In This Issue: Women In The Horse Industry Youth Pages.................... 7, 31 & 46 4-H..................................................16 Equine Health by Neely...............23 Therapeutic Riding.......................29 Cattle Producers of Louisiana.......68
FEATURED ARTICLES Louise Fox.................................Cover Kalee McCann..........................Cover Michele Rodriguez...................Cover Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2015 Laura Sumrall....................................7 Miss Rodeo America 2015 Lauren Heaton................................24 Tori LeBlanc....................................26 Kayli Meaux....................................45 Breakaway Barn..............................55 Michall Broussard..........................56 The Young Family..........................64
Calendar of Events Page 6
Lungeing and Long Reining with Louise Fox
By Barbara Newtown
On February 7th, Louise Fox gave a demonstration of lungeing and long reining techniques. Her talk took place in the indoor arena at Riverpoint Equestrian Center in Haughton, Louisiana, where the attendees not only listened to Louise but also watched theory in action as Louise worked three horses at different stages of development. Continued on page 11..
Kalee McCann, AQHYA President By Barbara Newtown Kalee McCann, 19 years old, is the President of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association. She is currently a freshman at East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi. She will be transferring to Texas A & M in August to continue her studies in chemistry, and will ride on A & M’s equestrian team. She hopes to go on to dental school and specialize in pediatric orthodontics. “Most of my family hates going to the dentist, but I have always enjoyed going. I’ve had good teeth my whole life!” Kalee is from Sebastopol, Mississippi, which, she says, is very small. Her family lives on a farm on the outskirts of town, right beside her grandparents. Her little brother Wyatt, 16, is a roper, so they have a roping arena. The family has 150 Longhorn cows and “plenty of horses” and a big barn on about 75 acres. Kalee explains that when Longhorns are
born, they have little knobs where the horns will start growing in about two months. “We want our cows to keep their horns,” she says. Continued on page 28..
Michele Rodriguez: Raising, Racing, and Rescuing By Barbara Newtown
Michele Rodriguez, owner (with her husband, Lee Daniel Thomas) of Elite Thoroughbreds and a member of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of Directors, gives avid support to the Louisiana-bred incentive program. (Go to the LTBA website www. louisianabred.com to download the By-Laws.) Michele contends that the Louisiana breeders’ awards program is among the most lucrative in the country. For instance, each of the four racetracks in the state offers a day of stakes races exclusively showcasing Louisiana bred horses; no other state
offers more than one for the whole state.
Continued on page 75..
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2015-2016 Horseman’s Directory Deadline: June 10, 2015 Often called, “The Horseman’s Bible” Glove Box Size – Card Covered Book, Full color, an invaluable reference book of contacts, resources and services for horsemen in our state. The Who’s Who in the industry!
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April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Horse Racing Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred Horse Racing April 8th – August 29th | Post Time 5:45pm Delta Downs Quarter Horse Racing April 22nd – July 11th | Post Time 6:15pm Young Guns Bull Riding Practice Day | First Saturday of Every Month Info: 985-351-6862 www.younggunsbullriding.com | Livingston, LA April 10th & 11th Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Vernon Parish Junior High Leesville Lions Club Arena | Leesville, LA USDF Region 9 Texas Rose Dressage Classic I & II Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 | Tyler, TX Miss. High School Rodeo Assoc. Purvis II High School Rodeo Info: www.mshsra.org | Purvis, MS
April 10th – 12th 2nd Annual Race for the Kids $15,000 Added | Moorehouse Activity Center Info: Brittany Bryant 318-372-5784 | Bastrop, LA
April 11th & 12th Heart of Dixie Palomino Exhibitors Assoc. PHBA/PtHA/Open Show| Lee County Agricenter Info: 662-566-5600 | Verona, MS
Lucky Dog Productions $7,000 Added Open 4D $10,000 Future Fortunes Bonus Money Mississippi Horse Park Info: Christy Lewis 870-930-7717 | Starkville, MS
NBHA LA 06 Bunny Barrel Blast | Florida Parishes Arena Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA
April 11th Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: Celine Perry 225-235-0570 or www.dsshsa.org | Baton Rouge, LA 2nd Annual Blue Bayou Bull Bash Cross Point Cowboy Church Info: 870-784-3043 | Nashville, AR Whitesboro Riding Club Whitesboro Riding Club Arena Open Playday Buckle Series | Info: Allison @ 940-231-4753 or | Amie @ 903-564-7700 Whitesboro, TX
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April 10th – 12th Lucky Dog Productions WPRA, BBR, FF, $7000 Added Open 4D Info: Christy Lewis 870-930-7717 | Starkville, MS April 11th South Louisiana Team Sorting Assoc. Info: www.sltsa.com or email: sltsa@hotmail.com Port Allen, LA | Bienvenue Acres Spring Fun Horse and Pony Show Open to Riders of all breeds & Disciplines Gates Open @ 8:00am | Info: Email: div9llcno@ nocoxmail.com or | Barn # 228-357-0431 Shannon Engleby 252-214-2812 | Gulfport, MS
Mississippi Junior High School Rodeo Assoc. Purvis Rodeo Club | Info: msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com www.mjhsra.org | Purvis, MS La Tech Horse Show North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA April 11th & 12th Bunny Barrel Blast Open 4D Barrel Race Florida Parishes Arena | Amite, LA Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Vernon Parish High School Leesville Lions Club Arena | Leesville, LA Texas High School Rodeo Assoc. Region 5 | Show 10 & 11 Nacogdoches Expo Center Info: 409-656-8088 or 409-296-3818 Email: regionvsecretary@gmail.com Nacogdoches, TX Sothern Louisiana Hunter Jumper Assoc. Hunters Bluff Farm | Info: www.slhja.com
Continued on Page 49...
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Laura Sumrall: By Barbara Newtown
At the 2015 Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi, in mid-February, I spoke with Laura Sumrall, 23, of Summit, Mississippi, the 2014-2015 Mississippi Rodeo Queen. Laura is a member of the Texas A & M NCEA team and has been riding for 13 years in most Western disciplines, but her passion is reining. “I love it,” she says. “We reiners are ‘rules’ people, but we’re not really strict.” Reiners have markers where they are supposed to perform movements like rollbacks and sliding stops, but a reining competition allows a bit more freedom than dressage or Western dressage, where movements are supposed to happen right opposite a letter in a small arena. “You get to choose what fits you and your horse, rather than ‘You have to do the spin right here!’ Reiners have to execute everything ‘on point,’ but if you’re going for a rundown and stop, you can take two or three or four strides past your marker, and decide when to ‘pull the trigger’—when to slide to a stop.” Laura says, “’Pulling the trigger’ isn’t really a technical term— it’s a frame of mind.” Reining horses love their jobs. If they don’t love it, they aren’t going to put forth the effort. “Doing the reining pattern is fun for the successful horses and reiners. If they don’t love it, they’re not going to make it in the sport. It takes training and effort, but in the end they’ve got to love it to succeed,” she says. Training and love are the keys to success. On March 28th Laura proved she had all the right keys on her equestrian key ring: at the SEC Championships in College Station, Texas, Laura scored 150, the highest reining total ever recorded in SEC competition. When Laura enters the arena to ride a reining pattern, the first thing she does is take a big, deep breath and totally relax. “I do believe in that unspoken language
Mississippi Rodeo Queen
that horses and people have together,” she says. “The horses come in into the arena with their own frames of mind. It’s really fun to feel horses say, ‘Let’s get this started!’ On the other hand, one of my favorite show mares, when we’d have a walk-in pattern, she would walk in so slowly….if she’d walked in any more slowly, she would have gone backwards! You couldn’t speed her up…she’d place one foot, then another, then another. Her attitude was, ‘You’re going to wait on me!’ Then we’d get to the center, and she’d be ready to go. And I’ve had others that would trot all the way to the middle, they were so eager to get started.” Laura explains that reining, in the real show world, is all one-handed, once you get past the snaffle bit stage. (In a bosal, you can use two hands.) At the upper levels, dressage and reining end up at the same place—signaling with the curb, using the spur not for punishment but for refinement, using the pressure of the outside rein, and keeping the aids subtle. To Laura, reiners are all about the horse being willfully guided through the pattern with no obvious cues from the rider. Your feet and hands may be telling the horse what to do next, but the spectators shouldn’t see the rider up on the horse’s neck, pulling the reins, flapping the feet. Dressage, too, at the highest levels, gives the impression that the rider is sitting still. We discuss reining and dressage cues. Right lead, for Laura, means that her left leg is on and slightly back, and the right leg is off. In dressage, the right leg is on, at the girth, ready to supply energy to keep the canter coming through with the inside hind. The outside leg is slightly farther back, to hold the outside hindquarter. Laura says, “We reiners also keep the outside leg back. On some horses, we may need to bump with the inside leg to remind the horse to keep his shoulders
up. When you change leads, it just depends on how your horse is trained and what they’ve learned from you. When you take off your outside leg, you open the door for the horse’s new inside hind.” Laura credits trainer Sean Zimmerman with getting her off to a good start. She says, “I bounced around in the reining world a little bit, and eventually landed with Randy Schaffhauser of Jonesboro, Arkansas. I was about 14 when I began training with him, I stayed with him through college, and I still have horses with him and I will stay with him forever! I love him and his family. They took me in as their own. I’d stay with them during the summers and ride horses all day long. We had a group of kids, boys and girls, who’d stay with Randy’s family in their big house, boys on one side, girls on the other. Continued from page 31..
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Equine Sales Company Announces September 2 Date for Consignor Select Yearling Sale EWS RELEASE Sent on behalf of Equine Sales Company | February 5, 2015 For more information, contact Foster Bridewell at Equine Sales Company (337) 678-3024 or foster@equinesalesofla.com Equine Sales Company Announces September 2 Date for Consignor Select Yearling Sale Equine Sales Company today announced that its Consignor Select Yearling Sale will be held this year on Wednesday, September 2. This will be the third renewal of the annual sale in Opelousas, Louisiana. Last year’s auction posted gross receipts of nearly $1.8 million to mark the highest amount ever recorded by the sale company. “We think this is an ideal date for horsemen in Louisiana, the surrounding region and around the country,” said Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “Buyers and consignors from Florida should have an easy time getting here after the sale concludes there, and those planning to head to Kentucky after our sale will have plenty of time for that trip. We held our first yearling auction in 2012 and added the select format in 2013, and it has continued to grow each year.” Prior to the September auction, Equine Sales Company will hold a 2-year-olds in training and race age horse sale on April 27. An open yearling and mixed sale will be offered in the fall. For more information, go to www.equinesalesofla.com or call (337) 678-3024.
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Continued from cover..
Lungeing and Long Reining with Louise Fox By Barbara Newtown
Louise Fox runs Riverpoint with her husband Alan, also a clinician and trainer. Louise made her mark on the equestrian world as an international-level showjumper. Since moving to Louisiana, Louise has concentrated on classical dressage. She recently qualified for the US Dressage Federation Gold Medal on her Dutch Warmblood horse Tsunami. (To win the USDF Gold Medal, a rider must earn four scores of 60% or higher, two at the Intermediate level and two at Grand Prix.) Eager auditors examined the table displaying lungeing equipment…and the table of homemade treats waiting for intermission. Louise started the session by dressing the first demo horse in a surcingle (a padded strap, lighter and more adaptable for lungeing than a saddle), a bridle, side reins for running from the snaffle bit to the surcingle, and a lungeing cavesson (a thick, snug leather halter with rings for attaching the lunge line). That was a lot of gear, but Louise explained that lungeing is actually simple: “it is the art of moving a horse in a circle at the end of a long line held by a person.”
And we all made notes to buy a cavesson. The revelations kept coming. Louise said that the whip must be able to touch the horse, and that most lunge whips that are long enough are too expensive. “I’m cheap,” she said. “I just went to Bass Pro Shop, bought a bamboo fishing pole, and tied on some string!” When starting a young horse on the lunge, Louise pointed out, you need to start very slowly. Make sure the horse knows how to yield to bit pressure before you attach the side reins. The horse should dip its head when you press lightly on the bit rings. Start with looselyadjusted side reins and shorten, over days or weeks, as the horse’s acceptance and training
improve.
“First,” said Louise, “you don’t need a cavesson. You can attach the lunge line to the bit on the inside, or through the inside bit ring to the ring on the outside, or through the inside ring, over the poll, and onto the ring on the outside.” We all nodded, pleased that we didn’t have to buy a cavesson.
Louise emphasized the importance of starting slow. In fact, you can begin “lungeing” a young horse right in the stall: ask him to walk circles around you as you stand in the middle. The stall walls teach the horse, even at this stage, that bulging out away from the human isn’t allowed. The walls function the same way that the outside rein will function.
“However,” she said, “when you put pressure on the bit with the lunge line, you encourage the horse to tip its head and twist its neck. By attaching the lunge line to the ring on top of the cavesson, you keep the horse’s spine, neck, and nose lined up correctly.”
As she worked the demo horse, she explained the virtues of lungeing. Most important, lungeing introduces a horse to yielding to pressure, the foundation of all training. Most horse people know another advantage of lungeing: if your horse is too
“high,” from youth or show nerves, lungeing will take the edge off. But Louise clarified that idea: since a horse is a “prey” animal, afraid of being pursued, moving is more calming than being forced to stand still. When you lunge in an unfamiliar setting, you are doing more for your horse’s peace of mind than merely working off some calories. “Pressure” means more than just pulling on the bit. Moving your position more towards the horse’s hindquarters will urge the horse forward; moving your position to opposite the horse’s shoulders will convince it to slow down or stop. Watch out for your whip, which has the most potential for pressure: when you approach your horse to change tack settings or end the session, aim the whip behind you and tuck it under your armpit before you move in. Louise listed other lungeing benefits: adding variety to your horse’s training; increasing fitness; exercising in bad weather; teaching a lazy horse to “go”; exercising a horse when it has a sore mouth or back; getting to keep your horse in shape when you yourself are too sore to ride. Louise outfitted a more advanced horse and introduced the concept of training over cavaletti. She started the horse over a single pole, set in the lowest position. “I don’t need to do it with this horse,” she said, “but If it’s a horse’s first time, lead him over the pole a few times in both directions before you start the lungeing circle.” Soon the experienced horse was trotting over three poles in a fan-shaped row, set at the highest level, and spaced about four feet apart at the center. The audience oohed and aahed at the horse’s extravagant hock movement. “This is an excellent exercise for engagement and muscle development,” she said. Continued on page 19..
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Horse Laughs All I Need to Know in Life I Learned From My Horse
10 Good Things About Being a Pony 1. Half the time people expect you to be bad, so there’s no pressure to live up to any grand expectations. 2. It’s a compliment to be described as “short and chubby.” 3. Since every item of tack and equipment must be downsized, you get your own personalized stuff. That means you don’t have to share things with anyone else. (“Neener-neener” to the horses!) 4. Nature blessed you with a thick, shaggy forelock, which shields and camouflages the expression in your eyes. As a result, no one really knows what you’re thinking. 5. If you plan carefully, you can spend your entire show career in the walk/trot division. 6. Spring grass conveniently grows to a height level with your mouth, so you don’t have to reach far to grab a snack on the trail. 7. You’re never stuck with the embarrassing names some horses get, like Zipped Chick Shining Doc or Sir Alfonse Foo-Foo III. Instead, you get cute names like Gumdrop, Peanut, Donut and Cookie. 8. Thanks to a customary layer of fat over the rib cage, it’s easy to ignore the continual thumping of a child’s heels against your side. 9. By utilizing the pony yoga position known as “kneeling giraffe” you’re able to crouch down onto your knees, contort your neck and twist your head. This allows you to steal food from the clueless horses in neighboring corrals. 10. If you’re good and sweet, you’ll have a forever home because your owners can’t bear to sell you. If you’re evil and nasty, you’ll have a forever home because your owners can’t convince anyone to buy you. -CINDY HALE • HORSECHANNEL.COM/PONYLIFE
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Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association has released the results of the 2014 Horse of the Year voting. 2014 Two-Year-Old Accredited Louisiana Bred Filly Wind Chill Factor Successful Appeal - Shakopee by Evansville Slew Bred by Camelia J. Casby 2014 Two-Year-Old Accredited Louisiana Bred Colt or Gelding Mr. L. S. Shoe Forefathers - Maria’s Kitty by Maria’s Mon Bred by Phyllis Hodges 2014 Three-Year-Old Accredited Louisiana Bred Filly Our Quista Half Ours - Quista by Conquistador Cielo Bred by Oak Tree Stables
2014 Three-Year-Old Accredited Louisiana Bred Colt or Gelding Vicar’s In Trouble Into Mischief - Vibrant by Vicar Bred by Spendthrift Farm LLC 2014 Four-Year-Old & Upwards Accredited Louisiana Bred Filly or Mare Sittin At The Bar Into Mischief - Fast Laner by Mutakddim Bred by Spendthrift Farm LLC 2014 Four-Year-Old & Upwards Accredited Louisiana Bred Male Sunbean Brahms - X Strawdnair by Malagra Bred by Brittlyn, Inc. 2014 Louisiana Broodmare of the Year Character Builder 2014 Andrew L. “Red” Erwin Stallion of the Year Brahms (co-winner) Half Ours (co-winner)
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Page Sponsored by:
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Florida Parishes - 2015 Event Schedule APRIL 2015
Friday, April 10 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race. Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12 Bunny Barrel Blast Open 4D Barrel Race. Friday, April 17 Blood Drive 11am - 3pm. Saturday, April 18 Blood Drive 9am - 2pm. Saturday, April 18 Tangipahoa Beef & Dairy Cow Show.
Saturday, May 30 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race.
JUNE 2015
Friday, June 12 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race. Saturday, June 13 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race. Friday and Saturday, June 19-20 Tangipahoa Parish Pro Rodeo Rockin S Rodeo.
Tuesday, April 21 4H Achievement Day.
Friday, June 26 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race.
Wednesday, April 22 Ag Wonders Day.
Saturday, June 27 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race.
MAY 2015
Monday and Tuesday, June 29-30 Southeast District 4H Horse Show.
Friday, May 1 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race. Saturday, May 2 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race.
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Saturday, May 16 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race.
Lungeing and Long Reining with Louise Fox Continued from page 11..
By Barbara Newtown
“If the distance between the poles is too short for the horse’s stride, just move closer to the cavaletti, so the horse approaches a wider part of the fan.” Louise recommended Reiner Klimke’s book Cavaletti. Louise set up a single jump on the lungeing circle. She started with a low X and increased the height until the horse was jumping three feet or more. Since the horse didn’t have to worry about a rider’s weight, the horse could figure out the mechanics of jumping on its own. And the horse could figure out how to choose a good take-off spot. Jumping on the lunge encourages independence and confidence. In fact, said Louise, lungeing over cross-country jumps—ditches, banks, logs—is a wonderful training tool. It’s a great way to teach technique and bravery at the same time that you and your horse are having a lot of fun. At the end of the session, Louise introduced long lining, which is not only useful by itself, but is also the foundation of driving. She pointed out that you begin training a horse for long lining and driving by introducing it to wearing a butt rope: a soft cotton rope attached to the surcingle, but draped backwards over the horse’s hocks. You can use two lunge lines as long lines. Pass the lines backwards from the bit and through the surcingle rings. To encourage proper muscle development, if a horse has a low-set neck, you should run the lines through rings higher on the surcingle; if the neck is set high, pass the lines through rings lower on the surcingle. Louise stressed that blinders are necessary. Even the most experienced horse will startle if it glimpses something strange or quick to the rear. Remember: horses are prey. She also stressed that you need to hold enough tension on the long lines to keep them no lower than the hocks. She showed us how to turn a horse with long lines: shorten the outside line, pull, step forward and let the lines slide through your hands. Pressure and release. Vibrating one line is like giving a leg cue from the saddle. A skilled horse on long lines can perform dressage movements from a leg yield to a half pass and all the way up to airs above the ground. The lungeing and long reining clinic lasted three hours and was jam-packed with information. When all was over, the audience was full of coffee, treats, and inspiration. And we were fired up to run to the Bass Pro Shop and go fishing! Without fishhooks, of course.
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Equine Health
By Neely
Neely Walker, PhD: LSU Ag Center | Equine Extension Specialist
The Battle against Rain Rot The typical wet and humid weather of Louisiana are perfect conditions to increase the risk for your horse to contract the skin disease commonly known as “rain rot.” Rain rot or rain scald (also known as dermatophilosis) is commonly mistaken for a fungal disease, but is actually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis which causes the dry crusty lesions, lives dormant within the horse’s skin until the skin is damaged. Rain soaked skin, or skin that is broken, irritated, or damaged by insect bites or trauma is more likely to develop the condition. Heavy winter coats allow excess moisture to stay in contact with the skin causing an anaerobic (lack of oxygen) condition facilitating bacterial growth. Diagnosis is typically done by visual conformation. Horses with winter coats will develop raised matted tufts of hair along their neck, withers, back, croup, and hindquarters. If not cared for the lesions will continue to grow and combine, creating scabs with yellow-green or gray colored pus underneath them. The most important step in treating rain rot is to remove the crusty scab like lesions and expose the damaged skin to oxygen. This is usually done by bathing the affected area of skin with some type of antimicrobial shampoo (Betadine, Cholorhexadine, etc) and gently removing the lesions with a brush or curry comb. In more severe cases, additional layers of skin may be infected and will require systemic antibiotic treatment. Rain rot is extremely contagious. Practicing good hygiene and biosecurity techniques are important to prevent the spread of this infection. Listed below are a few techniques that will help reduce the spread of Rain Rot: • Groom daily with clean brushes • Isolate infected horses • Clean contaminated equipment before using on another animal • Use an insect spray to reduce skin trauma • Avoid sharing grooming kits • Reduce environmental factors when possible (constant wet/humid conditions) Mild cases of rain rot will usually heal on their own; however it is important to treat all cases to prevent the lesions from spreading and interfering with daily use. If you suspect your horse has a case of rain rot and antimicrobial treatment is ineffective contact your veterinarian.
Coming Soon! Our New Website
All-Breeds, All-Disciplines, All The Time, Articles, Blogs, Classifieds, News, & More Bigger, Bolder, Louder Keep checking us out
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April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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Lauren Heaton: 2015 Miss Rodeo America By Barbara Newtown
Lauren Heaton, 24, winner of the 2015 Miss Rodeo America pageant, is a cowgirl and a businesswoman. The contestants for the title are professionals: the woman who wins is expected to promote the sport of rodeo with expert communication and marketing skills. Lauren has all the credentials to carry out her reign with style: a five-generation farming and ranching background and a savvy knowledge of marketing.
Lauren is proud of her success in the pageant. It’s not easy, even if you don’t pull off the big win: contestants work 16-hour days for eight days. “You have to be capable!” she says. “You name it, we’re being judged on it: media issues, public speaking, modeling, improv, horsemanship, current events, sponsorship commercials. The organizers know we will be hit with everything once we get ‘out there.’”
Her home town is Alva, Oklahoma, a little farming community in the northwest corner of the state. “We are known for wind and dry heat,” she says. The hardships of life in Oklahoma give its people resilience. “Oklahoma has more natural disasters— earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards—than any other land-locked state. We bounce back. We find a way to come out stronger and better.”
The improv tests are tough. There are three categories: current events, rodeo, and personality. The current events questions cover one’s own state, the nation, and the world. Contestants have to be ready for hot topics: marijuana laws, the Islamic State in Syria. The rodeo questions cover the history of rodeo, past winners, and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductees. And the “personality” questions are drawn from a contestant’s own application and require the contestant to state an opinion and defend it. During Miss Rodeo America’s reign, she will often find herself in front of a camera and bombarded with challenging questions.
Lauren’s forebears raced for acreage in the Oklahoma land rush of 1893. President Grover Cleveland signed the family’s land certificate. Since then, all of the Heaton generations have been raised on the family farm. Today the farm covers 1200 acres and supports wheat, corn, alfalfa, grass hay, soybeans, and four or five Quarter Horses, including Lauren’s roping and reining mounts. Lauren’s father is in charge of the farm and her mother does the management side of the farm business. Her older brother Lance, 29, will take over his father’s responsibilities someday. Middle brother Landon, 28, works as a mechanical engineer for an oil company in Oklahoma City, but he plans to come back to Alva someday, too. “And I have two nieces who love the farm who are part of the sixth generation!” says Lauren. The tradition will continue. Lauren graduated from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater with a degree in Strategic Communications. “It’s a dual degree,” she says, “combining public relations and advertising. And I had two minors, one in marketing and one in business.” She is grateful to the Miss Rodeo America pageant, which awarded her $29,000 in scholarship money for pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree when her reign is done. Lauren grew up in rodeo and has serious skills in reining and roping. She currently rides as a header in the US Team Roping Association and loves competing as part of a team. However, while in college, she branched out and tried jumping competitions as a member of the US Equestrian Federation. “I’ve got all-around horse experience. I can understand many aspects of the industry, not just rodeo. For instance, I’m looking forward to speaking at the Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio.” A broad view is a plus for being Miss Rodeo America. Sponsors may support rodeo, but they also may market products for English, Western, and other disciplines. “For example,” says Lauren, “Justin Boots is coming out with a line of English equipment, tall boots and half chaps. I’m excited to be working with them on the marketing.”
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“You have to be able to handle it and answer correctly,” says Lauren. The greatest challenge facing rodeo, Lauren believes, is finding a balance between staying true to rodeo’s traditions and providing a fast-paced, well-produced piece of entertainment. “We don’t want to lose the foundations of rodeo: the skills needed by the working cowboy on the ranch. But pure rodeo may seem too abstract to the average audience member. So the organizers add music and fireworks and humor to keep the entertainment value up.” Lauren points out that those who love rodeo want to promote it and move it forward into the future. She is impressed with how the rodeo production side is engaging the audience. “Rodeo is family entertainment,” says Lauren. “It is a God-and-country show. We always start with the national anthem and a prayer.” Continued on page 25...
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Lauren Heaton: 2015 Miss Rodeo America By Barbara Newtown The rodeo organizers realize that they need to bring in new audiences. And there are potential rodeo fans out there who don’t yet know that they will love rodeo. The Houston month-long rodeo, for instance, signed Ariana Grande, a Broadway and television star, as concert entertainment. “They could have hired a country singer and sold out every night, but they’ve already got that audience coming to the rodeo. They have a really great marketing strategy: take 75,000 Ariana Grande fans from the pop-urban world, and show them an hour and a half of rodeo.” Lauren says the rural tradition of the nation is fading away. There are people out there who have never seen a horse or an arena filled with dirt. “So, for an hour or two, we say, ‘Welcome to our world!’”
The Miss Rodeo America organization has a “to-andfrom” rule. Lauren has to wear Western garb, including her sash and crown, whenever she is traveling. “People are amazed and curious,” she says. “I love it when people come up to me and say, ‘Happy Birthday!’ I say it’s not my birthday—I’m a rodeo queen! I love to explain to people about rodeo.” Rodeo queen attire is an icebreaker. “They don’t know what you are, but they know you are all dressed up and sparkly, and they want to be a part of that!” She explains that meeting the public and finding new fans are her job and her goal. “Great places to find new fans are taxicabs, airports, hotels. It makes sense for me to dress like a rodeo queen at a rodeo, but that’s to represent the fans who are already there.” It’s in all the other places that Lauren knows she will find new supporters of rodeo. “We go to nursing homes and children’s hospitals. We do school visits. And we educate people about the animals in rodeo.” Lauren says that organizations like PETA will sometimes put hard questions to rodeo representatives. “They aren’t looking for answers—they just want to make their points.” The Miss Rodeo America organization has a Director of Animal Outreach who trains the contestants in how to respond to belligerent questions. The key is to stay positive. “The most important thing is to educate the public about how well we take care of our animals. Especially the bucking stock—some of them are worth more than a hundred thousand dollars, and they only work a minute a year!”
Lauren loves visiting nursing homes and listening to folks reminisce about early days on the farm. “I love hearing about how they were raised, and how rodeo got started.” Soon there will be few people left who remember what it was like to have a spur-of-the-moment race across the pasture to decide the fastest Quarter Horse, or who remember bucking out young ranch horses, or who remember the smell of new hay. Lauren has a favorite horse: Bert. (His registered name is Doc Tie Bert, and he has won the AQHA Worlds in reining and team roping.) “He’s my go-to horse,” she says. “He’s very chill in the pasture, but he’s all business when we go to work team roping. He gets all amped up. But I can put my niece on him right afterwards and he’s perfectly quiet!” Lauren has trained herself to be a “go-to” person. As Queen, it is her job to be well-rounded and well-educated about the industry as a whole: the competitions, the animals, the competitors, the fans, the history, and the future.
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Tori LeBlanc Keeps the Green Horses Sharp Tori LeBlanc, 19, originally from Houma, Louisiana, has a dream barrel racing job: she keeps Talmadge Green’s horses in winning shape. She had been living in Ada, OK, for eight months, working at Victory Farms. “They had 450 Quarter Horses there, half of them broodmares, and a bunch of studs. We bred, broke, trained, and sold young horses. But after a while I was ready to start running again,” Tori says. Destri Davenport, Talmadge Green’s partner, had placed an ad for a trainer the same week that Tori came south looking for new opportunities. Tori started working immediately at Talmadge’s place in Sandy Hook, Mississippi. “In the three months I’ve been there, I have learned so much,” she says. “He’s been a big confidence-builder.” Because Talmadge is on the road so much taking students to barrel races, Tori has her hands full keeping the horses at home “exercised, tuned, and ready.” If some horses are primed to compete but are not on the schedule to get on Talmadge’s trailer, Tori will load them up and “head in the opposite direction to another show. Whatever we can get to, we can!” Throughout the week, Tori has a variety of ways to keep the horses sharp and fit. Two or three times a week she takes them out on the trail and “long trots” them. The long trots work every muscle. The other two days, she works them in the round pen or “bits them back” in the exerciser. (The motorized exerciser has moving panels that keep the horse going at a walk or trot. The horse wears a rubber bit and a running martingale or draw reins to keep him “back on the butt” as the panels urge him forward. Since the horse doesn’t have a human complicating the signals on the reins, the horse figures out on his own what he needs to do.) If a horse has had a problem running at a show, Tori gets on during the week and sharpens the horse up around the barrels. “The horses we have really know what they’re doing. They just need a tuneup every now and then.” Tori started out as a toddler riding sheep. Her grandparents bought her a 2-year-old horse when she was 4. “I still have that horse,” she says. “She’s Old Faithful. She’s done a little of everything, from Western Pleasure to team sorting. I put her on barrels a few years ago and she said, ‘Hey, let’s go for it!’” She’s a black and white paint, known around the barn as Oreo. Her registered name is Showannabegood. By the time Tori was 7, she could catch and saddle her horse on her own. “My grandfather, who taught me to ride, said, ‘If you can’t get the saddle on, ride bareback! I’m not helping you.’ We started out slowly but surely.” Tori says that she feels that she can learn from anyone, whether from a high-dollar trainer or a rough-and-ready cowboy like her grandfather. She tries to maintain that philosophy. “I look around this show—the Louisiana Barrel Racing Championships—and I know that anyone here could teach me something.” She keeps an open mind. “If I have a problem horse, I am not ashamed to call people up and ask for help.” In the barrel industry, Tori says, the trainers all have their styles. She takes bits of wisdom here and there and keeps what works. Tori has a favorite horse: Titan, a three-year-old she has bred and raised. Tori
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still owns his mother, a phenomenal barrel horse. She also rode Titan’s sire: they won a round at All-American and had the fastest time at Lance Graves two years ago. “Titan is the smartest thing I have! I got on him for the first time out in the open last week, and within five minutes he was picking up on things. I can’t wait for him to start running. He will be my all-around horse.” Titan’s registered name is Watchaflitgetit. His sire is Briscoescangetit, and his dam is Shootyaflithappens. “It took me about a year and a half to come up with his name!” Tori doesn’t know what her future will hold, but she hopes it includes training and teaching barrel racing...or doing ranch sorting or even being a jockey. Nevertheless, she has contingency plans: “If the day comes that I can’t ride any more, I still want to be in the horse business. That’s why I signed up to represent Oxy-Gen, a line of supplements that improve performance not only in barrel horses, but in race horses, jumpers, and dressage horses, too.” Tori stresses that Oxy-Gen works and is affordable. Most important, it is legal: since it is natural, it does not show up on tests. Tori compliments the Louisiana State Barrel Racing Championships. “Ever since Tanya Carpenter took over as State Director, the Championships have been wonderful. I’ve known Miss Tanya since I was little. Since I was up in Oklahoma, I wasn’t able to make my three qualifier shows, but I was able to run the warmup show on Friday night. I’m glad I’m able to be here to support all of these people. I’m also glad to be back home in my area and riding with friends!”
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Continued from cover..
Kalee McCann, AQHYA President By Barbara Newtown By Barbara Newtown In fact, when cows pass away, she cleans the skulls, decorates them with mosaic glass, and sells them. Kalee and Wyatt’s father, Joey McCann, got them started with horses. He had ridden while he was growing up and had spent time breaking colts for a trainer in Sebastopol. He competes at shows and rodeos alongside his kids. Their mom did some trail riding in her younger days, and, says Kalee, she’s very supportive. “She’s a good horse show mom. She keeps us together, keeps us organized, and gets our clothes ready!” The family travels with a living-quarters stock trailer that is very versatile. They can haul cows if they need to. Joey McCann is a self-employed auctioneer. He does horse sales frequently, but his main auctioneering job is car auctions. He does 5 to 6 sales a week and travels all throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. “He usually works Tuesday through Friday,” says Kalee. “When he gets home, we load up and go to shows.” People that don’t have anything to do with horses don’t realize what a wonderful family activity showing is. Going camping with family is fun, but having the extra dimension of caring for horses gives everyone a common goal and encourages responsibility. Kalee’s brother Wyatt used to show Quarter Horses, but when he became a teenager he took up roping. In team-roping he does both heading and heeling, and he also competes in breakaway and tie-down calf-roping. The family used to breed Quarter Horses, but, says Kalee, “We sold out of that. But we still have our stud and our last baby, who is now a four-year-old mare.” At Texas A&M, a Division 1 school, Kalee will ride for the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. She acknowledges the difficulties that the NCEA is having in its effort to stay an NCAA sport. Part of the problem is that spectators for women’s equestrian events are usually limited to friends and family of the competitors. There isn’t much income from ticket sales or concession stand sales. Newcomers have a hard time understanding what they are seeing. Nevertheless, Kalee says, Texas A&M is committed to equestrian sports: the university just built an $80 million equestrian facility for the English and Western teams. “It is absolutely unreal,” she says. Kalee points out that Intercollegiate Horse Show Association teams are usually found at Division 2 and 3 schools. However, during the year IHSA and NCEA teams often compete against each other. Host schools provide the mounts, and
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competitors find out which horses they have to ride just before the competition, in a random drawing. “You only have four minutes to prepare and get to know the horse. There is a home school advantage, of course. But everybody gets the same advantage at some point.” Reining and horsemanship comprise the Western competition. In horsemanship, the rider and horse perform a pattern and the judges look for smooth transitions, cooperation, and harmony. In reining, says Kalee, it’s mainly the horse that’s being judged: how well does the horse negotiate the pattern? She says that most horses do maneuvers better to one side than the other: discovering an unknown horse’s stiff side is one of the things a competitor has to find out in the four minutes before the test. Since all IHSA and NCEA riding is catch-riding, Kalee’s show horse Browser will stay at home. “The only way you can bring your own horse is to donate him to the college.” Kalee has owned Browser for five years. “He’s right at 16 hands,” she says. “He’s a solid bay and his registered name is Gotta Get Hot. He’s really laid back. Not much gets to him. When other horses spook, he just looks over at them!” Kalee says that her personality and Browser’s personality really mesh. “He reminds me of my little brother!” Browser started off as a jumping horse, but he couldn’t do the high jumps, so Kalee turned him into an all-around horse, which means that Browser shows in both Western and English. “Browser doesn’t compete in reining, because he doesn’t spin around very fast,” she says. Before Browser, Kalee owned a bald-faced sorrel Quarter Horse named Jack. At their last show together, Jack hurt his leg…and that Christmas her parents gave her Browser. “We actually bought him from a cell phone video. My dad was very nervous about buying a horse from a picture on a tiny screen!” Kaylee was in the top four of the state last year and qualified for Nationals. But she also made the 2014 Youth World Cup team for the AQHA, and chose to do that competition instead, because the World Cup is only held every two years, and in another two years she would no longer be eligible. Team USA won the gold, and Kaylee won two individual gold medals, both in equitation. Continue on page 39..
Therapeutic Riding Page Sponsored By:
The MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs The MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs promote therapeutic riding experiences through educational and research-based activities.
riding instructor and/or therapist, the horse is used as a treatment tool to help the rider achieve his or her goals.
The program has earned premier accreditation status through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship).
In addition to the physical benefits for the rider (such as improved posture, muscle strength, and trunk balance), a human-animal bond develops between the rider and the horse, providing psychological benefits to the rider. Sitting astride a horse also can increase the rider’s sense of independence and self- esteem.
The main goal of the programs is to develop model therapeutic riding experiences based on PATH Intl. guidelines, which require high safety and professional standards. The primary location of the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs is the Elizabeth A. Howard arena (806 West Churchill Road, West Point, Mississippi). The arena was donated by Tommy and Brenda Howard, and it is on property donated by Jimmy Bryan. Therapeutic riding activities are individualized, specialized activities that use the horse to provide physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Through carefully planned activities developed by a certified
There are many ways that individuals can help contribute to the success of the program. If you are interested in getting involved you may either make a financial donation, donate a horse, sponsor a rider, volunteer to assist with riding classes or share information about the program. For additional information about the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs or for a program application, contact Cassie Brunson at (662) 325-1718 or cbrunson@humansci.msstate.edu.
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No. 4 Texas A&M Equestrian team finishes second at the SEC Equestrian Championship COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The No. 4 Texas A&M Equestrian team finished second at the SEC Equestrian Championship, falling 12-5 to champion #2 UGA. This marked the first loss in the Hildebrand Equine Complex for the Aggies, who will take an 8-6 record into competition for the national championship. The Bulldogs came out strong, sweeping the competition in Equitation on the Flat, 4-0. Junior Marlena Parker led the Aggies with a 154 but was matched by her competitor to cancel the point. Senior Haley Buchmiller finished with a solid score of 152 but was bested when her opponent brought home a 157. Juniors Hannah Williams and Audrey Gallagher and sophomore Anna Rea were the other three starters for the Aggies, each falling to their opponent for the final three points. In the Western Arena, action began as the team’s faced off in reining. Georgia took the first point, as junior Ashley Dotson was defeated by a two-point margin, 146.5-144.5. Sophomore Sarah Kate Grider and her competition ended in a tie, both riding an impressive 145. Senior Laura Sumrall won the first point for the Aggies, earning the top marks of the day with a 150, and the second point came on a victory from junior Hannah Jechow, with the largest margin of victory in the discipline at 145-136.5. Junior Logan Pluhar and her opponent also matched scores of 145 to cancel the second point of the round. Each of the Aggies’ scores were good enough to place in the top five reining marks in SEC Championship history and Sumrall’s 150 earned the new top spot and won MOP honors for the event as well as a place on the All-Championship team. Trailing 5-2 after the first two events, the Aggies were unable to get their footing over Fences and fell 4-1 to the eventual champions. Parker scored the only point for the Aggies with a 155-144 victory. Freshman Alex Desiderio, sophomore Haley Webster, junior Hannah Williams and senior Leah Chenelle also represented the Aggies in the final hunt seat discipline but were unable to come away victorious.
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The championship meet wrapped up with the horsemanship competition. Sophomore Rachel Lucht and freshman Avery Ellis dominated the first two points, both scoring 147.5 and winning by a combined margin of 17.5 points. Senior Molli Jacobs, junior Logan Pluhar and sophomore Kaci Fisher rode well but were unable to come away with wins and the Aggies fell 3-2 and Georgia won its first SEC Championship 12-5. Coach McKay Post-Meet Sound: “Today was a good eye opener and learning tool for nationals. Things have been going really well for us and as long as we use this as a positive learning experience then we will be fine.” Let’s Hear a Hullabaloo… …for the best of the best. In a conference that houses four of the top ten teams and the only programs to win overall NCEA national championships, the competition is stiff week in and week out. Laura Sumrall’s reining victory today was not only good for event MOP awards, it also, combined with her ride on Friday, earned the senior a place on the All-Championship team and a place in the record books. Her score of 150 on Saturday is now the top mark ever received in SEC Championship reining. Gig ‘em, Laura! Coach McKay on Sumrall: “She has a phenomenal ride and it was really good for her. You always want your seniors to go out with a bang so today was great.” Up Next: The Texas A&M Equestrian team will resume action April 16th, heading to Waco, Texas, for the NCEA National Championship competition. To learn more about the Aggie Equestrian Team, log onto 12thMan.com or follow @ AggieEquestrian on Twitter.
Youth Page Sponsored by:
Continued from page 7...
Laura Sumrall: Mississippi Rodeo Queen By Barbara Newtown
We lived at the barn, we fed, we rode, and we learned. He’s a man of very few words, but he taught me respect for horses and respect for the people around you. When he speaks, you listen. I owe him and his wife a lot.” Laura also praises the NCEA competitions for tuning her riding skills. The human athletes are not allowed to ride their own horses. Host colleges provide the mounts, which are assigned randomly just minutes before the riders enter the arena. “Catch riding in the NCEA has really helped my horsemanship.” Laura’s reign as Mississippi Rodeo Queen is all about catch riding, too: before each evening rodeo performance, she gets on a strange horse, plants a pole with a huge American flag hanging from it in the leather carrier attached to her stirrup, and goes in…to booming music and wild cheers. “I walk in and run out, so it isn’t too bad.” she says. However, Laura says that she has a big challenge that will follow her all year: really short legs. She has to adjust every pair of stirrups she meets…and sometimes the stirrups just don’t go up high enough. “But losing stirrups is just something that comes with the job. You get used to it!” And Laura’s riding skills have profited from her background in gymnastics and cheerleading. She has learned how to fall. “I prefer not to fall, but a little dirt don’t hurt,” she says. The Sumrall family has no horse background. Laura says that her parents had no idea what they were getting into when they first put her up on a horse, “because I never got off.” Laura’s first mount was a pony. Family friends taught her what she needed to know. Soon she graduated to Beau’s Tuff Lady, a big buckskin mare that had no talent for poles. “’Christy’ was too hot for poles. Mostly we went bowling for poles!” But she was a great barrel horse with the ability to turn tight. In six or seven years of competing, Laura only hit Mike Milazzo & Barbara Newtown interviewing Miss Mississippi Rodeo Queen 2015 Laura Sumrall three barrels. Christy wasn’t very
fast, but her turns and her determination to leave the barrels up were a winning combination. In 2003 Laura and Christy won the American Buckskin Registry Association World Championship in barrel racing. Christy was a beautiful buckskin: she had the standard black legs, mane, and tail, with gray finishing on the top of her mane and tail. In the summer, she’d get tan. In the winter she’d turn a light buttermilk color. Laura has had some amazing horses. Her favorite Reiner is the mare Einstein’s Fancy Pine. Her barn name is Smartie, because “she’s the most intelligent horse we’ve ever come across!” Randy Schaffhauser said that Smartie kept him young, because every week he’d have to come up with a new training idea. Smartie figured things out fast and kept the humans thinking fast, too. Smartie is almost black and has absolutely no white anywhere. “When we were doing the vet check at the NAYRC, the vet said, ‘Don’t ever lose your mare, because she’d be really tough to identify.’” Smartie retired in 2012, when Laura was in her freshman year at Texas A&M. Smartie is pregnant with her first baby, due any minute. She’s bred to the Palomino reining star Hollywoodstinseltown. “I just want a baby that’s healthy and here,” says Laura. (A little golden colt arrived on March 6th.) Laura’s parents, Hiram and Dr. Dawn Sumrall, have embraced the horse life through their daughter. They own 20 acres on the outskirts of Summit and 400 acres near Liberty, Mississippi, where they have a pine plantation and space for retired horses. Hiram manages the farms. Dawn is an OB/GYN, which makes traveling to reining competitions in Oklahoma or Texas difficult to do, but, says Laura, “when Mom comes along, it’s wonderful. She prepares feasts!” Most of the time, Laura and her dad do the hauling. “We drive, we sing road songs, we talk.” A perfect father-daughter bonding. Laura is grateful to her family, friends, and boyfriend, who all make a wonderful support crew. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without their help. Some of my friends even skipped school to come to the Dixie Nationals with us! They’re in the motorhome doing homework right now.” Her boyfriend drove her to the Nationals from A & M. He is a cattle expert, and was enlisted to help with the livestock judging at the Dixie Nationals. Laura is set to graduate in May with a major in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. She’s eager to start work in the world of horse publications. In researching internship possibilities, she’s become familiar with the variety of breeds and disciplines in the equine world. In the end, she says, we all care about healthy and happy horses, no matter what.
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2014 LQHBA CHAMPIONS * Champion Horses determined by AQHA points & highest earnings by category * Champion Jockey & Trainer determined by wins in Louisiana * Champion Stallion & Breeder determined by earnings - *Champion Broodmare by AQHA Points
RBD FASTESTDASHNDEB Champion 2 Year Old Filly Owner: TM Ranch Breeder: RB & Dox’ Stables EMBRUJO STAR Champion 2 Year Old Filly Owner: Hubert Vestal Breeder: Gabriel Lewis GAME Champion 2 year old Gelding Owner: Joseph Boyd Landreneu Breeder: Robert J. Touchet
HEZA FAST ROGUE Champion 3 year old Colt Owner: Brock Broussard & Jacque Bourque Breeder: Triple M Farms LLC SCOOPIES LEAVING YOU Champion 3 year old Colt Owner: Arnaldo Huerta Breeder: Gerald D. Libersat GOT A PROJECT Champion Broodmare Owner: Tate Farms
FIREFLY FORTUNE Champion 2 year old Colt Owner: KK Horse Racing Breeder: Brandon J. Trahan
BIPTY DASH Champion Aged Mare Owner: Marty Long & Ivan Alford Breeder: Israel Flores
LOUISIANA JAMBALAYA Champion 2 year old Colt Owner: Mykelia & Roderick Carter Breeder: Mars Racing & Robicheaux Ranch
PATRIOTS TOAST Champion Aged Mare Owner: Ana Lilia Alvidrez Breeder: Dr. Tommy Hays
SCOOTER PRIZE Champion 3 year old Filly Owner: Ana Lilia Alvidrez Breeder: John K. Leger
KEEPN IT KOOL Champion Aged Gelding Owner: David Lee Vance Breeder: Montgomery Equine & Red River Farm
SIR PRIZE Champion 3 year old Gelding Owner: Karen Brown Breeder: Kathleen & Steve Billings
FAST TALKIN HENRY Champion Aged Gelding Owner: Eric Johnson Breeder: Russell P. Mowad
KOOL DESIGN Champion 3 year old Gelding Owner: Oscar W. Rohne Breeder: Presley J. Broussard
KING CASADY Champion Aged Stallion Owner: Romeo Mireles Breeder: Jeff J. Davis, Sr.
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OPEN ME A CORONA Champion Aged Stallion Owner: Charles Forbes & Dr. Tommy Hays Breeder: Natalie Montgomery, DVM KEEPN IT KOOL Champion Distance Horse Owner: David Lee Vance Breeder: Montogmery Equine & Red River Farm GAME Top Money Earner Owner: Joseph Boyd Landreneau Breeder: Robert J. Touchet KENNETH ROBERTS, Sr. Champion Trainer JOHN HAMILTON Champion Jockey HEZA FAST DASH Champion Stallion Owner: Heza Fast Dash Syndicate ROBERT J. TOUCHET Champion Breeder
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Jet Black Patriot Sires Trifecta in Richest Mardi Gras Futurity Ever BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 14, 2015—Leading Louisiana stallion Jet Black Patriot sired a trifecta Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs when his offspring finished 1-2-3 in the $300,502 Mardi Gras Futurity, the richest purse in the 27-year history of the restricted Grade 2 event for Louisiana-Bred 2-Year-Olds. Ridden by jockey David Alvarez, Magic Black Jack brushed and bumped early before moving clear late to win by three-quarters over Vfgo Max Go. Jetblackdash finished a neck back in the show position. The 6-5-7 Trifecta paid $170.95. Saddled by Martin Trejo, the Ana Alvidrez owned Jet Black Patriot gelding completed the 300 yards over a muddy sealed surface in :15.316 seconds to earn a 102 speed index. The $135,226 winner’s purse made him the richest two-year-old of 2015 and pushed his earnings mark to $136,826. Trainer Martin Trejo is thankful for the win with Magic Black Jack in the Mardi Gras Futurity at Louisiana Downs.
Magic Black Jack with David Alvarez aboard holds off Vfgo Max Go with Eddi Martinez up to win the Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Saturday. © Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts
Magic Black Jack was let go at 9-to-1 odds and rewarded backers with an $18.60 win ticket, after entering the race as the seventh fastest qualifier when he finished second in his trial race February 21. Alvidrez purchased the gelding, out of Stoli Alikat by Stoli, in the LQHBA Yearling Sale last August for $18,000. Robicheaux Ranch, Inc. Agent consigned the colt for breeder Willie Salard. Magic Black Jack’s dam is a half-sister to six stakes horses including Grade 3 winner First Place
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Win SI 111 ($133,149). This is the family of Grade 1 winner Vital Time SI 112 ($259,300), etc. Vfgo Max Go lugged in late under jockey Eddi Martinez to finish second for owner Horses of Fire, Inc. Jose Garcia conditions the Jet Black Patriot filly out of the First To Shine mare Ought To Go Shine. A $20,000 LQHBA Yearling graduate, Vfgo Max Go was sold in the J & B Racing Consignment. He entered the race off the third fastest qualifying time when he broke his maiden in a convincing 2¼-length effort. Bred by James Vining, Vfgo Max Go earned $51,226.
© Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts
Juan Saucedo saddled Jetblackdash to his third place finish for owner Eva Ugarte. Robicheaux Ranch Inc. bred the Jet Black Patriot gelding out of Angels Quick Dash, by Royal Quick Dash. He sold for $8,500 at the 2014 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale. Ridden by Eleazar Hernandez, Jetblackdash picked up $30,050 for his effort. Fastest qualifier Toast To Catch broke awkwardly and finished fourth after being fractions in the gate. Completing the field were One Tough Fox, Streakin Bye U, Brays American Honey, Jb Red Scorpion and One Fast Jet. Courtesy of StallioneSearch.com
Scope on the Geaux: Evaluation of Horse’s Airway! Laura M. Riggs, DVM PhD, DACVS-LA
The horse’s upper airway stretches from the nose to the lungs and allows the horse to run and exercise efficiently. Proper function of the equine upper airway requires the coordinated effort of a large number of anatomic structures. Very small changes in diameter of the upper airway are magnified in their effect on the ability of the horse to move air into the lungs and deliver oxygen to the blood effectively. For example, a 20% decrease in airway size doubles airway resistance, which blocks half of the air delivered to the lung. Less air in the lung means less oxygen to the muscles making exercise more difficult! Diagnosing these changes and diseases of the equine upper airway can be a challenge, especially when the airway is mildly affected or even completely normal at rest when viewed through the endoscope. Additionally, some abnormalities are intermittent and only are observed under certain situations such as increased head and neck flexion. The use of x-rays and resting endoscopy has been the mainstay of upper airway diagnosis for many years. Many abnormalities affecting the upper airway can be diagnosed using these modalities. More recently the use of the dynamic endoscopy (see ad above) permits the diagnosis of dynamic conditions of the upper airway while the horse is exercising in its natural environment. Conditions like laryngeal hemiplegia (paralyzed flapper), arytenoid chondritis (inflammation of the flappers), persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), epiglottic entrapment, subepiglottic cysts and fourth branchial arch defects can be diagnosed using the dynamic endocope. The dynamic endoscopy has several advantages for diagnosis of upper airway abnormalities. Some abnormalities can only be seen during exercise, particularly at maximum-exertion when negative pressure is highest. Also, the actual effect of pathology on athletic performance can be observed and response to treatment documented. Often multiple, related abnormalities are causing poor performance or noise while only one may be diagnosed on resting endoscopy. Upper airway abnormalities detectable only under dynamic, exercising conditions include some grades of laryngeal hemiplegia, axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds, intermittent DDSP, intermittent epiglottic entrapment, pharyngeal collapse and epiglottic retroversion. In approximately 30% of horses with upper airway abnormalities, more than one abnormality is actually present. (Lane, Bladon et al. 2006) Dynamic upper airway endoscopy can be performed at the racetrack, on the farm, on an equine treadmill or over-ground using an endoscope fitted to the patient. Both modalities allow for the detection of dynamic abnormalities but there are differences between them. Treadmill upper airway endoscopy allows direct manipulation of the patient’s exercising speed and incline but it is much less flexible in other important variables which can be introduced to the examination. Additionally, a period of training is required for the patient to decrease the risk of injury during examination. Advantages of over-ground dynamic upper airway examination include the ability to exercise the horse in the normal environment where the abnormality occurs. It is a useful tool for both sport horses and race horses. Variables that can be introduced include exercise under saddle, exercise with significant head-neck flexion, or training on the track in the company of other horses.
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Equine Day At The Capitol! Where: State Capitol Baton Rouge, LA When: Apirl 22, 2015 Recognizing the youth of Louisiana’s Horse Industry.
s t o o b r u o Y r a We & ! s t a h r u o Y g n Bri
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Come One- Come All! Bring as many kids as you can! Contact: Daniel Lyons for more information at 337.945.0364
Analysis of Accidents in Trailer Towing: What about a new hitch system? Dr. Frank M. Andrews | Director of the Equine Health Studies Program | Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine | Baton Rouge, LA This article is a summary of a recent report analyzing the accidents in trailer towing that was presented in the Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Applied human Factors and Ergonomics AHFE in Krakow, Poland, July 19-23, 2014, by Feredoun Aghazadeh and Arunn Pisharody, faculty in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at LSU. There is a steady upward trend in the number of trailers on American roads every year. In 2011; there were 29.2 million trailers registered in the United States. On average, towing-related accidents are responsible for 1.2 deaths every day, and the corresponding monetary loss due to these fatalities amounts to more than $4 Billion annually. While advancements in the safety practices of towing have helped control the number of accidents, towing-related accidents remain a substantial cause of fatalities, injuries, and property damages. This study analyzed data from the NHTSA on the trailer-related crashes and accidents spanning 24 years from 1988 to 2011. This study analyzed accident statistics on: (i) accidents with fatality, (ii) accidents with injury, and (iii) accidents with property damage caused by trailer towing in the United States. Additionally data on the most faulty systems in trailers was examined. Trailer-related accidents account for an average of 445 deaths and 21,821injuries annually, or about 1.2 deaths and 60 injuries per day. For every 1000 trailer-related crashes, there are 8.5 fatalities and 415 injuries. Apart from injuries and fatalities, 38,747 trailer-related accidents cause property damage per year. The study found that the most prevalent system to be found faulty were safety chains. The paper highlighted the probable causes of failure in safety chains and the statistics underscore the importance of adhering to safe practices in trailer towing. There is a certain amount of danger in towing as in any other method of transportation. Towing has to be performed with added care, adhering to safety standards in selection, installation, and use of the trailer. Even minor changes in the trailer or vehicle can have substantial effects on the satiability of the vehicle-trailer system. Studies have shown that the behavior of a trailer is complex and difficult to predict. Controlling a trailer becomes even more difficult when the vehicle-trailer system becomes unstable. The trailer can become unstable or possibly roll over ,in the event of jackknifing or increased sway.
Trailer stability is affected by many variables such as weight distribution, vehicle speeds, cross winds, road profile, and the movement of cargo inside the trailer. The analysis was carried out using data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and General Estimates System (GES) reports on trailer towing accidents from 1988 to 2011. There were 1,259,631 crashes during this 24-year period. During this period, there were an average is 52,485 trailer-related accidents per year, with 10,691 fatalities and many more causing injury.
Made and tested in the USA
Safety chains act as a backup device to link the vehicle and the trailer during the failure of a primary coupling. Keeping the trailer connected to the truck is one of the most important aspects in safety of trailer towing. Based on literature review and consultation with towing experts, some of the probable causes of failure in safety chains include: (1) Improper selection of safety chains (2) Using chains of improper length (3) Hooking the chains to the wrong part of the truck or trailer (4) Using improper hooks to mount the chains to the vehicle or trailer (5) Using repaired chains (6) Welding the chains to the trailer or vehicle (7) Using single safety chain instead of two safety chains (8) Failure to cross the chains (9) Wearing of chains by corrosion or rubbing with other components (10) Failure to attach a safety chain Even when the above listed causes are addressed and the utmost attention is given to using safety chains properly, they still fail to provide control of the disconnected trailer due to the flexibility of the safety chains. Runaway trailers are caused due to the failure of safety chains after the primary coupling fails. Even though runaway trailers are not common, it causes devastating accidents and death when occurred. Runaway trailers caused at least 540 accidents from 2000 to 2007 and most of the failures are due to elementary mistakes and lack of knowledge in basic safety and towing procedures. Conclusion Trailer-related accidents account for an average of 445
deaths and 21,821 injuries per year, or 1.2 fatalities and 60 injuries per day. Every 1000 trailer-related accidents cause 8.5 fatalities and 415 injuries. Apart from injuries and fatalities, 38,747 towing related accidents result in property damage. Safety chains are observed to be the most faulty component in trailers. It is apparent from the data presented that safety practices in trailer towing are a substantial cause for concern. A new patented trailer towing system has been approved by the Louisiana State Police and meets Federal Regulations has been developed that does not involve chains and is safer when towing trailers with livestock and materials. The system (see picture below) was recently installed on LSU vehicles. The picture shows the safety towing unit that we recently installed on our truck-trailer system at the LSU Veterinary School. We haul horses every day and we installed this unit (Safe-Tow) because we believe that it is safer than the currently available chain systems. The most important thing to consider when trailering horses is that horses are transported in a standing position and weigh anywhere from 1000 to 1500 lbs. When the trailer becomes disconnected from the primary hitch, a shift in weight distribution occurs as the horses are top heavy, it is of the utmost importance to use a rigid secondary safety system such as Safe-Tow to provide the maximum control of the disconnected trailer as possible. The LSU Veterinary School decided to implement this new safer secondary safety device, which uses a rigid design as compared to the flexibility of the age-old chain system, based on data compiled by the LSU Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department. For more information contact Jim Milazzo at Safe-Tow, Inc. phone: 225-978-2991 email: jim.milazzo@yahoo.com
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Kalee McCann, AQHYA President By Barbara Newtown By Barbara Newtown She received two bronze medals in reining and two Top Ten placings in cutting. The 2014 AQHA Youth World Cup took place in College Station, Texas, at a local equestrian complex near Texas A&M. Quarter Horse owners all over the country donated horses just for the competition. Past World Cup competitors tried out the horses to find out which ones would be suitable. “I wish the 2014 Cup had been held in a foreign country. But I still had a lot of fun!” Kalee says. There were 16 countries represented: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. “The German team was very strong,” says Kalee. “They came in second. They were very close to us in points. They were extremely disciplined!” “It’s much like the Olympics: we have the parade of countries. It was very humbling to do that for our country. There were only 10 people on our team, and only five were riders. The vice president of the AQHYA, also from Mississippi, was our team leader. We stayed in one of the dorms at Texas A&M, with all the other competitors from other countries. It was cool to see how involved they were with the same things we are.” Kalee says that the European countries may not have as many Quarter Horse shows as the United States does, but the ones they do have are very big. Some of the European Quarter Horse competitors will fly over and show in the United States, much as Americans will fly to Germany to experience dressage at its finest, or fly to England to compete at the Badminton and Burghley Three-Day Events. Since the World Cup, Kalee says that she’s seen several of the people showing over here that she had met at the World Cup. Kalee speaks highly of the Youth Excellence Conference, organized by the AQHA and held every year in Amarillo, Texas, home of the AQHA. In 2014 the AQHA combined the YES Conference with the World Cup, so that the youth could attend the competition. The YES conference emphasizes leadership and lasts three days. Attendees are
members of AQHA affiliates. “You split up into different groups with people you don’t know and do team-building exercises led by AQHYA officers,” says Kalee. There are seminars, dinners, receptions, and a dance. The YES young people are the future of the AQHA: tomorrow’s riders, trainers, and breeders. The networking is great, says Kalee. “It makes going to horse shows a lot more enjoyable—you aren’t competing against strangers; you’re meeting up with friends.” During YES, AQHYA officers and directors are elected. Two years ago, Kalee was a regional director for Region 9, which covers Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Last year Kalee was elected AQHYA Vice President. This year she ran for President and won. “The President’s job is fun, but also educational,” says Kalee. “You work closely with people who are involved in the AQHA.” Kalee is in charge of two committees, membership and scholarship fund raising. The scholarships include the $8,000 Woodruff Scholarship and the Wrangler Aspire award for outstanding youth. She explains that one application makes you eligible for all awards. The scholarship committee decides which scholarship the youth is competing for. However, Kalee says, the decisions are made by AQHA adults, since the AQHYA officers are eligible for consideration. The AQHYA President and the regional directors come up with new scholarship ideas, and hand out information to encourage youth to join the organization and apply for aid. The membership committee makes presentations at schools and meetings of the FFA and 4H. Kalee says that the committee spreads the word about the AQHA and the scholarship program at many horse shows. The American Quarter Horse Foundation gave out $319,000 in scholarships to youth in 2014. Kalee is already showing in the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, and the AQHA. She hopes to continue showing horses in the future as an amateur. “You name it, I’ve done it! Way down the road, I want my kids to do it too!” Kalee says, “My parents have worked hard and gone way out of their way to allow my brother and me to do what we want to do. It’s given me a foundation for the next chapter of my life…going to college, moving away from home. But, since I’ll be tied in with horses on the equestrian team, it’ll be a little like home. And the discipline of caring for and showing horses will make dental school easy!”
April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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Louisiana Equine Report •April | May 2015
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April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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Pigeon Fever: A regional disease no more Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LA School of Veterinary Medicine | Louisiana State University
Edited from the Pigeon Fever Brochure and Press Release, February 25, 2015, Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica Pigeon Fever is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Most commonly it causes external abscesses frequently found in the ventral and pectoral region of horses. C. pseudotuberculosis is found in the soil and is thought to be transferred to the horse through open abrasions, scratches, lacerations or fly bites. Of a major concern is the smaller percentage of horses that develop internal abscesses which can be fatal.
Clinical Signs Diagnosis and Treatment
If a horse has an unexpected swelling on the breast/pectoral area between the front legs, limbs (see pictures attached), or anywhere these could be the outward signs of Pigeon Fever. Your veterinarian should be called immediately and he or she may drain the abscess and submit the pus for culture and a sensitivity or PCR test to diagnose and confirm the condition. The diagnosis of internal infection can be challenging. An ultrasonographic examination, radiographic examination or antibody testing can help aid in diagnosis of internal abscesses. Approximately ninety percent of the time, Pigeon Fever cases will present clinically with external abscesses. These abscesses are typically treated by your veterinarian by lancing, draining, and lavaging the abscesses. Certain cases may warrant systemic antibiotics. Internal abscesses, found on the liver, lungs or chest cavity, kidney and spleen, are less common, but more serious. Up to 40 percent mortality has been reported in these cases, even with treatment. Surgery may be required to encourage drainage, and aggressive longterm antibiotic therapy is usually required. Prevention: Vaccination A new Pigeon Fever vaccine (Boehringer lngelheim Vetmedica, Inc., St. Joseph, MO) for horses just received conditional licensing from the USDA. The new vaccine will help horse owners and veterinarians fight this debilitating disease. “We are proud to equip veterinarians with a vaccine to help in the fight against this serious and unpredictable disease,” says Robert Keene, DVM, Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer lngelheim Vetmedica, Inc. For more information about the new vaccine, contact your veterinarian or Boehringer lngelheim Vetmedica, Inc., Veterinary Technical Services at 866-638-2226, or visit HealthyHorses.com.
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Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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High School Equestrian Sports Flourishing By Elizabeth Cummins and Kelley Varisco
Mandeville High School 2015 Equestrian Team.
Christ Episcopal School 2014 Equestrian Team.
It has been five years since Covington High School officially began to recognize equestrians as high school athletes by offering an athletic letter in equestrian sports. Covington’s team was founded in 2010 and based its criteria upon the guidelines established by (USEF) United States Equestrian Federation’s High School athlete program. Once word got out about Covington High’s equestrian team, enthusiasm for the program abounded on the Northshore. Other schools followed suit to start their own programs, using Covington’s criteria to develop their own lettering expectations. Several of our SEDA junior riders benefit from these programs and are on their way, earning a varsity letter for their chosen sport. These programs are very beneficial to young riders who want to participate at the collegiate level. Furthermore, students who show varsity team experience can build better college resumes and show the well-roundedness that colleges seek in prospective students. Each school varies slightly with requirements to letter; however, they all require one or more of these general expectations of their athletes: •Riders must log a certain number of hours in the saddle •Riders must participate in a specific number of shows per year •Riders must provide volunteer service hours •Riders are encouraged to join an Equestrian affiliation (i.e., USEF, USDF, AQHA, USEA, SEDA, SLHJA) Riders must maintain a specific GPA) Important Things to Note High schools DO NOT provide lessons, trainers, boarding, or horses for students. The programs have been developed to acknowledge and reward student athletes that are currently participating in equestrian sports. Local teams on the Northshore include: Covington High School (est. 2010), Mandeville High School (est. 2013), Christ Episcopal School (est. 2013), and Lakeshore High School (est. 2015).
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Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
Covington High School 2014 Equestrian Team.
Interested? If you are a student at one of the above schools, participate in equestrian sports, and would like to receive a high school letter for your riding, please contact your school’s team sponsor. If you are a student at a high school without a program and would like to start an equestrian team, please feel free to contact the above schools and their sponsors for more information and support. Many of us older riders and/or parents would have loved such an opportunity to letter in horseback riding. SEDA members: I ask you to contact these schools and thank them for encouraging and supporting Equestrian Athletes. We need to continue to grow throughout St. Tammany Parish and our state.
Who to Contact Covington High School (covingtonhigh.stpsb.org) Covingtonhigh.stpsb.org/athletics/equestrian Kelley Varisco: kvarischo11@gmail.com Mandeville High School (mandevillehigh.stpsb.org) Lauri Byerley: lbyerley@msn.com Christ Episcopal School Christepiscopalschool.corg/teams Kristie Cato: kristiecato@yahoo.com Lakeshore High School http://teacherweb.com/LA/ LakeshoreHighSchool/Lee/apt3.aspx Kendall Richter: krichter@christepiscopalschool.org
With Kayli Meaux By: Louisiana Equine Report Staff Writer
How did you get started with horses? I began competing when I was six years old at a small riders club near my hometown. I walked and trotted the pattern and thought I was good enough for the NFR at only age six. I soon started to learn more and improve every day. Even now I still learn and improve every day. The key to my success was to never give up. Our house sits on a few acres of waterfront property. Since we live on the lake, horses are not allowed to live in our backyard. My parents had bought a rice farm down the road from the house that had a barbed wire fence and a small barn that was filled with junk. Eventually my parents saw my love for horses, so we cleaned up the barn and built three stalls. I thought I was in heaven. I was so happy riding my four-wheeler down the old gravel road to go feed my horse and clean stalls. Still today I have that same barn and that same farm--just today it is occupied with six horses and three miniature donkeys. What was it like to become Queen? When I was standing in the middle of the arena holding hands with the other contestants, waiting for the new Queen’s name to be called out, my heart was racing. When I heard my own name, my whole body relaxed and I took a deep breath. I stepped forward and I heard my whole family shout and cheer. After I received my crown and banner and mounted my horse for my victory lap, I wanted to give my mother and father an enormous hug and thank them for believing in me when others didn’t. As I rode around the arena with my court behind me, I thanked God for letting me have that moment. I opened my eyes and thanked him for the ride of my life that was about to happen. Is there a Rodeo Queen that you especially admire? Chenae Shiner is my favorite rodeo queen. She was Miss Rodeo America in 2013. She inspired me to stand out and be different, even if it meant taking a chance. She brought a whole new “style” to the rodeo queen world. She was not afraid to step out of the “Assumed Standards” and be herself. Who is your hero? My hero would have to be my big brother Steven. He might not be there all the time, but whenever I need him he will be in his car headed my way as fast as the speed limit will allow. He is my hero because he is so protective of me. When he moved out to go to college, he said that he would always be my big brother no matter where he is. Nothing can ever change that. He will always be my big brother, no matter how much we fight! Also, I honestly do not think I could live without my best friend. We have been best friends since we first started to rodeo together at the little family-oriented riders club near my hometown. We don’t live close to another, so that means we don’t get to see each other very much, but even though we don’t get to talk in person every day like most best friends do, we still remain best friends. Describe yourself. If I could describe myself in one word, it would be “Gumbo.” I know it’s not a descriptive word but it is impossible to describe me in one word. I am so much more than just one word; I am a lot of different things thrown together to make something great. I have determination, love, kindness, motivation, energy, and I am hard-working, smart, and so much more. So just like gumbo, I am all thrown together to make something many people like.
Kayli Meaux, the 2014/15 Louisiana High School Rodeo Association Queen, is a senior at Lake Arthur High School. Her family includes her parents Kim and Paul and her brothers Paul and Steven. She competes in breakaway roping, goat tying, and barrel racing. She plans to join the rodeo team at McNeese State University, where she will prepare for pharmacy school at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
The color red also describes me. Red is a bold color and represents confidence. Red is a color that will stand out in a crowd. I am confident and, like red, I like to stand out in a crowd! Besides rodeo, I enjoy hunting, reading, and going out on the lake on my boat and jet skis. I like to sit in my deer stand and read a book because it’s so quiet and peaceful. The only thing that can interrupt my reading in the deer stand is a nice size buck! I love to read books of any genre, but once I fall in love with a book, I’m hooked. I can’t stop thinking about the story line. When I’m reading a good book I get lost in the story and for that moment it is like I am actually there. If I’m not in the practice pen or on the road to a rodeo, you can most likely find me at work at my father’s pharmacy or on the lake with my friends in the summer. During the school year you can find me in my room studying when I’m not on the back of my horse. Many people inspire me and push me to better myself, but the one person who pushes me the hardest is myself. I am hardest on myself and always want to improve. I am self-motivated, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little push from friends and family! Plans for the future? I plan to graduate from ULM with a degree in pharmacy and move back to my hometown, so I can work alongside my father in his pharmacy until he retires. I hope to start a family when I’m older and introduce my family to the great sport of rodeo and for them to have the same opportunities that I had growing up. I want to be remembered as the young lady that had that biggest heart and wanted to succeed as bad as she wanted to breathe. Thank you, Kayli!
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April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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youth Page Sponsored by:
Southeast LA High School Rodeo Results March 7th & 8th, in Gonzales, Louisiana.
All around cowgirl: Baylee Istre, Vinton High School | All around cowboy: Jace Gilbert, Sulphur High School BAREBACK RIDING 1 Justin Mire
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BARREL RACING 1 Baylee Istre 2 Kylie Mayfield 3 Kori Thomason 4 Aliece Manuel 5 Kelsey Chesson 6 Hannah Forsythe 7 Kati Murphy 8 Kassie deVeer 9 Savannah Kerry 10 Kellie Mounger
16.568 16.667 16.700 16.768 16.783 16.809 16.822 16.891 16.897 16.906
BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Kolbie Brashear 2 Chloe Frey 3 Hannah Lewis 4 Kelsey Brashear 5 Mia Martin 6 Kelly O’Neal 7 Lexi Gunter 8 Paige Lege 9 Elise Guillory 10 Kelsey Chesson GOAT TYING 1 Mia Manzanares 2 Kayli Meaux 3 Cassie Bellard 4 Kaylee Cormier 5 Elise Guillory 6 Abbie Delcambre 7 Kassie deVeer 8 Kelsy Brashear 9 Kelly O’Neal 10 Allie Fontenot
2.51 2.57 2.72 2.91 2.96 2.97 3.19 3.45 3.54 3.88 8.21 8.42 8.52 8.55 8.70 9.04 9.36 9.56 9.61 10.18
SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 Matthew Ellender 2 Ty Walker 3 Garrett Ellender
68 51 24
TIE DOWN ROPING 1 Ryley Fontenot 2 Jace Gilbert 3 Zack Jongbloed 4 Cole Matheson 5 Cyle Denison 6 Colt Carpenter 7 Ty Fogleman 8 Kyle Clark 9 Christopher Henry 10 Landry Lee
9.41 10.48 10.64 12.09 12.45 13.30 13.39 14.29 14.44 14.50
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STEER WRESTLING 1 Zack Jongbloed 2 Gabe Soileau 3 Ryan Gotreaux 4 Cameron Gotreaux 5 Gavin Soileau 6 Joseph Denison 7 Cole Doise 8 Grant Morein
4.69 5.02 5.36 6.00 6.92 7.64 9.60 14.74
POLE BENDING 1 Quinci Middlebrooks 2 Sydni White 3 Ryland Frey 4 Jillian Carter 5 Jaycie Laughlin 6 Melanie Bebee 7 Jessi White 8 Morgan McGrew 9 Kati Murphy 10 Allison Mayes
20.708 20.755 21.030 21.365 21.412 21.423 21.627 21.684 21.867 21.969
BULL RIDING 1 Judd Hebert 2 Cody Martinez 3 Grant Leonards 4 Ty Veillon 5 Austin Canezaro
83 79 75 74 68
GIRLS CUTTING 1 Baylee Istre 2 Katy Fogleman 3 Ashten Thompson 4 Larkin McBride 5 Chloe Frey 6 Morgan Leger 7 Erica Aymond
74.0 73.0 72.0 71.5 70.0 68.0 65.0
BOYS CUTTING 1 Colt Carpenter 2 Cyle Denison 3 Karter Bacque 4 Zack Jongbloed 5 Ty Folgeman 6 Lance LaBove 7 Logan Fontenot
73.0 72.0 71.5 71.0 70.0 65.0 62.0
TEAM ROPING 1 Cyle Denison/Cody Hogan 2 Cody NesSmith/Trenton Brown 3 Jace Gilbert/Ty Fogleman 4 Turner McGuffee/Tyler McGuffee 5 Wes Thibodeaux/Dustin Bonnette 6 Remey Parrott/Trey Soileau 7 Cody LeBlanc/Cody Simon 8 Ryley Fontenot/Zack Jongbloed 9 Cole Matheson/Conner Matheson 10 Clint Craig/Logan Espey
6.76 7.44 7.66 7.95 9.35 9.52 11.37 13.63 17.49 19.87
Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
SOUTHEAST LA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL RODEO RESULTS March 6th & 7th, Gonzales, Louisiana
STEER BAREBACK RIDING 1 Braden Smith 2 Mason Spain 3 Kolby LaFleur 4 Marshall Nesbit
48 46 44 42
BARREL RACING 1 Allie Conner 2 Gracie Nugent 3 Stoney Raymond 4 Lexie Miller 5 Lena Johnson 6 Kylie Conner 7 Josie Griffin 8 Josey Murphy 9 Kamryn Duncan 10 Sonny Johnson
16.704 16.789 16.939 16.981 17.057 17.078 17.192 17.261 17.270 17.279
BOYS BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Jayce Reeves 2 Dominic Broussard 3 Ty Aymond 4 Coy Baxter 5 Luke Dubois 6 Britt Butler 7 Cody Waguespack 8 Ethan Sparks 9 Jacques Trahan
3.48 3.62 3.71 4.54 5.29 5.74 12.05 12.87 14.12
CHUTE DOGGING 1 Cory Constance 2 Nicholas Perry 3 Mason Pitts 4 Hazen Martin 5 Kase Bacque 6 John Mayes 7 Grant Soileau 8 Kolby LaFleur 9 Taylor Pierce 10 Joel Nero
2.51 2.60 2.79 3.45 3.76 4.28 4.29 7.02 9.99 10.68
TIE DOWN ROPING 1 Cory Constance 2 Mason Pitts 3 Trey Hebert 4 Alex Darbonne 5 Austin Hebert 6 Joel Nero
15.58 16.16 17.96 19.20 25.90 31.83
GIRLS BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Josey Murphy 2 Brooklyn Gunter 3 Allie Conner 4 Cady Fruge 5 Aaleigha Dubois 6 Abigail James 7 Kaylee Kinney 8 Chloe Hillman
3.50 3.55 3.70 3.95 4.25 12.39 24.87 24.96
BOYS GOAT TYING 1 Alex Darbonne 2 Mason Pitts 3 Chase Borres 4 Peyton Doyle 5 Jayce Reeves 6 Matthew Weeks 7 Zeb Corkern 8 Corey Alderton 9 Kolby LaFleur 10 Tyler Williams
11.28 11.89 12.12 12.38 13.78 14.49 14.80 16.50 16.55 16.74
BULL RDING 1 Mason Spain 2 Parker Malone
73 64
GIRLS GOAT TYING 1 Josey Murphy 2 Kamryn Duncan 3 Katherine Moss 4 Ali Murphy 5 Tanzi Stafford 6 Lena Johnson 7 Chloe Hillman 8 Anna Williams 9 Abigail James 10 Maci Montie
9.11 9.23 9.79 10.38 11.01 11.13 12.03 12.41 12.67 12.98
POLE BENDING 1 Kylie Conner 2 Lena Johnson 3 Presley Smith 4 Abigail James 5 Addie King 6 Lexie Miller 7 Bailey Mudd 8 Anna Williams 9 Kamryn Duncan 10 Chloe Hillman
20.973 21.335 21.461 21.506 21.614 21.677 21.927 21.985 22.024 22.327
RIBBON ROPING 1 Mason Pitts/Lena Johnson 2 Chase Borres/Teyler Johnson 3 Ethan Sparks/Morgan Sparks 4 Cory Constance/Brooklyn Gunter 5 Garrett Frey/Addie King 6 Kase Bacque/Mackenzie Becnel 7 Gatlin Martin/Gabby Gunter 8 Austin Hebert/Bailey Mudd 9 Zachary Harper/Camaren Johnson 10 Allie Conner/Cole Ford
7.86 11.81 14.62 14.90 15.12 16.74 19.36 19.50 22.19 22.58
TEAM ROPING 1 Zeb Corkern/Britt Buller 2 Tucker Arthur/Ethan Sparks 3 Grant Soileau/Hadley Dunnehoo 4 Bradley Hesnor/Ty Aymond 5 Kody Sanchez/Grant Foster
10.91 14.70 16.23 28.10 33.75
A formal equestrian program at Schools of the Sacred Heart dates back to the mid-1970s. Many alums of the Academy boarding school remember that there were horses on the property simply for the entertainment of the boarders who often rode western style after school and on weekends. With the arrival of Sr. Claire Kondolf as Headmistress in the early 1980s, new stables were built and a more structured English riding program was established. Today, the school utilizes the stables built in the 1980s, as well as the original 1835 stables, for boarding horses, and students are able to enjoy hunter/jumper, dressage, and western pleasure riding. And now, the school is realizing the dream of taking the Equestrian Center even further with a new a covered competition arena. The covered arena, with 20 additional stalls for boarding, should be completed in the Summer of 2015. Under the guidance of Robert “Popie” Billeaud of J.B. Mouton, construction began in late December on the covered arena. Prior to December, two new practice arenas were constructed so that students would be able to continue their riding while the covered arena is built over the arena that has been used for competitions. Many generous benefactors have helped to make this dream a reality. Once the project is complete the school will be able to host local english and western type shows. In the future, the Equestrian Center would to host “B” rated English shows and begin hosting clinics on a more frequent basis. Students in grades 5-12 from both the Academy and Berchmans Academy can ride for a PE credit during their PE class. Students also ride after school or on Saturdays. The invitation to ride goes beyond the Sacred Heart community. Interested riders should contact the Schools of the Sacred Heart at 337.662.5275. Having the covered arena will allow for the riders that are serious about competing ride at a more competitive level because they will no longer be limited by weather conditions in their training. The arena will also be a tremendous asset to the Equestrian Center summer camp program. The day camp is open to boys and girls over the age of six and is designed to give each student the opportunity to develop his/her horsemanship skills in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Camps include beginner, intermediate and advanced English camps, as well as Western camps. More information on the camps or the equestrian program can be found at www.sshcoteau.org/equestrian/
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Evangeline Announces 2015 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino has released its Thoroughbred stakes for the 2015 season, which gets underway on April 8. The Opelousas, Louisiana, track will offer 21 stakes races worth total purse money of $1,930,000 during its 84-day meeting that runs through August 29. The highlight of the new season will take place on Saturday, May 30, when the track host the second running of the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint. The five-furlong race is one of the richest turf sprints in the country and should attract plenty of talented horses such as Heitai, who won the inaugural edition of the event in 2014. Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint Day will include a total of five stakes races worth $640,000 in purse money. Louisiana Legends Night will take place on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4 this year. The annual event features eight stakes races for Louisianabred horses and total purse money of $700,000. The highlight of the evening will be the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Classic for 3-year-olds and up competing at 1-1/16 miles. Stall applications for the upcoming meet at Evangeline Downs are due by Friday, February 20. To request a stall application, horsemen can call the Evangeline Downs racing office at 337-594-3015. The address to submit the application to is: Stall Application Committee, 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, Louisiana, 70570. The racing office fax number is 337-594-3166. For a complete stakes schedule, go to www.evangelinedowns.com.
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48 Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
for updates on the new website!
Continued from page 6.......... April 12th Terrebonne Livestock Fair Assoc. Horse Show | Info: Adrian Dufrene 985-232-5141 Houma, LA River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 Jonesville, LA NBHA LA 03 Rice Arena | Info: Glenda LeBlanc 337-789-9050 Crowley, LA Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Washington County Fairgrounds (Indoor Arena) Info: 979-220-6804 or www.stbra.org | Brenham, TX Western Louisiana Barrel Racers Assoc. Info: wlbra@yahoo.com | Vivian, LA April 13th – 16th Horses for Handicapped Mississippi State Fairgrounds | Jackson, MS April 14th & 15th Silver Spurs Rodeo Club 4D | West Cal Arena Sulphur, LA April 15th Sugasheaux | SugArena New Iberia, LA April 17th Bienville Parish Fair Assoc. 2015 Play Day | Info: 318-894-2593 | Ringgold, LA Red River Riders Vivian Arena | Info: 318-447-7767 | Vivian, LA April 17th & 18th North Louisiana Equestrian Assoc. Club Show #1 | Info: www.nlea.org Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. LaSalle Riding Club High School | LRC Arena
French Camp Academy | Rodeo 220 Lake Rd. | Gates Open @ 5:30pm Show Starts 7:00pm | Info: 662-547-7296 | French Camp, MS
Sugasheaux SugArena | Info: www.sugarena.com or 337-385-7539 | New Iberia, LA
Mississipi High School Rodeo Assoc. Poplarville II H.S. Rodeo | Info: www.mshsra.org Purvis, MS
Rodeo Info: 409-745-1471 | Orange, TX
La Team Roping Association West Cal Arena | Info: Ricky Jordan 337-263-0036 or George Reeves 337-884-4525 | Sulphur, LA MHJA Horse Show | GB Spring Gala Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 www.mhja.net | Folsom, LA
Sugarfest High & Jr High School Rodeo | SugArena New Iberia, LA
April 17th – 19th NBHA LA 06 Krazy Karma Run For The Kash Lamar Dixon Expo Center | Info: 504-452-9707 Gonzales, LA April 18th 3D Open Team Sorting Ranch Sorting, Youth, 3 Man, Team Roping Hancock County Arena Info: Rico Lee 601-916-7584, Troy Crain 985-516-7507 or Blake Chiasson 985-285-0892 Kiln, MS Coldwater Cross Northwest Multipurpose Arena Info: Bo McCoy 662-544-5290 or 901-335-4876 Senatobia, MS Baldwin Ranch Sorting Baldwin Arena | Info: Mike Baldwin 936-598-3419 or 936-591-2524 | Center, TX Youth Only Rodeo with Open 5D Barrel Run Moorehouse Activity Center Info: Kelley 318-499-1063 or Crystal 318-341-6768 Bastrop, LA River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 Jonesville, LA April 18th & 19th Acadiana Youth Rodeo Association Rice Arena | Info: 337-783-1442 Crowley, LA Holly Hill Spring Horse Trials Holly Hill Farm | Info: www.hollyhillfarm.net Benton, LA
April 19th Calf Roping Cowboy Heritage Church of Freestone County Info: Trent Turner 903-388-0931 309 Hwy 84 | Teague, TX 75860 April 19th & 20th LA Little Britches Rodeo Club West Cal Arena | Info: www.louisianalittlebritches. com or Bobbie Darbonne 337-762-3931 April 21st & 22nd LA Little Britches Rodeo Club Open 4-D | West Cal Arena Info: www.louisianalittlebritches.com or Bobbie Darbonne 337-762-3931| Sulphur, LA April 23rd – 25th USDF Region 9 | HDS Spring Classic I & II Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 | Katy, TX April 24th & 25th Dixie Regional Team Penning Association Arena One – Lee Gar | Info: Brian Buckner 601-867-1090 | Batesville, MS
April 25th Tri-State Dressage Society | Holly Hill Farm Info: www.tristatedressagesociety.com | Benton, LA YOU GOT GAIT Spring Camp Starts 8:00am | Camelot Wilderness Ranch Info: 337-781-4312 | Leonville, LA Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: Celine Perry 225-235-0570 or www.dsshsa.org Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Association BREC Indoor | Info: BJ Cotton –Email: bjcotten@ gmail.com Baton Rouge, LA Mississippi Junior High School Rodeo Assoc. Purvis Rodeo Club | Info: msjrhighrodeo@hotmail. com or www.mjhsra.org | Purvis, MS NBHA MS02 Info; Courtni 901-651-7622 | Houston, MS Junior Cajun Rodeo Association Info: www.jcra.webs.com | Napoleonville, LA
Rodeo Info: 318-617-8991 | Hope, AR
Wolf Barrel Racing Assoc. Twin Lakes Arena | Info: Staci Wolf | Fairfield, TX
Cotton Country Open Horse Show North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA
Catahoula Riding Club C Bar Ranch Arena/Shivers Arena | Info: Jennifer Tiffee 318-481-3119 or | Tim Laine Neal 318-7156912/0894
April 24th – 26th J x 2 Team Roping | Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: Pam Smith 423-575-2295 | Tunica, MS
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Advertising Reach more horse owners and potential customers with the Louisiana Equine Report than any other Horse Publication in Louisiana. Reasonable Rates, Flexible Advertising Packages, Free Ad Design. Published every other month, i.e. Feb/Mar, April/May etc. plus a Horseman’s Directory in February, Horseman’s Christmas Gift Guide in our October/November and December/January issues, Stallion Edition in January 2014 Don’t Miss Out on this opportunity to Grow Your Business with advertising in the Louisiana Equine Report. Email sales@laequinereport.com or call 225.229.8979 or 225.622.5747 today!!! Adoption Horses For adoption info contact admin@lahorserescue.com Louisiana Horse Rescue Association is looking for members! To become a member and provide rescue and sanctuary to horses of racing breeds please contact admin@lahorserescue. com. Membership is $25.00 per year and entitles you to vote on key issues, nominate board members and participate in volunteer activities. Be part of the solution - join today. BOARDING Soft Touch Equine – Training, Lessons, Full-Care Boarding, Sales and Consulting. Offering a softer approach in training and lessons using natural horsemanship. Quality care for your horse in a safe friendly environment. Whether you’re just getting started or specialize in an event, we want to help you accomplish your equine goals! Contact Kathleen in Natchitoches, LA @ 402-380-8699
Equine Boarding 6 miles south of Opelousas. $125 per month, you supply the feed. Trails to ride on and arena. Camelot Wilderness Ranch, Leonville, LA 337-781-4312. www.camelotwildernessranch.com Hay Chaffhaye: Fermented Alfalfa. Now in stock, fresh shipment, call for bulk pricing. Better than dry hay..its Chaffhaye! Info: 337-581-3618. QUALITY BERMUDA HAY – We have Tifton, jigs and coastal 50 pound, 2 string square bales for sale. You may find hay as pretty, but none better than our hay. It’s fertilized, irrigated and stacked off the ground. It is cut with a conditioner and put up with expertise. We test every cutting. Protein comes out between 13 and 19% protein, depending upon the cutting. Located in Woodville, Texas. Contact Judy at 337802-0344 or Email: karafarms@gmail.com Top Horse Quality Round Bales Bermuda and Mixed Bahia Available $50/bale Bobby Granger 337-207-9535 Bahia square bales $5.50 per bale. Folsom area 985-796-9261 HAY EQUIPMENT 2-Kuhn GMD 800 Disc Mowers, starting @ $6,500. For Information contact Quality Equipment Company, Opelousas, LA location 337-942-4924 1 John Deere 468 Silage Round Baler with net wrap, $33,400. For information contact Quality Equipment Company, Crowley, LA 337-783-5366
1 New Holland 640 Round Baler, $5100. For information contact Quality Equipment Company, Abbeville, LA 337-5174020 HORSES FOR SALE ARABIANS 14 year old registered Polish Arabian mare for sale. She is smart, gentle and can clear a five-foot fence. She rides Western or English. She has not been formally trained for hunter/ jumper, but would make a nice ride for this class. She would also do well in endurance classes. She loves to run---and can run forever! She has a beautiful stride and smooth trot. Price is negotiable. For more info contact Linda @ 214-929-8368 GAITED HORSES 7 yr old Registered Tennessee Walker Pearlino Mare with excellent and rare bloodlines! Quests Ice Cream Queen goes back to the original Trigger of Roy Rogers fame! She’s out of Gaddy’s Traveling Deuce by Color Quest TF Broke to ride but in process of a tune up she’s worth her breeding potential alone as a Pearlino will produce color palomino buckskin etc!! Call 337-581-3618 FMI serious buyers only. MORGANS 2001 AMHA Morgan Mare, wonderfully bred, sound, GREEN BROKE, super smooth ride, has produced two winning show mares, very pretty and has a willing attitude, wants to please and easy to work with. Good feet and overall health is very good. Easy keeper, approx. 15.2 hands has ridden English but seems to be more of a Western type. Valued at $25,000 but will sacrifice at only $2000 to a great home. Contact 985-796-0444
PAINTS 2003 APHA gelding 14.3H Romeo is the kind you want in your barn. He is very gentle and laid back as they come. He has a rocking chair lope and a super smooth trot. This gelding has an automatic handle. He will lope circles in the arena and trail rides anywhere you point him. This gelding has great ground manners and is easy to catch, groom, and handle. If you’re looking for a super flashy gelding that can do it all from arena work to riding outside Romeo is your guy. Call today for pricing and more info 337-764-3456 Great Kids Horse. Shown in 4H, high school rodeo, and Sugasheauxs. Registered APHA 10 year old Mare. $5000. For Info Call: 337-371-1104 “Jack” (Juan Bad Cat x Glidden Express) 2011 Bay Gelding, Registered APHA BS. For inquiries callDouble J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Glamorous Conclusion (Awesome Mr. Conclusion x Shes So Glamorous) 2011 Sorrel Filly by world champion APHA stud. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940668-8265 QUARTER HORSES 2 year Old Red Roan stud colt by Peeka Pep X out of daughter of Dual Rey. Really nice colt has everything you need in one color, confirmation, ability and mind. This colt is out of the top bloodlines in the cutting world. $6000 and is nominated for the NCHA Super Stakes. Give us a call at 318-335-6476
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Continued from page 49.......... 1st Annual Bull Riding Busy Bee Arena | Info: 405-835-2251 | Valliant, OK
Rodeo Bar None Cowboy Church | Info: 903-395-2855 | Tatum, TX
April 25th & 26th Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. SugarFest High School | SugArena | New Iberia, LA
May 2nd NBHA LA06 Barrel Race Florida Parishes Arena | Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA
MHJA Horse Show Mississippi College Benefit | Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 www.mhja.net | Pocahontas, MS
Junior Cajun Rodeo Association Info: www.jcra.webs.com | Greenwell Springs, LA
Kelly Kaminski Horsemanship & Barrel Racing Clinc | Texas Longhorn Club Info: http://www.kellykaminshi.com | Vinton, LA April 26th & 27th Tri-State Dressage Society Clinic with Bill Woods | Holly Hill Farm Info: www.tristatedressagesociety.com | Benton, LA April 28th & 29th Silver Spurs Rodeo Club 4-D | West Cal Arena | Sulphur, LA April 30th – May 3rd MHJA Horse Show | WTHJA Memphis in May Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 | www.mhja.net | Germantown, TN May 1st Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race Florida Parishes Arena | Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA
Mississippi Junior High School Rodeo Assoc. MS Jr. High | Info: msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com or www.mjhsra.org | Gallman, MS MHJA Horse Show Winterview Kentucky Derby Show Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 www.mhja.net | Flora, MS River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 | Jonesville, LA Catahoula Riding Club C Bar Ranch Arena/Shivers Arena | Info: Jennifer Tiffee 318-481-3119 or Tim Laine Neal 318-715-6912/0894 Forty Nine Equine Friday Night 4D Barrel Run | Info: 601-906-6785, 601-906-1161 or 601-906-4366 | Florence, MS
Bienville Parish Fair Assoc. 2015 Play Day | Info: 318-894-2593 | Ringgold, LA
D’Arbonne Range Riders Saddle Series Playdays | Barrels, Poles, Quad Stakes Info: Kristin Lynn 318-243-5726
Red River Riders Vivian Arena | Info: 318-447-7767 | Vivian, LA
Emerson Arena 3D Ranch Sorting Info: Dilton Emerson 318-393-5703 | Benton, LA
May 1st & 2nd Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. DeRidder Junior High | Beauregard Parish Covered Arena DeRidder, LA
Dixie Regional Team Penning Association Lady Lake Equestrian | Info: Emmett Whitehurst 352-538-4239 Lady Lake, FL
Mississipi High School Rodeo Assoc. MJHSRA II H. S. Rodeo | Info: www.mshsra.org | Gallman, MS Acadiana 4-H Horse Camp SugArena | Info: 337-898-4335 | New Iberia, LA May 1st – 3rd 3rd Annual Spring Jam | Platinum Productions $13,000 Added 5D | Multi-Race Format Kirk Fordice Equine Center |Info: Timmy Woodcock 228-860-8104 or Misty Harris 228-860-4708 | twoodcock@neseenterprise.com or Misty.PlatinumProductions@gmail.com | Jackson, MS Tunica Paint Bonanza Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: Karen Kennedy 479-414-6965 Tunica, MS Ron McGloflin Horse Handling Clinci North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA Dynamite Barrel Race Agricenter Showplace | Info: Jamie White 731-693-6315 or Jayma Jo Shomaker 731-234-6036 | Memphis, TN
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May 2nd & 3rd Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. DeRidder High School | Beauregard Parish Covered Arena DeRidder, LA NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Email: scooterlebouef@aol.com New Roads, LA USDF Region 9 Reiterhof’s Dressage at the Palace I & II | Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 | San Antonio, TX May 3rd Western Louisiana Barrel Racers Assoc. | Info: wlbra@yahoo.com Southside Vermilion 4-H Benefit Open Horse Show | SugArena | Info: 337-898-4335 New Iberia, LA NBHA LA 03 Rice Arena | Info: Glenda LeBlanc 337-789-9050 | Crowley, LA Terrebonne Livestock Fair Assoc. Horse Show | Info: Adrian Dufrene 985-232-5141 | Houma, LA
Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Brazos Valley Cowboy Church | Info: www.stbra.org or 979-220-6804 Byran, TX May 7th – 10th MHJA Horse Show | WTHJA Memphis in May II Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 | www.mhja.net | Germantown, TN May 8th North Louisiana Equestrian Assoc. | Wildwood | Info: www.nlea.org Stach Bash Bull Riding North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA May 8th & 9th Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Association 11th Annual Tiger Dash for Cash | Info: BJ Cotton Email: bjcotten@gmail.com | New Roads, LA May 9th Great Southern Youth Rodeo Assoc. Info: Lisa Ladner 601-916-7016, Suzanne Wilson 601-916-6380, Tony Wilson 228-669-0091 or | Lance Ladner 601-916-6873 | Wiggins, MS Barrel Race North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA Louisiana Stock Horse Assoc. Info: Judy Weisgerber 337-208-2336 or Cell 337-238-0193 Ike Hamilton Expo Center | West Monroe, LA Whitesboro Riding Club Whitesboro Riding Club Arena | Open Playday Buckle Series Info: Allison @ 940-231-4753 or | Amie @ 903-564-7700 Whitesboro, TX Louisiana Playday Riding Club Club Show | Info: Kayla Kennedy 337-401-1225 Cenla Barrel Racers Association Agilus Health | 2nd Annual The Perfect Posture $1,000 Added to Open 4D LSUA AG Center 100 Gregg Marshall Dr. Info: Jodie Bass 318-787-1304, Jenny Smith 318-792-6815 or Brandie Bass 318-787-8403 | Alexandria, LA Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: Celine Perry 225-235-0570 or www.dsshsa.org | Baton Rouge, LA South Louisiana Team Sorting Assoc. Info: www.sltsa.com or email: sltsa@hotmail.com | Port Allen, LA May 9th & 10th Red River Region Event Rally Holly Hill Farm | Info: www.hollyhillfarm.net | Benton, LA Acadiana Youth Rodeo Association Rice Arena | Info: 337-783-1442 | Crowley, LA USDF Region 9 ODS Spring I & II | Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 Oklahoma City, OK
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Breakaway Barn
Shelley and Kyle Johnston, Brent and Spring Hatfield, and Shelley Farmer were barn boarders with a vision. They weren’t unhappy where they were keeping their horses…they just thought they could do it themselves and provide their children with good experiences. The families found a nice lease opportunity near Baton Rouge, convinced Shelley Johnston to be the full-time barn manager, and moved their daughters and their horses to the new place. The daughters named the place Breakaway Barn. “We put an emphasis on everyone respecting everyone else, regardless of their riding disciplines,” says Shelley Johnston. “We try to be open in communication. We put out a monthly newsletter. And if anything looks like it’s going to be ugly, we put our foot down right away!” Breakaway Barn has an unusual #1 rule: if you put it up, you have to take it down. If Brent and Spring’s daughter puts out three barrels so that she can practice turning and burning, she has to roll them to the edge of the arena when she’s done. If Shelley Farmer’s daughter wants to jump, she has to drag the poles and standards out of the way when her schooling session is over. And if Shelley Johnston’s daughter Sara, 13, wants to tune up her halfwarmblood half-Rocky Mountain spotted pony for showing First Level at a dressage show, she has to put up and put away her letters and arena markers. Shelley says that the system works well. Riders can leave their equipment in place for several days if it’s OK with the other boarders. “Dressage people try going around the barrels and barrel riders try out English saddles,” says Shelley. There is a free flow of knowledge and a lot of good will at Breakaway.
By Barbara Newtown
Education is important at Breakaway. For instance, says Shelley, the barn will invite a veterinarian to demonstrate bandaging or have a feed representative lecture on equine nutrition. Cory Bourque has given a couple of natural horsemanship clinics. Breakaway has three resident trainers: Leslie Salter specializes in biomechanics and can start riders in any discipline; Brooke Averett comes once a week to work on barrel racing technique; and Merideth Hebert teaches beginners. Anyone can invite a trainer to teach; the only rule is that the trainer must be insured. Breakaway is the new home of the Baton Rouge Pony Club. The Pony Club had been located at BREC Farr Park, but, because of insurance concerns, BREC had to stop allowing riders to take the BREC horses off the grounds…which meant that the Pony Club couldn’t take all of its members to shows and rallies. Shelley praises the members of the Folsom, Louisiana, Pony Club, the “Cantering Cajuns,” who have come often to Breakaway and helped with organization and meetings. In turn, the Breakaway riders can visit the Folsom group’s barn and jump their cross-country course. Pony Club, originally a British organization, is a methodical course in horse management, riding on the flat, riding over fences, and riding on natural terrain. Pony Club rallies can be horseless, in which case you take tests on horse health, barn management, and riding concepts. Pony Club also has competitions in dressage, polo, endurance, mounted games, eventing, polocrosse, pony racing, show jumping, and tetrathlon. (Tetrathlon is like the modern Olympic pentathlon. Riders compete in swimming and running for time, showjumping, and firing an air pistol.) Shelley is proud that one of the Baton Rouge Pony Club members won first place at the recent tetrathlon rally. She’s also proud that their team won first place in Barn Management—and her daughter was the barn manager! The Baton Rouge Pony Club has a grand plan: by next year, Shelley hopes that all their Pony Club riders will have achieved “ratings” and will be eligible to compete at the Pony Club Nationals. Breakaway Barn has a lot of experience with off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Shelley Johnston and Shelley Farmer have found good prospects through a horse rescue organization based in Ocala, Florida. Shelley Johnston says that they have gone to Ocala in the past because that group will take the horses back if they prove unsuitable for their new owners.
Cory Bourque has assisted Shelley, the riders, and the trainers with teaching the OTTB horses respect and manners. Shelley says that some of the horses at Breakaway are four year olds, just 90 days off the track, and the natural horsemanship work they have received at Breakaway has made them civilized. “All the girls here practice natural horsemanship,” she says. “It’s so important to get a good relationship on the ground first.” Shelley says that her husband Kyle wasn’t interested in horses, but as he watched Cory he became fascinated with the connection that can develop between a horse and a person. He started working with a horse, formed a bond, and now he is taking riding lessons. Shelley tried several careers before she ended up as the Breakaway Barn manager. She has worked as a Vet Tech in Houston, at a state-of-the-art facility; she studied Criminal Justice in college; she’s worked at the Baton Rouge Zoo; and she’s been a preschool teacher. Becoming a barn manager called for less pay and longer hours. But, Shelley says, “I like it a lot!” (In fact, when this interviewer drove up, Shelley was spraying Orange Glo on all the stall fronts. Beautiful. That’s the sort of job you don’t think up for yourself unless you love where you are.) “Running a barn is a big learning process,” she says. She is careful to interview prospective boarders. So far, everyone seems happy, even the rescue kitties and the rescue chickens. Boarder Barbara Barclay says that Breakaway is “a barn for people who are looking for something different.”
Breakaway Barn:
225-620-8097 18785 Vignes Road Baton Rouge, LA 70817
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Michall Broussard and Rand Vaudt: Because Horses Helped Them, They Help Horses By Barbara Newtown
Growing up with an alcoholic father made Michall Broussard’s life hard. But her father also gave her a wonderful gift: he introduced her to horses. By age four she was riding around on her horse Midnight. Michall still has Midnight, who is now 30 years old. “Midnight was my happiness. She was my light in the darkness,” says Michall. By age thirteen Michall was retraining “problem” horses. Because Michall had been hurt by people, she developed an affinity for horses who had been hurt as well. She discovered that, with care and love, horses can forgive. And she herself has learned how to forgive. Training horses is now Michall’s calling. “I like to work with horses that have lots of people issues. Often, when people bring horses to me, they tell me what the horse is doing wrong and what they want the horse to do. I have to tell them as nicely as I can, ‘You don’t have a horse problem -- your horse has a people problem, and that people problem is you!’ I fix the horse, and then I try to fix the person.” If a trainer just “fixes” the horse, and doesn’t address the owner’s skills or attitude, nothing permanent will be accomplished. Michall’s partner Rand Vaudt also feels that horses saved his life. He grew up a city boy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was in danger of falling victim to aimlessness, drugs, or alcohol, as so many of his friends did. But he moved to Louisiana, met Michall, and through her he discovered the healing power of horses. Now he, too, wants to give back, by joining with Michall in making horse’s lives better. Since Michall and Rand believe that all of a horse’s health issues must be addressed before training begins, they always perform a comprehensive review of a horse’s condition: hooves, coat, diet, habits, and, above all, teeth. “We want to make sure that the teeth are properly set up for a bit and that the horse is comfortable. We don’t want the horse to associate any discomfort with the bit. We want the horse to have good food flow and good air flow. No wolf teeth. All teeth should be properly balanced,” says Michall. Michall and Rand know what they’re doing: they have both completed the 80-hour Equine Dentistry course at the Equine Gnathological Training Institute in King Hill, Idaho, and they have an active dentistry practice that enhances their training business. In addition, Michall expects to receive her Vet Tech license by January, 2016. Michall and Rand, although they are only nineteen years old, have a sense of mission that exceeds their years. Horses, and their owners, will reap the benefits.
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Continued from page 52.......... 2D Barrel Horse. 13 year old Reg. QH gelding. About 16 hands. Gentle, no buck or ally issues. Will go the speed you ask of him. A very trustworthy horse, that is hard to find. $5500. Broussard, La. 337-339-3233. Super adorable little gelding! Honestly can’t believe he is still for sale! Monty is great for any type rider- very broke, lopes right off and has a super smooth slow rocking chair lope. Monty has an awesome neck rein and has no bad habits. He is great in the arena or out on the trails :) This guy has the best ground manners as well. He stands right under 15h and is 8yrs old. Would be a great addition to any family or barn lesson program 337-764-3456
Quarter Horse Weanlings & Yearlings, Cutting bred, Great Cow Horse Prospects Call Tommy 225-413-4053 TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES 7 yr. old registered TWH mare 16 HH Pearlino rare color, rare bloodlines. Great trail, parade or broodmare prospect she will pass on color and prestigious bloodline from the orginal Trigger of Roy Rogers fame. Rides like a dream, lots of bone, solid gaits. Lots of gas, but very controlled. Call 337-581-3618 for best pricing.
STALLIONS AT STUD Balanchine, 16.3 black Oldenburg stallion. Lifetime breeding license with ISR/ Oldenburg NA. Sire: Bergamon (Hanoverian) by Baryshnikov; dam: Norma Jean (Oldenburg) by Frohwind. 2014 stud fee $1250. 70% premium foals in 2013. 318965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Koris Lil Joe Sire: Pipers Doc; Dam: Rogues Poco Cutter x Tivio Stripes Lad For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www.lyonshorses.com
Top Quality Cow Horse and Performance Prospects for Sale. Van Powell Quarter Horses. For more info contact Van: 225-505-1710
THOROUGHBREDS Yearling TB gelding up for adoption: Registered with Jockey club, very sweet and obedient. Free to the right home! Perfect companion horse and will be a great trail and pleasure horse just needs to grow. Info: 337-581-3618
5 year old appendix gelding for sale. Out of an all-around Doc Bar mare. Broke solid but has not been rode in a while. Been walked around the barrel and pole pattern. Train him your way. Super smart and laid back. Stands for baths and farrier. Registered name is Little Come To Ya. He is on all breed pedigree. I really hate to sell him, but I’m in college and just do not have time to finish him out. $1800 for info call: 318-588-0338
Habanero – 2010 Thoroughbred Gelding; chestnut with flaxen mane and tail; 16.2 hands; homebred for sport horse not racing; started with natural horsemanship; handsome, big boned, muscular horse; excellent, brave, scopey jumper; shown in first show in 2’6” jumpers like a pro; was the star of his class in 2 Karen O’Connor clinics; sweet and kind personality lo9oking for a leader in his life. $8500. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net
Pistol Packin Badger Sire: Smart Little Pistol; Dam: Wheeling Polly x Wheeling Peppy For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www.lyonshorses.com
AQHA Sorrel Halter Gelding; 8 years old 16HH Great Bloodlines. Won Region 9 Show in 2013; Sweet, easy going, no vices. Great show horse for youth or 4H; Out of Dominates Image and One Cool Addition by Cool Tall One. Easy Keeper; clips, baths, loads. Lots of show miles at halter. $2,000 FIRM. Offers considered for right home. Contact: Juanita Thomas 225-869-4140.
Young Prospects for Racing & Performance Sports Several yearling, two and three year old registered thoroughbreds for racing or performance, bred at Holly Hill by stallions standing at the farm- Ruler’s Court, Middlesex Drive, Malibu Wesley, Chatain. For more info & video go to hollyhillfarm.net
Grubbin Sire: Eatin Out, Dam: Peppy’s Lil Oak x Docs Oak 225-687-3667 225-291-0955 Jerry’s cell
11 Year old Gelding. Great Bloodline. Trained in barrels, knows poles. Has traveled to several local shows and Houston Rodeo. Great horse for an adult or advanced rider. Very sweet boy. Great for farrier, clips and baths. Easy but slow and cautious loader. Very bossy in barn as he wants to be fed first and wants love and attention. $4000; Contact; Amy at kas@gui.glacoxmail.com 6 year old 14.3 hands tall Gelding; cruising 2-3D local and big shows. Has a lot more to give. 100% sound and ready to start hitting the road. I have videos and pics. He registered name is Just Cuttin Loose. For info: frazier81@gmail.com 8 yr. old Registered Breakaway & Calf Roping Quarter Horse Gelding. Ready to be hauled. Peppy’s Here O’Lena. Started on breakaway and calf roping. Started on barrels, lots of potential. Please call 985-526-8943 or 985-271-2056 for more information. $6000 OBO. 26 yr. old Red Roan Gelding. Barrel and calf roping horse. Ready to go. Good for kids and beginners. $3000. Please call 985-526-8943 or 985-271-2056. Be A Rose (My Intention x JMK Rosalee) 2012 Sorrel Filly, Top three in her class at 2013 Fort Worth Stock Show, Winner of the 2012 Iowa Breeder’s Futurity, Registered AQHA, PHBA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Pretty OK (Mr. AOK x Peps Star Girl) 2001 Chestnut Mare. Bred to Casino Cool for 2014 foal. Registered AQHA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Jules Time Machine (Mr. Baron Jules x Wiggle Time) 2010 Buckskin Mare. Registered AQHA and ABRA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 The Gift of Fab (Fabuluke x Can Do Gal (TB) ) 2008 Bay Mare. Presented JUNIOR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE, In training with Jerry Erickson in Danger, Texas. Registered AQHA appendix, incentive fund. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Kid Splashing (OBB Secret Skip x Kids Art) 2011 Palamino Stallion. 2013 Forth Worth Stock Show, Palomino Show: Top 5 Amatuer/Open Halter and Top 5 in Color, By Superior Halter Stallion, OBB Secret Skip. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Performance Quarter Horses, All disciplines All Ages, plenty to choose from, Call (985)892-6884. QH weanlings, yearlings, 2 & 3 yr olds, great all around prospects. Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses Call (337) 684-6751 www.lyonshorses.com Let Us Find the Right Horse For You Boe Bouget, Cutting Horses. Call Boe (337) 581-1141 Cremello Weanlings & Yearlings, Call Dana (985)893-1251, (985)259-1723 or (985)335-4238 Quality Quarter Horses available, Great Performance Prospects Call Kent @ Gray Ranch/M-Heart Corp. (337)589-7336 or visit www.grayranch.com Great Cutting Horse Prospects, Nice Bloodlines, Call Jerry 225-921-0955
58
Mulligan Man - 2001 chestnut thoroughbred gelding, 16.2 hands, Evented through training level, Pony Club mount for Young Rider competing at several Regional Dressage, show jumping and Eventing Rallies. Super flashy, great mover and jumper, excellent temperament. Perfect for a Young Rider or Adult Amateur. Asking $20,000. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net WARMBLOODS Byron – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Juventus), cute, compact, athletic. $7500. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Bentley – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Deputy Diamond [TB]), premium foal, lithe, elegant. $8500. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
Hes Plenty “Doc” 2003 Buckskin Stallion Sire: Woodys Nifita Moon; Dam: Plentyofit E Face x Plentyofit | For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www.lyonshorses.com
JL Playboys Fantasy Sire: Lot A Playboy, Dam: Danas Last Fantasy x Freckles Fantasy 225-687-3667 • 225-291-0955 Jerry’s cell
SUMMER CAMPS WHOA-GA! Horseback Yoga Summer Camps YOUTH CAMP Weekdays through June: ADULT CAMP July 27-29; Clinics, lessons, lectures. Call 337-4581524 Email: info@whoaga.com TACK 16 inch Tatum Saddles. Excellent condition. $900 For info: 225-921-8460 Older model Campbell Dressage Saddle. 17 inch seat, medium tree. Fair Condition. (318)229-9143 $200 or best offer. Older model Campbell Dressage Saddle. 17 inch seat, medium tree. Fair condition 318-229-9143 $200 or best offer.
Bruce Wayne – 2013 dark bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Consul), premium foal, dam is international eventing star. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
17.5” Schleese Liberty Dressage saddle. Excellent condition with brand new seat (new seat only ridden in once). Contact Elaine Harmon at 504-952-9524 or Harmon692@aol.com for more information. Used saddles for sale: $100 - $300 good stuff just gotta move em! Info: 337-581-3618.
Bobbie Burns – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), premium foal, reserve champion at his inspection. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
17.5” Berney Brothers Cross Country Saddle. Medium tree. Very good condition. $850 obo. Contact Watson for pictures or more info 504-495-5242 or wcopelan@my.centenary.edu
Heather – 2014 chestnut Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), high point premium filly at her inspection. Elegant and feminine, $10,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
16” close contact Crosby Collegiate jumping addle, excellent condition. $300 obo. Call Chris at 251-342-8197 or email clschlecht@zebra.net for additional information.
Hope – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Der Radetzky), premium foal, reserve champion at her inspection, feminine, elastic. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Black Jack – 2013 black Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Weltmeyer), mother is Elite Hanoverian, charming, and personable. $7500. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Bojangles – 2012 premium bay Oldenburg NA gelding (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), champion at his inspection, big and beautiful. $15,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Honor – 2011 premium dark bay Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), champion her inspection. Started. $20,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Flower - 2011 Irish Sport Horse Mare, sired by Fancy Clancy, chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, blaze, 16+ hands (still growing), homebred and started with natural horsemanship, quietly hacking out on cross country course, basic dressage work started; sweet, kind and gentle mare $4500. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net WELSH PONY Adorable welsh paint pony for sale. Jewel is super adorable. He rides very well, has been trail ride all over and done some play day events. She has also been started over fences. She goes English and western and is looking for a kid of her own $1500 337-764-3456 LODGING Camelot Wilderness Ranch Bed & Breakfast; located on an equine ranch near Opelousas, LA Country Cottage. $75 per night. 337-781-4312, visit our website for details. www.camelotwildernessranch.com
Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
Prestige Optimax dressage saddle. Black, 17” No fittings. 985-893-4500 $2000 TRACTORS 2011 Kubota (ZD331LP-72) 276 Hours; 31 HP; Brand New Engine, New Warranty. Customer ran the mower hot and we have replaced the engine!!! New Deck & Blades, Sales for $15,000 Brand New. Price $11,800. For info contact: Parish Tractor, Poplarville, MS at 601-795-4521 2013 Kubota (ZG123S-48) 35 Hours; 23 HP; 2WD; 23 HP Kubota zero turn mower with 48” deck. Bought larger property and purchased a diesel mower. Transmission: Automatic; Cutting width 48”; Price $4500. For info contact: Parish Tractor, Poplarville, MS at 601-795-4521 2013 Kubota (ZG227A-54) 71 Hourse; 27 HP; 2WD; LIKE NEW 27 HP Mower with mulching kit. Traded in on larger deck machine. Transmission: Automatic; Cutting width 54”, zero turn radius. Fuel: Gas Price: $7800. For info contact: Parish Tractor, Poplarville, MS at 601-795-4521 TRAINING Chaz Maturin/CM Performance Horses, LLC 337-347-0761. Colt starting, barrel racing training, tuning and riding lessons. Soft Touch Equine – Training, Lessons, Full-Care Boarding, Sales and Consulting. Offering a softer approach in training and lessons using natural horsemanship. Quality care for your horse in a safe friendly environment. Whether you’re just getting started or specialize in an event, we want to help you accomplish your equine goals! Contact Kathleen in Natchitoches, LA @ 402-380-8699
2015 NBHA Louisiana State CHAMPIONSHIP
April | May 2015• Louisiana Equine Report 59
PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6
FRIDAY WARM-UP Anne Howell Elizabeth Broussard Tori Leblanc Grace Ann Hanley Alishia Jones Elizabeth Broussard
District 5 3 4 3 3 3
Time 14.746 14.778 14.994 15.054 15.079 15.089
PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6
DVISION 1D 1D 1D 1D 1D 1D
Money $522 $432 $342 $252 $16 $90
1 2 3 4 5 6
Debbie Guillory J Cricket Stewart Debbie Guillory Courtney Mendenhall Angie Jean Presley Smith
5 5 5 1 6 4
15.260 15.271 15.299 15.314 15.318 15.325
1 2 3 4 5 6
2D 2D 2D 2D 2D 2D
$445 $368 $291 $214 $138 $76
1 Heidi Price 2-3 Jessica Brashear 2-3 Tori Leblanc 4 Tara Roussel 5 Dustin Angell 6 RAIMEE JO MOORE
N/M 4 4 4 N/M 2
15.747 15.749 15.749 15.756 15.761 15.764
1 2-3 2-3 4 5 6
3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D
$366 $271 $271 $177 $114 $63
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 6 6 6 1 4
16.249 16.268 16.270 16.275 16.291 16.305
1 2 3 4 5 6
4D 4D 4D 4D 4D 4D
$290 $240 $190 $140 $90 $50
1 AMANDA ADAMS 2 Gracie Caskey 3 Melinda Gray 4 Estee Hawkins 5 Zoe Simar 6 Roberta Culpepper
4 5 5 6 3 6
16.775 16.785 16.852 16.910 16.964 16.986
1 2 3 4 5 6
5D 5D 5D 5D 5D 5D
$212 $176 $139 $102 $66 $36
FRIDAY 1 2
SIDE POT Betsy Parent Debbie Guillory
PLACE 4 5
42 Entries 1 1D 2 1D
$120 $80
1 2
Tony Guillory Tony Guillory
5 5
1 2
2D 2D
$100 $67
1 2
Penny Stone Lisa Cubley
6 1
1 2
3D 3D
$80 $53
1 Melinda Gray 2 Roberta Culpepper
5 6
1 2
4D 4D
$60 $40
1 2
Nancy Meaux Nancy Devall
3 5
1 2
5D 5D
$40 $26
FRIDAY 1 2 3
SIDE POT Elizabeth Broussard Grace Ann Hanley Elizabeth Broussard
PLACE 3 3 3
96 Entries 14.778 1 15.054 2 15.089 3
1D 1D 1D
$223 $133 $89
1 2 3
Courtney Mendenhall Presley Smith Madison Johnson
1 4 6
15.314 15.325 15.328
1 2 3
2D 2D 2D
$186 $111 $74
1
15.813
1-2
3D
$118
Laura Walker Jill De Souge Penny Stone Alli Serpas Lisa Cubley Angel Spivey
1-2 Hannah Evans
60 Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
1-2 Haylee Bridewell 3 Cambrie Delaune PLACE FRIDAY WARM-UP 1 Casey Desentz 2 Brennan Weigel 3 Rylee Jo Maryman
1 6 District 6 6 4
15.813 15.916 Time 16.308 16.340 16.350
1-2 3 PLACE 1 2 3
3D 3D DVISION 4D 4D 4D
$118 $59 Money $111 $66 $44
1 2 3
Gracie Caskey Zoe Simar Cassidy Gros
5 3 4
16.785 16.964 17.018
1 2 3
5D 5D 5D
$74 $44 $29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Meghan Thomas 1 Presley Smith 4 Ashley Austin 4 Ashlea Pierce 4 Maria Des Angles 6 Mary Pennington 4 Morgan Abney 6 Jillian Boyd 4
420 Entries 14.770 14.785 14.846 14.848 14.888 14.935 14.973 14.979
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1D 1D 1D 1D 1D 1D 1D 1D
$1,443 $1,142 $962 $781 $541 $420 $360 $300
1 Bailey Carroll 2 RAIMEE JO MOORE 3 Meghan Thomas 4 Julia Kellum 5~6 Sara Arceneaux 5~6 Terry Jenkins 7 Destaine Johnson 8 Tony Guillory
6 2 1 4 3 6 5 5
15.270 15.288 15.305 15.324 15.333 15.333 15.342 15.346
1 2 3 4 5~6 5~6 7 8
2D 2D 2D 2D 2D 2D 2D 2D
$1,282 $1,050 $855 $694 $427 $427 $320 $267
1 Tara Choate 2~3 Lisa Etheridge 2~3 Callie Durbin 4 Madison Johnson 5 Crystal Clark 6 Madison Johnson 7 Ashley Austin 8~9 Reese Mcdougal 8~9 Katie Jessup
1 4 1 6 6 6 4 2 6
15.782 15.786 15.786 15.798 15.815 15.817 15.820 15.823 15.823
1 2~3 2~3 4 5 6 7 8~9 8~9
3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D
$1,122 $818 $818 $607 $420 $327 $280 $116 $116
1~2 1~2 3 4 5 6 7~8 7~8
Frank Haltom Savannah Lovell Casey Desentz Mollea Brown Abigail Stafford Donna Bourque Beth Rosier Gracie Caskey
1 5 6 2 4 3 5 5
16.273 16.273 16.274 16.275 16.276 16.278 16.281 16.281
1~2 1~2 3 4 5 6 7~8 7~8
4D 4D 4D 4D 4D 4D 4D 4D
$860 $860 $641 $520 $360 $280 $220 $220
1 Rachel Tassara 2 Connie Boe 3 Jordana Gaudet 4 Zoe Simar 5 Cherry Thomas 6 Karlee Schulkens 7 CHAD BREAUX 8 Fanci Layssard
6 6 4 3 4 6 3 5
16.794 16.817 16.828 16.842 16.859 16.863 16.872 16.874
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
5D $801 5D $634 5D $534 5D $433 5D $300 5D $233 5D $200 5D $166
1 2 3
4 4 4
73 Entries 14.935 1 15.152 2 15.266 3
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP Mary Pennington Mary Pennington Bonnie Burns
1D 1D 1D
$362 $217 $145
PLACE
FRIDAY WARM-UP
District
Time
PLACE
DVISION
Money
1 2 3
Phyllis Gallent BETSY PARENT Debbie Guillory
4 4 5
15.445 15.496 15.514
1 2 3
2D 2D 2D
$319 $191 $127
1 2 3
Lorraine Besson Susan Hickman Tracy Casler
4 5 6
15.965 16.011 16.196
1 2 3
3D 3D 3D
$275 $165 $110
1 2 3 1 2 3
Paula Alario Nancy Meaux Maria Duhon Mike Bruscato Carolyn Raxter Debbie Smith
6 3 3 2 4 4
16.452 16.516 16.557 17.023 17.064 17.204
1 2 3 1 2 3
4D 4D 4D 5D 5D 5D
$231 $138 $92 $187 $112 $75
1 2 3 4 5
YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Grace Ann Hanley Presley Smith Ashley Austin Jillian Boyd Kellie Mounger
3 4 4 4 4
189 Entries 14.759 14.785 14.846 14.979 15.026
1 2 3 4 5
1D 1D 1D 1D 1D
$583 $477 $353 $229 $123
1 Bailey Carroll 2 RAIMEE JO MOORE 3 Julia Kellum 4 Destaine Johnson 5 Grace Ann Hanley
6 2 4 5 3
15.270 15.288 15.324 15.342 15.344
1 2 3 4 5
2D 2D 2D 2D 2D
$508 $415 $308 $200 $107
1 HANNAH ADAMS 2 Hunter Tuggle 3 Tara Choate 4 Madison Johnson 5 Madison Johnson
4 5 1 6 6
15.765 15.781 15.782 15.798 15.817
1 2 3 4 5
3D 3D 3D 3D 3D
$432 $354 $262 $170 $91
1 2 3 4 5
6 2 4 1 6
16.274 16.275 16.276 16.286 16.313
1 2 3 4 5
4D 4D 4D 4D 4D
$357 $292 $216 $216 $140
1 Rachel Tassara 2 Jordana Gaudet 3 Lexi Mcquillin 4 Zoe Simar 5 DELANI LASSEIGNE
6 4 2 3 4
16.794 16.828 16.832 16.842 16.843
1 2 3 4 5
5D 5D 5D 5D 5D
$282 $231 $171 $111 $59
1 2 3 4 5
DISTRICT CHALLENGE Anne Howell Debbie Guillory Grace Lacour Kylie Conner Tori Leblanc
SUNDAY 5 5 6 3 4
239 Entries 14.632 14.685 14.769 14.876 14.903
1 2 3 4 5
1D 1D 1D 1D 1D
$392 $325 $257 $190 $123
1 2 3/4 3/4 5
Megan Burson Debbie Guillory EMMA DUFFY Madison Johnson Madison Ryder
4 5 NM 6 4
15.145 15.179 15.207 15.207 15.223
1 2 3/4 3/4 5
2D 2D 2D 2D 2D
$337 $279 $192 $192 $106
1 2 3/4
Megan Burson Debbie Guillory EMMA DUFFY
4 5 NM
15.145 15.179 15.207
1 2 3/4
2D 2D 2D
$337 $279 $192
Casey Desentz Mollea Brown Abigail Stafford Caroline Wilks Elle Sullivan
PLACE 3/4 5
OPEN CONTESTANT Madison Johnson Madison Ryder
District 6 4
Time 15.207 15.223
PLACE 3/4 5
DVISION 2D 2D
Money $192 $106
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
DEMETRIA DECUIR Gabrielle Finn J Cricket Stewart Sierra Danley Sonni Lynn Oswald
4 6 5 6 6
15.638 15.643 15.646 15.669 15.676
1 2 3 4 5
3D 3D 3D 3D 3D
$281 $233 $185 $137 $88
Erin Roach Katherine Macera Gabrielle Finn Amber Trahan Brennan Weigel
4 6 6 3 6
16.138 16.148 16.159 16.164 16.199
1 2 3 4 5
4D 4D 4D 4D 4D
$226 $187 $148 $110 $71
1 Hunter Tuggle 2 Jordan Sharp 3 Baylie Newman 4 Roberta Culpepper 5 Erin Roach
5 5 3 6 4
16.638 16.642 16.645 16.651 16.659
1 2 3 4 5
5D 5D 5D 5D 5D
$170 $141 $112 $83 $5
1 2
SENIOR Debbie Guillory Debbie Guillory
5 5
27 Entries 14.685 1 15.179 2
1D 1D
$46 $31
1 2
Sheree Beauboeuf Debbie Guillory
5 5
15.371 15.375
1 2
2D 2D
$38 $25
1 2
Tracy Casler Cherry Thomas
6 4
15.832 15.849
1 2
3D 3D
$31 $20
1 2
Jill Hunt Paula Alario
6 6
16.268 16.364
1 2
4D 4D
$23 $15
1 2
Sharlene Macera Nancy Meaux
6 3
16.747 16.769
1 2
5D 5D
$15 $10
1 2 3 4
YOUTH Grace Lacour Chloe Oliver Kylie Conner Allie Conner
6 4 3 3
136 Entries 14.769 14.855 14.876 14.944
1 2 3 4
1D 1D 1D 1D
$146 $109 $73 $36
1 2 3 4
JULIA KELLUM Destaine Johnson Taylor Pino Elle Sullivan
4 5 4 6
15.306 15.333 15.337 15.362
1 2 3 4
2D 2D 2D 2D
$121 $91 $60 $30
1 2 3 4
BRYCE MONES Baylie Newman Madison Johnson Grace Lacour
6 3 6 6
15.805 15.822 15.857 15.875
1 2 3 4
3D 3D 3D 3D
$97 $73 $48 $24
1 Hannah Puffpaff 2 Jordan Sharp 3 Hunter Tuggle 4 Destaine Johnson
6 5 5 5
16.282 16.290 16.360 16.386
1 2 3 4
4D 4D 4D 4D
$73 $54 $36 $18
1 CARLIE CLARK 2 Zoe Simar 3 Jordana Gaudet 4 Rachel Tassara
3 3 4 6
16.825 16.932 16.967 16.986
1 2 3 4
5D 5D 5D 5D
$48 $36 $24 $12
April | May 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
61
62 Louisiana Equine Report • April | May 2015
Rodeo: Louisiana High School Cowgirl and Cowboys Sign with McNeese State University Mia Manzanares High School: Opelousas Catholic Events: Breakaway Roping & Goat Tying Horses: Mojo and Casper Planned Major: Undecided Most Looking Forward To: Experiencing college life and competing in college rodeos.
Jace Gilbert High School: Sulphur High Events: Calf Roping and Team Roping (Header) Horses: Joe and Doc Planned Major: Ag Business Most Looking Forward To: Earning a degree and working hard to win at college rodeo finals.
Matthew Ellender High School: Sulphur High Events: Calf Roping, Team Roping (Heeler), Steer Wrestling, and Saddle Bronc Horses: Junior and Slick Planned Major: Ag Business Most Looking Forward To: Ready to experience college life and earn a degree. Excited about bigger rodeos and tougher competition.
April | May 2015• Louisiana Equine Report
63
The Young Family By Barbara Newtown
Allison and Jeremy Young have three barrel-racing daughters: Hannah, 15; Kallee, 7; and Jolee, 5. They live on 240 acres in Benton, Louisiana, in the northwest corner of the state. They run 26 head of cattle, including a “nice bull,” according to Kallee, and 7 head of horses. Dad Jeremy owns a dredge company and helps to keep the Red River navigable.
The Youngs came to the 2015 NBHA Louisiana State Championship in Gonzales, Louisiana, in March. All three girls and their mom Allison run the barrels. Dad Jeremy doesn’t compete, but, as he says, “I’ve owned horses all my life!” The family camps in their living-quarters, 4-horse trailer. Why would the Youngs travel long distances and put wear and tear on a rig, haul and care for four horses, and pay fees for four riders to enjoy a few seconds of thrills? Allison answers: “We love the family time together. It’s a very good experience for the girls and myself.” She explains that Hannah, Kallee, and Jolee learn valuable life lessons. “They learn responsibility: how to care for their horses. They learn to be athletes. They learn to be fearless when it comes to trying new things. It keeps their minds off boys, drugs, and TV. And getting ready for competitions keeps them occupied during the week. They know they have to train.” The girls are eager to talk about their horses. Jolee rides Tilley, a sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail. Tilley can be naughty. “She bucks,” says Jolee. “And sometimes rears!” “No, she doesn’t rear!” says Allison. Jolee insists that Tilley bucks, at least. “I don’t fall off,” she says. Kallee’s horse is actually named Buck, but he’s a buckskin, not a bucker. “He does nothing naughty,” says Kallee. Hannah rides Snickers, a bay. She outgrew her old horse and received Snickers as a Christmas present last year. She says that what she loves about barrel racing is “the rush.” She admits to being a little nervous just before she gallops in: “I’m just scared I’m going to hit a barrel.” Hannah says that the horse’s shoulder or the rider’s knee is what usually knocks over the barrel. “In DeRidder in 2009 I hit the third barrel and it made an indentation on my leg. I didn’t feel it until afterwards!” She still has that groove. Hannah’s most memorable run was at “Gobble Up the Cash” in Marshall, Texas. “I was a few holes out of the money, but I got my fastest time ever, a 15.3.” Allison explains that a fast time in one arena or under one association’s rules for situating the barrels might be a slow time in other circumstances. “Last night, for instance, in this arena, I ran a 15.1 with a few mistakes,” says Allison. “I compete against myself. Today I hope I can make a 14!” Hannah says that her dream is to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas someday. She has already competed at the Youth World in Georgia and at Better Barrel Races in Oklahoma City. Allison says that Martha Reyenga, also of Benton, puts on big barrel races in Marshall, Texas, and gets them “BBR approved.” “She does a great job,” says Allison. Hannah admires barrel racing stars Charmayne James and Sherry Cervi. Allison looks up to Jolene Montgomery and Patricia Duke. Allison, who trains and tunes up all the Young family horses, is interested in accomplishing what the futurity trainers do: giving 3 and 4-year old horses a solid, winning foundation. “Most futurities are a ways away from Benton,” she says. “The main futurity is in Oklahoma City, but going there is worth it!” Allison sums up the lessons she hopes her daughters are learning: “Have big dreams. If you don’t try, you’re never going to do it! Have fun and do what you love.”
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Continued from page 54.......... May 10th Acadiana Barrel Racing Assoc. SugArena | Info: Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannan Roy 337-280-9349 or www.laabra.com | New Iberia, LA
May 22nd Arkansas Memorial Quarter Horse Show Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: Jerry Fuller 870-816-5813 Tunica, MS
May 29th – 31st BBR and NBHA Pending | Moorehouse Activity Center $3500 Added 5D | Info: Crystal 318-341-6768 or | Rachel 601-415-8026, Karley 601-618-8357 | Bastrop, LA
May 13th – 17th Show for Dough NSBA Horse Show | Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: Dave Dellin 940-368-1619 | Tunica, MS
May 22nd & 23rd Bienville Parish Fair Assoc. BPFA Pro Rodeo | Info: 318-894-2593 | Ringgold, LA
May 29th – June 6th Louisiana Junior High & High School Rodeo Assoc. State Finals | Burton Coliseum | Lake Charles, LA
May Fest Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center Info: 601-463-9111 | Hattiesburg, MS
May 30th NBHA LA06 Barrel Race | Florida Parishes Arena | Amite, LA
May 14th – 17th Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinics James Lynn Catiledge Multi Purpose Ctr. Register On-line | Hattiesburg, MS May 15th Bienville Parish Fair Assoc. 2015 Play Day | Info: 318-894-2593 | Ringgold, LA Red River Riders Vivian Arena | Info: 318-447-7767 | Vivian, LA May 15th & 16th 2nd Annual 4D Barrel Run | $2500 Added Turn 3 Productions | Moorehouse Activity Center | Bastrop, LA May 15th – 17th Central States Peruvian Horse Show | Kirk Fordice Equine Center Info: 256-577-3496 | Jackson, MS May 16th NBHA LA06 Barrel Race| Florida Parishes Arena Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 | Jonesville, LA NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Email: scooterlebouef@aol.com Port Allen, LA Baldwin Ranch Sorting Baldwin Arena | Info: Mike Baldwin 936-598-3419 or 936-591-2524 | Center, TX May 16th & 17th Natie Johnson Team Roping | Ike Hamilton Expo Center West Monroe, LA Sugasheaux SugArena | Info: www.lsugarena.com or 337-365-7539 | New Beria, LA May 17th Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Assoc. | Pole Bending and Barrel Racing Info: BJ Cotton Email: bjcotten@gmail.com | Port Allen, LA Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Magnolia Community Horse Club | Info: www.stbra.org or 979-220-6804 | Magnolia, EX Calf Roping Cowboy Heritage Church of Freestone County | Info: Trent Turner 903388-0931 | 309 Hwy 84 | Teague, TX 75860
May 22nd – 24th Dixie Regional Team Penning Association Scott County/Forest Coliseum Info: Dustin Johnson 662-312-6073 | Forest, MS Crawfish Craze Barrel Race Ike Hamilton Expo Center | West Monroe, LA May 23rd Tri-State Dressage Society | Holly Hill Farm Info: www.tristatedressagesociety.com | Benton, LA NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Email: scooterlebouef@aol.com Plaquemine, LA 3D Open Team Sorting Ranch Sorting, Youth, 3 Man, Team Roping | Hancock County Arena Info: Rico Lee 601-916-7584, Troy Crain 985-516-7507 or Blake Chiasson 985-285-0892 | Kiln, MS May 23rd – 25th May Fest Barrel Race | $10,000 Added Forrest County Multi Purpose Center | Info: Sarah Malley 601-297-4619 or | Cindy Carroll 601-463-9111 | Hattiesburg, MS DRR AG Kids Barrel Race North Louisiana Exhibition Center | Ruston, LA May 24th NBHA LA 03 | Rice Arena Info: Glenda LeBlanc 337-789-9050 | Crowley, LA Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Kloecker Arena | Info: www.stbra.org or 979-220-6804 Roan’s Prairie, TX May 24th & 25th Tri-State Dressage Society Clinic with Sally O’Connor Holly Hill Farm | Info: www.trisatedressagesociety.com | Benton, LA USDF Region 9 GSEC Diamond Classis I & II | Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 Katy, TX May 29th Red River Riders Vivian Arena | Info: 318-447-7767 | Vivian, LA May 29th & 30th Cotton Country Open Horse Show | North Louisiana Exhibition Center Ruston, LA
$300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint | Special 1st Post Time 3:40 PM Opelousas, LA Youth Only Rodeo with Open 5D Barrel Run Moorehouse Activity Center | Bastrop, LA Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: Celine Perry 225-235-0570 or www.dsshsa.org | Baton Rouge, LA Acadiana Barrel Racing Assoc. SugArena | Info: Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannan Roy 337-280-9349 or | www.laabra.com | New Iberia, LA Louisiana Playday Riding Club Club Show | Info: Kayla Kennedy 337-401-1225 River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 | Jonesville, LA Wolf Barrel Racing Association Leon County Expo Center | Info: Staci Wolf 903-724-9956 or sscanchaser@hotmail.com | Buffalo, TX May 30th & 31st Southern Trail and Ranch Horse Quarter Horse and Other Breeds | BREC Farr Park Info: Laura Lott 985-750-4474 | RV & Stall Reservations: 225-769-7805 | Baton Rouge, LA May 31st Calf Roping Cowboy Heritage Church of Freestone County | Info: Trent Turner 903388-0931 | 309 Hwy 84 | Teague, TX 75860 June 2nd – 6th Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. | Louisiana Junior High Finals Burton Coliseum | Lake Charles, LA Mississippi Junior High School Rodeo Assoc. State Finals | Info: msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com or www.mjhsra.org | Hattiesburg, MS Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. State Finals | Info: www.mshsra.org | Hattiesburg, MS June 5th – 7th Lucky Dog Productions WPRA, BBR $5,000 Added Open 4D | Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: Christy Lewis 870-930-7717 or Judy Brown 870-930-7718 | Tunica, MS
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9th Annual Lance Graves Pro Classic Results
Third largest paying barrel race in the WORLD! Held February 12 – 15, 2015 | Coushatta Casino Resort | Kinder, LA LGPC Invitational Futurity Slot race champion was Brittney Pozzi of Victoria Texas riding “Babe On The Chase.” The finals paid $115,000 to the Champion.
LGPC invitational futurity slot race champion was Kelly Yates from Pueblo, Colorado riding “Fiestanozshezfamous “ the win paid $15,000!!!
The $10,000 added LGPC BFA Futurity 2D champion was Lance Graves and “Shinealilvoodoo” owned by Austin Doby.
The $10,000 added LGPC Bfa open futurity champion was Jackie Jatzlau and “Ima Nonstop Fame.”
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Grass Fever! By: Dave Foster
April is the month that the cattle industry experiences “grass fever.” Even though the South usually experiences this time in March (not so this year), the rest of the country is seeing robins and flocks of geese making their way to their nesting habitats. Green grass is beginning to show through the brown stubble and the folks in the Northeast are looking forward to firing up the grills for the first cookouts of the New Year. Easter has been celebrated and retailers are preparing for graduations, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and all that goes along with shaking off the long winter. Our cow/calf producers will be enjoying great demand for our calves going to grass north of us. Supply of calves is still an unknown. What we do know is there may be fewer calves available in the Southeast due to death loss from a wet, cold, sunless winter. Heifer retention may come into play as demand for replacement females increases. A reminder for our fall calves: it is time to review your marketing plan. What do you mean you haven’t got one or it’s too early to think about selling calves? If you fall into this category, please, call your local sale barn manager, video rep or order buyer and post them on what you have to market. Your calves have made it though the winter because you provided their mommas with enough groceries to raise a healthy calf. Don’t throw all your hard work, stress and money away weaning a healthy market ready calf by not knowing when you are going to market your only commodity - a calf crop. Every year I watch good cow/calf producers raise a calf crop to weaning only to leave a ton of money on the table because they didn’t make the call! Remember the naysayers last fall? Beef in the grocery stores is too high. The consumer will buy more pork or chicken. The restaurants will not be able to stand these high beef prices. What has happened? Consumers are buying beef and going out to their favorite steakhouse and having a wonderful eating experience. We in Louisiana are a cow/ calf state, which means we sell calves and yearlings, not finished steers and heifers. Grass (forage) is late this year, but it will not take long to get caught up and our Northern buyers are already stockpiling calves, so don’t get caught looking out the window and missing an opportunity to “cash in” on a commodity you worked all year to produce. Enjoy the spring and look forward to summer. Always remember Cattle Producers of Louisiana is ready to assist you at 888-528-6999 or www.lacattle.org. Contact us.
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Continued from page 66.......... June 5th Bienville Parish Fair Assoc. 2015 Play Day | Info: 318-894-2593 | Ringgold, LA June 6th Louisiana Stock Horse Assoc. Info: Judy Weisgerber 337-208-2336 or | Cell 337-238-0193 Pointe Coupee Multipurpose Center | New Roads, LA 3D Open Team Sorting Ranch Sorting, Youth, 3 Man Open Arena, Team Roping Crain Arena | Info: Troy Crain 985-516-7507 or Blake Chiasson 985-285-0892 | Bogalusa, LA Whitesboro Riding Club Whitesboro Riding Club Arena | Open Playday Buckle Series Info: Allison @ 940-231-4753 or Amie @ 903-564-7700 | Whitesboro, TX D’Arbonne Range Riders Saddle Series Playdays| Barrels, Poles, Quad Stakes Info: Kristin Lynn 318-243-5726 Emerson Arena 3D Ranch Sorting Info: Dilton Emerson 318-393-5703 | Benton, LA Circle P Productions Barrel Racing 2015 State Games of Mississippi | Collinsville Riding Arena Collinsville, MS NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Email: scooterlebouef@aol.com Plaquemine, LA June 6th & 7th Whoa-ga Clinic Yoga on Horseback with Cathy Reynolds | Holly Hill Farm Info: Tracy @ 318-219-8994 | Benton, LA USDF Region 9 HDS Summer Show I & II | Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 | Katy, TX Mississippi Reining Horse Assoc. Canton Multipurpose & Equine Center Info: Robert Montgomery | 601-528-2496 | Canton, MS
LA State Appaloosa Club Horse Show SugArena | New Iberia, LA
Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Assoc. Pole Bending and Barrel Racing Info: BJ Cotton Email: bjcotten@gmail.com | Plaquemine, LA
June 7th Western Louisiana Barrel Racers Assoc. Info: wlbra@yahoo.com | Minden, LA
South Louisiana Team Sorting Assoc. Info: www.sltsa.com or email: | sltsa@hotmail.com | Port Allen, LA
Terrebonne Livestock Fair Assoc. Horse Show | Info: Adrian Dufrene 985-232-5141 | Houma, LA
River Cities Barrel Racers Lazy T Arena | Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 | Jonesville, LA
Acadiana Barrel Racing Assoc. SugArena | Info: Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannan Roy 337-280-9349 or www.laabra.com | New Iberia, LA
NBHA LA06 Barrel Race Florida Parishes Arena | Amite, LA
June 12th Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race Florida Parishes Arena | Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA Red River Riders Vivian Arena | Info: 318-447-7767 | Vivian, LA June 12th & 13th Mike Pedersen’s Premier Equine Auctions Summer Sensational | Ranch Horse Competition & Mixed Sale George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center Info: 337-494-1333 | Lufkin, TX North Louisiana Equestrian Assoc. Club Show #2 | Info: www.nlea.org June 12th – 14th Barrel of Dreams - Presents Platinum Production’s | Battle of the Ike Hamilton Expo Center | Info: Timmy Woodcock 228-860-8104 or Misty Harris 228-860-4708| twoodcock@neseenterprise.com or Misty.PlatinumProductions@gmail.com | West Monroe, LA June 13th Great Southern Youth Rodeo Assoc. Info: Lisa Ladner 601-916-7016, Suzanne Wilson 601-916-6380, Tony Wilson 228-669-0091 or Lance Ladner 601-916-6873 | Wiggins, MS
MHJA Horse Show Winterview Schools Out Show Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 www.mhja.net | Flora, MS Catahoula Riding Club C Bar Ranch Arena/Shivers Arena Info: Jennifer Tiffee 318-481-3119 or Tim Laine Neal 318-715-6912/0894 Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Open Horse Show BREC Shady Park Arena Info: Celine Perry 225-235-0570 or www.dsshsa.org Baton Rouge, LA June 13th & 14th Acadiana Youth Rodeo Association Finals| Rice Arena Info: 337-783-1442 | Crowley, LA Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Magnolia Community Horse Club Info: www.stbra.org or 979-220-6804 | Bryan, TX June 13th & 14th USDF Region 9 Green Country Dressage Classic I & II Info: Sherry Guess 918-640-1204 | Claremore, OK
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Green Grass for Horses: Approach with Caution Karen E. Davison, Ph.D. - Special - Sales Support Manager and Spring has sprung and green pasture is coming on like gangbusters in most parts of the country. For most of us, this is good news because green grass relieves some pressure of searching for quality hay at a reasonable price. Of course, with the rising cost of fertilizer, it may be hard to decide which is the lesser of two evils: high-priced hay or highpriced fertilizer. However, if you have pasture and intend to utilize it for horses, there are some things to consider.
Take it slow Keep in mind that going from dry hay and grain to lush, green pasture is a drastic change in diet and may increase the risk of founder or colic. Horses that are in the pasture full time will gradually become accustomed to the emerging green grass as it comes up. But horses that haven’t had green grass should only be allowed to graze for an hour or two at first, then gradually increase grazing time by an hour every couple days until the horses are out full time. It is also a good idea for horses to have eaten dry hay prior to turnout so they are not overly hungry. Individual horses will have different tolerance levels to the diet change and the nutritional profile of the grass, so a slower introduction is usually better. Meet horse nutrient requirements Spring pasture often looks beautiful and nutritious but can be very high in water and low in fiber content. In this stage of maturity, pasture may not meet a horse’s minimum
requirement for dry matter intake and it may be necessary to provide 10 to 15 lbs. of dry hay per day until the pasture matures. Even when the pasture is sufficient to maintain horses in good body condition with no supplemental grain, there will still be nutrient deficiencies. Providing a forage balancer product such as Purina® Enrich Plus™ (/ horse-feed/products/enrich-plus-ration-balancingfeed/) will supply a balance of protein, vitamins and minerals to complement pasture. This product is formulated to meet nutrient requirements of mature horses with 1 to 2 lbs. per day, whereas most feeds are formulated to be fed at a minimum of 3.5 to 4 lbs. per day.
Ensure adequate pasture Pasture simulates a natural environment for horses and is considered beneficial to horses from a nutritional standpoint and from a mental health perspective as well. You may have enough pasture to serve both functions but, in many cases, pasture space is simply a place to roam around and nibble for a few hours a day. To determine if there is enough pasture for grass to be a significant source of nutrition, you have to consider the available acreage, type of forage and the number of horses or stocking rate. The very best pastures may support one horse per acre, but average conditions may require closer to 2 to 3 acres to sustain one horse grazing full time. The effective stocking
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rate will depend on the type of grass, fertilization and rain fall. For shorter varieties of grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, pasture must grow 3 to 4 inches tall to provide adequate forage for horses. Taller grasses, including Coastal bermudagrass, should sustain a height of 6 to 8 inches. Stocking rates may be improved if there is an option to rotate pastures. Grazing tall forage varieties down to 3 to 4 inches and shorter varieties to 2 inches in height, then rotating to another pasture for four weeks can help maximize grazing potential of available acreage. Rotating pastures is also a good way to reduce the risk of internal parasite infestation. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see manure piles in your pasture and if horses are grazing close to those manure piles, your pasture is overgrazed and horses should be removed to let it recover. Pasture time is certainly a plus when it comes to managing happy, healthy horses, but not all pastures are created equal. Some pastures provide a significant source of nutrition while others are just a place to play. Providing safe, quality pasture forage that meets a large portion of your horse’s nutritional requirements takes careful management and additional caution during seasonal transitions. Consulting with a horse pasture and forage expert in your area, such as the local county extension agent, a university agronomist or State Extension Horse Specialist, may help you maximize the safety and value of your available pasture.
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Society may be going green, but Veterinary Medicine is going By Dr. Kelly Trichel Hudspeth, DVM
My birthday was August 27, 1959. By the time I was five or six years old, I did not know the term veterinarian, but I knew I wanted to be an animal doctor. Thinking back on my situation, it never occurred to me that most veterinarians were men and that it might be a challenge for a female to become a veterinarian in a male dominated profession. I will give credit to my mom and dad for not letting me in on that secret. On an Iowa State website dedicated to their twentieth century women graduates, the veterinarian, Dr. Margaret Sloss, was quoted. The quote was in 1963 when I was four years old. Dr. Sloss said, “Yes, I was the first woman to graduate from Iowa State in veterinary medicine, and Dr. M. Lois Calhoun graduated the year after I did. Perhaps neither one of us is a very good judge of how prejudiced people were as far as women in the profession is concerned. We went on the assumption that we were medically and scientifically minded and would rather be in veterinary medicine than in human medicine.” (1) Apparently a lot of us women thought the same way. Although I started out in veterinary medicine in 1977, I took a slight detour and taught school and coached basketball for five years. I then applied and was accepted into the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988, eleven years after high school graduation. At no point in my pursuit of my career did it ever occur to me that it was a male dominated occupation. It was only after acceptance into veterinary school that I started hearing about how women were composing 50% of the new students and that was a change in the profession.
pink!
School of Veterinary Medicine states, “Sixty-six members of the class are female (75 percent) and 22 are male (25 percent). The students’ ages range from 20 to 50 for a median age of 24.” (3) The online announcement for the 2015 graduates from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine states, “There are 143 women and 19 men who will join the college, with 63 coming from beyond the Ohio borders.” (4) Around 1988 when I was accepted into veterinary school, the profession was truly at a crossroads concerning gender. In a relatively short time, the gender of veterinary medicine has definitely changed. Because diversity is needed in every profession, the day may come when we actually need to encourage more men to pursue the career! But for right now, my hat is off to all the women who have chosen the profession of veterinary medicine and had the courage to follow and fulfill their dreams. (5)
There were 57 students in my class of 1992. Of those, thirty-eight were men and nineteen were women. I did not realize that only seven years before my high school graduation that almost 90% of veterinarians were men. This did become more apparent when I attended continuing education after graduation and sat in on the large animal sessions that were definitely male dominated. There were only a few times after graduation that I faced negative attitudes about being a women in a mixed practice. There were a couple of men that felt like women had no place “pulling calves” or “replacing prolapses”. The majority of people accepted me with no problem and a few delighted in the change. One particular gentleman would have me and my assistants (who happened to all be female) come and “work cows”. Each time he would express the fact that he just could not get over women working in the profession and he always clarified that he thought that was a good thing. An unfortunate event occurred when a crop duster sprayed poison over his pasture and he lost a cow and his herd bull. He called me in because the company was denying the episode. I submitted specimens for testing and organophosphate poisoning was confirmed. When I called to give him the results, he told me that he was going to court. He said, “The way I see it, the case will be heard by a female judge; I have a female lawyer, and a female veterinarian. I can’t lose!” It was a pleasure to work with him. And he did not lose.
References: 1. Twentieth Century Women of Iowa State (http://www.add.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/exhibits/20thWomen/Listpages/ sloss1.html 2. Women In Veterinary Medicine by Jessica Tremayne Published: 2010.05.04 02:36 PM Veterinary Practice News (http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/May-2010/Women-In-Veterinary-Medicine/) 3. LSU Veterinary School welcomes its 39th class. Student Spotlight. retrieved from http://www1.vetmed.lsu. edu/SVM/AboutSVM/News/2011/August/item34115.html 4. OSU.EDU Ohio State University Veterinary School. Welcome to the Class of 2015 retrieved from http://vet. osu.edu/cvm/welcome-class-2015 5. Burns, Katie. Feb. 1, 2010. Finances and other factors could be pushing men to pursue other professions. https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/100215g.aspx
An article in Veterinary Practice News, published in 2010 shared information concerning the change that had occurred concerning male vs female numbers in veterinary medicine. “This year, women hold 78 percent of veterinary school seats, according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. As of 2009, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported, female veterinarians outnumbered their male counterparts for the first time: 44,802 to 43,196.”(2) The face of veterinary medicine may very well be wearing more makeup now and in the future years to come. The 2015 graduates’ online announcement for the LSU
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JAMES GRAHAM, TOM AMOSS, MAGGI MOSS WIN FAIR GROUNDS TITLES; INTERNATIONAL STAR & I’M A CHATTERBOX TIE FOR HORSE OF THE MEET Contact: Brian W. Spencer, Manager of Communications/Racing Analyst, 504.948.1233, brian.spencer@fgno.com NEW ORLEANS (March 30, 2015) – Three players who teamed up for several scores throughout the 143rd thoroughbred racing season were named meet champions at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots where James Graham was named leading rider, Tom Amoss named leading trainer and Maggi Moss named leading owner. A pair of 3-year-olds who swept the sophomore stakes in their respective divisions, International Star and I’m a Chatterbox, were named co-horses of the meet in a tied vote. James Graham, second in the Fair Grounds rider standings on four occasions, captured his first meet title at the New Orleans oval, tallying 106 wins over the 81-day meet, earning more than $3.2 million in purses. The 106 wins gave Graham his best Fair Grounds meet, a one-win improvement upon his 105 wins in the 2013-2014 racing season and provided him a 34-win margin of victory over his closest pursuers in the standings. Graham’s biggest win of the season came in the Grade II $400,000 New Orleans Handicap last Saturday aboard Call Me George, a 22-1 outsider. Not only was the New Orleans Handicap the most prestigious win of the meet for Graham, it also marked his 2,000th career win as a rider. New Orleans native Tom Amoss captured his 11th Fair Grounds training title and second in the last three years when recording 41 victories, six more than his closest challenger while his runners collected a meet-leading $1.29 million in earnings from 152 starts. Ranked second all time in training wins at the Fair Grounds, Amoss has now recorded 1,051 victories at his hometown racecourse, second only to Hall of Famer Jack Van Berg’s estimated 1,210 local wins. Maggi Moss once again prevailed as leading owner, with her 15 wins earning her a fifth consecutive year atop the standings. Moss’ runners earned $437,695 while finishing in the Exacta 52% of the time. Her royal blue and lime green silks could be found in the winner’s
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circle after several stakes races, including the Thanksgiving Handicap and Bonapaw Stakes with stable star Delaunay, and with Grand Contender after capturing the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes – both runners are conditioned by leading trainer Tom Amoss. The series of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks preps at Fair Grounds was little more than a two-horse show this season, with both International Star and I’m a Chatterbox sweeping the trio of stakes in their respective divisions, earning them the shared title of Horse of the Meet. International Star, owned by Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey and conditioned by Mike Maker, posted three impressive victories this year under jockey Miguel Mena, proving best in the Grade III Lecomte, the Grade II Risen Star and the Grade II Louisiana Derby. His counterpart in the 3-year-old filly division was Fletcher and Caryolyn Gray’s Larry Jonestrained I’m a Chatterbox, who was successfully guided to victory in three dramatically differing styles by jockey Florent Geroux in the Listed Silverbulletday Stakes, the Grade III Rachel Alexandra and the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks. Voted on by 15 members of the media, the Fair Grounds racing office and the Fair Grounds publicity team, both International Star and I’m a Chatterbox received seven votes, with owner-trainer Jorge Gomez’s hard-knocking Louisiana-bred Udoknowjack receiving one vote after winning four races at the meet including Saturday’s Star Guitar Stakes.
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 143rd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 2014 through March 2015. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.
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Michele Rodriguez: Raising, Racing, and Rescuing By Barbara Newtown
The LTBA also requires each track in the state to offer three LA-bred races for every day of a live meet. And the LTBA will pay breeders’ awards for a first, second, or third place finish…anywhere in the world. In other words, if the track-bound foal you own drops in Louisiana, you may be getting significant mailbox money. Elite Thoroughbreds comprises two farms in Folsom, Louisiana: the 97-acre training facility and stallion station on Chenel Road and the 600 rolling acres of the broodmare farm on Highway 450. The Chenel Road farm has a ½-mile track with a 4-stall starting gate, a 60-foot round pen, a 60-foot covered EuroXciser (a circular track with moving panels to urge the horses along), and an equine swimming pond. Michele’s son Lee is the head trainer and her younger son Reece, who also has a trainer’s license, assists Lee at the farm and at Fair Grounds Race Track in New Orleans. Elite Thoroughbreds’ busiest stallion this season is E Dubai, by Mr. Prospector, out of Words of War by Lord at War, a good broodmare producer. E Dubai’s son Fort Larned won the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic. “E Dubai is one of the nicest stallions in the state,” says Michele. The stallion My Pal Charlie, says Michele, is a solid horse for producing runners every year. “His get are always hitting the boards!” My Pal Charlie is by Indian Charlie and out of Shahalo, a Halo mare. “We love his babies, and trainers like them, too,” she says. Michele’s son Lee is a fan of their stallion Tenpins. He is by Smart Strike, who just died in April. “Sad… We had a mare booked to him,” says Michele. Smart Strike is the sire of Curlin, who won over ten million dollars. Smart Strike is by Mr. Prospector. Tenpins’ dam is Maids Broom, by Deputy Minister. In his running career, Tenpins won over a million dollars. Neko Bay is a son of Giants Causeway, by Storm Cat. His dam Brulay is by Rubiano, who carries Mr. Prospector and Nijinsky blood. Brulay is a granddaughter of Seattle Slew on the dam side and is a ¾ sister to Lemon Drop Kid, sire of 83 stakes winners and 37 graded stakes winners. The breeding season is usually finished by early
June. Most people don’t want babies born later than May. Ideally, a Thoroughbred breeder wants the foals on the ground closer to January, the official birthdate of all foals. However, says Michele, a lot of February breedings don’t catch, because the mare’s reproductive organs haven’t started kicking into gear. And some mares may not catch the first or second time. Depending on a young horse’s rate of development, a late birthday may not prevent a 2-year-old from doing well at the track. One of Michele’s late babies ran as a two-year-old and came in second in a stakes race that same year. “Under our training schedule,” says Michele, “we start breaking in February of a horse’s second year. I would like to race two-year-olds, for economic reasons, but we don’t push our horses. So many things can happen to two-year-olds! They get runny noses, they get shin bucked…after we break them we just put them back on the shelf for a few months and let them grow up.” Elite Thoroughbreds lets their broodmares and babies enjoy the 250 acres of pasture at “the farm on Highway 450,” otherwise known as Elite Thoroughbreds Broodmare Division. About 50 broodmares live there; some belong to clients who want those valuable “Louisiana-bred” foals. Michele worries about the future of racing. The main problem facing the industry, says Michele, “is that we need to make a concerted effort to bring more youth into racing. Even just to come and watch. That’s why I’m so glad my two boys are involved in racing.” At the Fairgrounds, Starlight Racing on Friday nights was a well-attended promotion, aimed at a younger crowd. Now Starlight Racing only happens once a month. “Every time they did it,” says Michele, “a ton of people would come out, listen to the bands, watch the races. You never know—someone might fall in love with a horse, and want to invest.” Michele realizes that investing in a racehorse seems risky to newcomers. She has devised a way to spread the risk and get younger people and non-horse people involved: “We’ve put together several racing partnerships, three horses in each group. At least one horse might do well. So far, the partnerships are doing OK. The horses are supporting themselves. Eventually we’ll do a disbursement.” Michele points out the tax advantages: on the Federal form you can apply accelerated depreciation and write off 50% of your investment in the first year. Depending on your tax situation, a racing partnership is a wise
investment. Plus, watching your horses run is a lot more entertainment than watching stock prices. Interested in investing? Check with your CPA and, if the tea leaves are auspicious, send Michele an email: elite@elitethoroughbreds.com The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association oversees the disbursement of the breeders’ awards. (Besides awards for performance of Louisiana-bred offspring, there are also stallion awards. Check the LTBA By-Laws.) The awards program is essential to the success of Thoroughbred breeding operations. The benefits enrich horse breeders, but the benefits also enrich all the people of Louisiana: the horse industry in this state is huge. Feed stores, equipment dealers, and tack shops that flourish because of racing dollars also make life convenient for rodeo athletes, trail riders, hunter-jumpers, etc. Horse farms add to the beauty of the state. And horses provide not only entertainment and exercise but also therapy for the mentally and physically challenged. Incentives have a dark side, unfortunately. Sometimes ignorant entrepreneurs think they’ll make a killing in breeders’ awards by flooding the tracks with Louisiana-breds…and then they discover that the feed bills and mortgages and vet bills are bleeding their pocketbooks dry. Since they got into the business for financial reasons, not because they love the horses, the horses are the ones that suffer. “Several years ago I was talking with Judy Agular and we decided that it was ridiculous that Louisiana didn’t have a horse rescue organization. So we started the Louisiana Horse Rescue Association (LHRA). We got the LTBA to agree to donate the proceeds from that year’s Champions Day silent auction to our new cause.” Michele is the past president, Pat Richmond is the current president, and Therese Arroyo, the treasurer, obtained the non-profit 501c3 designation for the group. Go to www.louisianahorserescue.com to learn more, to adopt, to become outraged at human cruelty, and to become uplifted by human caring. The most heartbreaking and dramatic rescue took place in January, 2012. Charles Ford, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder with a farm in Many, Louisiana, was a hoarder of animals--not a caregiver. Continued
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Michele Rodriguez: Raising, Racing, and Rescuing By Barbara Newtown
The Sabine Parish Animal shelter had been called out to his property several times due to his severe neglect of his animals. His lack of cooperation prompted them to file a criminal complaint and the Judge in Sabine Parish issued a writ of seizure to seize all of his animals. The Sabine Parish Animal Shelter asked LHRA to help with the horses. LHRA called in the LSU vet school and other concerned groups, and they all converged on Ford’s property and discovered the extent of the man’s cruelty. To their horror, the volunteers found 45 starving horses and many starving dogs and pigs. At one time Ford had owned over 90 horses. The rescuers found horse carcasses and skeletons, shallow graves, and decayed fetuses. The heroes of the day were the LSU vet and the students. They were able to round up all of the horses and do quick health assessments, pull Coggins tests, and microchip each horse. LHRA arranged transportation and moved all 45 horses off the premises. It was a monumental task, and despite everyone’s dedication some of the younger horses subsequently died. The LHRA was able to place about 35 of the remaining horses; about five still remain in the program. Charles Ford was subsequently convicted and sentenced to jail. Because of depleted resources from big rescues in recent years, the LHRA only takes on horses now if they are in dire need… “or if the owner wants to make a generous donation. This would not be a starvation situation,” says Michele. “Suppose a trainer calls us and says that his horse is injured and can’t run and wants us to take the horse off his hands. We want to give the horse an afterlife. In these situations the horses have been at the track, they’re beautiful and well fed, and are not hard to place, if they aren’t injured too badly.” Michele tells of one horse off the track that had shattered some bones in his ankle. He spent a year in the pasture, and now he runs around, enjoying being a horse. “He’s never going to be totally sound, but the woman who adopted him just thinks he’s beautiful and only wants to hop on and ride him around the pasture. And this same woman came back and adopted another horse who had an ugly growth right under his stomach. LSU removed it, and now her son and daughter are going to ride him. The growth isn’t cancer, but it might come back. You can’t sell him. And we had an ugly swaybacked mare, and a lady adopted her to be a babysitter for her other horse. There’s somebody out there who is going to find a place in his or her heart for one of these rescues. I never thought we’d get rid of the swayback! But the lady’s thrilled with the mare.” Michele wants to spread the word about Equine Sales of Louisiana, which recently created a $4.5 million facility in Opelousas, Louisiana, for Thoroughbred auctions. “We have a two-year-olds in training sale, starting April 26th; a yearling sale in September; and a mixed sale in October. We’re bringing in more and more buyers from out of state and we’re hoping to push up the prices of Louisiana-breds.” For more information, go to www.equinesalesofla.com The facility is located at: 372 Harry Guilbeau Road | Opelousas, LA 70570 | (337) 678-3024 And for more information about Elite Thoroughbreds, go to www.elitethoroughbreds.com Elite Thoroughbreds | 80535 Chenel Road | Folsom, LA 70437 Office: (985) 796-9955 • Fax: (985) 796-9959 | Email: Office@elitethoroughbreds.com
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INTERNATIONAL STAR GLOWS IN GUTSY LOUISIANA DERBY TRIUMPH FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Adolphson, Staff Writer/Media Specialist, 504.948.1255, Michael. Adolphson@fgno.com
NEW ORLEANS (March 28, 2015) – Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey’s International Star proved once again that he is the big gun of the Big Easy on Saturday afternoon in the 102nd running of the Grade II $750,000 Louisiana Derby. Shooting off the rail like a comet turning for home, the son of Fusaichi Pegasus collared and ultimately wore down fellow Florida shipper Stanford in the final yards to prevail by a neck. Improving to a perfect three-for-three this year, the Mike Maker trainee completed a sweep of the triad of sophomore graded stakes at the New Orleans oval. Once again given a heady ride by Miguel Mena after breaking from an outside post, the New York-bred settled off the pace while saving ground, produced when asked and powered home under strong urging in a time of 1:50.67 – two-fifths of a second faster than older horses completed that time one race prior in the Grade II New Orleans Handicap. Winning the fifth race of his career, the 3-yearold bay charge banked the $450,000 winner’s share of the purse to become the newest equine millionaire with total career earnings of $1,010,979. In nine career starts, the talented Kentucky Derby candidate now has four graded stakes victories.
Owner Ken Ramsey echoed Maker’s enthusiasm. “That’s back to back wins for us here in the Louisiana Derby and we swept all three this year,” the owner of 2014 Louisiana Derby and Lecomte Stakes winner Vicar’s in Trouble said. “Next stop: Kentucky!” Geroux was pleased with his mount’s effort. “We had a great start and I just let him go and relax,” he said. “If someone wanted to go faster than me, I would have let them, but he was very nice and relaxed on the lead and put up reasonable fractions. They came to us a little bit earlier than I thought they would, but that’s racing and that’s why International Star was able to run me down. He gave me a good feeling. You have to give credit to winner; he’s three-for-three and a very good horse.” “Super effort,” said Pletcher, who saddled Materiality – who defeated Stanford in the Islamorada Handicap three weeks prior – to win the Grade I Florida Derby minutes later at Gulfstream Park. “I’m very proud of him.” “I had a really had a good trip,” Talamo said. “He broke sharper than he normally does and he put me in a really good spot. Going down the backside I was absolutely loaded and in a pretty good spot while moving with him. I swung him out and he gave me a really good sixteenth to an eighth of a mile run and then he just couldn’t go on with the winner.”
Game in defeat after making all the running under Florent Geroux, Stonestreet Stables, Magnier, Tabor and Smith’s Todd Pletcher-trained Stanford Miguel Mena reacts with joy after winning aboard International Star in the Louisiana Derby (Grade II) “I had to lose a little bit of ground to get him at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA, Saturday, March, 28, 2015. fought back throughout the stretch, finishing 4¼ Photo by Alexander Barkoff / Hodges Photography going and they quickened away from him after lengths ahead of Loooch Racing Stables, Glenn there was no pace,” Graham said. “If they Ellis and Chris Dunn’s War Story. Under Joe Talamo, War Story produced a would have gone :47 again today (like in the Risen Star), he would have been rally at the top of the stretch, but could not keep pace with the top two in the three lengths closer. I had to lose ground to get his momentum going because I final furlong for trainer Tom Amoss. Donegal Racing’s Dale Romans-trained know he’s going to keep finding. He’s just a big horse and he’s figuring it out as Keen Ice, as he did when finishing third behind International Star and War Story he goes.” in the Grade II $400,000 Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 21, picked up the pieces and finished 2 ¼ lengths astern in fourth under James Graham, who celebrated his The major disappointment of the Louisiana Derby was Zayat Stables’ D. Wayne 2,000th career victory in the New Orleans Handicap. Lukas-trained Mr. Z, who failed to menace and ran last under Kent Desormeaux. “He gave me a dream ride until he had had enough,” the Louisiana native said Sent off as the favorite for the first time this year, International Star paid $6.60, afterward. $3.60 and $2.60 at odds of 2-1. Stanford paid $7 and $4.80 at odds of 7-1, while War Story paid $2.80 to show at odds of nearly 5-2. Completing the remainder of the field were Fusaichi Flame, St. Joe Bay, Defondo, A Day in Paradise and the aforementioned Mr. Z. The race – worth 170 Kentucky “We got another good trip and had a clean run,” Mena said. “He was the best Derby points – awarded 100 to International Star, 40 to Stanford, 20 to War Story horse in the race again today and I thank the connections for giving me the chance and 10 to Keen Ice. to ride him.” Maker was visibly pleased with the effort that gives him one of his best chances in the Kentucky Derby to date. “I don’t know why (International Star is so good at Fair Grounds), but I think I might take some of the dirt from Fair Grounds up to Kentucky with us,” he quipped. “We will see how he comes out of the race and decide if we’ll train him like we did before this. I haven’t worked him until three weeks after his races.” When asked if International Star is one of his best chances at a Kentucky Derby, “Definitely. He’s a special horse.”
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Louisiana Equine Report
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