoying a different career at X, the centre of the dressage ring.

One such horse is Three J's Love Note. This 14 year old bay mare embodies the versatility and heart of the Morgan horse. Her varied show resume includes successful seasons showing in-hand, park harness, pleasure driving, hunter pleasure, jumping, Western pleasure, and now for the past two years, classical and Western dressage. Paige, as she is known around the barn, is owned by Bob and Francesca Piano of Piano Morgans and trained by Courtney Scionti at her Whispering Meadows Farm in Hudson, NY. Francesca, who has been riding with Cortney since she was six years old, is Paige's rider, and while Paige has been in Courtney's barn for several years, it is only recently that Piano Morgans purchased the mare.

While Paige's resume is impressive, her conditioning is even more impressive. At open shows, she is shown in as many as 15 classes in one day, and at Mass Morgan this year, Paige showed in 12 classes over the course of the three dressage days. And she didn't just show; she won ! This willing mare garnered nine first place ribbons, two seconds, and one third while showing on the Western dressage introductory and basic levels, classical dressage introductory and training levels, and in the AMHA dressage medal class. Her solid scores throughout the week enabled her to bring home championship ribbons in both the Western dressage basic and classical dressage introductory level senior rider divisions as well as reserve championships in the Western dressage introductory and classical dressage training level senior rider divisions. Quite an accomplishment for any team on the fairgrounds !

Carriage Division at Mass Morgan....

A Competitive and Cooperative Team !

Submitted by: Andrea Pianka The carriage division at the 2016 Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show was full of wonderful Morgans and their capable drivers. Carriage driving " takes a team" and these exhibitors display not only good horsemanship but tremendous sportsmanship as well. Elsie Rodney's Co-Op is like a best kept secret ! Carriage drivers who might not have any specific trainer come together to stable next to each other at the shows. They support and help one another. They share the cost of a tack stall and a stall for clothes and changing.

Part of the group included Doug and Andrea Coursey with their Morgan, San Andreas Bay. Doug and "Andre" had a fantastic show, earning good ribbons including the X-Pro Working class and the Dressage Training Level Test 3 Open.

The X-Pro division gives professional horse trainers from the show ring an opportunity to try carriage driving! Doug and Josh Noble teamed up for the X-Pro. Doug commented on the show and being a part of the Co-Op. " I think that Mass Morgan is the best show of the season. Very competitive, large classes and very tough competition, but everyone always cheers for each other."

Also part of the Co-Op is Nora Katz and her Battersea Toulouse, Amy Severino and her Silver Lake in Line, and Barbara Estey and Meadowmere Storm Watch.

Norma and "Rudy" won Arena Driving Obstacles for the Open Division, Super Reinsmanship Test 2 in Open, Dressage Prelim Test 2, Pick Your Own Route Open Obstacles and X-Pro Carriage Obstacles Timed ! Richard Boule teamed up with Norma for the X-Pro division. Norma's sister, Barbara Estey, won the Combined Dressage for the Prelim Level.

Also competing at MMHS was Shirley Haas and her mare Rare Obsession, who are doing wonderfully for their first season in the carriage division. Shirley and "Nicole" won their Limit Reinsmanship and Pick Your Own Route Limit Obstacles.

It only proves how versatile the Morgan can be ! Tim Morrell and DRF Sea Wolf are no strangers to carriage. Tim and his dynamic chestnut partner won the Carriage Driving Working Open, Conquer the World Open, Carriage Obstacles Times Open as well as the Concours D'Elegance and the Carriage Class Championship. DRF Sea Wolf is owned by Mr.and Mrs. Carol Ramsey-Rice.

Joanne Podles showed The Rice's DRF Sea Hawk during the MMHS, as well.

Coming in reserve for the Championship Class was Gino Guaraldi and Andrea Van Seters handsome buckskin gelding, Broadway Rhythm in Brass. Gino's wife, Kim, won the Fault and out Obstacles Limit with their typey Townsend Total Recall. Janet Yeager won the Dressage Training Test 3 for the Limit Division with

the elegant Absolute Sparkle. The Open Division Fault and Out was Jeff Dudley and his handsome Sunny Acres Shameless.

The MMHS does not disappoint with their carriage division, and it is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. It is exciting and refreshing to see competitors who are so supportive of one another. Can't wait until next year !

Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship Winner..... Olyvia O'Brien Congratulations to Olyvia O'Brien, the MMHA 2016 winner of the Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship.

Olyvia grew up in the Morgan community. She showed walk-trot, hunt, classic saddle and driving, and most recently, western. She shows under the banner of Timber Hill Stables. Olyvia will begin her college career in the Fall of 2016 at the University of New Hampshire.

Mass Morgan Youth Contest... 2016 Submitted by: Sue Galvin

The Youth Contest at the MMHS again attracted a large number of participants.

Carolyn Ritter, Youth Contest Coordinator, did an excellent job of organizing this event. The contestants participated in a written exam, oral presentation, judging sessions, and horsemanship patterns. Each participant is individually judged and awarded a numerical score. Accumulation of points from each section is applied to determine the final score and the placing for each contestant. Participants were divided into Senior, Junior, and Walk- Trot Divisions. In the Senior Division, the winner is named the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show Youth of the Year and qualifies to compete in the AMHA Youth of the Year Finals at the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma. MMHA reimburses the winner for a substantial part of his/her travel expenses.

Senior Division Awards are as follows: First Place - Nicole Bobbi Second Place - Victoria Rico Third Place - Molly Zajac Fourth Place - Kayla McGovern Fifth Place - Brook Blair Sixth Place - Margaret Thomas

Junior Division Awards are as follows: First Place - Caprice Tondalo Second Place - Erin Robinson Third Place - Jenna Day Fourth Place - Emily Roberts

Walk Trot Division Awards are as follows: First place - Chase Daigneault Second Place - Brianna Guadalupe Third Place - Kaitlyn Aho Fourth Place - Emma Rose Greenwood Fifth Place - Michaella Ibraham Sixth Place - Brook Dale Seventh Place - Rihanna Blair

Chase Daigneault, age 9, was the overall winner of the Walk Trot Division.

She states that she enjoys participating in the Youth Contest. This is her second year of participation. Brianna Guadalupe, age 12, was awarded the Reserve Champion ribbon the this division. This is her first year as a participant at the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. Brianna described her participation as an on-going learning experience about horses. Brianna' mother, Shauna Smith, is supportive of her daughter's participation. She stated it will help her with her schooling and future education since the contest allows the participants to review their work and scores

with the contest manager to understand their responses and improve on their scores in the future.

Both Chase and Brianna are extremely proud of their accomplishments. They plan on continuing their participation and learning about the Morgan horse. Who knows.... someday one of these participants may be standing in centre ring as a judge at the Mass Morgan Horse Show..... remembering the 2016 centre ring Time Machine !

________________________________________________________________

Trotting in with News from .....

USEF Congratulations to Alexandra "Lexie" Ferris 2016 USEF Youth Sportsmanship Award and Scholarship Winner !

The award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and recognise outstanding youth members for their achievements.

WELCOME TO THE MMHA CHUCK WAGON SHARE YOUR RECIPES FOR THE HORSE SHOWS,TRAIL RIDES AND ANYTHING ELSE HORSE RELATED !

COWBOY POTATO CASSEROLE

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, cooked and drained ( or ground turkey) 6 medium red potatoes cut into 1 1/2 " cubes 1 medium onion chopped 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes w green chilies 1/4 cup water 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 15 oz can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp pepper 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese Brown the hamburg and drain off excess fat. Add to crock pot along with the rest of the ingredients, except cheese. Cover and cook on low for 7 -8 hours ! Sprinkle cheese in last 15 min.

Submitted by: Denise Pianka


Mass Morgan would like to thank all the folks renewing and to welcome those joining for the first time! Memberships are coming in daily through the web site as well as coming in the mail! If you have any questions or difficulty with the web site, please call Judy Candage 978-265-8209 ASK The Membership??

In the Fall, an email was sent to the MMHA membership asking for input regarding Morgan horses competing or participating around the Commonwealth in shows other than those listed in the Combined Prize List (CPL). The following responses were received : North East Dressage Association (NEDA) Shows Local Hunt Clubs (Hunt Paces) BSTRA rides - Bay State Trail Riders Association Weston-Wayland Open Spring Horse Show Leverett Competitive Trail Ride Eastern Trail Ride New England Arabian Trail Organization Rowley Riding Club North Shore Horse Show Series Beach Rides

The MMHA would like to acknowledge and congratulate everyone who enjoys their Morgan horse whether it be in a show or dressage ring, out on the trails, on a beach ride or riding or driving in their back yard !

We would love to hear about your horse and your experiences with him/her. If you would like to share, please contact Judy Candage (jcandage@cericfab.com or Chris Delude @ kdelude3028@charter.net.)

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: We want to hear from you!!!! If you have a question you like to to consider, please send it along! We want to hear what you would like to know: horsemanship, nutrition, riding, etc. Please submit your questions to Judy Candage (jcandage@cericfab.com)

N

Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association President - Gail Camara-Marks Vice President - Melissa Morrell Secretary- Chris Delude Treasurer - Jeff Morse Clerk - Judy Candage

List of Committees: Development Committee: Melissa Miskiv -Keene - Chairperson Horse Show Committee: Cindy Mugnier/Jillian Marks - Co-Chairs Communications Committee: Chris Delude - Chairperson Youth Committee: Susan Therrien - Chairperson Banquet Committee: Melissa Morrell - Chairperson Finance Committee: Jeff Morse - Chairperson Governance Committee: Kenn Delude - Chairperson Membership Committee - Judy Candage - Chairperson

---------------------------------------------------------Annual Meeting and Election, March 4, 2017 If anyone is interested in serving on the MMHA Board of Directors, please contact Gail Marks at (QUITTACAS@aol.com) on or before January 31st.

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Let us always remember.......

Peter S. Webster

Last year the Mass Morgan Horse Association lost Peter Webster, a multi-term president of the association and a multi-decade member of the horse show committee. He loved the Morgan horse, loved driving and loved to have fun.

An award has been established in his honor and memory: The Spirit of Mass Morgan Award, an honor, bestowed to the person or persons who in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the MMHA, has exhibited a loyalty to Mass Morgan with the same true friendship, wild humor, grace and ultimate sportsmanship that inspired his life.

Peter Webster will forever hold a place in our hearts, as will all the other members of the horse show community that we lost in 2016 !