2009 U.P. Equifest Rescued at Last Minute!
With less than a month until the 2009 U.P. Equifest horse fair was slated to begin, long time Equifest chairperson Bev Smith was forced to resign due to family health issues. Furthermore, she had been unable to do nearly any organizing for the end of September event. However, at the last minute, 5 people stepped up to organize and run U.P. Equifest for 2009. Donna Buechler, Dave Moran, Joyce Hoskins, Diane Maccani and Doreen Passuello met in Escanaba on September 13th to see what could be done to continue the popular Upper Peninsula horse event. Donna Buechler was elected as chairperson for the new Equifest committee and members decided to go ahead with the 2009 event. With a fantastic last minute effort, the 2009 UPEquifest was pulled off September 26th and 27th at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.
New this year for the kids, was the Stick Horse Rodeo and it proved very popular. Equifest committee would like to thank sponsors for this event, including Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, MI and Farm Bureau-Melissa Norman. Numerous short clinic and demos were given Saturday afternoon and Sunday.. These clinics were very well attended. They included a rodeo queen clinic by Great Lake Rodeo Queen contestants and UP Rodeo Queen contestants; a driving demo by Dave and Donna Buechler of Elmcrest Acres Haflingers; training and showing in trail class by Kelly DeVooght of KT Quarter Horses,'Collection' made simple by Diane Maccani of Tamarack Farm Quarter Horses; 'The Balanced Seat' by Doreen Passuello of Spring Valley Ranch; and 'Equine Dentistry' by Dr Abe Aho, Marquette.
Rick Cornwell and Vern Viau conducted round pen and problem horse training in the outdoor arena on Saturday and Sunday. Despite a lack of time to organize this event properly, it was still successful. Several horsemen and women brought horses with specific problems for Rick and Vern to work with and the men also worked with several other horses that were at Equifest for other events.
The U.P. Championship show headlined the Equifest events Saturday and Sunday mornings and show speed events were held Saturday evening. All exhibitors for this championship show must qualify for each event they show in. Qualifying is done throughout the summer at U.P. shows and fairs. Qualifying points were essentially doubled for the 2009 Championship Show, which reduced the class size on some classes but made a big impact on the quality and skill level in all classes. Judges, show management, and spectators were all treated to a top level show. See complete show results in this issue. .
The Breyer Horse show was again a NAMHSA sanctioned event, held Sunday morning. This was the 3rd year for this event and it was as popular as ever. For complete results of the Breyer Show go to:
http://upequifest.com/breyer_show.htm The art and photo contests were again offered and were judged by Dave Thoreson. Due to a lack of time to advertise these events, entries were down in both, however committee members are already working for 2010 on these events and have a chairperson already lined up to arrange each.
Several vendors offered various horse related goods, and the very popular used tack swap was back. Again, lack of time to notify and contract with vendors kept vendors booth numbers down, but many new vendors have already been suggested for 2010.
Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, Equifest committee members held short open meetings. Several new volunteers attended and ideas for 2010 event were discussed. The Equifest committee is extremely happy with the level of cooperation they received from everyone during the 2009 U.P. Equifest and with the many, many people who have stepped forward to volunteer their time, knowledge, and work for 2010. Several new things will be offered in 2010, including an Equifest Queen Contest. If you have ideas for the 2010 UP Equifest or would like to volunteer to assist in any way, contact committee chairperson Donna Buechler at: elmcrest@dreamscp.com or Diane Maccani at: tfqh51@yahoo.com. Diane can also be reached by phone at 906-663-4782 or 906-364-1578.
Superior Horse Talk magazine is fully committed to promoting and working with the U.P. Equifest committee. The magazine will keep you updated on Equifest planning and details. Look for a GREAT event in 2010!
LARGE NUMBER OF BITS STOLEN FROM NORTHERN WISCONSIN STORE
by Doreen Passuello
According to an email forwarded to me on November 22, the Spooner Country Store in Spooner, Wisconsin had approximately $2000.00 worth of Myler bits stolen from their store. The original email was dated November 19th and stated that the theft was partially caught on store video camera but local authorities at that time had not been able to identify the thief. The email did not say whether the thief happened during business hours or with an after hours break-in.
Local authorities said they were watching Ebay to see if they can find suspicious sales that might involve one or all of these bits and they had also contacted other nearby tack shops with warnings. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Spooner police at 715-635-7738 or Washburn County Sheriffs Department at 715-468-4700.
Gogebic Community College Plans Equine Studies
At their regular monthly meeting on November 24th, 2009, Gogebic Community College President Mr. Jim Lorenson gave College Board members an update on two new educational programs the college has been considering. These two programs are Animal/Equine Science and Wind Energy Technology.
Over the past year, considerable work has been done to by college personnel to study the feasibility of adding an equine program at the Ironwood college. The original idea of beginning an equine program at the college was first mentioned to the college president’s wife, a life long horsewoman, as a joke. However, after a few phone calls and a little investigation, the idea began to look very promising. The college has sent several different people to visit equine programs at colleges in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. An Ad Hoc Committee was formed to further look into equine programs for the college and community. Everyone on this committee plus the College Board has been very supportive of the idea.
According to Lorenson, GCC has looked into purchasing a local stable that is currently offered for sale, as well as building their own facility to begin perhaps a full Associate Degree Equine Studies Program and a Transfer Program for students wishing to continue their education for a Bachelor’s Degree at a 4 year university. At least one of the 4 year universities GCC personnel visited expressed a great willingness to work with GCC on transfer programs. The equine program at this university normally has a waiting list, as do many equine programs, GCC learned. Working with a community college gives 4 year programs a larger student base to work with for the final 2 years of a Bachelor of Science program.
At this time, due to the current economic situation, especially in Michigan, GCC administrators are not recommending the college purchase the stable currently for sale or begin building at a new site. While college enrollment is up and the budget is in excellent shape, administrators expect to see a cut from Michigan community college funding soon, much as has already been seen in K-12 schools. However, Mr. Lorenson expressed GCC’s interest in beginning an Animal/Equine Studies Program on a smaller level for 2010, with a Certificate course or two offered. Courses and curriculum for these courses will be worked out over the next several months. Graduates from these certificate programs will be eligible to transfer to other college to continue on their 4 yr degree or go out into the work world with a greater understanding of animal anatomy and biology and/or business and accounting for animal/equine operations.
Superior Horse Talk magazine fully supports Gogebic Community College in this new Animal/Equine Program and will keep you informed of future plans and curriculum for the program. President Lorenson did leave the option open that the college may be interested in leasing the stable that had been looked at, if an investor was interested in purchasing and leasing all or part of the facility to the college., when questioned about this option by the Board Chairman. The current owner is not interested in a lease option as she wishes to sell the property.
2009 UPPER PENINSULA CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW RESULTS
The Second Upper Peninsula Championship Horse Show held on September 26th & 27th opened up the popular U.P. Equifest Horse Fair held in Escanaba. There were 155 entries in 27 halter, performance and speed classes that were judged by Becki Schwab, Plymouth, WI, Paul Brandenburg, Bark River, MI, and Sue Asplund, Stephenson, MI. Classes were placed first through tenth by each individual judge and then averaged for final placings. All horses had to qualify at Upper Peninsula horse shows to be eligible to show at the U.P. Championship Show
.
Lisa Anderson, Chassell, Michigan and her AQHA gelding, Zippos Do Win, were awarded the Yooper Super Horse award as the high point horse of the show. They qualified in every class offered and placed in each class to win the award. Anderson won a trophy saddle along with her ribbon, flowers, and cash prizes.
The Grand Champion Halter Horse was Sacred Style, an APHA mare owned and shown by Tammy Carello, Republic, MI. The award was sponsored by UPQHA. The High Point Performance Horse was awarded to This Diva Can Do It, an AQHA mare, owned and shown by Macy Holombo, Chassell, MI. The award was sponsored by Edward Jones, Rebecca Lynch, Ironwood, MI. The High Point Speed Horse was Bailey, an Arabian gelding owned by Brenda Gartland, Bark River, MI. The award was sponsored by Tri Country Horseman’s Association, Norway, MI. Lisa Anderson of Sturgeon Rivers Performance Horses created the high-point awards.
Yearlings sponsored by U.P. Championship Show
Grand ChampionDon CarelloWar Drum Illusion
Stallions 2 & over sponsored by U.P. Championship Show
Grand ChampionDoreen PassuelloA Famous Great Date
Reserve Champion Nancy ReillyQuatro Star Scotch
Mares 2 & over sponsored by Manincoa Electric, Vulcan
GCTammy CarelloSacred Style
RCLisa Anderson Justa Premonition
3.Ashley AlonenAn Earlybird Success
4.Suzie Sheski Precious Phenomenon
5.Macy HolomboThis Diva Can Do It
6.Michelle Ellsworth TJ
7.Miah MarchelloIm Two Soxy
Geldings 2 & over sponsored by Fred & Bonnie Jones, Chassell
GCSophia HoskinsBW Doc N Blazing
RCLisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
3.Jenny Bower BMQ Hard to Ignore
4.Sharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice
5.Karen Hendrickson DJs Impressive Image
6.Pam Walsh Destn tobe a Playboy
7.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
8.Teresa Makela Ce My Sonny Zip
Ponies sponsored by U.P. Championship Show
GCDorothy CrnkovichSequoia
Miniature Horses sponsored by Spotted Hawke Ranch, Dale & Sharon Maahs
GCNorman JohnsonKickin Backs Midnight Express
RCCindy Johnson Kickin Backs Checkmate
3.Joyce Meyer Grosshill Tenders Nite & Day
Adult Showmanship sponsored by Ray’s Feed Supply, Norway
GCJenny BowerBMQ Hard to Ignore
RCSharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice
3.Teresa Makela Ce My Sonny Zip
4.Lisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
5.Andi Goriesky Dells Missy
6.Suzie Sheski Precious Phenomenon
7.Michelle Ellsworth TJ
8.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
9.Pam WalshDestn tobe a Playboy
Youth Showmanship sponsored by Gogebic County Fair, Ironwood
GCAshley Alonen An Earlybird Success
RCSophia Hoskins BW Doc N Blazing
3.Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
4.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
5.Payton Hulkkonen Impresssons of Magic
6.Melissa Christense Dells Missy
7.Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
8.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
9.Miah Marchello Im Two Soxy
10.Paige Sheski Precious Phenomenon
Adult English Pleasure sponsored Harmony Harness & Saddle Shop, Gwinn
GCTeresa Makela Ce My Sonny Zip
RCJenny BowerBMQ Hard to Ignore
3.Pam WalshDestn tobe a Playboy
4.Lisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
5.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
6.Sharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice
7.Karen Hendrickson DJs Impressive Image
Youth English Pleasure sponsored by Extreme Tool & Engineering, Wakefield
GCVanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
RCRebecca VollrathThe Bold Connection
3.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
4.Sophia Hoskins BW Doc N Blazing
5.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
6.Miah Marchello Im Two Soxy
7.Payton Hulkkonen Impresssons of Magic
8.Celeste Gasiewicz Smokey's Good Pine
9.Lindsay Pennala Northwinds Desert Rain
Adult English Equitation sponsored by Fred & Bonnie Jones, Chassel
GCJenny Bower BMQ Hard to Ignore
RCLisa AndersonZippos Do Win
3.Pam Walsh Destn tobe a Playboy
4.Teresa Makela Ce My Sonny Zip
5.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
6.Karen Hendrickson DJs Impressive Image
7.Sharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice
Youth English Equitation sponsored by Harmony Harness & Saddle Shop, Gwinn
GCSophia Hoskins BW Doc N Blazing
RCRebecca VollrathThe Bold Connection
3.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
4.Payton Hulkkonen Impresssons of Magic
5.Celeste Gasiewicz Smokey's Good Pine
6.Jennifer HannonClassic Guy
7.Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
8.Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
9.Lindsay PennalaNorthwinds Dersert Rain
Hunter Hack sponsored by Hidden Acre Farm, Dan & Theresa Anderson, Ironwood
GCMacy HolomboThis Diva Can Do It
RCLisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
3.Rebecca Vollrath The Bold Connection
4.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
5.Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
6.Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
Working Hunter sponsored by
GCLisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
RCMacy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
3.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
4.Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
Adult Western Pleasure sponsored by Sturgeon River Stables, Vulcan
GCTeresa MakelaCe My Sonny Zip
RCLisa Pellegrini My Bars Are Red Hot
3.Sharon MaahsHeza Smokin Choice
4.Lisa AndersonZippos Do Win
5.Pam Walsh Destn tobe a Playboy
7.Jenny Bower BMQ Hard to Ignore
8.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
Youth Western Pleasure sponsored by Rust Spurs Horse Club, Pelkie
GC Sophia HoskinsBW Doc N Blazing
RC Ashley AlonenAn Earlybird Success
3 Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
4 Macy HolomboThis Diva Can Do It
5 Miah MarchelloIm Two Soxy
6 Payton Hulkkonen Impresssons of Magic
7 Rebecca Vollrath The Bold Connection
8 Jennifer HannonClassic Guy
9 Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
10 Nick Gauthier Sure An Artful Site
Adult Horsemanship sponsored by Range Animal Hospital, Ironwood
GC Pam Walsh Destn tobe a Playboy
RCSharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice
3.Teresa MakelaCe My Sonny Zip
4.Lisa Anderson Zippos Do Win
5.Jenny Bower BMQ Hard to Ignore
7.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
Youth Horsemanship sponsored by Stoeffel’s Country Store, Hurley, WI
GCVanessa AndersonLuke and Listen
RCSophia Hoskins BW Doc N Blazing
3.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
4.Rebecca Vollrath The Bold Connection
5.Dorothy CrnkovichSequoia
6.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
7.Nick Gauthier Sure An Artful Site
8.Payton HulkkonenImpresssons of Magic
Adult Trail sponsored by Marquette County Horse Club
GCTeresa MakelaCe My Sonny Zip
3.Lisa AndersonZippos Do Win
4.Karin Pingatore Simply Dun It
Youth Trail sponsored by Ray’s Feed Supply, Norway
GCMiah Marchello Im Two Soxy
RCMacy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
3.Sophia HoskinsBW Doc N Blazing
Adult Poles sponsored by Jack Filkins Farrier
GCBrenda Gartland Gais Shafahl
RCLisa AndersonZippos Do Win
Youth Poles sponsored by Paul Brandenburg Farrier, Bark River
GCDorothy CrnkovichSequoia
3.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
5.Clara Churchill Pretty Miss Lilly
6.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
Adult Barrels sponsored by Tri-County Horseman’s Club, Norway
GCBrenda Gartland Gais Shafahl
RCLisa AndersonZippos Do Win
Youth Barrels sponsored by Great Lakes Rodeo, Marquette
RCDorothy CrnkovichSequoia
3.Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
5.Clara Churchill Pretty Miss Lilly
6.Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen
7.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
Adult Flag Race sponsored by Knight Riders 4-H Club, Norway
GCBrenda Gartland Gais Shafahl
RCLisa AndersonZippos Do Win
Youth Flag Race sponsored by Pine Creek Valley Farm, Gary & Sally Arcand
RCMacy Holombo This Diva Can Do It
3.Jennifer Hannon Classic Guy
4.Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia
TOP TEN 2009 YOOPER SUPER HORSE
1. Lisa Anderson Zippos Do Win 100 pts.
2. Macy Holombo This Diva Can Do It 97
3. Dorothy Crnkovich Sequoia 65
4. Sophia HoskinsBW Doc N Blazing 63
5. Jennifer HannonClassic Guy 58
6. Teresa Makela Ce My Sonny Zip 56
7. Vanessa Anderson Luke and Listen 49
8. Jenny Bower BMQ Hard To Ignor 47
9. Sharon Maahs Heza Smokin Choice 42
10. Pam Walsh Destn tobe a Playboy 39
Bessemer Youth Wins Mary Butler Memorial Sportsmanship Traveling Trophy
Miah Marchello of Bessemer, Michigan was the first recipient of the Mary Butler Memorial Sportmanship Traveling Trophy, which was donated in memory of Mary by Palm Parternership Training, Lynn Palm and Cyril Pittion-Rossilon of Ocala, Florida. The trophy was presented by two of Mary's closest friends, Rebecca Lynch of Ironwood and Tracy Olson, Bessemer during the livestock awards ceremony at the Gogebic County Fair.
Fourteen year old Miah, who celebrated her 14th birthday at the Gogebic County Fair, was nominated for the special sportsmanship award by fellow exhibitors, parents, and show personnel. Those nominating Miah felt she exhibited the best in sportsmanship, dedicatation and hard work among all the youth showing at the Gogebic County Fair. This was Miah's 3rd year showing at the fair, and her 3rd year showing her 3 year old AQHA filly 'I'm Two Soxy' whom she has trained almost exclusively by herself.
Mary Butler was a dedicated horsewoman who worked her way up through the ranks of the horse world, starting showing at local shows and county fairs in the mid 1980's. After high school Mary worked as a stable assitant at Spring Valley Ranch in Ironwood, and then wokred for many years at Royal Palm Ranch in Bessemer. This job eventually took Mary to Ohio, Florida, and many other places with Lynn Palm. After several years at Royal Palm Ranch, Mary changed her career course and became a veterinary technician, first working at the Range Hospital Hospital in Ironwood for many years. She had taken a contracting class at the veterinary hospital while in high school and had proven to be a truly exceptional student, according to the veterinarian whom she work with. From Ironwood, Mary moved to the Milwaukee area where she was currently working as a vet tech and showing her AQHA gelding in hunter classes whenever she could. She had hopes of moving back north in 2009. Tragically, Mary was murdered shorlty before Christmas, 2008, a truly senless act by her ex-husband, who then took his own life. Her ideals of dedicattion, hard work , and joy of life and horses will hopefully live on and inspire others, like Miah, the first recipient of the Mary Butler Memorial Traveling Trophy.
Upper Peninsula Youth Finalist at Congress
Melanie Louys, Iron Mountain, was a finalist in Youth Showmanship 11 & Under at the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress in October, showing her gelding, Leaguers Can Zip. Melanie was also a member of the 2009 UPQHA Youth Team. this year's team consisting of Josie Miller - Hunter Under Saddle, Callie Tekautz - Horsemanship, Jack Bruns - Showmanship, Melanie Louys - Western Pleasure, and Nicole Kuklinski - Showmanship. Yout team advisor was Zoe Miller.
Melanie shows under the guidance of U.P.trainer Claire Marcell. Melanie is just one of many UPQHA members or former members who have brought prizes home from Congress or the World Show in the past several years. For a small area, the U.P. has been very well represented at major shows!
Missing Issues?
If you opened this issue (December 2009) are find yourself wondering how you missed October and November, don't wonder! Murphys' Law 'If any can go wrong, it will! And at the worst possible time!' struck myself and Superior Horse Talk magazine, or so it seemed.
Shortly after finishing the September Issue, I found myself spending the rest of September, time I normally would have spent starting to work on the Ocotober Issue, working to help put the 2009 U.P. Equifest together. I had originally been only co-chairman of the U.P. Championship Show committe for Equifest, but after the resignation of Equifest chairperson BEv Smith, a whole new Equifest committee was put together and I found myself working on all Equifest plans, not just the show plans.
While at Equifest, I learned my mother, who had been complaining of back pain for 4 days, had suffered a recent compression fracture of one vertebrae. To further complicate eveything, several old, undiagnosed fractures were also found. Mom also had been diagnosed with mid-stage Alzhiemer's Disease earlier and the family had discussed having Mom move in with Rod and I before winter set in. Now, these tentative moving plans for late fall became definite plans for IMMEDIATELY! However, the move also involved moving room arrangements around for my sons, too, not just Mom, and also invloved moving my office, plus some needed painting and re-carpeting. In the meantime, someone needed to stay with Mom at her house, a job which fell mostly on myself and my sister Diane as my brother Dan's job had hours that could not be changed and my brother Don was attending a veterinary seminar in Washington DC.
By mid October, Mom was pretty much moved in, but my office was still in a total disarray. It took another 2 weeks to get that somewhat organized, a job which was made more difficult by the fact that Mom had an out of town doctor's appointment which Diane and I had to make the trip with her, and also the fact that I could not leave Mom alone for very long those first couple of weeks.
By now I had given up on the October Issue ever getting out, but had high hopes for November, even if it was a little late! And then the third problem struck! Our internet connection went to heck! Several phone calls to our satellite dish provider could not correct the problem and they made arrangements to send out a techinician-in APPROXIMATELY BUSINESS 10 days! I couldn't get into any of my emails where most of my information was, I couldn't get into homestead.com, my webpage builder, I couldn't do anything on the November issue!
Our internet finally got up and running again on November 18th, thanks to a husband who had a brilliant idea as to what was probably wrong with it (a connection on the wire from the satellitel dish outside to the inside box had corroded) and came home from the deer camp just to try and fix it for me. He knew I was going nuts not being able to get any work done. THANK YOU ROD! You not only saved up a bunch of money, you saved my many days of sitting around doing nothing!
After all this time, the next issue of Superior Horse Talk magazine expanded greatly. The orginal issue htat would have come out in October or early November did not have alot of articles. But I received tons of new articles by November 20th. So enjoy this more than a little late issue that is full of new articles.
Please note that deadlijnes for the next issue are Decmeber 20th. I have had to more the deadlines up a little to allow me more time to get everthing online by the first of the month. While Mom is doing well, my time in my office is still slightly more limited. Please help me out by getting all article, ads, and afvertising info to me as early as possible. Remember, we print show results, club news, non profits organization happenings and tons of other stuff for FREE! Take the time to send in your news and events.
Please note: To make uploading articles, news, show results, etc, most efficient, please send them as attachments in Word document to your emails if at all possible. If you can't send as Word document, paste your info right into your email. I quite often receive attachements in different or unusual formats that I cannot open or that will not transfer to my internet program without re-typing. This is extremely time consuming and limits how much infomration I can put in each issue. Pictures are best sent as jpeg attachments. They should be at least 600 dpi and about 3 x 5 inch size. Please do not send pictures that are saved in huge format size!
Back Country Horsemen
The Pigeon River & Beyond Back Country Horsemen report that a Senate vote on trail riding in Michigan State Forests is set to take place in the Michigan Legislature in early December. While this vote has serious rammifications in several northern lower penisula counties, it's outcome will probably affect all horsemen in Michigan who ride on public properties. For more information, visit http://www.bchmi.org Take the time to propect your right to ride!
Let the Games Begin!
Midwest Horse Fair Updates.
Plans are well under way for the 2010 Midwest Horse Fair® and it’s going to be one you won’t want to miss! We are reaching new heights in 2010! If you haven’t had a chance, please check out our web site – www.midwesthorsefair.com. You will find the most up-to-date information of everything to see and do at the 2010 Midwest Horse Fair®!
Our Friday & Saturday evening events have sold out the past few years and we’re anticipating that 2010 will be no exception. We’d like to offer our best customers the chance to purchase premium seating and special packages we’ve put together before tickets go on sale to the general public.
Friday Night the rodeo returns – but with an all new twist –an officially sanctioned PRCA Rodeo. Hold on to your hats for an evening of bulls, broncs and true grit cowboy & cowgirls!
Saturday Night history will be made! For the first time in the history of the Midwest Horse Fair®, we present the Nutrena $40,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix. It will be a must-see event to witness the beauty, speed, power and excitement of Grand Prix Show Jumping and will be one great evening of entertainment.
Special Packages: We’ve put together exclusive gold, silver & bronze ticket packages. The packages include admission tickets, exclusive VIP seating and new VIP Receptions. The VIP receptions will include food and refreshments prior to the evening show and your chance to meet and greet competitors and special guests each evening. All the details are outlined in the attached order form.
Evening show tickets will go on sale to the general public on January 18, 2010 only through Ticketmaster. Special packages are only available through the Midwest Horse Fair® office.
Hurry – tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, and packages are very limited!
Please use the attached order form and get your tickets now. To order by phone, please call 920.623.5515, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am – 4 pm and Friday, 8:30 am – 3 pm. Thank you in advance and we all look forward to seeing you in April – Let the Games Begin!
Happy Holidays!
Midwest Horse Fair® Staff
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING ™
Building a Partnership with Your Horse
“Communicating with Your Aids …Keys to Success, Part 3”
By Lynn Palm
Most people who do any form of exercise know that it is important to warm up. Because a horse is an athlete too, he also needs a pre-exercise warm-up routine to help loosen and limber up his muscles after standing in a stall or in a pasture. A warm-up also prepares the horse’s mind, as well as his body, for the work you will be asking him to do--whether it is schooling, trail riding, pleasure riding, or showing.
The same principle applies to the rider’s mounted warm-up. The warm-up is time for the rider to get into correct form and balance as she loosens her muscles and joints. I find it is a pleasant time when I reconnect with my horse before starting the more serious work at hand.
Here are some tips for making your warm-up time more effective. Start the warm-up by letting your horse walk on a loose rein. The warm-up pattern should include very large circles, large turns, and straight lines. The horse should be moving forward, but in a relaxed manner. After warming up at the walk, ask the horse for the trot or jog. The trot is the best gait to limber up the horse.
At this point, the rider should not be worried about the horse being “on the bit.” Instead, he should be allowed to move forward on a loose rein with the rider guiding him to stay on the circle, large turn, or the straight line. Remember the rule of thumb that you should spend equal time going in both directions. You should change directions often to loosen up both sides and to keep the horse’s interest during the warm-up.
I recommend that the rider, even if using a Western saddle, post when trotting/jogging during the warm-up period. Doing so gives the rider the opportunity to warm up and to use her own muscles. As the rider begins to loosen up, she will notice that her muscles respond better and her coordination improves while her thinking slows. The rider begins to relax as her warmed-up body allows her to better follow the horse’s movement.
As part of the warm-up, the rider may try taking her feet out of the stirrups to get down in the saddle and closer to her horse. As her body loosens up, she will find she is able to follow the horse’s movement and stay in balance even without stirrups.
I am often asked how much time should be allowed for a warm-up. The answer is that there is no set amount of time for a warm-up routine. It depends on many factors that you, the rider, must take into account for each ride. Usually, the colder the weather is, the longer and slower the warm-up should be to loosen up cold muscles and joints. It must be long enough to physically and mentally warm up the horse, but it is not intended to wear him out or bore him! Enough time should be spent in the warm-up so that both sides of the horse are equally loosened up.
A good gauge for the rider of how long her warm-up period should be is that she should feel the same balance and relaxation without stirrups as she feels with them. She also should feel her mind slow down and focus, and she should feel positive about the upcoming riding session!
In the next article, I will cover the core of communicating with your aids—your seat, your legs, and your hands. For more information about Palm Partnership Training™, visit our website at www.lynnpalm.com.
