AHHSF OFFERS ED FRICKEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The American Hackney Horse Society Foundation announces a $2,500.00 College Scholarship for incoming Sophomore, Junior and Senior students. This Scholarship will be awarded to a selected student based on financial need, academic success and a commitment to the Hackney breed, whether present, past or future. This scholarship is funded by the Ed Frickey Memorial and will be awarded on an annual basis. This new scholarship will be joining the currently offered scholarships for incoming freshman and funded by the Al Haugen Memorial and the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation. All three will be awarded on an annual basis. Presentation of these 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., Alan, R. Raun, DVM, Scholarship Committee Chairman, 2291 50th Avenue, Cumming, Iowa 50061, (515) 285-9001, (515) 285-1119 fax, Reedannland@att.net, www.Reedannland.com, DESERT PALMS ADULT CLINIC IS A SURE WAY TO HAVE FUN! SEPTEMBER 27-28 Desert Palms Equestrian Center is a premier riding stable in beautful Cave Creek, Arizona. Just 20 from Phoenix airport and 5 minutes from Scottsdale's fine dining and esquite shopping. Michelle McVey, owner/instructor/trainer of Desert Palms, opened the doors 5 1/2 years ago and the business just keeps on growing with success! After graduating from William Woods University, Michelle worked with such notable trainers as John and Renee Biggins for 5 years, Jimmy and Helen Robertson and Debbie Foley of Silverbrook Stables. Desert Palms had so much success with the kids horseback riding camps over the last 5 summers, they decided to offer an adult clinic over a weekend Last year, Desert Palms had their first "Adult Clinic" and it was a huge success! People from all states attended the clinic. The campers rode horses twice each day, learned horse care, driving and long lining, visited area barns, speakers such as veterinarians and farrier's came and talked to the campers. Sue Davis, a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, demonstrated the benefits of equine massage therapy and taught the campers how to massage their horse. After a long day of riding the campers got to enjoy a massage for themselves at the ranch! For more details on the schedule go to www.desertpalms.net or call 480-473-1905 or email michelle@desertpalms.net. Hotel accomadations can also be found on the website. ASHA ANNOUNCES CONVENTION DATES, NEW LOCATION The American Saddlebred Horse Association has announced its projected convention and annual meeting dates for the next five years. In 2009 and 2010, the convention will move to the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington, Ky. For 2009, dates will be on the traditional President’s Day Weekend, and for 2010, the dates will be the weekend following President’s Day. After that, the convention is planned to return to the holiday weekend. “We were fortunate to obtain a very favorable room rate of $99 for attendees for the next two years at Griffin Gate,” said Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the ASHA, “and since the resort has recently completed a major remodeling and renovation, we will be able to hold the Saturday night Saddlebred Ball right at the hotel, as well, thus enabling us to economize significantly and provide a more convenient experience for everyone, especially given the chance of inclement weather at that time of year. Expanded facilities available to us there will also mean that we can enhance the convention experience, add to the events and educational schedule, and try to provide an enjoyable resort and vacation experience for more attendees.” Balch added that the announcement of projected meeting dates is being made now, in order to provide ample advance notice for any other Saddlebred organizations to adjust dates if necessary to avoid possible conflicts with other meetings or events. Projected dates are as follows: February 12-14, 2009 (President’s Day is February 16); February 18-20, 2010 (President’s Day is February 15); February 17-19, 2011 (President’s Day is February 21); February 16-18, 2012 (President’s Day is February 20); February 14-16, 2013 (President’s Day is February 18). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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