PleasureHorse.com

Enter the 2012 Battle in the Saddle Today

heidih — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:47:10 +0000

The American Quarter Horse Journal
May 15, 2012

Once again, AQHA is offering competitors the opportunity to enter online for Battle in the Saddle.

Once again, the American Quarter Horse Association is offering competitors the opportunity to enter online for Battle in the Saddle, July 3-8 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Battle in the Saddle is presented by RFD-TV.

Owners and exhibitors can visit www.battleinthesaddle.com, where they will find online and downloadable entry forms, and the website will walk users through how to enter the show. Entries for cowboy mounted shooting and ranch sorting will be handled through their respective associations. All other entries will be submitted to AQHA by either downloading the form and sending it in, or by use of the online entry system.

This year’s Battle in the Saddle will feature versatility ranch horse competition, cutting, roping, cowboy mounted shooting, barrel racing, working cow horse, ranch sorting, ranch pleasure, a ranch remuda challenge and the third annual World’s Greatest Horseman Shootout.

Battle in the Saddle will also host the 2012 Merial Ranch Sorting National Championships.

In order to involve as many alliance events as possible, AQHA welcomed the Ranch Sorting National Championships as a new alliance partner. As a result, RSNC members who compete on American Quarter Horses have the chance to earn points and qualify for both an AQHA world championship show and the RSNC National Finals during the same class.

Battle in the Saddle will also host the World’s Greatest Horseman Shootout, which puts one horse, one rider and one bridle together for four exciting western performance events. The open riders must exhibit their American Quarter Horses in four events: herd work, similar to cutting; rein work; steer stopping; and fence work.

Click here to continue reading this article on aqha.com

Celebrating the Calgary Stampede Centennial

heidih — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:45:31 +0000

The first Calgary Stampede, held in 1912, was a tribute to Western heritage and values, and that’s a tradition that remains today.

By Tina Zakowsky
Calgary Stampede

For 10 days every July, the city of Calgary, Alberta, transforms into a tribute to the Wild West era.

Downtown lawyers and CEOs of multinational corporations trade their business suits for blue jeans and cowboy boots. Office buildings and retail stores are decorated with corral fence boards and straw bales. Country music can be heard on nearly every corner. Locals and tourists gather for free pancakes and coffee. Calgarians and visitors alike embrace the Calgary Stampede spirit and celebrate Western heritage and values. After 100 years, there is no end in sight for this amazing festival with humble roots.

Before there was a Calgary Stampede, the Calgary and District Agricultural Society organized an exhibition that was held in October 1886. In 1889, the Calgary and District Agricultural Society acquired 94 acres of land from the Dominion of Canada and built a racetrack, cattle sheds and an exhibition building. This land remains the site of Stampede Park today.

The Calgary Exhibition remained a modest annual event. Then in 1908, a cowboy named Guy Weadick performed in the exhibition as a trick roper. He was also a skilled promoter who wanted to create a tribute show to the Wild West. It took him four years, but he arranged $100,000 in financing from a group of influential ranchers and businessmen who came to be known as the Big Four: George Lane, Patrick Burns, A. J. McLean and A. E. Cross. With their financial support, the first Calgary Stampede took place in September 1912.

The six-day event was a success. Guy arranged for 400 head of Mexican steers and as many wild horses as he could find to be brought to the Stampede grounds from nearby ranches. The funding provided by the Big Four meant $20,000 in prize money drew top rodeo competitors from across North America, as it was nearly quadruple the prize money offered at any other North American rodeo competition.

Nearly 2,000 First Nations people participated in the parade, which was attended by an estimated 80,000 people – an astonishing number because Calgary’s population at the time was just over 60,000. The Duke of Connaught and Princess Patricia watched the Stampede from a viewing box built especially for the royal guests.

Click here to continue reading this article…

Dana’s Training Tip of the Day – Principals to Keep Your Older Show Horses Showing Strong and Honest

heidih — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:40:56 +0000

By Dana Hokana

May 16, 2012 – Principals to Keep Your Older Show Horses Showing Strong and Honest

I believe show horses, even western pleasure horses, can have long, fruitful careers. In my career, I’ve had many older, burned out horses that I’ve had to remake into good, honest horses. At one time, I didn’t have a lot to choose from, and if someone brought me a horse to fix, I would take the time to figure out how to fix it. Later on, I loved the challenge and it was exciting for me to take a tired horse and turn him into a good performer. These horses have taught me a lot. I’ve learned to really think through the problem. I would put myself in their place and think, “How did this problem start? What caused this horse to turn into a cheater?” I discovered many common threads and found that many of the horses can be turned around and remade into good, happy show horses. I’m excited to share with you what I’ve learned.

Dana’s training information is demonstrated in great detail on Dana’s Winning Strides Training DVD’s. They include more ideas and exercises to help improve your riding skills. Also, the Winning Strides Training DVD set “Maximizing Your Western Pleasure Horse” Vol. 1, 2 & 3 is now 25% OFF for a limited time at http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

For your free training report, “5 Incredible Tips to Help You Become the Best Rider You Can Be!” by Dana Hokana, click the link below and enter your name, e-mail and in the comments box enter the promo code “DANA FREE”.
http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com/store/WsContact.asp

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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May 15, 2012 – Seven Steps to Slow Your Horse Down Without Sacrificing Movement

Many of your training and showing problems actually stem from undiagnosed lean in your horse. For your horse to be balanced, exhibit self-carriage and move with flow and cadence, he needs to be guiding between your reins and not leaning in any direction. Lean may seem vague or too elusive to figure out or not that important, but I can’t tell you enough how important it is to “get the lean out” in order to have a great moving responsive horse. So many times people bring me horses with cheating problems or movement problems and we fix it quickly by just figuring out that they are leaning, correcting it and they feel like they have a new horse! Lets talk about what lean is, how to diagnose lean in your horse and how to correct it.

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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May 11, 2012 – Seven Steps to Slow Your Horse Down Without Sacrificing Movement

Slow – that’s a powerful word in today’s horse show world. People think to be slow is highly desired, yet getting your horse slow enough can be difficult. I am often asked “How do I get my horse to slow down?” I believe many people are confused about how much importance to place upon slow. AQHA is strongly promoting that excessive slowness is not to be the goal, rather a horse moving true in relation to their natural length of stride is the goal. The AQHA rule says “excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum (resulting in an animated and/or artificial gait at the lope) is to be a fault scored according to severity.” Yet most people feel that some judges are still placing slow above true correct movement. So this remains a difficult subject. I can only tell you what I’ve decided to strive for in my own horses and in my program. I do my very best to keep my horses moving true and cadenced with lift and flow. This is my first goal and being ultra slow comes after that.

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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May 8, 2012 – Improve Your Show Ring Transitions

Good transitions are so important for your show ring success. I am going to teach you what a good transition is, tell you some of the reasons why transitions are important, and give you some pointers on how to improve your transitions!

3. Check your horse’s body weight

In becoming a good horseman you need to know where your horse’s body weight is centered. In other words, a horse needs to carry most of his body weight balanced over his hindquarters in order to move gracefully. A horse that is heavy on his front end cannot lift up and lope or come to a downward transition with grace and style. If he is heavy on his front end he will either trot into the lope, or pick his head up and pull himself along or when he does a downward transition he will look uncoordinated and heavy. In order to have excellent transitions your horse must be balanced correctly. His body language is very indicative of what he’s thinking and doing and the balance of his body weight will also show to the judge or the onlooker. If I feel that my horse is heavy on his front end I will do a lot of stopping, backing, and rollbacks. I will trot then stop him. Don’t jerk, just pull him in the ground (remember don’t lose the message by bumping his face, it’s not about his face it’s about his body weight) I will then back him and roll him back, then trot him right back off. By stopping and backing you are redistributing his body weight to his hindquarters. You reinforce this when you roll him back on his haunches as he is centered over his hindquarters and has to make a move with his shoulders when he turns. Then in the act of sending him right off into the trot he has to lift up and trot off. I practice this exercise a lot to rebalance his body weight and this is also an excellent way to improve his trot transitions.

For your FREE TRAINING REPORT, “5 Incredible Tips to Help You Become the Best Rider You Can Be!” by Dana Hokana, click the link below and enter your name, e-mail and in the comments box enter the promo code “DANA FREE”.

http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com/store/WsContact.asp

Be your best and ride like a champion!
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May 7, 2012 – How to Keep Your Horse’s Shoulders Up and Increase His Natural Lift

I am going to teach you about some of the things that cause your horse to drop his shoulders, lose his lift and move on his front end. I will give you the corrections or fixes that will bring his shoulders up and improve his movement. There are several main causes for this – here is one of them:

Reason 5 – Shutting Down Your Horse’s Movement Or Keeping Him Too Slow

In trying to get that slow finished Western Pleasure horse, many riders constantly ride their horse slow which can allow them to drop their shoulders and move to their front end. Sometimes this is from the horse getting lazy, other times just out of balance. I also want my Western Pleasure horses slow, but there is often a fine line between moving shut down, shuffly, and moving crisp and pure. I often drive my Western Pleasure horses forward, allowing them to re-balance and readjust their lope and trot. If you drive your horse forward at times he will regain his lift through his shoulders.

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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May 4, 2012 – The Secret to a Truly Willing Horse

Willingness is important. In order to have that fabulous ride we all want and work toward, our horse has to be willing. When I train, I want their heart; I want them to want to try, and to want to be part of the team. You can get a lot of rides out of an unwilling horse, but eventually it will come back to bite you and the unwillingness will come out. Training your horse to be obedient is important. It is critical to a broke horse. But when you carry that a step further and spend the time it takes to build willingness, in addition to obedience, you are creating a team that can last for years and you will have a truly fun horse to show.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

April 30, 2012 – How to Develop a Good Seat

What is a good seat? When you have a good seat you are able to catch your horse’s rhythm. You are able to flow with your horse. How do you know if you have a good seat? Can you just picture watching certain riders who look like they are one with their horse? They make it look effortless and easy. I want to help you to develop a strategy to improve your seat. When your seat is improved you can get closer and closer to riding as one with your horse. Soon, you too will be able to catch the rhythm and flow with your horse. All you need is some knowledge, a “stick with it” mentality, and a little hard work. You will soon be on your way to being a better rider.

Another key point to gaining a good seat is to learn to control your breathing. Breathing truly does relate to a good seat and I’ll explain how. When you breathe correctly, taking a full deep breath; breathing through your diaphragm, your seat aligns itself in the correct position on your horse. Deep breathing expands your ribcage and positions your seat correctly on your horse. A short shallow breath encourages an arch in your back and brings your tail bone up off your horse. This can also encourage you to lift your seat up off the horse and lean forward which then breaks that communication between your seat and your horse. So remember, good correct deep breathing will greatly improve your seat and your riding on your horse. It also relaxes you and makes you more aware of your body, your horse’s body and his gaits. You also send a confident message when you are relaxed and in control of your horse and your body. As your seat is centered where it belongs, your balance improves which allows your hand and leg cues to become smoother and clearer and your timing becomes better.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 27, 2012 – Help For The Timid Rider

Are you a timid rider? I believe that most of us at some time or another have moments of feeling timid, hesitant, or afraid on a horse. In certain situations and on certain horses, there may be times when it is wise to be hesitant or timid. Your intuition may be telling you to back off! However, there may be other times when your timidity turns into fear and you freeze or give wrong signals to your horse. You may even be unconsciously telling your horse that you are afraid, giving him the upper hand. When you give a fearful response over and over, he may learn to be spooky or naughty!

I have tips that will help you to master your fears and insecurity. These tips will also help you to gain a better relationship with your horse.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 26, 2012 – Five Incredible Tips To Help You Become The Best Rider You Can Be!

I am going to give you some great tips that will help you become a better rider and take you to a new level in all areas in your riding! To become great horsemen and horsewomen you must understand the horse. To become a great rider you must understand how a horse moves and how each gait has its own rhythm and beat. You also need some knowledge of your own body, how you are made and how your body’s movement can help the horse. A horse and a human both have many movable parts and joints. Your riding will improve dramatically once you learn to move with your horse. Have you ever seen a rider that is so beautiful that they look like they are one with their horse? My goal is for you to learn how to flow with your horse and ride like you are one with the horse.
Dana’s training information is demonstrated in great detail on Dana’s Winning Strides Training DVD’s. They include more ideas and exercises to help improve your riding skills. Also, the Winning Strides Training DVD set “Maximizing Your Western Pleasure Horse” Vol. 1, 2 & 3 is now 25% OFF for a limited time!

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

For your free report, “5 Incredible Tips to Help You Become the Best Rider You Can Be!” by Dana Hokana, click the link below and enter your name, e-mail and in the comments box enter the promo code “DANA FREE”.
http://www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com/store/WsContact.asp

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 25, 2012 – How to Get the Spook Out Of Your Horse

Most of us have been on a jumpy or spooky horse, one that is ready to jump at anything! In my opinion, it is no fun to ride a horse that is afraid and reactive. Some horses are genuinely more afraid of things than others. They may be more sensitive than others and may notice sights and sounds more acutely than other horses as well, but many horses have learned to be spooky. I feel that often it has become a habit, or a learned behavior. I am going to give you some techniques that will help you to change your horse from a spook into a confident, less reactive horse!

One important tip I can give you is to talk to your horse! When I am riding at home, I talk to my horses all the time. My voice can become a positive stimulus to reward or relax my horse. Horses are sensitive animals, and they definitely respond to the sound of a voice. You may feel a little silly at horse shows or events talking away to your horse, but I will tell you it works!! Touching and patting your horse can also be a positive stimulus. Knowledge is wonderful and many times just understanding how horses learn and how habits are acquired can give you the breakthrough you have been waiting for!

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 24, 2012 – Developing Your Game Plan

Many people don’t take the time to evaluate their goals and if their horses are suitable to reach those goals. In order to evaluate your horse make a list of his/her pros and cons, your game plan, and what you want to improve, and what needs updating/remaking. This will help you with what you need to focus on, point out strengths and what needs improvement, and will help identify your personal goals and what needs to be done to get you there.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 23, 2012 – Improve Your Performance by Improving Your Feel and Timing

What is feel?

Feel and timing go hand in hand. Feel is knowing when to have contact with your horse, how much or how hard of contact to have and when to release your contact. You communicate or talk to your horse with your hands, seat and legs. You can develop good communication by having good feel and timing. Timing is nothing more than knowing when to pick up on your horse and when to release. The age old theory says that you either have feel or you don’t and feel can’t be taught. People believed that feel is some elusive, mysterious ability that some great horsemen possess. That is just not true! Anyone who puts their mind to it can develop and greatly improve their feel and timing. With time patience and discipline you too can develop feel and improve your timing.

This information is demonstrated in great detail on Dana’s Winning Strides Training DVD “Take Control Vol. 4 – How to Develop Feel and Timing”. These DVD’s include more ideas and exercises to help improve your riding skills. In addition, the Winning Strides Training DVD set “Maximizing Your Western Pleasure Horse” Vol. 1, 2 & 3 is now 25% OFF for a limited time!

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 19, 2012 – How to Improve Your Show Ring Presentation – Your Attitude

Your expressions, mannerisms, and body language tell the world your attitude. Your attitude often tells of your expectations and your expectations definitely determine your results. So…attitude is everything. Spend as much time on your attitude as you do on your horse’s grooming, picking your outfit, or even practicing your event.

Show confidence, remember the saying “Fake it until you make it”. Everyone goes through periods when their confidence is low. You won’t move beyond that if you give in to fear or lack of confidence. Coach yourself, speak positively to yourself, encourage your self. You can do it too! Prepare as well as you can, because when you know you are ready, that builds confidence.

Practice visualization – visualize in your mind the ride you want to have. Sports psychologists and coaches have proven visualization works – expect the best. Once you are in the arena you’ve done all you can do, so expect a great ride. We usually get what we expect.

Be on time for your class. Be at the back gate ready when your class is called. Often the judges are watching the exhibitors as they are preparing to enter.

This information is demonstrated in great detail on Dana’s Winning Strides Training DVD’s “Maximizing Your Western Pleasure Horse” Vol. 1, 2 & 3. These DVD’s include more ideas and exercises to help improve your riding skills. This set is now 25% OFF for a limited time!

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 18, 2012 – Simple Tips to Transition Your Horse from the Snaffle to the Bridle-

There are many different opinions and methods on how to correctly advance your young or green horse from the ring snaffle bit to the shank curb bridle. However most great …horseman give this transition great regard as many believe that how you “put your horse in the bridle” as it is called will greatly affect the long term bridle horse he becomes. I agree with this, as the bridle or snaffle is a communication tool between you and your horse. By using the bridle correctly and introducing it correctly to your horse you are giving your horse’s training and integrity of the interior of his mouth the highest regard. Respect your horse like the high level partner he truly is.

This information is demonstrated in great detail on Dana’s Winning Strides Training DVD “Take Control Vol. 7 – Transition Your Horse From The Snaffle To The Bridle”. These DVDs include more ideas and exercises to help improve your riding skills.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVDs at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 17, 2012 – Seven Steps to Slow Your Horse Down Without Sacrificing Movement -

STEP SEVEN. Take your time. If you want your horse to slow down, you may have to slow down. Often we don’t realize how fast we are sending our cues to our horse. Get fast-thinking out of his mind by taking it out of your mind. A basic principal that I train with is to encourage my horse to wait for me. If his mindset is always thinking wait, he will be less likely to make his own decision to speed up. When you slow your cues down, you project confidence and patience to your horse. This will give him confidence. Walk a moment in between each maneuver. After you do an exercise, stop, release the contact, let him think a moment, then slowly go back to it. Evaluate if he wants to step or rush off or if he’s willing to stand or walk slowly. See where he is mentally. He may need to be walked or stopped until he’s ready to focus. Also, try to soften your leg and hands as he gets more responsive. If you give more cue than he needs, it feels like a punishment to him. Only give as much cue as it takes to get the desired response. Talk softly through your hands and legs.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

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April 16, 2012 – THE ARC -

The arc has a couple of main components. First is body position. That involves him putting his head and neck in the correct position. You should be able to see the outside corner of the inside eye. He also needs to have his hip slightly to the inside of the track. At the lope, right hind should fall in between the two front feet.
The next is energy flow. Often riders or trainers will manually force the body into the correct position, but the horse’s energy does not stay forward or correctly in line with his body. Proper energy flow is what you need to have cadence and a rhythmic “locked in” gait. Ninety percent of the time if the horse won’t maintain his arc he will also have interrupted energy flow which can result in a deterioration of the gait, such as a choppy lope or a lot of knee action. He may also “hide” or over bridle in the head and neck, suck back, and move in a crawling motion.

To learn about these training tips and more, purchase Dana Hokana’s Training DVD’s at www.westernhorsetrainingvideos.com

Be your best and ride like a champion!

BR I AM – Southern Creek Farms

heidih — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:04 +0000

BR I AM is a beautiful brown stallion out of the legendary cross DUPLICATED DECK X GEORGIA RABLING. His famous siblings include; These Irons Are Hot, A Beautiful Ride and BR Tiger Talk.

BR I AM is a new addition to Southern Creek Farms, LLC. Owner Julie Majernik, is committed to the promotion of this great stallion and his offspring. Southern Creek Farms, is excited to offer him to the public for breeding.

BR I AM stands at Meander Creek Farms in North Jackson, Ohio during the breeding season and resides at Southern Creek Farms in Canfield, OH on the off season.

BR’s limited foal crops are just starting to be exhibited in show pens across the country. His foals have great minds, his soft sweepy stride and his “‘pretty!”

BR I AM

heidih — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:38:57 +0000

BR I AM is a beautiful brown stallion out of the legendary cross DUPLICATED DECK X GEORGIA RABLING. His famous siblings include; These Irons Are Hot, A Beautiful Ride and BR Tiger Talk.

BR I AM stands at Meander Creek Farms in North Jackson, Ohio during the breeding season and resides at Southern Creek Farms in Canfield, OH on the off season.

BR’s limited foal crops are just starting to be exhibited in show pens across the country. His foals have great minds, his soft sweepy stride and his “‘pretty!”

First ACTHA Platinum Medal Winner is American Paint Horse

heidih — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:31:53 +0000

Photo courtesy Judy Limsky

Press Release

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) recently announced the first horse to win the prestigious Platinum Medal is an American Paint Horse, Seco Johnie Wolf, with owner Judy Limsky of Forney, Texas, aboard.

“ACTHA is very proud of Judy and her APHA gelding. The Platinum Medal is one of our highest lifetime achievement awards for an ACTHA horse,” said Karen VanGetson, ACTHA co-founder. “This represents a wonderful partnership and plenty of miles and success on the trail. We are very pleased to announce an American Paint Horse took the honor of being the first horse to receive the ACTHA Platinum Medal.”

Teams earning more than 300 points in ACTHA competition rides earn the Platinum Medal. Seco Johnie Wolf, or “Picasso,” and Limsky have the most points earned so far with 326. Limsky has owned Picasso since 2007, and has been competing in ACTHA competitive rides for only two years. Tommy Starns of Midway, Texas, bred the 2003 black tobiano gelding.

“Picasso and I have had quite an incredible journey together on the trails of Texas,” commented Limsky. “We became hooked on competitive trail riding on our first ACTHA ride in June 2010. Through ACTHA, we found a relaxing, enjoyable way to experience Texas, make new friends and simply enjoy each ride.”

To learn more about the American Competitive Trail Horse Association see www.actha.us. The pair will be featured in the July issue of the Paint Horse Journal. To subscribe, call (817) 745-4968 or go online to http://phj.apha.com/about.

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.

Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern Clinics

heidih — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:09 +0000

Press Release

AQHA Professional Horsemen provide free clinics around the country.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, May 14, 2012 – American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horsemen around the country are teaming up to provide free clinics under a new program called Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern.

The first Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics debuted at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City.

This year, Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics will be offered at four AQHA world championship shows: AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena will sponsor Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics at the Built Ford Tough AQHYA, Adequan Select, Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open world shows. Additionally, the inaugural Nutrena East and SmartPak West AQHA Novice championship shows, in Mufreesboro, Tennesssee, and Las Vegas on October 5-7 will include these free clinics.

AQHA Professional Horseman Stephanie Lynn of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, is an advocate of the impact that Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics and Professional Horsemen can have on competitors.

“Education evens out the playing field for everyone; it is the key to bringing in new interest and keeping our competitors engaged with the industry,” Lynn explained. “Clinics help the industry by making all of our riders feel prepared and gives them goals to work on.”

One of the greatest benefits of the new Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern program, Lynn noted, is that the program allows riders to get help from top-tier American Quarter Horse trainers.

Rather than exclusively hosting clinics on the national level, Lynn organizes Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics for local events, as well. Show managers around the country have the opportunity to schedule Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics at their upcoming shows. Show managers can contact Kelly Hess, AQHA senior manager of professional horsemen and regional championships, at khess@aqha.org or (806) 378-4536 for more details.

“We are happy to help find Professional Horsemen who are relatively local to a show to be clinicians,” Lynn explained. “We understand that it is most advantageous to have an outside professional teach the clinic, and we will do our best to provide one.”

If riders are not familiar with the Association of Professional Horseman, Lynn assures them that the association consists of individuals who are consummate professionals.

“Professional Horsemen members are professionals in every sense,” she explained. “They understand that to receive, they must give, and they understand that the definition of a horseman is someone who always has the horse’s best interest at heart.

“That said, it is almost like a calling: They must help those who they see are struggling to become better horsemen, or riders who are doing something incorrectly.

“Professional Horsemen can’t help but share their knowledge.”

Stay tuned to www.aqha.com/showing for announcements of Professional Horsemen scheduled to teach clinics at the Novice championships and Ride the Rail/Ride the Pattern clinics sponsored by Nutrena at the Ford Youth, Adequan Select, Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open world shows.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit AQHA Publications.

Founded in 1940, the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest equine breed organization in the world. With headquarters in Amarillo, Texas, AQHA has a membership of more than 280,000 people in 86 countries and has registered more than 5 million horses in 95 countries.

Captivating Version

submitter — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:13:32 +0000

Ladys Hotrodder Moves to Washington State

heidih — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:03:08 +0000

AQHA Brown stallion Ladys Hotrodder, an own son of NSBA Hall of fame AQHA stallion Hotrodders Jet Set, has made the move from Ohio to the great state of Washington. New owners Sonja and Rob Hagen, of Hagen Quarter Horses, are thrilled to have him!

He is a proven sire of many point earners and winners in open, amateur, novice, and youth divisions. “Jet” has all of the qualities that make an exceptional sire; superior movement, correct conformation, refinement, and athletic ability. “Jet” himself has earned his performance ROM, with a top ten placing in Junior Trail and qualification in Western Riding at the world show. Both he and his offspring are versatile performers, as evidenced by numerous all-around show championships or reserves. Don’t miss this chance to breed to this lovely stallion who also boasts a legendary pedigree.

31 performing foals
759.5 total performance points
15 performance ROMS
2 HALTER ROM
8 all around champions
1 AqHA champion
54.5 halter points
Show all around wins 67
2 halter ROMs
42 show reserve all around wins

To book a breeding or learn more information on this incredible stallion, visit his website, or email Sonja Hagen at ladyshotrodder@ymail.com.

LADYS HOTRODDER – Hagen Quarterhorses

heidih — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:49:30 +0000

1990 AQHA Brown Stallion
15.2 h
Top Ten World Show Junior Trail Horse 1994
World Show Qualifier Junior Western Riding 1994
Performance ROM
32 Performance Wins with 37.5 Performance Points
3 Halter Wins with .5 Halter Points
4 Reserve All Around Championships
AQHA Incentive Fund and NSBA Money Earner

Ladys Hotrodder is an own son of NSBA Hall of fame AQHA stallion Hotrodders Jet Set. He is a proven sire of many point earners and winners in open, amateur, novice, and youth divisions. “Jet” has all of the qualities that make an exceptional sire; superior movement, correct conformation, refinement, and athletic ability. “Jet” himself has earned his performance ROM, with a top ten placing in Junior Trail and qualification in Western Riding at the world show. Both he & his offspring are versatile performers, as evidenced by numerous all-around show championships or reserves. Don’t miss this chance to breed to this lovely stallion who also boasts a legendary pedigree.

31 performing foals
759.5 total performance points
15 performance ROMS
2 HALTER ROM
8 all around champions
1 AqHA champion
54.5 halter points
Show all around wins 67
2 halter ROMs
42 show reserve all around wins

Sire: Hotrodders Jet Set
NSBA Hall of Fame
Performance ROM
Superior Western Pleasure
World Show Junior Western Pleasure 3rd & 5th
High Point Western Riding Stallion
As a Sire: 21,337 Points
270 ROMS
110 Superiors

Dam: Lady Leotoe
Offspring have: 297.5 AQHA Points
3 Show All Around Wins
8 Show Reserve All Around Wins
4 Performance ROMS
1 Halter ROM
1 Superior Performance Award
NSBA & AQHA World Championship Show Money Earners