ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS' REPAIRS ARE COMPLETE It is official. Repair of the electrical problems that have plagued the fairgrounds since the end of January are complete, three weeks early. The Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Capital Development Board and B & B Electrical’s hard work paid off. Springfield’s B & B Electrical was required to work double shifts until the repairs were complete. All that’s left to be done is some cleanup work that will only continue for a few more days. Non-fair events will resume on May 17. Judy Kjellander, show manager and president added, “we appreciate all the hard work that was done on behalf of our historic show piece that is the Illinois State Fairgrounds. As planned we are looking forward to once again hosting the Midwest Charity Horse Show June 17-21, 2008.” Prize lists have already been mailed. If you want a prize list but didn’t get one you can contact Margaret Strano at margstrano@aol.com or 217-787-6745. Entries are due May 1. Post entries are accepted. For more information contact show manager/president, Judy Kjellander at judybkj@aol.com or 217-793-0670. EXECUTIVE WEST TO BE CONVERTED TO CROWNE PLAZA The Al J. Schneider Company, Louisville’s largest owner- operator of hotels with real estate and lumber divisions, is planning major changes to its hotel portfolio. On the heels of the company’s recently completed $60 million dollar renovation of downtown Louisville’s Galt House Hotel & Suites, The Al J. Schneider Company is now turning its attention towards its two hotel properties located near the Kentucky Exposition Center and Louisville International Airport. The company has finalized a decision to convert its Executive West hotel (830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY) to a Crowne Plaza branded property. A $25 million dollar interior and exterior renovation is planned as the hotel is converted to the new brand, and will continue to be owned, managed and operated by The Al J. Schneider Company. Renovation of the Executive West is slated to begin in January 2008 with completion set for mid-December 2008. “I couldn’t be more excited about our decision to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Louisville at our Executive West hotel,” said Mary Moseley, President and CEO of The Al J. Schneider Company. “The Crowne Plaza brand allows our company to affiliate this hotel with one of the, if not the, most distinguished hotel groups catering to business-class meeting professionals with properties near airports and city centers.” At 598 rooms, the new Crown Plaza in Louisville will be the third largest such hotel, out of more than 250 worldwide, affiliated with the brand. In tandem with The Al J. Schneider Company’s planned renovation and re-branding of the Executive West, a decision has also been made regarding the company’s original Executive Inn hotel (978 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY). By the latter part of 2008, the plan is to close the Executive Inn and turn that property over to the Kentucky State Fair Board/Kentucky Exposition Center. “The company put pencil to paper many times and was unable to come up with a solution that meets what the Kentucky State Fair Board calculates it needs for the future,” said Mrs. Moseley. All Executive Inn employees will have a long-term future with The Al J. Schneider Company by assuring employment at either the new Crowne Plaza or Galt House Hotel & Suites. 2008 AHC NATIONAL ISSUES FORUM TO BE HELD JUNE 15-18 The American Horse Council’s 2008 National Issues Forum will be held June 15-18, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill here in Washington, DC.
Monday, June 16th will include various committee meetings and an opening reception, with the National Issues Forum, Awards Luncheon and Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill to be held on Tuesday, June 17th. This year’s National Issues Forum will focus on how the horse industry and individual members can be involved in the 2008 federal elections. “With a third of the Senate and all the members of the House of Representatives up for reelection, there is an opportunity for the horse industry to be involved in that process,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council.
The horse industry has many issues, including taxes, immigration, gaming, welfare, access to public lands, interstate and international movement of horses, that are considered by Congress. “When Members of Congress are running for election, that is an opportunity for the industry to get their attention and explain these issues and the importance of the horse industry to the national, state and local economies, sporting life and recreational activities,” said Hickey. “The Forum will explain how to be involved.”
In addition, on Wednesday, June 18th, a USDA/AHC all-day public forum entitled “The Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now?” has been added to the schedule. This forum will be held in USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, DC.
“There is little data about the size of the problem, the numbers of unwanted horses, the ability of the current system to care for them, whether there is an increase in neglect and similar issues,” said Hickey. “We hope that this forum will be an opportunity to focus on the many factors that surround the problem of the unwanted horse and bring some clarity to the extent of the problem and potential solutions.”
The one-day educational forum is free and open to all. It will focus on the current situation and the next steps that might be taken. The forum will cover a variety of topics including historical, ethical and general perspectives on the unwanted horse issue, transportation issues, and potential solutions and options.
American Horse Council meeting registration information, the tentative meeting agenda and information on the Unwanted Horse Issues Forum, can be found on the AHC website, www.horsecouncil.org. To register for the Unwanted Horse Issues Forum , send your name, affiliation and email address to Marsha Stephens Hurd, 800 9th St. SW, Room 3150 Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20250-2220; telephone: 202.401.5352; fax: 202.401.6156; or email either mhurd@csrees.usda.gov or rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov
If you plan to attend the 2008 National Issues Forum and know your arrival and departure dates, you should make your reservation by contacting the hotel at 202-737-1234 or you can use the following direct link to the Hyatt Regency website: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=66272 The American Horse Council has negotiated a per night rate of $242 single or $267 double. The cut-off date for guaranteeing a room at the AHC special rate is TUESDAY , MAY 13TH, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible. LEXINGTON HOSTS THE INAUGURAL KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL EQUINE SUMMIT 2008 The inaugural Kentucky International Equine Summit 2008, will be held in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, April 28-29 at the Radisson Hotel. The two-day event is being sponsored by the Equine Industry Program in the College of Business at the University of Louisville in cooperation with the Equine Initiative in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky.
In addition, the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has been noted as one of four sponsoring organizations of the summit. “We’re pleased these organizations have joined with us in this important event,” said Rich Wilcke, director of the Equines Industry Program at the University of Louisville and summit organizer. “Each of these organizations seeks to serve the best interest of those within the horse industry while educating the general public. At the Kentucky International Equine Summit, we intend to expand the knowledge of those attending the event.”
The summit will feature presentations and discussions from more than 90 of the best minds in the equine business and research field on three critical issues: The Wellbeing of the Competitive Horse, The Emerging Science of Horse Breeding and The Equine Economy in the 21st Century. The conference aims to bring together industry leaders to examine the issues facing the future of the equine industry.
There will also be a luncheon each day featuring prominent keynote speakers. Robert Evans, President and CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., will speak on Monday April 28, and David O’Connor, President of the United States Equestrian Federation will speak on Tuesday, April 29. For more information on the summit or to register click www.kyequinesummit.com.
ASHA will be featuring a free LIVE webcast of the two-day event on www.saddlebred.com. Likewise, archived video of the webcast will also be available following the summit on the Web site. DVD’s of the event will be available for purchase, please check back for more information regarding the release date. AHC, USDA COLLABORATE ON UNWANTED HORSE ISSUE FORUM The American Horse Council and the United States Department of Agriculture are co-sponsoring a forum on The Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now? The all-day forum will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at the Department’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, DC. The forum will piggy-back onto the AHC’s 2008 National Issues Forum, which will be from June 16 through the 18th in Washington. “The Unwanted Horse Forum is open to all. We hope that those who attend the AHC meeting will stay in Washington and attend the Unwanted Horse Forum too,” said Jay Hickey, AHC President. “There is little data about the size of the problem, the numbers of unwanted horses, the ability of the current system to care for them, whether there is an increase in neglect and similar issues,” said Hickey. “We hope that this forum will be an opportunity to focus on the many factors that surround the problem of the unwanted horse and bring some clarity to the extent of the problem.” Various newspapers and other media have recently reported that state agencies and horse rescue groups are seeing a growing number of horses that can no longer be cared for by owners. Some of the reports suggest that rescue groups are being overwhelmed and may have to start turning horses away. The media reports suggest numerous factors for the increase, including overbreeding; the downturn in the economy; sharply rising costs of hay; the drought that has affected many parts of the U.S.; the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal; and the closing of the nation’s three slaughter facilities. “Whatever the causes, and they probably include all of these factors, this is not an optimistic forecast and reinforces the need for the horse industry and others to proactively address the unwanted horse issue,” said Hickey. The one-day educational forum is free and open to all. It will focus on the current situation and the next steps that might be taken. Invited speakers will discuss the knowns and unknowns of the unwanted horse issue at this time, as well as possible solutions and options to deal with the problem and decrease the number of unwanted horses in the country. The forum will cover a variety of topics including historical, ethical and general perspectives on the unwanted horse issue, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, transportation issues, and potential solutions and options. For more information on this Unwanted Horse Issues Forum, please visit the AHC website, www.horsecouncil.org. To register, send your name, affiliation and email address to Marsha Stephens Hurd, 800 9th St. SW, Room 3150 Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20250-2220; telephone: 202.401.5352; fax: 202.401.6156; or email either mhurd@csrees.usda.gov or rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov. AMERICAN SADDLEBRED MUSEUM HOLDING ONLINE GIFT SHOP SALE The American Saddlebred Museum will be hosting a website sale from April 18th through 27, 2008. Now is your opportunity to save on EVERY item featured in our online store. Over 50 items are already marked down 20 to 60% including fall, winter and transitional season merchandise. During the 10 day sale, non-museum members will receive 10% off all regularly priced items. Museum members will receive an extra 10% over and above their regular discounts for a total of 20% off all regularly priced merchandise. If you are not currently a Museum member, sign up on line at the time you place your order and receive the extra discounts. Appropriate discounts will be applied prior to shipping each order although the order confirmation may not reflect the savings. To place an order go to http://www.asbmuseum.org then click on Gift Shop. DEVON'S BLACK TIE & BOOTS BALL TO BE HELD AT ARDROSSAN The third annual Black Tie and Boots Ball will be held on May 10, but this year it will be in a new location, at the beautiful mansion on the estate known as Ardrossan. Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m., with bar and food stationed throughout the house, the back terrace and a large tent off the solarium. Jimmy Duffy will cater the event, which will feature fun food with a nod to Andrea Gilbert, president of Bryn Mawr Hospital, is Honorary Chairman of the Black Tie and Boots Ball, which is being held in honor of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Community and celebrates the Emergency Department Expansion. During cocktails, the Champion of the Year Award for service to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation will be given to one person from the Horse Show and one from the Country Fair. Black tie is preferred, and boots are optional. Limited tickets are available. For information, call 1-877-DEVON-4-U. SADDLEBRED FUTURITY GRACE PERIOD DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, APRIL 25 The futurity grace period deadline to nominate mares and stallions for 2008 foals is Friday, April 25. Nomination forms are available for download from the Association's Web site at http://www.saddlebred.com/Prize-forms. The Kentucky Amateur, Kentucky and National Futurity programs paid over $272,000 to participants in 2007. KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL EQUINE SUMMIT ANNOUNCES FOUR SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS The inaugural Kentucky International Equine Summit 2008, held April 28-29, announces four sponsoring organizations—the American Horse Council, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, the North American Equine Ranching Information Council, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Founded in 1969, the American Horse Council is group of horse organizations and people concerned about taxation and legislation affecting the horse industry. Through communication with Congress, federal agencies and the media, the AHC seeks to promote and protect all breeds, disciplines and interests regarding the horse. The American Saddlebred Horse Association was established to educate the general public about this traditional American breed and to safeguard its integrity. The Association also exists to encourage equestrian activities, educate youth about horsemanship and award scholarships to participating youth through programs. Recognized for it’s promotion of high quality bred horses and progressive, responsible equine practices, the North American Equine Ranching Information Council serves its members, the horse industry and the general public as an agribusiness resource by providing the latest information and research on all aspects of the equine ranching industry. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association was established to serves those invested in the Thoroughbred industry throughout Kentucky. “We’re pleased these organizations have joined with us in this important event,” said Rich Wilcke, director of the Equine Industry Program at the University of Louisville and summit organizer. “Each of these organizations seeks to serve the best interest of those within the horse industry while educating the general public. At the Kentucky International Equine Summit, we intend to expand the knowledge of those attending the event.” The Kentucky International Equine Summit 2008 is being co-hosted by the Equine Industry Program in the College of Business at the University of Louisville in cooperation with the Equine Initiative in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky. The conference aims to bring together industry leaders to examine the issues facing the future of the equine industry and will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Lexington April 28 and 29. For more information or to register, please visit www.kyequinesummit.com. SCHA OFFERS COLLEGE, ROAD PONY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS The South Central Hackney Association will be offering a $500 college scholarship for 2008. Any interested college student should contact Lisa Cox Sparrow (502-330-9036) for more information and an application. The SCHA is also pleased to announce that once again it will be offering a scholarship to The Shamrock Farm Road Pony Camp in Smithfield, Ky. Anyone under the age of 18 is encouraged to submit an essay and a brief biography. Scholarships will be awarded to the winner of an essay contest entitled “Why I Want to Learn More About the Hackney Breed.” The scholarship will cover the cost of camp fees, food and lodging. (Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the winner). The dates for the 2008 camp are July 13-19. Applicants please submit your essay and a short autobiography, including equine experience, no later than June 15, 2008. Applicant should send essays to: Debbie Sauer, Sec/Treas. SCHA, 7238 Owens Pike, Maysville, KY 41056. Additional information on the scholarship may be obtained by calling Debbie Sauer at 606-742-2262. Additional information on the Shamrock Farm Road Pony Camp may be obtained by calling Julianne Wilson at 502-845-2174. DEVON INVITIES YOU TO THE BLACK TIE & BOOTS BALL Come mix and mingle and dance the night away at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation’s third annual Black Tie & Boots Ball on May 10, 2008. This year the event will be held at the fabled Main Line estate Ardrossan in Villanova. Come enjoy cocktails and buffet dinning in one of the most elegant settings imaginable and kick up your heels in the tented ballroom featuring the music of the Rosalyn McClore Band. The band, which hails from New York, recently brought their smoky, sultry take on classic standards and R&B to the Academy Ball to rave reviews. Creative black tie will be the order of the day with boots being de rigueur. The Black Tie & Boots Ball benefits the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair Foundation, a 501c3, non-profit organization that is charged with the upkeep and preservation of The Devon Horse Show property. Admission to the Ball ranges from $150 to $300 per person. For more information or to receive an invitation, please call 1-877-DEVON-4-U. AHHS HORSE FUTURITY TO BE HOSTED BY NATIONAL SHOW HORSE FINALS The AHHS Horse Futurity will be hosted by the National Show Horse Finals in Springfield, Ill., for 2008 and 2009. AHHSF ROAD PONY CAMP SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST The American Hackney Horse Society Foundation is pleased to announce that once again they will be offering scholarships to The Shamrock Farm Road Pony Camp in Smithfield, Ky. Anyone under the age of 18 is encouraged to submit an essay and a brief biography. Scholarships will be awarded to the winner(s) of an essay contest titled “Why I Want to Learn More About the Hackney Breed.” The scholarship will cover the cost of camp fees, food, and lodging. (Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the winner.) The Shamrock Farm Road Pony Camp has consistently received wonderful reviews from campers and parents alike. Campers will spend a fun filled week of riding and driving ponies, grooming, and learning general equine knowledge. The experience is not all equine related, as picnics, swimming and field trips also add to the fun. The week will end with a chance for campers to show off their skills in an on site pony show! The dates for the 2008 camp are July 13 – July 19, 2008. Applicants please submit your essay and a short autobiography, including equine experience, address, phone number, and e-mail contact information, no later than June 9th 2008. Applicants should send essays to: Mike Gallagher Additional information on the scholarships may be obtained by calling Mike at (859) 967-3820. Additional information on the Shamrock Farm Road Pony Camp may be obtained by calling Julianne Wilson at (502)-845-2174. ASHA JUNIOR EXHIBITOR DRIVING CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY ELISABETH GOTH CHELBERG The American Saddlebred Horse Association and Elisabeth Goth Chelberg are pleased to offer the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge program to promote the sport of driving American Saddlebreds for young enthusiasts. The ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge will consist of qualifying classes in two divisions, Junior Exhibitor Fine Harness and Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving, at selected shows throughout the year. Each show must offer both classes! Custom medals and ribbons will be provided by ASHA. By adding both driving classes to your schedule ASHA will be able to enhance promotional efforts for the Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge through press releases and advertisements. To be eligible for the $10,000 in cash and prizes offered, a horse must be a ribbon winner in two qualifying classes prior to the ASHA Driving Challenge Finals. A horse must qualify in two official Junior Exhibitor Fine Harness classes to qualify for the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Fine Harness Driving Challenge Final or two official Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving classes to qualify for the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving Challenge Final. For a copy of the rules visit http://www.saddlebred.com/Youth-Driving-Challenge. Support is needed to make this program a success. Please visit http://www.saddlebred.com/files/asha-jedc-form2.pdf to download the necessary registration form. Forward any questions to Brenda Newell at 859.259.2742 extension 343. AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION, REGISTRY SEAT NEW BOARDS; ASHA OFFICERS, NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTED The American Saddlebred Horse Association concluded its annual convention Saturday evening, February 16, with the spectacular Saddlebred Ball at Keeneland Entertainment Center attracting a record turnaway crowd of 500 to the packed house. A series of standing ovations for the honorees concluded with an emotional tribute and a final sustained and thunderous salute to the Lifetime Achievement awardee, Mrs. David H. Neil of Blythewood Farms, Cleveland, Tennessee. Business of the convention concluded earlier in the afternoon, with the election of its officers by the Saddlebred Association board of directors. Newly elected directors Carl M. Holden, Jr. of Kentucky, Dr. Margaret McNeese of Texas, and Barbara Molland of California, joined re-elected directors Vicki Gillenwater of Tennessee, Paul Treiber of Wisconsin, and Art Zubrod of Kentucky, in beginning new three-year terms as volunteer leaders. Elected to one-year terms as the five officers of the 18-member board were Mary Anne Cronan of Kentucky, president; Mary Ann Pardieck of Indiana, first vice president; Gillenwater, second vice president; Treiber, secretary; and Jim Ruwoldt of Georgia, treasurer. Per a longstanding provision in the bylaws permitting an expanded Executive Committee, the directors authorized the officers to serve as its members along with outgoing president Fred K. Sarver of Kentucky, who had served the maximum term in office and as a director. Former First Vice President Misdee Wrigley Miller did not stand as a candidate for re-election to the board, but chaired the Nominating Committee for Officers. Elected by the Association board to serve one-year terms as directors of the American Saddlebred Registry are five directors of the Association: Cronan, Molland, McNeese, Jimmy Robertson of Kentucky, and Judith Werner of Illinois. In addition, the Association’s Nominating Committee for Officers, which also proposes directors for election to the Registry board, put forward seven candidates for the four seats remaining to be filled by members who are not directors of the Association. In that election, the directors selected Lisa Duncan of Kentucky, Brian Reimer of Georgia, Bob Ruxer of Indiana, and Anne Stafford of Tennessee, who was re-elected for a third consecutive year. Stepping down from the Registry board after service of three years in a row were Joan Hamilton of Kentucky, David Howard of Tennessee, Dr. Rick Luft of Wisconsin, Spencer Mains of North Carolina, Pardieck, Dr. Alan Raun of Iowa, and Sarver. Therefore, seven of the nine Registry directors are newly elected; only Stafford and Werner continue to serve from the previous board. In other business, Association members attending the formal annual meeting either in person or by proxy nominated three members for two positions on the Nominating Committee to select candidates for six available seats on the 2009 board of directors. Nancy Becker of Kentucky and Carol Reedy of Virginia were elected by the membership. In a three-way election for the two seats on the Nominating Committee that are elected from the board of directors, Gillenwater and Scott Matton of Wisconsin were elected, and President Cronan appointed Molland to chair the committee. “This elaborate series of elections set out in our bylaws was designed to provide an opportunity for new volunteer leadership to come forward, as well as to maintain a reasonable continuity of experience,” said Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the Association. “Clearly, because of a combination of term limits and an open election process, this was a transition year and an exceptionally large number of new volunteer leaders have emerged from throughout the country. The membership at large and the nominating committees did a superb job finding and suggesting exceptional candidates. Everyone worked together to insure that the entire process was collegial. And that was the byword for the convention itself, as well. We had great attendance, better weather than for several years past, and a very positive and encouraging experience for hundreds of members at our Youth Conference, open forums, and social events. It’s a great way to go forward.” CLASSIC SHETLAND STALLION SWEEPSTAKES AUCTION TO BE HELD ONLINE The Classic Shetland Stallion Sweepstakes Auction is an annual event hosted by the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) to promote the Classic Shetland Pony. This year the program is being offered in a brand new format. The ASPC Classic Sweepstakes Committee announced their plans to hold the entire 2008 auction online! The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) established in 1888, recognizes four distinct types of ponies: the Classic Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony and two types of pony crosses, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony. The Classic American Shetland Pony is a refined version of their Scottish ancestors. In effort to keep improving the Classic Shetland Pony, members of the ASPC Classic Sweepstakes Committee came up with a new online program to recognize and promote Classic Shetland Bloodlines. The committee hopes an auction online will enable more participation and allow breeders to showcase their best bloodlines. In addition, online bidders will have access to a number of very high quality Classic Shetland Stallions to bid for breeding to. Resulting foals are eligible for nomination and participation in the classic weanling sweepstakes class in 2010 to be hosted at the National Shetland Pony Congress. Top sweepstakes weanlings compete for estimate $2500 to $4500 in prize money. “We hope that this format will make the Sweepstakes program more accessible for everyone.” said Carin Ponder, the Classic Shetland Sweepstakes Committee Chairperson. For complete details on participation in the new Classic Sweepstakes visit www.classicsweepstakes.com. Stallion nominations are due April 1, 2008 with the nomination fee of $200 to be paid by June 1st, closing on September 1, 2008. The high bid must be paid by September 15th or it will go to the next highest bidder. All bids will go through Carin Ponder, ponderingoaksstables@yahoo.com, (936) 443-0566. The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550. JANE BESHEAR NAMED TO THE 2010 WORLD GAMES FOUNDATION BOARD Jane Beshear was announced yesterday as the latest addition to the 2010 World Equestrian Games Foundation Board of Directors. She was elected unanimously by the board. “I am pleased to be able to offer my equine experience to the World Equestrian Games Foundation Board as we move toward 2010,” said Beshear. “This event is an excellent opportunity for the state of Kentucky and I am honored to lend my experience to help make it a success.” Beshear, an avid horsewoman for nearly 30 years, offers vast experience with and a passion for the sport and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She has previously served as a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and currently is the acting secretary for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. An active competitor since 1996, Beshear also serves on the United States Eventing Association Board of Governors and is a member of the Equestrian Events, Inc. Board of Directors, which plans the annual four-star Rolex 3-Day Event. “There may be some who will say Jane Beshear is here because she is the first lady, but it’s not that at all,” said Chairman of the Board, John Long, Her husband, Steve, was elected Governor of Kentucky last November. “She is the quintessential horsewoman who will benefit the Foundation from her involvement, experience and dedication to the equine world.” The World Games 2010 Foundation is charged with organizing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games, held every four years, will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25- October 10, 2010 and are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Marking the first time this event will be held outside of Europe, the 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition. MERCER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUE AS PLANNED The events at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Harrodsburg, Ky., will go on as scheduled, despite the damage suffered during the recent tornadoes in the area. The storms that hit Harrodsburg on Feb. 5 destroyed one section of the grandstand, including the restrooms. There also was minor damage to the other two grandstand sections, which are already in the process of being repaired. However, the remainder of the grounds remain undamaged. There was no damage to any of the horse barns, cattle barns or the motosports track. The first equine activity on the grounds this year is the Spring Jubilee Charity Horse Show, a mixed-breed event scheduled for April 17-19. A truck pull is scheduled for April 12 on the motorsports track. According to Fair Board President Dr. LeMayne Ellis, "The first order of business will be to replace the restrooms. This will be done as quickly as possible since there are events in the horse show ring in April, May and June ahead of our Mercer County Fair and Horse Show the last week in July." The fair board scheduled its second "Raising the Roof" Gala fundraising event for March 1. Invitations were in the mail prior to the storm. "This fundraising event takes on a new meaning with the loss of this section of grandstands," Dr. Ellis said. "The property was insured and there ultimately may be additional funds coming in as a result of federal and state disaster declarations. But, we cannot afford to wait for that possibility before we start making the necessary repairs." Current plans are to add box seats to the eastern side of the grandstand, replacing those that were in the destroyed section. "The board is discussing some exciting new possibilities for the space above the restrooms beyond just seating," Dr. Ellis said. "Those will be announced at a later date." Contributions to the rebuilding of this section of grandstand – or any other project on the fairgrounds – are tax deductible as the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show is a 501(c)(3) entity. For more information on the project or for an invitation to the gala, contact Dr. Ellis at 859.734.5546. ALL AMERICAN CUP SAYS THANKS The All American Cup Auction and Stallion Review was held the weekend of Jan. 18-19, 2008, and will go down in history as one to be remembered. One does not know where to begin to express their gratitude and appreciation to the hundreds of people who attended the event, said Jim Aikman. The All American Cup Auction made history as the most successful since the beginning. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) was realized and will be added to the million dollars now in the bank. There are now over 700 All American Cup eligible entries ready to compete for these record premiums. The Inaugural All American Cup Three-Year-Old Cup will be held in September 2008. There are 114 Three-Year-Olds eligible for this spectacular class. This will be the largest paying performance class in Saddlebred history, with over $170,000 to be awarded in one class. The All American Cup was founded in 2003. Since the founding of the American Saddlebred in 1897, there has never been an event of this magnitude or a “purse” of this size. There has never been an event so rewarding to the American Saddlebred Stallion owner who enrolled their stallions in the All American Cup Auction. The largest history making reward of $70,112 was paid to the first All American Cup champion in 2004. The All American Cup pays through sixteen places – the most places ever paid in any Saddlebred competition. KENTUCKY HORSE PARK NEWS From the Ketnucky Horse Park HORSeNEWS Dear Friend of the Kentucky Horse Park: I’m glad to report that 2008 is starting off very well for the Kentucky Horse Park! Recently Gov. Steve Beshear announced plans to assign unused funds for state park projects to ready the Kentucky Horse Park for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 and beyond. Gov. Beshear commented during a press conference, “We must maintain Kentucky’s promise to the World Equestrian Games. And in light of our state budget situation, I believe this is the best way to make sure the 2010 World Equestrian Games are a great success.” Kentucky will use $28.6 million in unspent funds from a bond pool for state parks approved by the General Assembly in 2006. The funding will help pay for 21,000 square feet of exhibition space for the new indoor arena which is already under construction, and to fund construction of a new outdoor stadium. The exhibit space will serve the facility for the 2010 Games and many future events, and will provide for additional temporary seating at the outdoor arena, lighting and video screens. Last week the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) crossed another hurdle toward the construction of a privately-funded 267-room resort hotel and conference center to be constructed at the park. This is the first hurdle in the two-step conduit bond approval process. If final approval is granted on this schedule, construction of the hotel and conference center will be completed in time for the 2010 Games. New indoor arena construction is underway. Delays in the project’s progress were due to the limited availability of financing as a result of the fallout from the sub-prime mortgage crisis. A recent economic impact study conducted by Economics Research Associates on behalf of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet found that a resort hotel at the Kentucky Horse Park would: • Result in more than $1.3 billion of incremental trade and spending in the Commonwealth; • Create approximately $87 million in new tax revenue over 20 years; • Create 827 full-time jobs, plus construction work during the project; and • Draw 77 percent of its visitors from out of state. In addition to these exciting developments in our construction projects here at the park, in February I was in Los Angeles to accept an Eclipse Award, the highest honor in the Thoroughbred racing industry, on behalf of the park. The Special Eclipse Award is presented “in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the Thoroughbred Industry.” We had a contingent of park representatives at the awards ceremony who made new friends within the Thoroughbred industry that night, and I believe we’ll start to see more members of the Thoroughbred community getting involved with the park in the future. If the first month of 2008 is any indication of what’s to come, this will be one of the most exciting years in the history of the Kentucky Horse Park, and we are very happy to have you along with us for the ride! Sincerely, John Nicholson Executive Director KHP OFFERING DRIVING CLASSES Driving is one of the fastest growing equine sports, so the Kentucky Horse Park Education Department will offer a number of driving classes this year, beginning with the following. For more information, call 859.259.4290. Introduction to Single Driving – April 13: Information and hands-on experience with an emphasis on safety, the information includes: harness and harness fitting, choosing a vehicle, choosing a driving horse and how it should be trained for driving, putting the horse to a vehicle, understanding the horse and more. Introduction to Pair Driving – May 4: Information and hands-on experience with an emphasis on safety, the information includes: harness and harness fitting, choosing your vehicle and vehicle care, choosing driving horses and how your horse should be trained for driving, putting the horses to a vehicle, understanding the driving horse, and limited hands-on driving. AHHSF OFFERS TWO 2008 EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS The American Hackney Horse Society Foundation will be offering two $2,500 College Scholarships to incoming freshman students. These Scholarships will be awarded to the selected students based on financial need, academic success and a commitment to the Hackney breed, whether present, past or future. The first Scholarship is funded by the Al Haugen Memorial and will be awarded on an annual basis. The second Scholarship is funded by the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation and is also to be awarded on an annual basis. Presentation of both awards will be made at the World’s Championship Horse Show in August 2008. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2008. Applications may be obtained by contacting: American Hackney Horse Society Foundation, Inc. or at www.hackneysociety.coM
A NATURAL SOLUTION TO EQUINE GASTRIC ULCERS Starting Gate TM Nutritional Granules is a natural food additive that optimizes nutritional absorption in humans and animals for better health. It works by nutritionally strengthening the epithelial tissue that lines the gastro-intestinal tract. The Granules have shown to reverse/prevent equine gastric ulcers which are reported to exist in 80 percent of race horses and 56 percent of non-race horses. Treatment options such as reducing stomach acid production is expensive and can disrupt the normal digestive process by not allowing the food to begin its intestinal breakdown as nature intended. For more information on Starting Gate, please contact SBS Equine Products at 239-354-3361 or visit us at www.sbsequine.com.
SUPPLIER REGISTRATION COMPANY SELECTED FOR 2010 GAMES National Diversity Solutions (NDS) has been selected to manage the supplier recruitment, registration and qualification process for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY'S HIGHEST HONOR AWARDED TO KENTUCKY HORSE PARK The Kentucky Horse Park will be honored with the 2007 Special Eclipse Award from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), National Turf Writers Association (NTWA), and the Daily Racing Form. The Special Eclipse Award recognizes outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of Thoroughbred Racing. John Nicholson, executive director of the park stated, “This award represents an enormous effort by many people and horses at the park who played a role in the celebration of the special bond between horse and man. For 30 years, the Kentucky Horse Park has honored, cared for, chronicled and assisted horses of all breeds and disciplines, and we humbly and gratefully accept the honor being returned to us in this way. “There has always been a deep, abiding, intangible something that binds the hearts of man and horse. This relationship is the soul of the Kentucky Horse Park,” continued Nicholson, who will accept the Special Eclipse Award on behalf of the Kentucky Horse Park by the NTRA on January 21 in Beverly Hills. (Last year’s recipients of the Special Eclipse Award were Roy and Gretchen Jackson and the New Bolton Center for their excellent care of Barbaro.) Kentucky governor, Steve Beshear, noted, “We are delighted that the Kentucky Horse Park, which honors horses of every breed, has received the highest recognition in the Thoroughbred industry. Jane and I have served on the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and the Foundation for many years. We have seen the tremendous amount of hard work, and the equal amount of affection, that have been invested in the park for the past 30 years. We couldn’t be happier for all of the people who have made the park a labor of love for so long.” “The Eclipse Award steering committee strongly believed that the Kentucky Horse Park was most deserving of the Special Award for its extraordinary contribution and dedication to the Thoroughbred industry and the wonderful experience that its millions of visitors have enjoyed over the years,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. “The special care for the great racehorse John Henry in his retirement, and his most dignified passing in 2007, symbolizes the love and devotion of the men and women who work at the Kentucky Horse Park each day.” Tandy Patrick, chair of the park’s governing body, the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, stated, “In everything we do, the Kentucky Horse Park pays tribute to the extraordinary relationship that exists between horses and humans. We are thrilled and grateful that our daily work is being acknowledged with a Special Eclipse Award.” The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,200-acre equine theme park and competition complex. As many as 50 breeds of horses call the park “home.” An additional 15,000 competition horses take up temporary residence annually during dozens of horse shows. Nearly one million visitors come to the park each year to see, touch, learn about, and experience horses, and to compete in horse shows. The park includes the International Museum of the Horse – a Smithsonian Affiliate - and the American Saddlebred Museum. Perhaps most conspicuous is the Hall of Champions which has been (and is) home to a pantheon of elite champions of the racetrack and show ring, including Eclipse Award-winning Thoroughbred celebrities Cigar, Kona Gold and the late John Henry. In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held outside of Europe for the first time. The games will take place over 16 days and consist of the world championship for eight equestrian sports. It will be the largest equestrian sporting event ever held in the United States, and is expected to draw more than 600,000 spectators, be broadcast to more than 460 million worldwide television viewers, and draw nearly 2,000 media from around the world. Nicholson concluded, “The 21st century is the golden age of the horse in America. They are our heroes, our partners and our friends, and as long as that relationship flourishes, the Kentucky Horse Park will be here to celebrate it.” For more information on the Eclipse Awards, go to www.ntra.com. ARHPA CONGRATULATES KELSEA ROOKARD Congratulations are in order to Miss Kelsea Danielle Rookard of Nicholasville, Ky. She has been selected as the American Road Horse Association's 2007 Youth Sportsman's Award National nominee. The USEF Youth Sportsman's Award recognizes youth who are members of both the USEF and a recognized national affiliate, such as the ARHPA, by serving as a role model for their piers and through the promotion of equine activities. The goal of this program is to develop youth into leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciples. Kelsea is a senior at East Jessamine High School, where she is an excellent student. She rides and helps teach riding lessons at Brannon Stables in Georgetown, Ky. She is actively involved in FFA, the Brannon Barnsters and Southland Christian Church. She intends to attend Midway College this fall and major in equine management. The ARHPA is very proud of Kelsea Rookard and wishes her the best of luck in being named the 2007 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award at the USEF Annual Meeting in January 2008. ANNOUNCING THE NATIONAL CARRIAGE & DRIVING MONTH: MAY 2008 The Carriage Association of America (CAA) is pleased to announce the first National Carriage & Driving Month, to be celebrated throughout the month of May. To celebrate our horse-drawn heritage, the CAA encourages driving clubs, museums, and historic sites throughout the United States to plan special programs and events during the month of May. These events can explore and bring to light our shared history while also promoting current interests in restoring, collecting, and driving horse-drawn vehicles. The CAA's president, Harvey Waller, said, "This is an effort to bring national attention to horse-drawn carriages and carriage driving." He continued, "To promote the event to our members and to the general public, the CAA plans to prepare and distribute press releases to national media, in order to remind the public of how horses and carriages helped settle and build the U.S. and how they contributed to our culture. We will also encourage CAA chapters and other driving clubs to prepare press releases that pertain to carriage driving and carriage history in their local areas."
The Carriage Association of America was founded in 1960 and is the oldest and largest international organization devoted to the preservation and restoration of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. The CAA has more than 3,000 members in all 50 states and in 40 other countries. For more information on the Carriage Association of America or to join, visit www.caaonline.com, send an e-mail to info@caaonline.com, or call (859) 231-0971. IHPBEA HOLDS BANQUET The annual high point awards banquet for Illinois Horse and Pony Breeders and Exhibitors Association was held at the Lincoln Elks Club in Lincoln, Illinois. Festive tables in the winter holiday theme highlighted the event along with several tables of lovely awards and ribbons for the high point and reserve high point winners. 2007 ILLINOIS HORSE AND PONY BREEDERS SINGING HILLS OPENS TRAINING, BOARDING FACILITY Gene and Annalize van der Walt are pleased to announce the opening of Singing Hills Training and Boarding, located at Singing Hills Stable on South Parrot Creek Road in Oregon City, Oregon. Formerly a private training barn, Singing Hills is a premier show and breeding facility with 45 box stalls, large indoor riding arena and an outdoor track. The van der Walts are offering training and sales services for American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses, as well as a lesson program that will accommodate beginning to advanced riders and drivers. They offer training services that include starting young horses, preparing horses for futurity in-hand and under saddle classes and finished performance horses for amateur riders. Singing Hills is also a full service breeding facility with a state-of-the-art reproduction laboratory. All reproduction work is done on the premises, including collection and evaluation of semen, shipping semen and artificial insemination. Stallion handling services are available as well as broodmare management and foaling services. Please visit www.singing-hills.com for additional information on services and facility. Feel free to contact Gene or Annalize at 503.656.7205 (barn) or 503.680.3808 (cell) or if you are in the area, please stop by for a visit and a tour of the facility. MUSEUM'S 2008 EXHIBIT TO FEATURE CHILDREN AND SADDLEBREDS The American Saddlebred Museum is asking for your help in locating film footage, photographs, artifacts and memorabilia for the 2008 special exhibit For the Love of a Horse: Children and Saddlebreds. We are searching for photos and memorabilia that feature children interacting with Saddlebreds, specifically those taken outside of the show ring. We need items pertaining only to those who have aged out of the juvenile division, not photos of current junior exhibitors. Of course, the more historic the photo the better. The goal of this exhibit is to show the public that the Saddlebred is not only the “peacock of the show ring”, but also is a trustworthy “gentle giant” with children. Images showing children of all ages riding, grooming, playing and just hanging out with Saddlebreds will really help to get this message across. We are not opposed to using some ring shots, but they should show something unique or particularly spectacular. The exhibit will kick off on February 15, 2008 with an opening party during ASHA’s Annual Meeting and will run through December 30, 2008. We are asking for either a loan of items for the duration of the exhibit and/or copies of photos that can become part of our permanent collection. We all know the saying “Saddlebreds make good kids” so please help us mount an exhibit that celebrates children and their Saddlebred friends! The American Saddlebred Museum, located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, is open daily 9-5 from March 15 - October 31 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays November 1 - March 14). Tickets purchased for the Museum also include admission to the entire Horse Park. For more information, contact Museum curator Kim Skipton at 859/259-2746 ext. 312 or Kim@asbmuseum.org. ASHA COMPETITION REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLIE ONLINE Formal registration of all competitions offering Saddlebred classes by the American Saddlebred Horse Association is now underway, the ASHA announced today. This step comes with the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show having announced that ASHA will administer point-keeping records on its behalf for its 2008 Pleasure and Park Horse sections. Those qualifying requirements can be viewed at http://www.asha.net/files/ksfwchs_pleasure_park_requirements_08.pdf. “All exhibitors and competition managements need to pay close attention to this registration process,” said Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the ASHA. “We’ve been encouraging our Charter Clubs and our members the last two years to make sure that horse shows they support and manage are listed in our Competition Search function on the ASHA Web site, but we’re concerned that our database is still incomplete, especially for competitions that are not licensed by the United States Equestrian Federation. With the Kentucky State Fair now relying on us to be sure that points are kept accurately, including all classes offered for Park and Pleasure, we needed to establish a formal registration method.” There are no fees to register a competition with ASHA. Registration forms are available on-line at http://www.asha.net/members/apps.php, by request of the ASHA office, or in Saddlebred Center at the Kentucky State Fair, Freedom Hall. Balch emphasized that ASHA registration of competitions is mandatory for points to count for the Kentucky State Fair. “The formal qualifying requirements are very clear that any competition must be registered with ASHA for points to count. Therefore, all exhibitors need to insist at any competition they attend that management comply with this requirement, including timely submission of all results, or points cannot be counted. At the start of this effort, we can be much more flexible than we will be able to be later on.” The qualifying period for the 2008 World’s Championship Horse Show began on July 1, 2007.
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