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Junior Reiners

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 24, 2011

The Canadian Reining Committee (CRC) is pleased to announce that the 2011 edition of the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, presented by Gotham North, will include a Junior Division in addition to Young Riders for the discipline of reining.
 
The two reining divisions, Junior (open to riders aged 14 to 18) and Young Rider (for riders ages 16-21), will compete for top team and individual honours on July 27–31, 2011 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Photo Courtesy: Waltenberry Inc.

 
“I am totally thrilled by the announcement to include a Junior division at the Cha

mpionships in Kentucky this summer. Ever since Young Riders Reining was added in 2008 I have been pushing to have the juniors included,” said the reining Chef d’équipe, Wendy Dyer. “This is a great event and I am looking forward to watching Reining participation grow at this event and interest spread further across Canada.”
 
Riders interested in participating in the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships must earn a qualifying score at an Equine Canada competition prior to May 31, 2011. Complete details and selection criteria for riders interested in participating at the Championships are available on the Canadian Reining Committee section of the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca/reining.
 
For more information on the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championship, please visit www.youngriders.org.
 
For additional information on the CRC and its programs, including selection criteria, please visit the Equine Canada website atwww.equinecanada.ca or e-mail reining@equinecanada.ca.

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Payout Increase

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 23, 2011

In 2010, horse owners showing American Quarter Horse Association Incentive Fund-nominated horses earned more money per point than in 2009.

More than $3 million will be divided among nominated foals that earned a total of 125,706.5 points – making the payout $24.01 per point. This payout is a $2.75 increase from 2009′s $21.26 per-point payout, and the increase is primarily due to the elimination of green and introductory points.

“We are excited to offer a higher payout this year to our Incentive Fund participants, and we are glad the program has remained strong and successful despite a wavering economy,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. “Enroll your stallions and eligible foals in this money-making program to increase the value of your horses and get paid back for their success in the arena.”

The Incentive Fund is a multimillion-dollar program involving stallion and foal nominations with pay backs to the stallion nominators, foal nominators and owners of the competing horses. The program is owned, managed and operated by AQHA.

The program utilizes the most familiar and proven concept in the American Quarter Horse Show industry –  points won at AQHA shows. Each point earned at AQHA-approved shows in eligible open and/or amateur classes by an Incentive Fund-nominated horse will be worth a specific amount.

For a stallion’s offspring to be eligible, he must be enrolled by November 30, prior to each breeding season, at a fee based on the number of mares on his previous year’s breeding report. This annual enrollment makes his foals, resulting from that breeding year, eligible to be nominated into the program.

Foals by these stallions are eligible to be nominated into the program during their first 12 months of age for a one-time, “for-life” nomination fee, provided the foal has not earned 1/2 point or more in an AQHA-approved event. To learn more about the enrollment fees, visit America’s Horse Daily.

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Never Surrender

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 21, 2011

Canada’s double Paralympic medalist, Lauren Barwick will star in an upcoming episode of CBC’s popular television show Heartland.

The show, premiering on March 6 at 7 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Newfoundland), is titled “Never Surrender,” and features Barwick, who won individual gold and silver medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, and L’Amistad 22, Lori Garlough’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding.

Barwick’s expertise is featured in the storyline which includes ex-rodeo star, Bryce, who was paralyzed during military service. Bryce (guest star Jesse Hutch) returns home and hires Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) to help sell his roping horse, but she sees an opportunity to re-train both horse and rider. Amy needs both Ty (Graham Wardle) and Caleb’s (Kerry James) help to convince this proud and emotionally damaged cowboy that he can recapture his love for riding despite his injury.

Canada’s double Paralympic medalist, Lauren Barwick will star in an upcoming episode of CBC’s popular television show Heartland

“Every day, I am surprised and thankful for the doors of opportunity that open up to me. I worked in the movie industry before I broke my back and I never really thought I would ever be involved again.  Looking at how easy it would have been for Heartland to hire an actor to ride a horse around and pretend to be paralyzed made the experience of having me there even more special,” said Barwick. “The whole cast was awesome, I loved being back in that environment even if it was just for one day.”

“Heartland prides itself in its depiction of real storylines,” said Jordy Randall, executive producer of Heartland. “It was a real thrill to do a story on para-dressage and it was extra special to be able to include a rider of Lauren’s caliber on the show.”

“When it came to having a small speaking role it was nice to see how they opened up to my suggestions of how a person would respond in the situation. I hope that when people see this episode they actually realize that I wasn’t just a stunt double and get to see what someone can do, and find some motivation into what is possible,” added Barwick.

For addition information on Heartland, please visit the official website at www.cbc.ca/heartland.

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Canadian-bred World Champion

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 18, 2011

Apache Blue Boy (Blue Boy Doc x Apache King Miss) a 1995 grey Quarter Horse Stallion, recently won his fifth World Championship at the annual American Quarter Horse Association's World Championship Show held November 6-20th, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In 2003, Apache Blue Boy won his first of five AQHA World Championships in Roping, with amateur exhibitor Mike Row in the stirrups.  The stallion is owned by Row's father, John Row of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

The stallions trip to the World Championships in 2010, however, was not without complications. ”He almost died on us about two weeks before the show,” Mike Row recounted. “He got an infection in his colon and was at the vet's for four days, so we didn't get to practice on him until one day before the preliminaries.  That just shows how great he really is!”

Apache Blue Boy has two World Championship titles in Amateur Heading and three in Amateur heeling, but these only scratch the surface of his multiple top ten finishes a the World Show and year-

end top ten finishes in heading and heeling.  The stallion has earnings of over $76,000 from 50 AQHA classes.

Apache Blue Boy with rider Mike Row. Photo Courtesy AQHA

Breeder Greg Frick of Whitewood, Saskatchewan has been raising Quarter Horses at Sabre Quarter Horse Ranch since 1971. “Apache Blue Boy is our most outstanding product to date,” Frick explained. ”We are very pleased with his five World Championships and his other outstanding succcesses at the AQHA World Shows. It has generated a lot of new calls enquiring about our horses.”

When he is not competing, Apache Blue Boy is busy tending cattle and breeding mares at the R & S Cattle Ranch owned by John and Mike Row.

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Leveling the Playing Field

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 12, 2011

In 2010, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee appointed a task force to review and address AQHA’s show initiatives, with an eye toward increasing participation in AQHA-approved events.
The resulting recommendations were to manage the number and types of approved shows in 2011, and develop a leveling program that offers showing opportunities for all rider and horse skill and ability levels – tested throughout 2011, with implementation in 2012. AQHA Professional Horsewoman Patti Carter-Pratt was hired as AQHA’s executive director of shows to oversee the development of AQHA’s levels initiative. Other task forces were appointed to discuss versatility ranch horse, introductory shows, AQHA champions/performance halter, regional championships, English/over fences, halter, ethics, show managers, stock show managers and ranchers.
The regional championships task force met in January to examine the 11 AQHA Regional Championship shows. During the discussion, the question was asked, “What if Regional Championships ultimately became regional novice championships leading to a national championship?”
“The group pondered the question and it seemed to gain traction,” said Tom Persechino, AQHA executive director of competition and breed integrity. ”If a showing level above novice could be developed (which is being built as part of the new show “leveling” program being spearheaded by Carter-Pratt), the concept of a championship that recognized novices for their accomplishments then guided them into the next level could have some merit. This is in the very preliminary stages of discussion. We have a lot of due-diligence to do to make sure the concept is sound and viable.”
Persechino added that the topic will likely be discussed at length at the 2011 AQHA Convention, March 4-7 in Grapevine, Texas.

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Border Crossing News

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 11, 2011

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that import permits will continue to be required for the importation of semen and embryos from the U.S. into Canada during 2011. These import restrictions are a result of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) in the U.S.

Canadians seeking timely information regarding import requirements are advised to use the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) at

http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/Airs_External/Default.aspx.

Instructions for Canadian Importers of Semen and Embryos from the US into Canada:

  1. Notify immediately the companies/agents/owners in the U.S. that you wish to acquire semen or embryos from and inform them that a USDA-endorsed zoosanitary export certificate MUST accompany all shipments from the U.S. to Canada. For more information and to obtain the required certificate, please visit:http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/ca_eq_se.pdf
  2. Before semen is shipped, importers in Canada must obtain an import permit from the CFIA. To download an Import Permit Application Form for Live Animals, Semen, Embryos, Animal Products and By-Products, visit the CFIA website at the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/pdf/c5083perimpe.pdf
  3. cialis without prescription//www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/pdf/c5083perimpe.pdf”>The Import Permit Application Form is to be completed by the importer.
  4. Next, contact a CFIA area office (a complete list of CFIA offices can be found at the end of this release).  The completed application must be faxed or mailed with payment to the Import Office in the province you reside in or into which you will be importing the semen or embryos. CFIA have given Equine Canada assurances that you will be contacted by the Import Office within three (3) days of receipt of the application form with information on how to proceed.
  5. Single entry (one time) permits cost $35. Multiple entry permits are valid for one year and cost $60. An agent or broker may use this method to do combined shipments of multiple stallions and/or exporters and/or destinations. To reference the responsibilities of Brokers, visit the CFIA website link at: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/imp/kite.shtml

CEM is a reportable disease in Canada and the U.S. This means that all suspected cases in Canada must be reported to the CFIA for immediate investigation by inspectors. CEM is a highly contagious disease that affects the reproductive tract of horses. The disease can cause temporary infertility in mares. In most cases, CEM can be successfully treated with disinfectants and antibiotics.

CFIA area offices and contact information may be found at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/directory/offbure.shtml.

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Youth Advocates

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 11, 2011

The time has come to nominate individuals who support our industry’s youth to receive the Merle Wood Humanitarian Award. After taking a year break, to slightly revamp the award, the American Quarter Horse Foundation is seeking individuals who exemplify an ethic of meritorious kindness and benevolence in providing opportunities for all young people to be involved with the American Quarter Horse. Applications for nominations are due May 1, 2011.

The Merle Wood Humanitarian Award will be presented to an individual whose outstanding voluntary service has been marked by actions or deeds that have enabled young people to exp

erience positive opportunities and/or activities involving the American Quarter Horse. A multitude of service will be considered and is not restricted to any one type of action or deed involving youth.

Nominees must distinguish themselves through non-compensated humanitarian endeavors. The award is not designed to honor individuals who have supported youth activities primarily through financial contributions. Previous recipients and Hall of Fame inductees are not eligible to receive this award. Awards and achievements received through industry show and/or racing competition are not a factor in the selection process.

To nominate someone for this award, please visit the Merle Wood Humanitarian Award page to learn more and download the application.

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Relaxation for Your Horse

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 11, 2011

A two day Equine Massage course, designed for anyone interested in learning about relaxation massage techniques for their own horses, is being offered at the Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27, 2011 in Clinton, Ontario.


 
“The use of relaxation massage techniques will be of benefit to all horses, regardless of their job or age”, says Sharon McMaster, course instructor.
 
This two-day course is suitable for owners or caregivers of horses of any discipline, older horses in training and performance horses. This introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced massage to be offered at REACH Huron in March. Hands-on experience using the REACH horses is provided in a safe, quiet, supervised environment. Classroom s

essions will be in the Education Centre. This course is designed for anyone wishing to use massage techniques now or in the future on their own horses. More details about the course are available at http://www.reachhuron.ca/equine.cfm
 
“Registration for this course closes on Friday February 18 2011, and registration is limited to ensure lots of instructor supervised hands-on work,” says Melanie Prosser, Director of Program Services at REACH. “Those who can provide proper relaxation massage to their horses have yet another way to ensure their well-being.”
 
The facilities at REACH include a heated teaching barn, high-tech classrooms, dorm rooms and a community kitchen. For further information about the course or REACH, please visit www.ReachHuron.ca.
 
The Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH Huron) functions as a “motel for education”, offering innovative programming, as well as recreational activities, to support the equine, agricultural and other industries.

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Sponsor of the Year

BREED & SPORT NEWS February 10, 2011

 Equine Canada proudly announces that the 2010 recipient of the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year is Masterfeeds.
 
Masterfeeds was founded in Toronto in 1929 and has proudly served Canada for 82 years.
 
In 2009, Masterfeeds was awarded the distinction of Official Gold Feed Partner of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Not long after, Masterfeeds partnered with Equine Canada to develop ways of promoting and supporting our Canadian Equestrian Team on their journey to WEG.
 
Masterfeeds believed so strongly in the value of Canada’s national team and their impact on Canadian equestrians that they invested in the research and development of a new equine treat dubbed “Love Bites,” which would become the official treat of the Canadian Equestrian Team.


 
Masterfeeds also committed $1.00 from every treat sale to assisting the Canadian Equestrian Team at WEG. Sold nationally, these treats were a huge success with Canadians and their horses, which resulted in Masterfeeds’ generous 2010 donation of $20,000 to support the Canadian Equestrian Team.
 
“Masterfeeds is very honoured to receive the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year Award,” said Jackie VandenBrink, Masterfeeds nutritionist. “We were also thrilled to be part of the Canadian Equestrian Team’s most successful World Equestrian Games.”
 
Great care was taken in the selection of this award, which prominently features building blocks, as indeed, sponsor generosity and support offers the opportunity for Equine Canada to build and sustain ongoing programs and initiatives to its membership.
 
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday January 29, 2011, in Ottawa, ON, Jackie VandenBrink accepted the Equine Canada Sponsor of the Year Award on behalf of Masterfeeds.

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