SADDLEBRED COMPETITION INCENTIVES AT DEVON HORSE SHOW The 112th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, June 1 in Devon, Pennsylvania. New this year is a UPHA Pink Ribbon class. Last fall, the United Professional Horsemens’ Association introduced the program to help horse shows engage communities, showcase the show horses and raise much needed funds for breast cancer research, awareness and treatment. The designated class at Devon is the UPHA Pink Ribbon Ladies Five-Gaited class on Wednesday evening, May 28. Devon also is continuing with its Saddlebred Trainers' Incentive Program. Saddlebred competition incentives at Devon include the following: $1,500 for the most horses entered and shown (to the trainer); $1,000 for the second largest stable of horses entered and shown; $500 for the most ponies entered and shown; and two $1,000 scholarships awarded to designated Junior Exhibitor classes. The 2008 show dates are May 22 through June 1, with Saddlebreds competing May 28 through May 31. Saddlebred and coaching classes will begin late Thursday afternoon at 4:30. This will give Saddlebred exhibitors a full house to perform for and an early finish to their competitive day. Saddlebred classes also kickoff the final Friday and Saturday evening performances, with championships decided both evenings. For more helpful information, visit www.thedevonhorseshow.org or call the show office @ 610-964-0550. SHELBY COUNTY FAIR & HORSE SHOW ANNOUNCES CHANGES Exciting changes are in store for the 146th Annual Shelby County Fair & Horse Show. Due to the recent overwhelming success the show has changed its schedule from a 6-day event to a 10-day event. Beginning June 12 and ending June 21, 2008. The Truck and Tractor Events will take place during the opening weekend of the fair – this will allow the American Saddlebred, Hackney/Harness Ponies as well as Roadster Horses to compete June 18-21 – with full use of the facility including both indoor and outdoor warm up areas. It is the hope of the Shelby County A & M Association that this exciting change will provide increased parking and a safer environment in which to compete. Steve Crabtree, of Elizabethtown, Ky., will judge all divisions of the show. A complete prize list and schedule can be found at www.shelbycofair.com. If you would like to receive a prize list via mail please contact Beth Snider 502-647-0076. VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS OFFERED AT DEVON Spectators at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be treated to four exciting exhibitions this year, including the always popular Budweiser Clydesdales, vaulting, border collies and reining There will be four evening exhibitions by the Budweiser Clydesdales, accompanied by their familiar, stirring music and their mascots, the donkey and Dalmation dog, from Wednesday, May 28 through Saturday May 31. Devon, which benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, features championship competition in a variety of equestrian disciplines ranging from hunters and jumpers to saddlebreds, hackney and harness horses and four-in-hand coaching. The first Friday evening, May 23, border collies will demonstrate their prowess as herding dogs by moving a herd of sheep around the Dixon Oval at the command of their owners and trainers, Cheryl and Richard Williams of Hop Bottom, Pa. These very quick and very smart dogs are bred and trained for work herding sheep, and watching the way they respond to the sheep they’re working as well as to the signals of their trainers, Cheryl and Jagger Williams, is amazing. Border collies will be back in the Dixon Oval again on Monday evening, May 26. A demonstration of Musical Freestyle Reining is on the schedule for Tuesday, May 27. Both vaulting and reining are disciplines competed at the World Equestrian Games, and the next WEG will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington the last week of September and the first week of October in 2010. Sarah d’Auriol and Matthias Lang, both veterans of World Equestrian Games competitions, where the World Championships of seven equestrian disciplines are held, will perform at Devon. D’Auriol, 15, was born in Paris and now lives in Suffolk, Va. She was selected to compete at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, Germany, where she finished 22nd of 52 competitors. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be stabled at the Devon show grounds, and spectators are welcome to visit these gentle giants. The Clydesdales were formally introduced to August A. Busch, Sr., and Anheuser-Busch on April 7, 1933 by August A. Busch, Jr., to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. The first Clydesdales were brought to the United States by Canadians of Scottish descent who used the draft horses on their farms. Budweiser sponsored the first grand prix show jumping event in the United States in 1967 and ever since has been a major supporter of the sport, including supporting the American Grandprix Association’s series since 1979. To qualify for one of the five traveling hitches, a Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least 3-years-old, standing 18-hands, or six-feet, weighing between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds and be bay in color with four white stockings, a white blaze and a black mane and tail. Each harness and collar weighs 130 pounds, and an entire set is valued at over $54,000. The Carriage Pleasure Drive, arriving at the Dixon Oval at 2 p.m. Sunday opens a week of adult competition in a variety of disciplines from hunter and jumper to three- and five-gaited saddle horses, Friesians, Hackney and harness ponies, roadsters and four-in-hand coaches. ADDITIONAL CLASS ADDED FOR MAY CLASSIC HORSE SHOW This year's May Classic is chock full of classes, but once again the show management has added another exhibitor requested class. An Amateur Park Class will be added to the Saturday evening session, which begins at 5:30pm. This year's May Classic Horse Show which runs May 9th, starting at 6:30, and May 10th, starting at 5:30, will be judged by Mike Spencer. For questions concerning the horse show, please contact Gail Kline, 502-722-8129 or marthagail@aol.com A Show bill and entry forms can be found at www.kaspha.org. 2008 MIDWEST CHARITY HORSE SHOW IS A GO The 2008 Midwest Charity Horse Show is still a go. The Midwest Charity Horse Show board met on Tues. March 18, at its regularly scheduled meeting, to evaluate the most recent developments over the last few months at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The directors fully expect the fairgrounds to be up and running by its June 17-21 dates. The completion date for repairs of the 22 miles of high-voltage wire underneath the fairgrounds is May 16. Judy Kjellander, show manager and president added, “On behalf of the entire board of directors we are looking forward to once again hosting our world class equestrian event and despite rumors we fully expect the fairgrounds to be up and running well before our competition dates.” Midwest’s distinguished panel of judges includes Harold Angell, Jim Cherry, Leslie Connor, Fran Crumpler and Kim Crumpler. The Midwest Charity Horse Show is held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum and runs five days with class sessions at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. $100,000 GRAND PRIX, BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES FEATURED AT DEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR Celebrating its 112th year, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is increasing the prize money in its signature class, the Budweiser Devon Grand Prix, to $100,000. The first round of 20 horses will be shown over a hunter classic type course, and the top 12 scooring horses from round one will then compete over a handy hunter type course. Devon, May 22 through June 1, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated more than $ 12.5 million over its four decades of association. The Horse Show and Country Fair made a one-year record donation of $308,000 to the Hospital last year, which was used to purchase state-of-the-art patient monitoring equipment for the newly expanded Emergency Department. That donation completed the Hospital’s $15,000,000 campaign to fund the expansion. One major change in the schedule follows the breeding classes that take over the Dixon Oval during the day on Thursday, May 29. On the evening schedule, classes will begin at 4:30 p.m., with saddlebred and coaching competitions, and the piece de resistance, the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon will be held as the final class of the evening session, beginning at exactly 8:00 p.m. Any saddlebred classes not completed prior to the 8:00 p.m. start will be contested following the Grand Prix. Jumper classes are held daily throughout the 11 days, culminating in two grand prix classes, held Thursday and Saturday evenings, but there is also a pot pourri of equestrian disciplines, from hunters to elegant side saddle competitions, high stepping gaited horses and carriages of all types, plus exciting exhibitions. The ticket office opens Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m., so to be sure to have a seat for all the excitement, call 610-688-2554. The ticket office remains open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until May 18. A large variety of wares offered in charming boutiques adjacent to the Dixon Oval adds to the fun of shopping for that unique something to the mix and makes the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair a one of a kind experience. Open Jumpers are scheduled to begin competing Tuesday afternoon, with the $100,000 Amateur Owner Jumpers compete Friday and Saturday. The junior rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation, as modeled by Olympic medalists Billy Steinkraus, George Morris, Joe Fargis and Conrad Homfeld, as well as exhibiting the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman will be awarded the SHALANNO, Style of Riding Award, on Saturday evening, May 24, after the final junior jumper class. The Carriage Pleasure Drive on Sunday opens a week of adult competition in hunters, jumpers, three- and five-gaited horses, Friesians, hackney and harness horses and ponies, roadsters and four-in-hand coaching. Four-in-hand coaching is scheduled Monday through Friday in the evening performance, and the Friday night schedule also includes a number of Saddlebred championships. The final evening of the show includes three- and five-gaited, Hackney Pony, Fine Harness Horse and Roadster championships, building up to the $50,000 Idle Dice Stake, the Open Jumper Championship and the Leading Open Jumper Rider award. The Country Fair features boutique shopping for sporting clothes, often appliquéd with an equestrian motif, paintings and prints, gorgeous gold and silver jewelry, garden accessories, furniture painted with horses and dogs, fancy hats, leather goods and antiques, collectibles and souvenirs. Food is available for every taste from hamburgers and hot dogs to gourmet dining in the Cafeteria, and the famous Devon fudge. OHIO STATE FAIR HORSE SHOW NEWS The Ohio State Fair will not be a USEF approved horse show . After much discussion and surveys from exhibitors, it has been decided that this year the Ohio State Fair Horse Show will not be approved. There will be a drug testing program in place as well as stewards to answer questions and help us all follow rules. As you are aware we can not offer Grand National classes or the Elizabeth Goth Youth driving challenge. We hope in the future that the ASHA will consider non rated shows in the same light as rated shows in awarding CH points and offering Grand National Classes. Since Ohio now only has one USEF rated horse show for American Saddlebreds and Hackney exhibitors it should be considered. The show information can be found at our website www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/osf3.htm#OpenHorse BURLINGTON SPRING SHOW SETS DATE The 8th Annual Burlington Spring Horse Show will be held May 23 and 24, 2008 at the beautiful Boone County Fairgrounds, just south of Cincinnati, Ohio. The show will feature Saddlebreds, Roadster Ponies, Friesians and ASB Western Pleasure. Melissa Moore will judge the performance classes and Alexis Noble will officiate the academy division. An Exhibitor’s Party will be held Friday evening. Show Manager Jim Davis hopes to see you there. MHSA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ITS SHOWS TO MICHIGAN STATE FAIR COLISEUM After an absence of six years, the Michigan Horse Show Association, Inc., is pleased to announce the return of its two important shows to the Michigan State Fair Coliseum in Detroit, Mich. Dates for the Spring Show are May 15-18, 2008 and Gayle Lampe of William Woods University, Fulton, Mo., has been engaged to judge Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians and Half-Arabians. Rick Shaffer of Somerset, Pa., will judge the Paso Finos. Show dates are May 15 thru 18, 2008. The Show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening. The prize list and entry blank are available at www.michiganhorseshow.com. The MHSA All-Breed Youth Horse Show will be held June 26-29, 2008. For the first time in its forty year history, this show will be held while school is not in session. As the name implies, this show offers classes for virtually every light horse breed as well as open classes and classes for grade horses. It is point approved by AQHA, PtHA and APHA. The prize list will be available later at the web site mentioned above. For further information on either show, you may contact Dave Bedell, Shows Manager at legend3119@sbcglobal.net or call 810-659-5393. DEVON SHOW ANNOUNCES INCENTIVE PROGRAM The 112th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair recently announced their Saddlebred/Pony Trainers’ Incentive Program. Devon annually attracts the largest spectator turnout of any outdoor horse show is truly “Where Champions Meet.” The rewards honor attendance and participation and will include the following: $1,500 for the most horses entered and shown (to the trainer); $1,000 for the second largest stable of horses entered and shown; $500 for the most ponies entered and shown; and two $1,000 scholarships awarded to designated Junior Exhibitor classes. 2008 show dates are May 22 through June 1, with the Saddlebreds and Ponies competing May 28 through May 31. Judging this year is Richard Obenauf of Ringwood, Ill., and the photographer is Bob Moseder of Flagler Beach, Fla. For more information please call the show office at 610-964-0550 or check out www.thedevonhorseshow.org. TANBARK CAVALCADE OF ROSES HORSE SHOW – IT KEEPS ON GETTING BETTER The Tanbark Cavalcade of Roses Horse Show, Minnesota’s largest and most competitive Saddlebred show, is planning to be bigger and better than ever! It’s not just a great horse show that gets rave reviews from exhibitors —it’s lots more. There are presentations of horses for sale, ASHA Junior Judging, and great hospitality, including daily exhibitor parties and baskets of goodies delivered to the box seat areas. The show will be held June 25-28, 2008, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota. Two Grand National classes! Tanbark was selected for a $5000 Grand National Special Stakes class – the Fine Harness Open Championship. This will be in addition to the $1,800 Grand National class – the ASB Park Pleasure Stake. Horses for sale will be presented to trainers and prospective buyers from around the upper Midwest in the “Tanbark Horse Review.” The horse presentation will take place in the Coliseum on Thursday, June 26, following the morning horse show. Booklets with information about all the horses will be distributed at the show. To include your horse, contact Claire@clairecomm.com to request a form. The completed form and photo are due by June 5 to be included in the sale booklet. Exhibitors will be treated to the finest Minnesota hospitality including exhibitor events every day! Kids who love Saddlebreds and horse shows can try their skills (and luck!) at judging as part of the ASHA Junior Judging program. Top young judges will be honored with ribbons and awards. And don’t forget all the other things that make Tanbark terrific: It’s A-rated by USEF, so horses can earn points toward a CH. Trainers can win six $100 cash awards. Trainers are eligible for drawings for the cash awards based on the number of horses they bring to the show. Judging all classes will be Nancy Becker (Nicholasville, KY), Brian Chappell (Perryville, KY) and Richard Obenauf (Ringwood, IL). Tanbark offers a complete schedule of 130 classes for Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and equitation, including UPHA Classics, qualifying classes for all the equitation finals and academy classes. Tanbark will continue its tradition of providing outstanding exhibitor hospitality, daily parties and one of the finest center ring displays anywhere. Baskets of goodies will be delivered to the box seat areas. The food service in the Coliseum serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide variety of items, including many healthy choices. In keeping with the show’s “rose” theme, all winners get a rose bouquet with their trophy. Exhibitors can browse the vendor area on the grounds, including the ever-popular garden plant sale. Nearby attractions include the Mall of America, IKEA, the Como Park Zoo, Conservatory, and golf course and many shopping venues. Show managers are Sally Snyder Tesch and Doug Lindstrom. Visit http://www.horseshowcalendar.com for a premium book and entry forms. Tanbark is approved by the United States Equestrian Federation, American Saddlebred Horse Association, Tri-State Horseman’s Association, Minnesota Saddlebred Horse Association, Mid-America Horse Shows Association, Iowa Horse Shows Association, American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin, and American Hackney Horse Society. For more information, please contact Sally at (763) 559-4896, sstesch@juno.com, or Doug at (715) 386-3966, douglas.a.lindstrom@wellsfargo.com. DAYTON HORSE SHOW, THERAPEUTIC RIDING INSTITUTE OF OHIO JOIN HANDS The 2008 rendition of the Dayton Horse Show will be held July 30-August 2, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton, Ohio. Daytime sessions will start at 10 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, with Evening sessions starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Over the shows many years, its history, steeped in tradition, has played host to a wealth of World and National Champion horses and riders. The show will feature American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Harness, Hackney, Road Ponies and Road Horses and Equitation. This year, the show will offer some new and exciting events. On Friday evening, August 1, the inaugural Dayton Horse Shows Association will induct four individuals into its Hall Of Fame. This year, three horsemen and one horsewoman will be honored. In addition, Saturday evening will bring to center ring, the Academy riders to award championship titles. Also at a date to be announced, The Therapeutic Riding Institute of Ohio will hold a special presentation. This worthwhile partner with the Dayton Horse Show has proved to be a valuable tool to help those individuals with disabilities through the aid of horses. The Dayton Horse Show is pleased to support this outstanding organization and to provide monies through this charity. The UPHA Classics will once again be held for the three-gaited, five-gaited, fine harness and three-gaited park pleasure. There is always an outstanding group of youngsters to be showcased. A special incentive is a new highlight of this year’s show. A $500 trainer’s bonus is to be awarded to the trainer of the three-gaited, fine harness and five-gaited grand championships. Scattered throughout the fairgrounds are vendors of all varieties from food vendors, tack shops, riding apparel, gift items, etc. Throughout the four day event, a wealth of parties will be held for the owners, trainers and exhibitors. The show will take on a new look this year with not only the exciting new additions, but the look of the show will take on a new face. Landscaping, a beautiful center ring, peppermints for the horses, and banners recognizing our dedicated sponsors, those who have donated time and money, as well as those who have worked to help the 2008 Dayton Horse Show start the beginning of something even better. Unfortunately this year, the show will coincide with the Shelbyville Horse Show. It is hoped that whichever show you choose both shows offer something for everyone. We hope to see you. This year’s judge will be announced shortly. For more information, contact show manager, Evette Moody, 937-623-7934. HUMANITARIAN'S CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS BIGGER, BETTER FOR 2008 “Dr. Wayne” T. Moses. Bonnie Phillips and Louis J. Labadini (chairmen) proudly announce that the Humanitarian Society’s Challenge of Champions World Class Charity Horse Show will be bigger and better than ever. The show will take place Nov. 13-15, 2008 at the Stadium Jumping Equestrian Center in Wellington, Fla. The show is open free to the public. Emily Lilly (Community Resources and Affairs Specialist) of Boca Raton, Fla., and Lyn Casella (Vice President of Farm Credit of South Florida) in Royal Palm Beach, Fla., have joined “Dr. Wayne,” Bonnie and Lou and will be the “head honchos” of this year’s show. Emily & Lyn will bring new excitement to The Challenge of Champions, and The Avenue of Shops will be extended and make it possible for you to ‘shop until you drop.’ The well known Ray Cloninger will again be the manager for the 8th year and as Dr. Wayne says, “it couldn’t be in better hands.” The American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Friesians, Hackneys, Carriage Classes, etc. will bring you excitement like you never saw before. You will enjoy the beautiful barns and the Florida weather where there is a lot to see in the surrounding areas. You will not miss anything from the box seats that will be available. The tables will have a lot of ‘munchies’ for you to enjoy while you cheer your favorite horse. Friday night you will enjoy an exhibitors party with all the trimmings and music that will keep your feet a taping. The Chinese Auction will be filled with items for you to win for your Christmas giving. The ever popular ‘when the pigs fly’ will give you a 50/50 chance to win your money back. You will have a chance to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. the show has grown continuously about 35 percent each year and has the reputation of being the finest horse show in South Florida. Class sponsors and underwriters are welcome. All major credit cards acceped. Mark your calendars now and don’t miss this spectacular. Contact The Humanitarian Society, Inc. at (561) 362-8530 for further information, or you can contact Ray Cloninger (manager) at (704) 458-1611. RIVER RIDGE – THE SHOW THAT KEEPS ON GIVING BACK If you are looking to start your show season off in a wonderful facility, with a chock filled show schedule, and wonderful exhibitor amenities, look no further! The 2007 River Ridge Charity Horse Show was runner-up in Winning the People’s Choice Award for most improved horse show of the year. If you thought 2007 was great, wait until you see what the committee has in store for 2008. Keep in mind that the Ohio Fairgrounds has some of the most spacious stabling available, and a huge covered warm-up ring that leads into a large coliseum. The horse show also features multiple exhibitor parties, and various events to cater to exhibitors during their attendance. Please check the website at www.riverridgehs.com to see the updated schedule with these additions. The 2008 River Ridge Horse will also debut its first Academy show which will be held on Saturday, April 26th. As an added bonus, the trainer that brings the most Academy entries will receive an additional $100 bonus. This new lucrative ASB concept was copied from the Morgan world, where it helped to give back to their exhibitors close to an additional $10,000 in prize money over 3 different championships. At River Ridge in 2008 there are two classes selected: ASB Adult Show Pleasure Championship and ASB Amateur Five-Gaited Championship. For each sponsorship obtained for these classes, River Ridge will donate 85 percent of the sponsorship back as added prize money to these particular classes. Currently the class has $250 of prize money. If they receive a sponsorship of $250, then an added $212.50 of prize money will go into the pot. The money will be distributed in a percentage basis across the board. The more sponsorships that are given, the more potential prize money to be won. This will help add some lucrative purses in select classes. The River Ridge Charity Horse Show will once again be held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. The dates will be April 23-26th. The show holds a complete show bill of all ASB/Morgan/Hackney Ponies/Roadster Ponies/Equitation/and an assortment of Miscellaneous classes, including a large Open Pleasure division. If you are interested in one of the most fun, and exhibitor friendly shows, with depths of World Class competition, please join us! For more information please visit our website: www.riverridgehs.com or contact: Barb Dunham, shosec1@aol.com, or Dayne Maple, 740-259-8027, djmmaple3@aol.com. WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE SHOW ANNOUNCES JUDGES The judges for the 2008 Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show are as follows: Saddlebred – James Hale, James Nichols, Barbe Smith, and Gene van der Walt; Hackney/Harness Ponies – Chris Gantley, James Hale, James Nichols, and Gene van der Walt; Roadster Horses and Roadster Ponies – Chris Gantley, James Hale, James Nichols, and Gene van der Walt; Equitation – Midge Hunt, Barbee Smith, James Nichols, James Hale, and Gene van der Walt. Beginning this year, the new North Wing will be available for stabling. Since plans for the future include demolition of the Stadium, owners and trainers currently stabled in the Stadium will have the option of stabling in the North Wing or remaining in the Stadium. Letters will be sent to request that the current occupants of the Stadium notify management in which location they would like to be stabled – the North Wing or the Stadium. The vacated stalls in the Stadium will be assigned to owners and trainers who have been stabled in the tents the longest. With the vacancies in the Stadium, there will be no need for Tents A, B, C, D, E, F, G, or I. Tent H will remain next to the Covered Arena. The arrangement of the North Wing will consist of three main aisle ways running east to west; the north-side aisle will be 30-feet wide, the center aisle will be 20-feet wide, and the south aisle will be 15-feet wide. There will also be 30-foot aisle ways at each end. These aisle ways, as well as the aisles between stalls, will be covered with Fibar footing. Trainers will need to provide the footing in the stalls; mats, tar paper or any other footing may be used. Wash racks with drains and water will be located at the east end in the loading dock area and also in the area between the North Wing and Stopher Walk. To facilitate unloading equipment and supplies, small motorized vehicles, i.e., pick-up trucks, golf carts, gators, etc., will be allowed inside the building only during the days of moving in or out. After this time, there will be no motorized vehicles of any kind allowed in the North Wing. For added convenience and closer access to the stalls, it will also be possible to drive up between the North Wing and Stopher Walk and enter through the side doors. Entrance into the North Wing by horses will be on the east end next to the barns. There are six large doors across this end, and barriers will be set up along the side next to the barns; the largest door is on the north corner next to Stopher Walk. Due to safety restrictions, there will be no opening in the middle of Stopher Walk for entry by horses. There will be a small office at the end of the North Wing where a stall official will be present at all times to help make this transition smoother and easier for all involved. NATIONAL ACADEMY FINALS SELECTS 2008 JUDGES The National Academy Championship Finals have announced judges for the 2008 show. Susie Day of Lexington, Ky., Cindy Mugnier of Grande, Mass., and Lynn McCallister of Overland Park, Kan., will judge the show set for Nov. 1-2 at the beautiful Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The National Academy Championship Finals is also pleased to announce that a check for $17,000 was donated to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The Board of Directors of the National Academy Championship Finals thank each and every one who donated to and participated in this wonderful cause. The show has personally donated over $85,000 to the Children’s Hospital over the past eight years. It is a charitable non-profit organization with every member strictly volunteer, no paid management. This show is God’s gift to the horse show industry and to the children of St. Jude’s. Mark your calendar and come join the excitement of this awesome one-of-a-kind show for the Academy riders. If you have never been, just ask anyone who has, this is the year for you to “catch the vision.” It’s an event you will never forget. For more information, contact Joyce Webster, 256.773.2182 or e-mail Paisley@hiwaay.net. RIVER RIDGE CHARITY HORSE SHOW ADDS ACADEMY DIVISION President and Show Manager Barbara Dunham has announced that a full schedule of Academy Classes have been added to the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, held April 23-26. Academy classes will be held Saturday, April 26, beginning at 8 a.m., in the Coca-Cola Coliseum. These classes are approved by the Ohio Academy Riders Tournament as a Double Point Show. The show will be awarding a $100 Academy Instructor Incentive to the academy instructor who has the most riders entered in the RRCHS Academy Horse Show. Complete details on the show and academy classes are available online at www.riverridgehs.com. ASPR ADDS $6,000 IN INCENTIVE PRIZE MONEY FOR 2008 The American Show Pony Registry (ASPR) Committee added $6,000 in incentive prize money for the ASPR classes at the World Championship Show and Shetland Pony Congress for 2008. The American Show Pony Registry is a division of the American Shetland Pony Club. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) was established in 1888 and today offers registration recordings and award programs for a number of small equines including American Shetland Ponies, American Miniature Horses and several Shetland Pony types and crosses. In 1995, the ASPC created the American Show Pony Registry (ASPR), which recognized ponies of Shetland and Hackney decent up to 48” in height at the wither. These larger, flashy ponies are especially suited to driving and draw a lot of attention in the show ring. The ASPC offers many competitive opportunities for American Show Ponies, including the National Congress, the World Championship show and eight National Area Shows that are hosted regionally. Additionally, the ASPC sanctions more than 150 shows across the country each year and many include ASPR classes such as Harness, Roadster, Pleasure Driving, Country Pleasure Driving and Halter. In addition, youth members showing ASPR ponies can reap the outstanding benefits offered by the ASPC youth program, including scholarships, judging programs and number of fun and educational youth events. The ASPC also offers cumulative awards programs for ASPR ponies including Hall of Fame, All-Star and Pony of The Year recognition programs. This year the ASPR committee raised an additional $6,000 in incentive prize money to be offered at the two most prestigious ASPR events the ASPC World Championship Show held in conjunction with the Ohio State Fair Horse Show, July 22-July 25 in Columbus, Ohio and the Shetland Pony National Congress, July 30-August 2, 2008 to be held in Cloverdale, Indiana. The committee added the incentives to promote the ASPR division and encourage registration and participation. To be eligible to compete for theses incentives and all the ASPR classes, the ponies must be registered with the ASPR and meet the 48” height requirement. The owners must be members of the ASPC/AMHR. For full details and registration and entry forms, visit www.shetlandminiature.com or call the ASPC at 309-263-4044. “We are very excited to offer these addition incentives,” said ASPR Committee Chair, Mary Wahl, “We want people to join in all the fun and and we hope that adding an additional $750 per class in the Harness, Roadster, Pleasure and Country Driving division, may be just the incentive pony owners need.” 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. ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE MUSICAL RIDE TO BE FEATURED AT PENN NATIONAL SHOW The world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride will make the 63rd annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show one of the stops on its 2008 tour. The troop of 32 matched horses and riders will perform nightly Wednesday, October 15 through Saturday, October 18 at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg, Penn. The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music. Demanding utmost control, timing and coordination, figures are performed in single file, two’s, four’s and eight’s at the trot and canter. Formations include the Dome, once featured on the back of the Canadian fifty dollar bill, the Charge, executed at a gallop with lances drawn, and the March Past, a salute performed to the strains of the force’s Regimental March. The first officially recorded performance of the Musical Ride was in 1887, and it was first performed for the public in 1901. Members of the Musical Ride are police officers who after at least two years of active police work volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride. Most are non-riders who complete several months of training to become both riders and ambassadors of goodwill. Riders stay with the Musical Ride for two years, ensuring an annual rotation of half the riders. Thirty-five riders, thirty-six horses, a farrier, a sound technician, three NCO’s and an Officer in Charge travel in four tractor trailers with the Musical Ride. The troop also appears on Canada’s Parliament Hill, and in parades and special events. The RCMP has bred and raised its own horses since 1939, as only five percent of the world’s horses are black and only a percentage of those have the necessary conformation and temperament to meet the needs of the Musical Ride. The horses are a combination of thoroughbred, Hanoverian, Trakehner, and Anglo-Arab bloodlines. RCMP horses must be black, elegant, uniform in size, substance and temperament, stand 16 to 17 hands tall, weigh between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds, and have conformation that lends itself to health and longevity. They must be people- friendly and able to withstand the rigors and changes in food, water, climate and stabling that comes with traveling nearly thousands of miles between May and October each year. The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is the country’s largest multi-breed indoor horse show, featuring competition for more than 1,100 top horses and riders from across North America. The show runs October 9-18 at the Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Penn. For ticket information or a free brochure, phone (717) 770-0222 or visit www.panational.org. LEXINGTON JUNIOR LEAGUE SELECTS JUDGES Judges have been selected for the 2008 Lexington Junior League Horse Show, scheduled for July 7-12. According to Show Manager Jim LaHood, the Saddlebred, Hackney, Roadster and Saddle Seat Equitation Judges will be Rick Wallen of Marshall, Wisc., Ricky Harris of Somers, Conn., and James Cherry of Encinitas, Calif. Kristen Cater of Dunbarton, N.H., will judge the Saddle Seat Equitation classes. This year’s photographer will be Howard Schatzberg. This will be the 72nd installment of the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, held at the historic Red Mile in Lexington, Ky. It serves as one of the premier events, and will feature special attractions of coaching, those elegant modes of transportation of yore. RIVER RIDGE SETS SHOW DATES The River Ridge Charity Horse Show will hold its 64th Annual Charity Horse Show at the Ohio Expositions Center in Columbus Ohio April 23-26, 2008. Kim Cowart of North Carolina, will be judging the American Saddlebreds, Saddle Seat Equitation and Ponies. Gerry Ruston of California, will be judging the Morgans and Open Division. Hospitality abounds during the 2008 River Ridge Horse Show. To start the week off on Tuesday, Honey Baked Ham will host the "Grooms Lunch" (of course, everyone is invited). Join the fun Wednesday for the "Welcome to River Ridge" Pica Party and of course, the very popular Progressive Party on Friday. Complimentary coffee and pastries will again be offered Wednesday through Saturday morning. Much more is planned, but you will have to come see for yourself all River Ridge has to offer. For additional information, contact Dayne Maple, show secretary at 740-259-8027 (evenings) or visit www.riverridgehs.com. ASHA ANNOUNCES REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITONS FOR 2008 At its meeting on Tuesday, July 31, the Executive Committee of the American Saddlebred Horse Association designated Regional Championship competitions throughout the United States for 2008. The Mid-America Mane Event (October 23-26, 2008) in Springfield, Illinois, will replace the St. Louis Charity Horse Show as a Regional Championship in Region 5 in 2008. Other shows designated as 2008 Regional Championships include the California Saddle Horse Futurity in Pomona, along with the Arizona Saddlebred Futurity in Scottsdale, the Northwest Saddlebred Association Fall Classic in Salem, Oregon, the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival in Madison, the Kentucky Fall Classic in Lexington, the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh and the Southeastern Charity Horse Show in Conyers, Georgia. According to Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the Association, the number of applicants increased significantly this year. “We believe this is a result of more interest being generated in what is still a very new program. The Executive Committee really struggled with some of these decisions, since it’s difficult to choose between competitions that are of good quality and had enthusiastic proposals. But ultimately they decided to add a new competition in the Northeast and also select the new venue in Illinois. We want to encourage more shows to apply each year, and the decision for 2009 will be made in July of next year.” Balch also noted that approval is pending for the State Fair of Texas in Dallas as a Regional Championship for Region 6/7 in 2008, contingent upon licensing by the United States Equestrian Federation, which is a requirement for consideration. NEW QUALIFICATION SYSTEM FOR 2008 WCHS The World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) has adopted a new qualification system for all pleasure and park horse divisions, effective for the 2008 WCHS. The system establishes a maximum number of permitted entrants in each class in the pleasure and park horse divisions. If the number of qualified entrants exceeds these maximum numbers, eligible horses will be selected based on the number of points earned at qualifying horse shows from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Developed by representatives of the WCHS management and the Kentucky State Fair Board, the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), and the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA), WCHS will work in partnership with ASHA to implement the new qualification system. ASHA will maintain a database of horse shows, as well as a database of horses and the accumulated points earned by each horse. The complete rules for the qualification system can be viewed online at www.kystatefair.org by following the “Horse Shows” link on the navigation bar, and then clicking on the link “Click here for full World’s Championship Horse Show details” under the WCHS section. The qualification system rules can also be viewed online at www.saddlebred.com. A copy of the qualification system rules can also be requested by writing to: Kentucky State Fair Horse Show Office, P.O. Box 37130, Louisville, KY 40233.
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