All About Cutting

By Glory Ann Kurtz
July 28, 2010
Bill Underhill, Gainesville, Texas, passes away at 75; Western States Cutting Horse Association to hold Limited Age Event with $50,000 in added money; Learning to Read the Foot of the Horse lectures and demonstrations scheduled for Sept. 24-25 in Aubrey and Pilot Point, Texas; Steve Anderson and Jennifer Foland in the lead following two go-rounds of the NCHA Non-Pro Derby; Dates changed for Southwest Reining Horse Futurity and Indiana Thoroughbred sale averages increase.

BILL UNDERHILL, GAINESVILLE, TEXAS, TRAINER PASSES AWAY AT 75
Bill Underhill, 75, a cutting horse trainer with over $74,000 in NCHA lifetime earnings,from Gainesville, Texas, passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, July 28. In April, Underhill fell coming out of the barn and hit the asphalt with his head. Following a CAT scan, they found blood seeping into his brain. After hospitalization and skilled nursing and therapy, Underhill went into a coma. Funeral arrangements are not available at press time. Send your condolences to his wife Pat and family at 3511 I-35 South, Gainesville, TX 76249-9739 (940) 668-7354.

WESTERN STATES CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION TO HOLD AGED EVENT SEPT 29-OCT 3
The Western States Cutting Horse Association, named the 2010 NCHA Affiliate of the Year, is planning a limited-age event in Loveland, Colo., Sept. 29-Oct. 3. With $50,000 in added money, the Open and Non-Pro futurities will have $22,000 in added money pro-rated, with three full go-rounds for Open 3-year-olds. The Open and Non-Pro Derby and Classic will both have $12,500 added (pro-rated) with two go-rounds and a finals.

The Pro-Am, with $3,000 in added money, will have one Open go and one Non-Pro/Amateur go, on the same horse, with the highest-scoring rider going to the Finals. The Loveland facility has everthing under one roof, including the show pen, stalls, practice pen and wash racks. For entry forms and rules, go to www.westernstatescha.com. Call Debby Phinney at 970-380-2113 for further information and stall reservations, which are required, or e-mail justincuttin@aol.com.

LEARNING TO READ THE HORSE FOOT INSIDE AND OUT LECTURES AND DEMONSRATIONS SCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 24-25 IN AUBREY AND PILOT POINT, TEXAS
Hosted by Equine Medical Associates, Inc., and Jimbo Stewart, Dr. Redden's Learning to Read the Foot Inside and Out lectures and demonstrations will be held in Aubrey and Pilot Point, Texas, on Sept. 24-25. Morning lectures will be held at The Center in Aubrey and afternoon demonstrations will be held at Equine Medical Associates in Pilot Point, Texas.

Lectures will include learning to read growth rings and other external characteristics that define the healthy foot; various grades of club feet, crushed heels, laminitis and the thin-soled foot; understanding how radiographic information relates to external features and landmarks; how the mechanical formula is the key to a healthy foot; ways to manage the club foot; how to help the crushed heel recover and shoeing options for the navicular horse.

Demonstration topics will include examining the young and mature foot for external landmarks and correlating the findings with radiographic information; basic radiographic protocol - what farriers need to know; examining, categorizing and shoeing the club foot on the young and mature horse; shoeing the crushed heel horse and shoeing the navicular horse.

Early bird discounts will be given until Aug. 27. For more information call Robin Levison at (940) 465-6138 or e-mail her at rlevison@aol.com.

STEVE ANDERSON AND JENNIFER FOLAND TOP NON-PRO NCHA DERBY ENTRIES GOING TO NON-PRO SEMIFINALS
Steve Anderson, Victoria, Texas, riding Jo Jo Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bambi Freckles) and Jennifer Foland, Weatherford, Texas, riding Shes Twice As Smooth (Smooth As A Cat x Dually Lil Pep) topped the 150-entry NCHA Non-Pro Derby following two go-rounds. The event is currently taking place at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. Both scored a total of 434 points following two go-rounds. Anderson also tied for 13th place riding Scootin Dualquita (Smart Lil Scoot x Dualquita) with a 428.5.It took a 421.5 to advance to Thursday's Non-Pro semifinals. A total of 48 entries will go to the semifinals. The Non-Pro Derby finals will be held Saturday, July 31 at 3 p.m., followed by the Open Derby Finals.

DATES CHANGED FOR SWRHA FUTURITY/HORSE SHOW
The Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity & Horse Show has announced that the dates for the prestigious SWRHA Futurity and Horse Show have been changed due to a scheduling conflict with the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Okla. The dates were originally slated for Oct. 19-24; however, the show will now to held one week later, Oct. 26-31. For further information, call (580) 759-2572 or visit www.swrha.com.

TOTAL SALES, AVERAGE PRICE INCREASE AT INDIANA T.B. SALE
Total sales at the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association for horses of racing age sale held Sunday, July 25, increased 23.6 percent from the 2009 sale.

With 36 horses going through the sale ring, 22 were reported sold for $224,900, averaging $10,233, an increase of 12.4 percent from 2009. The buy-back rate was 38.9 percent slightly lower than the 39.4 percent during last year's sale. The ony bad news was the median price which was down 31.9 percent from $5,950 in 2009 to $4,059 this year.

Nineteen of the horses sold were 2-year-olds in training, accounting for 94.3 percent ($212,200 of the total). The high seller was Benji Blues, a 2-year-old gelding, bringing $65,000.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
July 20, 2010
It's back to the appellate court for the Paula Gaughan and Dean Sanders 2008 lawsuit against the NCHA following a mediation hearing held on July 13. The Second District Court of Appeals had ruled that mediation must be held prior to Aug. 15.

Following the mediation, James Walker, attorney for Gaughan and Sanders, said, "Ross Stoddard did an excellent job as mediator; unfortunately we were not able to resolve our dispute so its back to the appellate court for a final opinion."a

It is unknown when the appellate court will make their decision as to whether or not members of the NcHA, or the general public, will be able to view most, if not all, of the NCHA's financial records. The NCHA had produced the requested records for Gaughan; however, they designated 41 percent of the financial information (36,555 of the 89,214 pages) confidential and on Nov. 17, 2009 received a protective order from Judge Donald Cosby of Fort Worth's 67th District Court, saying Gaughan could not share the financial information with the rest of the membership, or anyone for that matter. Gaughan filed an appeal.

However, whatever decision the appellate court makes, it will be a landmark decision as this particular portion of the non-profit law has never been challenged.

JEFF MATTHEWS AND SHERI FORREST “TIE THE KNOT” DESPITE ADVERSITIES AT CUTTING’S SOCIAL FUNCTION OF THE YEAR

Article and Photos by Glory Ann Kurtz
July 7, 2010 – Weatherford, Texas

Jeff Matthews and Sheri Forrest tied the knot on June 25 at their new home in Silverado on the Brazos - but not without adversities.

He was the most eligible bachelor in the cutting industry. She was a talented writer, photographer and publicist. They met each other almost 30 years ago in Reno and went on a single date – then their lives took them in different directions. But the horse industry world is small and Jeff Matthews and Sheri Forrest soon met again and resumed their relationship where they left off – this time tying the knot at a beautiful, romantic wedding held June 25 at their new home at Silverado on the Brazos outside of Weatherford, Texas.

However, the wedding was not without adversity. Only a few days before their planned wedding, Jeff, the owner of One Time Pepto, the industry’s most popular young stallion, had a heart attack and had two stents put in his coronary artery. Luckily, the heart attack came in the hospital.

“I was having my nails done and just felt like I needed to call home,” said Sheri. “I asked him how he was doing because he didn’t sound right. He confessed that he had been having chest pains for two days. Sheri went into action, calling the ranch to try to find someone to take him to the hospital. Everyone was gone for lunch; however, she reached the landscape guy on his cell phone and talked him into going back to the ranch and taking Jeff to the hospital. She told him she’d meet them there.

Obviously Jeff was at the right place at the right time because an EKG showed he was having a heart attack at that very moment. The doctors said he had three arteries blocked; however, their main concern was the blocked “widow maker” artery. They inserted two stents into that artery; however, there were two other arteries also blocked. While one was totally blocked and had calcified, Jeff’s body had created new arteries for the flow of blood. The other one would be taken care of less than a week later, after the wedding.

On a lighter note, some felt it was inevitable for a bachelor of 55 about to take the “big step” for the first time.

But Sheri had her own problems, as just prior to the wedding ceremony, someone stepped on her foot, breaking her toe. She did her best during the evening to hide the pain, not realizing the toe had been broken.

But the marriage of Jeff and Sheri was obviously meant to be. They were constantly reminded of that as they recited their vows and she wiped a tear from his face as NCHA’s Tom Holt officiated in a unique ceremony outdoors under a huge tree decorated with lanterns filled with lit candles. The birds sang, the crickets chirped and the weather changed from sweltering heat to pleasant as the clouds moved in.

From the plastic image of One Time Pepto, valet parking, a social hour to the backdrop of a small band, to the catered sit-down dinner of buffalo steak from Bonnells of Fort Worth, to the thousands of roses and a full-fledged dance band – the wedding was opulent, unique, yet romantic friendly and relaxing. Included in the invitee list were four horse trainers who are training the first crop of One Time Peptos to reach the performance arena - including Todd Crawford, Lloyd Cox, Paul Hansma and Gary Gonsalves To this editor, it was the social event of the year within the cutting industry and the union of two major players.

Parents of the bride were Tom and Helen Austin, the bridesmaids were Nan (Mrs. Bob) Kingsley and Jeff’s sister Carroll Matthews. Carroll also sung “I Believe” following the wedding and her daughter, Krystin Baggett, was the flower girl. Carroll’s son, Will Arthur, was a groomsman, along with Carl Faison, Jeff’s North Carolina farm manager for over 20 years. Faison’s son, Josiah, escorted Dallas, Jeff’s beautiful Australian Shepherd dog that carried the wedding rings in two separate velvet bags on its collar. Sheri was escorted by her sons Brent Bahry, a college student majoring in computer engineering from San Diego, Calif., and Sean, a music major from Los Angeles who sang at the wedding.

The table decorations at the social hour included roses and photos of Jeff and Sheri.

Although the Texas ranch will be the couple’s primary residence, they will also retain their homes: Jeff’s broodmare operation in Warsaw, N.C. and Sheri’s main business address in Gold River, Calif. “We’re going to be doing a lot of showing in Texas,” said Sheri.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
June 28, 2010
Both sides of Gaughan and Sanders v NCHA ordered to participate in mediation to resolve differences by Aug. 18; Pete Branch wins NCHA Mercuria Energy World Series of Cutting in Reno riding Ms Peppy Cat while Janet Westfall rides Jeeps Posi Traction to the Non-Pro title; NRHA Futurity Champions, Shawn Flarida and Gunnatrashya win NRHA Derby; Kim Dooley claims Non-Pro.

PETE BRANCH AND JANET WESTFALL REIGN
The top five horses at the NCHA Mercuria Energy World Series of Cutting held at the Reno Rodeo on Saturday, June 26 were sired by High Brow Cat, the industry’s leading sire. Pete Branch rode Ms Peppy Cat (out of Ms Peppy Doc) to the championship with a 227 score, taking home the $8,427 first-place check. The 2010 NCHA leading Open Horse in the World Championship Standings is owned by Lonnie and Barbara Allsup.

The Reserve title was taken by Thomas E Hughes (out of Smart Letha), owned by Don and Kathy Boone, with a 222 score, earning $7,021. Third with a 218.5 was Tomcat Chex (out of Miss Reed Chex) owned by Rick and Jalinda Covey and ridden by Gavin Jordan. Tomcat Chex, ridden by Covey, also finished sixth in the Non-Pro with a 214 score. Tachita Cat (out of Tachitas Last), owned by Margo Hazell, also ridden by Jordan, finished fourth and also finished fourth in the Non-Pro with Hazell riding. Starcat Merada (out of Merada Lena), owned by Daniel Jaeggi and ridden by Chubby Turner, finished fifth.

In the Non-Pro division, Janet Westfall riding Jeeps Posi Traction (Genuine Jeep x Starstruck DB), finished first with a 224, earning $8,737. The Reserve title went to Mary Jo Milner riding Dulces Joker (Dulces Smart Lena x Miss Joker Tanquery), scoring a 222.5 and earning $7,269. Third went to Dual R Smokin (Dual Rey x Smokin Pepto), ridden by Constance Jaeggi. Fifth was Carol Ward riding Lil Dulce Lu (Dulces Smart Lena x Miss Haulin Hickory). There was $25,000 added in both divisions. The next stop will be Oklahoma City for the Battle in The Saddle, July 5-7, followed by the Calgary Stampede July 11-15.

GAUGHAN AND SANDERS V NCHA ORDERED TO MEDIATION:
Following a hearing of oral arguments before the Second District Court of Appeals on June 15, Paula Gaughan and Dean Sanders were ordered to participate in mediation with NCHA lawyers to resolve their differences by Aug. 18. If they still remain unresolved, the Appeals Court will rule. Gaughan is requesting that she be allowed to share the financial records of the Association with the rest of the members.

SHAWN FLARIDA RIDES GUNNATRASHYA TO CHAMPIONSHIP OF NRHA DERBY
Gunnatrashya, a 4-year-old stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun (Gunner) out of Natrasha by Trashadeous took the championship of the NRHA Derby on June 26 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The winner of the 2009 Congress Reining Futurity and over $173,098 in lifetime earnings before the NRHA Derby win, scored a whopping 235 in the 36-horse finals, taking home the $50,000 paycheck. The stallion is owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Weatherford, Texas.

The Reserve title went to Boom Shernic, a 6-year-old son of Boomernic out of She And Chic Dunit by Smart Chic Olena, owned by the Boom Shernic Syndicate, Overbrook, Okla., and ridden by Craig C Schmersal to a 234 – taking home $35,066.31. The Reserve title was a replay of the Congress Reining Futurity where Gunnatrashya finished first and Boom Shernic was Reserve. The pair’s largest paycheck of $40,500 came from a fourth place in the 2009 NRBC Classic Open Derby. Boom Shernic $237,240 prior to his NRHA Derby check.

In the 33-horse Non-Pro Finals, held Friday, June 25, Kim Dooley, Scottsdale, Ariz., rode Country Custom, a 4-year-old stallion by Custom Crome out of JJM Sunny Delight by Bar Money Sunny. The pair scored a 225, taking home the $10,451.05 paycheck. The pair won the Non-Pro Division of the National Reining Breeders Classic, winning their largest paycheck of $40,908. The stallion currently has $58,392.46 in lifetime earnings.

Reserve went to Mandy McCutcheon, Tioga, Texas, riding Starstruck Girl, a 4-year-old daughter of Smart Starbuck out of Good Time Show Girl by Hollywood Dun It. The pair scored a 224 and took home an $8,680.60 paycheck. This was added to their lifetime earnings of $21,461 prior to the NRHA Derby. For full results, go to http://www.nrha.com.

June 20, 2010
Fort Worth, Texas
The state of Texas has approved a total of $1,309,759 in state incentive funding for the next cycle of NCHA Triple Crown of Cutting events. The funding will apply to the 2010 NCHA Summer Spectacular, 2010 NCHA Futurity and 2011 NCHA Super Stakes. One hundred percent (100%) of the approved funding will be dedicated to the purses of the NCHA Triple Crown of Cutting events.

Under legislation passed in 2005, the office of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs reviews funding requests submitted by the host city or municipality (for the NCHA, the City of Fort Worth) for major special events and sporting events such as the NCHA Triple Crown. The State Comptroller's office can then grant approval for funding to retain and/or attract these special events.

The approval process for the NCHA is based on the economic impact NCHA's Triple Crown events have on Fort Worth and North Texas. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the three events bring 35,751 visitors to the city for a total of 275,599 visitor days and $57,554,914 in direct, taxable expenditures. The funding approved is basically a partial rebate to the host city from the state's share of sales taxes and other applicable taxes generated by the event. The state still benefits financially, in that if the events receiving funding were relocated outside the State of Texas, the state would lose all of the economic benefits that these major activities produce.

"It is great that the State of Texas recognizes and supports the tremendous economic impact that these NCHA events have for our State's economy, and is willing to support our events at this level," said NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper.

The latest approval brings the total amount of State support for NCHA's Triple Crown events up to $6,428,137 since the inception of this incentive plan in 2006.

June 12, 2010
The Non-Pro in full swing in Oklahoma City, Okla.; NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales to begin earlier and Intermediate Open class increases added purse for a total of $70,000; Fort Ranch Sale scheduled for June 19; PBR trims Finals competition to six rounds; APHA World Shows to become "qualifying" shows; Editor position open at APHA; PBR to initiate six-round Finals and PRCA to award Veterinarian Of the Year" at NFR.

CLINT HIXSON WINS 5/6-YEAR-OLD AMATEUR FINALS AT THE NON-PRO
Clint Hixson, Monroe, LO\a., riding Peppers Stylish Cat to a 221, won the 62-entry 5/6-Year-Old Amateur Finals title at The Non-Pro, held June 8-15 at the State Fair arena in Oklahoma City, Okla. The pair picked up the $5,815.81 paycheck. The Reserve title went to Nicholas Johnson, Benson, N.C., riding Kadabra Jess for Jamie and Lisa Johnson. The pair scored a 217, picking up a $4,072.85 total paycheck.

The $10,000 Amateur Finals were taken by David House, Tulsa, Okla., riding Cats Sandy Lena to a 219 and took home $6,288.64. The Reserve title went to Dustini Ham, Whitesboro, Texas, riding Sizzlin Little to a 213 and a $3,959.09 total paycheck.The event featured 21 total entries.

The 30-entry $15,000 Novice Non-Pro was won by Dean Holden, Marietta, Okla., riding MK Dual San to a 221.5 for $1,997.38. Brad Wilson, Lone Grove, Okla., came in second riding Redneck Style to a 220.5 for $1,640.71. In the 13-entry one go-round $20,000 Non-Pro, Diane Foster, Harrisburg, Ill., rode Smart Cinch Olena to a 215 and a $5,363.64 paycheck. Reserve, with a 214 score, went to Kevin Glover riding WR Lets Roll, owned by Bobby Glover, Temple, Texas. The pair collected $3,342.42.

Today there will be three finals: 4-Year-Old Amateur, 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro and the $50,000 Non-Pro Any-Age Horse. The event finishes on Tuesday, June 15 with three finals: $2,000 Limit Rider Any Horse and the 4- and 5/6-Year-Old Open finals.

NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY SALES TO BEGIN EARLIER; $30,000 GUARANTEED TO INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION
Changes have been made for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales, with the event beginning one day earlier and taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The event takes place in Reno, Nev., Sept. 20-Oct. 1.

According to Horse Sale Committee Chairman Sandy Collier, the Classic Yearling and Broodmare Sale will take place Wednesday, Sept. 29 at noon in the Pavilion; the Select Yearling and Broodmare Sale, Thursday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m., Main Arena; Performance Horse Sale, Thurssday, Sept. 30, following the Yearling and Broodmare Sale in the Main arena (Preview for Performance Horse Sale, 7 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 30) and Select 2-Year-Old Sale, Friday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m., Main Arena (Preview for Select 2-Year-Old Sale, Friday, Oct. 9:45 a.m.)

The premier market place for reined cow horses and prospects, the Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales have become a major draw of the Reno, Nevada, event. Despite tough economic conditions, the Sales grossed $2,934,100 in 2009.

Intermediate Open exhibitors at the 2010 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity will have increased added money, thanks to Cinch, who is adding an additional $25,000 to the already impressive added money. The division will now have $70,000 in added money, and a guaranteed payout to the Champion of $30,000. With Cinch being a long-time partner of NRHA, the division will now be called the Cinch Intermediate Open Futurity.
Press release from NRCHA

FORT RANCH PRODUCTION SALE TO BE HELD JUNE 19
The 33rd Annual Fort Ranch Production Sale will be held Saturday, June 19, 2010 and will include 67 high-quality foals. The sale begins with a preview at 10:00 a.m., with the sale beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Ranch.

The sale will include offerings from the first foal crop of the ranch's newest Stallion, Quite A Boon, sired by World Champion, Peptoboonsmal, who has produced offspring that have earned over $14 million. Quite A Boon's dam, Meradas Little Sue, is the NCHA All-Time Money-Earning Mare with lietime earnings of $730,552, the NCHA Horse of the Year, a three-time NCHA Open World Champion, a member of the NCHA Hall of Fame, and a 10-time aged event champion. She also has produced money-earners of over $800,000 to date. Quite A Boon has earned $61,000 in NCHA cutting competition to date. His full brother has earned $166,000 and his full sister has earned $52,000 and they're still going strong.

Also selling will be several colts by Ricochets Sue, sired by Smart Lil Ricochet out of Meradas Little Sue. There will also be a number of Zoom Zoom Shorty colts in the sale. The Buckskin Stallion is a son of Shorty Lena and his dam, Paloma Quixote, has produced 10 money-earners with total earnings of $362,038. Included in the sale will be a number of buckskins, palominos, and duns that he has sired.

There will also be a set of foals by Gun Goes Boon. This bay roan stallion is sired by Playgun out of My Angel of Blue. She was the last daughter of Royal Blue Boon and is a full sister to Peptoboonsmal and Peppys from Heaven.

Also featured in the offering will be a high-quality representation of foals sired by the beautiful black stallion, Bobalena Bob, sired by Bob Acre Doc out of Lenas Patent by Smart Little Lena. Bobalena Bob was an NCHA Futurity Ssemifinalist, a winner of nearly $27,000 and a sire of NCHA money-earners. There will also be colorful colts with great conformation sired by the Palomino stallion, Little Pistol Badge, sired by Young Gun out of Little Peppy Holly by Peppy San Badger.

The high-mountain pastures of the Fort Ranch are a natural conditioner for their colts as they graze the steep slopes and travel to water with the broodmare band. The Fort Ranch horses have proven their versatility by being winners and money-earners in the cutting, reining, working cow-horse, and roping arenas.

The Ranch is located just south of The Golden Spike National Monument in Promontory, Utah. Promising to be a day of fun for the entire family with refreshments, a complimentary lunch will be held. The beautiful scenery of the historic Ranch will serve as the back drop for an offering of the colts.

A complete and comprehensive sale catalog is currently being prepared. If you have not received a catalog in the past, please call Rick Ellis to receive a copy and visit their website at www.fortranch.com.

APHA WORLD SHOWS TO BECOME "QUALIFYING SHOWS"
Up untiil now, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Shows were open to anyone; however, that will soon change. On June 4, 2010, at an APHA Workshop, the APHA Executive Committee approved an APHA World Show "qualifying" proposal.
Click here for proposal>>

EDITOR POSITION OPEN AT AMERICAN PAINT HORSE ASSOCIATION
The APHA has an Editor position open. The selected applicant will be responsible for all magazines and will report to the Marketing Director. He or she will directly manage the editorial staff and the Circulation Manager. The successful candidate must have strong leadership skills, an eye for detail and a passion for producing high quality magazines that will appeal to all members.

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to: Developing, supervising and motivating a team of four to five employees; Plan and direct overall activities of the department; oversee circulation; write and photograph feature stories; ensure publication schedules are met; maintain an editorial calendar and database and plan and manage department budget and business accounts

The Editor must have strong communication skills and be able to communicate with APHA members and the Board of Directors as well as present reports to the Executive Committee and management. He or she must also be flexible, willing to travel, have the ability to multi-task and work in a deadline driven environment. The Editor will also oversee production of the association’s other publications – Paint Horse Connection and Paint Horse Racing. In addition to working with the editorial staff and Circulation manager, the Editor will work closely with the sales team, the graphics department and the marketing staff.

He or she must have a college degree in Journalism or English, should have a minimum of four to six years editorial and photography experience and some knowledge of magazine advertising sales. Experience in the equine industry is a must. Interested applicant should contact HR Director Judy Mitchell at jmitchell@apha.com.
Press release from APHA

SHORTER SIX-ROUND FORMAT AT PBR FINALS INTENSIFIES COMPETITION
Because the Built Ford Tough World Finals has been trimmed from eight rounds to six this year, PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert won’t be selecting as many bulls to compete. Last year he took about 180 animals, including 40 ABBI Classic bulls. This October he expects to have about 150 available. The event is scheduled for Oct. 20-24 at the Thomas & Mack arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

“It will be tougher for a bull to qualify for the Finals, and that’s one thing that’s really going to be tough,” Lambert said. “It’s going to take fewer bulls to [stage the Finals].”

Bulls chosen to compete under the glare of the Las Vegas neon earned $1,500 for their owners in a long round last year. Short-round bulls, including the three re-ride bulls, brought in $4,000. Both figures will be increasing in 2010.

In addition, the downshift to six rounds means the competition for World Champion Bull will be trimmed. In the past three seasons, title contenders had three outs to impress the judges. This year, bulls will only have two. The Built Ford Tough Championship Round will be one of those opportunities.

“I’m not sure what the other round will be,” Lambert said. Eight bulls competed for the title last year: five the riders selected, two that tied in a fan balloting and one that Lambert chose. No hard-and-fast rule governs how many can vie for the crown.

PRCA VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR TO BE AWARDED AT NFR
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has created the PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award, presented by Purina. The first recipient will be honored during the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 2-11 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The award will go to a veterinarian who exemplifies extraordinary dedication and commitment to the well being of professional rodeo livestock.

“We will honor one veterinarian each year, but it is also recognition of the hundreds of veterinarians who are on-site at PRCA rodeos and who care for livestock in their communities,” said ProRodeo Hall of Famer and Chairman of the PRCA’s Animal Welfare Committee, Doug Corey, DVM. The PRCA Livestock Welfare Department is involved in outreach and education, along with implementing rules for the proper care and treatment of livestock.
Article by Chris McManes/PBRNow.com

By Glory Ann Kurtz
June 7, 2010 – Fort Worth, Texas
Whether or not you are perfectly happy with what goes on within the NCHA, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to let your voice be heard at the 2010 NCHA Convention which will begin next week. The annual event will be held June 18-20 at the Hilton DFW Lakes in Grapevine, Texas. Registration to the convention is $45 per person and all attendees will have the ability to attend all the Committee Meetings. Go to NCHAcutting.com and click on the Convention ad – you can register in advance.

The Zack T Wood NCHA Memorial Golf Tournament will be held prior to the convention on June 17 starting at 9 a.m. and The Tribute Golf Club, 1000 Lebanon Rd., The Colony, TX 75056. All Committee meetings will be held on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19

FRIDAY, JUNE 18:
. On Friday, June 18, registration will start at 7 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. The Regional Directors meetings will be held at 8 to 8:45 a.m. Three committee meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and include the Affiliate Officers/Secretaries, Judges Rules and Amateur Committee meetings.

AFFILIATE OFFICERS/SECRETARIES AGENDA:
Some interesting subjects on the Agenda for the Affiliate Officers/Secretaries will discuss include being able to identify apprentice trainers who have returned to Non-Pro status and are showing in limited classes. Also they will review show producers that fail to fulfill their liabilities of show management.
Click here for Affiliate Officers/Secretaries agenda>>

JUDGES RULES AGENDA:
On the Judges Rules agenda, it is suggested changing the requirements for the sixth box judge applicants to be “new applicants only who have lifetime earnings of over $250,000;” imposing fines on Limited Age Events who do not have the required escort, discussing Rule 16 regarding helmets on adults and clarify the attire rule (probably due to the recent “hoodie-gate” controversy), and revisiting judges signing their cards at major Limited Age Events.
Click here for Judges Rules agenda>>

AMATEUR MEETING AGENDA:
Items on the agenda for the Amateur meeting including increasing the Amateur Exception Rule from $5,000 to $15,000; changing the current payout structure, becoming a Life Amateur if you are an amateur at age 60; verbage changes for standing rule 6j (All new shows apply for approval must offer both an open cutting horse contest and an unlimited class for non-pro riders with parity of added purses) to include the Amateur division and creating a new entry-level $1,000 Amateur Class as a 3-year-experiment.
Click here for Amateur agenda>>

Four other committee meetings will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and include the Non-Professional, Professional Trainers, Stallion Owners and Approved LAE Show Producers. Those meetings will be followed at 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. by a Board of Directors Meeting, followed by New Directors Orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

NON-PRO AGENDA:
The Non-Pro meeting agenda will also include the Amateur Exception Rule increase it from $5,000 to $15,000; a third horse (gelding) in the Derby 4-year-old, in the Amateur, Non-Pro and Limited Non-Pro; Raising the $50,000 cap of Non-Pros showing in the Open class to $200,000 before they have to forfeit their Non-Pro status; discuss a “Life Amateur” at age 60, as well as Non-Pro/Amateur life memberships for life members and mandatory three head of cattle for all weekend fresh-cattle classes.
Click here for Non-Pro agenda>>

PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS:
Professional trainers will discuss the possibility of honoring the owner and breeder of the horses that make the NCHA Open Futurity Finals in the rider introductions; recognizing go-round winners at the Futurity with a buckle and/or money; time limites on judge’s hours; eligibility requirements for the John Deere Division (Limited) of the Open class at the NCHA Triple Crown events; a gelding class at the Derby; parking at Will Rogers and fines for Rule 16 – the dress code.
Click here for Professional Trainers agenda>>

STALLION OWNERS:
Stallion owners will meeting to discuss planning to alleviate and/or “grandfather” older stallions; propose a plan to increase overall purse where breeders/mare owners pay a nomination fee for foals; review how stallion owners’ nomination fees are currently allocated for the Super Stakes in the various classes and age divisions and propose a formula to pay a bonus to the stallion owners from stallion nominations for finalists in the Super Stakes.
Click here for Stallion Owners agenda>>

LIMITED AGE EVENT PRODUCERS:
Discuss if a LAE with added money of less than $10,000 should be approved within the blocked dates of a major LAE ($10,000 or more in added money); review the major LAE five-year projections of show dates for 2011-2015 for possible conflicts of dates; review and vote on the major LAE show dates for Jan. 1-June 20, 2011.
Click here for Limited Age Event Producers agenda>>

SATURDAY, JUNE 19:
On Saturday, June 19, registration will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Promotion & Development Committee will meet. Also starting at 8 a.m. and lasting to 11:30 a.m. will be the Open Show Committee meeting. At 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Long-Range Planning Committee will meet.

PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT MEETING:
Discuss ways to utilize the exhibit hall to increase cutting activities, spectator participation and NCHA growth, promoting NCHA at the introductory and weekend levels, and increase media awareness for affiliate shows.
Click here for Promotion & Development agenda>>

OPEN SHOW MEETING:
Review options for changing payout structure plus other standing rules; revise the method to determine the number of finalists at the National Championship Shows, creating a fixed minimum number of finalists and a maximum percentage of finalists for each class; change mandating of Youth weekend classes; adding three head of fresh cattle per entry at shows having $750 or more in added money; requiring affiliates to hold at least three NCHA approved shows per year to qualify entrants for the National Championship shows; changing minimum class size from three entries paying one money to five entries paying one money; guaranteeing first-place check in Open and on-Pro be larger than for other classes at National Championships; create a new entry-level $1,000 Amateur class as a 3-year experiment and raising the earnings limit on the $2,000 Limit Rider to at least $3,000.
Click here for Open Show agenda>>

LONG-RANGE PLANNING AGENDA:
Limiting directors, include comments from director nominees in Chatter or online; replacing directors for lack of attendance at NCHA Convention; director term limits, a member of the Year Award and discuss affiliate guidelines and processes for receiving NCHA Affiliate status.
Click here for Long-Range-Planning agenda>>

YOUTH COMMITTEE AGENDA:
Discuss rules regarding NCHA approved Youth cutting horse contests; distributing more scholarship money at Eastern and Western; a definitive split in Senior and Junior Youth classes; have Youth cutting points available on website and awarding a Reserve Reserve Rookie of the Year award.
Click here for Youth Committee agenda>>

LIMITED AGE EVENTS AGENDA:
Discuss selling an Open horse’s position in the draw of the Super Stakes and Summer Spectacular before the start of the go-round for a fee; third horse as a gelding during the Derby portion of the Summer Spectacular; posting the breeder of the horses during the NCHA events on scoreboard; honoring owner and breeder of horses making NCHA Open Futurity finals; running the Open finals of the Derby and Super Stakes before the Non-Pro finals in case both divisions of the finals are on the same day; Age 60 Life Amateur; impact the internet is having on the attendance of the event finals of the Will Rogers events and possibility of delaying broadcast of any finals or a charge; raise Non-Pro earnings cap from $50,000 to $200,000; reevaluate draw procedure for semis and finals of NCHA-produced shows; music played continually throughout Triple Crown events and create an Open Intermediate, revolving-door rider’s class during NCHA aged events.
Click here for Limited Age Events agenda>>

SUNDAY, JUNE 20:
Sunday’s agenda will include a Christian Cutters for Christ Church Service from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Board of Directors Meeting from 8 to 9:15 a.m. and the General Membership Meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – where all the decisions of the committees will be announced by the committee heads. However, even though members and committee members agree on a rule change, it is not official until the Executive Committee meets and votes on it.
Click here for the Convention schedule>>

For hotel reservations call the hotel at 1-800-984-1344 or go to http://tinyurl.com/nchaconvention2010. For further information, contact the NCHA at 817-244-6188.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
May 17, 2010 – Fort Worth, Texas

Ray and Lainie Whitmire.
Photo by Glory Ann Kurtz

A jury trial is scheduled for the Whitmire v NCHA at 9 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2010 in Judge Tom Lowe’s 236th District Court, Fort Worth, Texas. The trial is a continuation of a lawsuit filed by Lainie Whitmire against the NCHA on Oct. 1, 2006, following a dispute about her amateur/non-pro status that had been going on since 2004.

On April 9, 2008, Judge Lowe issued a Summary Judgment in favor of the NCHA as to certain of Whitmire’s claims, including the membership contract claims and the breach of oral promise claims. Whitmire appealed this ruling to the Court of Appeals in the Second District of Texas in Fort Worth. On July 23, 2008, the Court of Appeals issued its ruling affirming the trial court’s grant of summary judgment on the membership contract claims but it reversed the trial court’s decision on the breach of oral promise claim. That claim involves a settlement agreement Whitmire claims was reached between Eldridge Goins, acting as NCHA General Counsel, and Clark Brewster, who was Whitmire’s lawyer at the time. The enforcement of this oral agreement would result in reinstatement of Whitmire as a non-pro NCHA member. The Court of Appeals has ruled that the NCHA must prove there is not such an agreement.

Besides the breach of oral promise claim, Whitmire is also claiming false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Also, Lainie’s husband, Ray, is awaiting a decision from Judge Lowe regarding the suspension of his membership under Article II of the NCHA Constitution for being “disharmonious” by supporting his wife financially when she filed the law suit against the NCHA. Judge Lowe has not yet issued a ruling on the pending summary judgment motions addressing this claim.
The Court has given Whitmire a “special setting” which means that the case will be tried to a jury on the Sept. 27 setting without any further delay.

OPINION EXPECTED ON GAUGHAN V NCHA
In other lawsuit news, an opinion is expected from the Appeals Court regarding a suit Paula Gaughan filed in May 2008 in Fort Worth’s 67th District Court seeking a wide range of NCHA financial information, including bank account and payroll records, money paid to NCHA administrators and to all vendors and attorneys who had worked with the association within the prior three years.

In November 2009, Judge Don Cosby of Fort Worth’s 67th District Court ruled in favor of the NCHA in his Summary Judgment and also ruled that as much as 41 percent of the financial records the NCHA had turned over to Gaughan were designated as confidential.” The NCHA secured a ruling from Judge Cosby to the effect that Gaughan cannot share the financial records and the information they contain with other NCHA members.

Gaughan says she wants the membership to have the right to view all of the financial records and to discuss the information in them as part of their participation in the governance of the Association without having to go to court to do so. Initially, Gaughan sought the financial records to share with NCHA members at the 2008 NCHA Annual Meeting. The Appeals Court took the case without oral arguments and a ruling could be forthcoming in the near future.

Gaughan and her husband Michael own the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nev., and she puts on several NCHA-approved aged events during the year. According to Gaughan, the cutting events have paid out over $14.5 million to NCHA cutters during these events which have been held since 1992.

May 10, 2010
According to a May 5, 2010 article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Brown Media Holdings, a Cincinnati-based owner of the Fort Worth Business Press and the Collin County Business Press filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, indicating that they owed $94 million to two creditors.

The 90-year-old company owns 18 dailies and 27 weeklies in 10 states. It purchased the Fort Worth publication in September 2007 from Richard Connor, who was the publisher of the Fort Worth Star Telegram from 1986-1997. The company is seeking $2.5 million in financing to keep the publications running until the properties are acquired. The management of the publication are “stalking horse” bidders, meaning they have set a minimum price for the assets of the company.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
April 29, 2010
NCHA ballots for Vice President being mailed; Australian Cutting Futurity won by Corey Holden; Kentucky Derby favorites starting at opposite ends of the gate; Doug Williamson wins NRCHA Hackamore Classic for the second year in a row and Texas tops list of number of Quarter Horses with 461,054.

NCHA BALLOTS BEING MAILED FOR VICE PRESIDENT ELECTION
Ballots are being mailed this week to members of the NCHA so they can vote for a new NCHA Vice President. Their choices include Ernie Beutenmiller Jr. Union, Mo., and Jim Milner, South Lake, Texas. The ballots will be counted and verified on June 8 under the supervision of the accounting firm Whitley Penn. The new Vice President will take office during the 2010 NCHA Convention, June 18-20 in Grapevine, Texas. The Vice President will become President-Elect the following year, and will become NCHA President in 2012. Beutenmiller is a current member of the Board of Directors and Milner is a past President of the Association.

AUSTRALIAN CUTTING FUTURITY WON BY COREY HOLDEN
Corey Holden riding Robert Woodward’s Six Spins, a 2005 stallion sired by Dual Rey out of Triple Spin by Docs Spinifex, won the Australia Armidale Cutting Futurity held Feb. 8 in Armidale, Australia. The pair picked up $3,764 for their 148.5 finals score. The Reserve title, scoring a close 148, went to Frank Green riding Winderadeen Grousekitty, a 2005 daughter of Intricablena out of Winderadeen Scotch Mist by Smart Little Scotty owned by R.& H Williams.

The Non-Pro division was won by Dominic Williams riding Instant Sweet Oak, a 2005 daughter of Instant Dulce out of Oaks Cherie by Docs Freckles Oak, after scoring a 146.5 for $1,900. The Reserve title went to Peter Shumack riding Eye Brows Cat, a 2005 gelding by Rackateer Cat out of Barque Sonitas Miss Doc by Sonitas Rondo, scoring a 146 and earning $1,200.

KENTUCKY DERBY FAVORITES AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE STARTING GATE
Don’t miss the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby to be held this Saturday at Churchill Downs. The horses have been drawn for the 20-horse field and the two favorites will start from opposite ends of the starting gate. Lookin At Lucky, the favorite at 3-1, sired by Smart Strike, trained by Bob Baffert and jockeyed by Garrett Gomez claimed the rail in post No. 1. The second favorite, Sidney’s Candy (5-1), sired by Candy Ride, trained by John W. Sadler and ridden by jockey Joseph Talamo drew the outside hole.

DOUG WILLIAMSON WINS NRCHA HACKAMORE CLASSIC SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
Doug Williamson, Bakersfield, Calif., rode his horse Smart Miss Merada, a 2005 daughter of Leo Merada out of Uno Smart Lady by Smart Little Uno, to claim the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Hackamore Classic Championship April 25 in Paso Robles, Calif. The mare, owned by Williamson and his wife, Carol, took home a $14,840 check for earning the title with a 438 composite score, three-and-a-half points ahead of the Reserve Champion Ken Wold.

Williamson, a throat-cancer survivor, is the winner of over $800,000 in cutting, reining and reined cow horse earnings, having won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity twice, was the 2010 Reserve World’s Greatest Horseman and a 2006 NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee.
Wold marked a 434.5 riding a 2006 stallion Moody Blues Brother (Peptoboonsmal x Lenas Lisette x Doc O’Lena) for owner Mark Nelson – taking home $11,872. Wold also rode the No. 3 horse, Cobys Soula, a 2005 mare by Soula Jule Star out of Coby Jo Chex by Bueno Chex Too, owned by Joe Putnam, to a close 434. The pair earned $9,646.

The Intermediate Open and Limited Open were won by Nick Dowers riding JP Royal Boon, a 2006 gelding by Showstoppin Boon out of Royal Jody Chex by Bueno Chex Jr, owned by Triple D Ranches LLC, earning a total of $5,220. The Classic Non-Pro and Intermediate Non-Pro titles were taken by John Showalter, Fresno, Calif., riding Tangys Classy Chick (P), a 2005 Paint daughter of Tangys Classy Peppy out of Crimson Sassychick (P) by Crimson Three (P). The pair picked up close to $8,000. The Amateur title went to Toni Hagan riding Just Ask Me Nice, a 2005 daughter of Captain Nice out of Missy Dual Master by Dual Peppy, to a 420, earning $1,920.

TEXAS TOPS STATES WITH THE MOST QUARTER HORSES
With a total of 2,758,654 registered Quarter Horses in the United States in 2009, the figure has dropped 62,518 from a year ago. According to the American Quarter Horse Association, new registrations of 93,835 were also down 22,144. Canada also has 240,184 registered Quarter Horses, up 805 from a year ago. Also, Canada had 10,612 new registrations, down 1,984 from a year earlier. Internationally, there are 136,198 registered horses, up 14,606 from a year ago and new registrations for 2009 were up 1,103 to 7,558.

Texas tops the list of Quarter Horses with 461,054, followed by Oklahoma, 188,381; California 136,583; Missouri 107,630; Colorado, 93,958; Montana, 92,572; Kansas 85,183; Nebraska, 84,675, and South Dakota 81,970. Alberta was the leading Canadian province with 106,639 Quarter Horses. Texas also led the list of transfers within the state with a whopping 17,369 out of the 79,416 in-state transfers made nationally. Oklahoma was second with 5,198. Transfers of horses to Texans totaled 6,460 – the highest of any state, and transfers from Texas going out of state totaled 7,376, also the highest of all states.

Internationally, the most Quarter Horses in 2009 were in Mexico with 33,590, up 1,497 from 2008. Mexico also had 1,324 transfers, up seven from the year before. Germany came in second with 32,693 registered Quarter Horses in 2009, up 1,349 from the year before. They also had the most transfers, 1667, down 46 from the year before. Italy had the second most transfers, 1,366, up 222 from 2008. They were also third in the list of Quarter Horses in foreign countries with 21,637, up 780 from 2008.

These figures and many other statistics that were presented at the AQHA Convention will be published in the Quarter Horse Journal.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
April 22, 2010
Bill Underhill, 75, Gainesville, Texas, is spending time at the Denton Hospital following a fall; Benny Tidwell’s funeral to be held Friday, April 23; Nellie Jacobs home from hospital following third operation for a detached retina, and Ocala Breeders Sale ends on high note across the board.

BILL UNDERHILL HOSPITALIZED FOLLOWING FALL
Long-time NCHA member Bill Underhill, 75, Gainesville, Texas, is in a Denton Hospital following a fall at home. According to Bill’s wife, Pat, he fell coming out of the barn and hit the asphalt with his head. “He fought going to the emergency room,” said Pat, but following a CAT scan, they found blood was seeping into his brain. They immediately sent him to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where he was in ICU for over a week before being transferred to the Denton Hospital. She says he will more than likely be in the hospital for at least two more weeks and will then need some skilled nursing and therapy. Send your get-well wishes to Bill at 3511 I-35 South, Gainesville, Texas 76240-9739.

BENNY TIDWELL SERVICES PLANNED FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 23
The funeral services for long-time James “Benny” Tidwell, 62, Appling, Ga., a long-time NCHA member and AAAA judge, will be held on Friday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity On The Hill Methodist Church in Augusta, Ga. There will be a reception following the service. Tidwell was murdered during a robbery of his pawnshop, Mo’ Money Jewelry and Pawn Shop, in south Augusta, Ga., on Monday, April 19. A customer who came to do business at the pawn shop found Tidwell on the floor. He had been shot to death. The shooter was caught and arrested the same day after leading investigators to the city’s largest meth lab in a home. Send your condolences to his wife, Susie, at 2628 Dozier Rd., Appling, GA 30802-3062.

NELLIE JACOBS HOME AFTER THIRD OPERATION FOR A DETACHED RETINA
Nellie Jacobs, the wife of Pat Jacobs, just returned home from a third operation for a detached retina. According to Pat, “We only have one good eye between the two of us!” Pat will soon be coming out with a new book and has just ordered a reprint of the book, “Outlaws, Outcasts and Second-Chance Horses,” that he published last year. You can reach Pat or Nellie at 2825 Brookhollow Drive, Burleson, TX 76028-1954 (817) 919-7358 or e-mail at patjacobs@live.com.

OCALA SALES CONCLUDES WITH HIGH NUMBERS
The Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co. Spring sale of 2-year-olds in training ended today with across-the-board increases. After four days of sales, 739 head sold for $20,754,400, up 4.4 percent from 2009’s $19,879,800 for a $28,084 average – up 12.9 percent from last year’s $24,881 and a $20,000 median, up 33.3 percent from last year’s $15,000. The high-selling horse was a filly, bringing a cool half a million. The number of not-sold horses was down 7.5 percent from last year. Also, there were 32 six-figure horses selling this year, compared to 13 in 2009.

According to an article in Thoroughbred Times Today, the final three horses had to be sold in the back chute rather than inside the building after the arena filled with smoke from what appeared to be an electrical or air conditioning system problem.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
April 11, 2010
Orthopedic surgeries on the rise for cutters; Bonanza changes facilities for 2011; Weatherford multi-use facility could be just a dream; Van E Snow, prominent veterinarian dies in private plane crash; Horse Expo Sale scheduled for June 13 in Sacramento, Calif.; High Plains Ranchers & Breeders Sale scheduled for May 1; economic impact of San Angelo, Texas, rodeo tops $30 million and is horse racing in Texas in a critical state?

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERIES ON THE RISE IN CUTTING CIRCLES:
Neck and back surgeries for cutters seem to be on the agenda. The latest is Kay Floyd, Stephenville, Texas, who recently had back surgery in Fort Worth and is currently in therapy. You can send your cards and letters to her at her home, PO Box 733, Stephenville, TX 76401-0733. Kay, the 1988 NCHA World Champion Non-Pro Rider, was also the owner of the legendary sire and broodmare sire Freckles Playboy. Trainer Gary Bellenfant, DeLeon, Texas, is also at home recuperating from back surgery and Jody Galyean still wears a brace from surgery on his neck.

BONANZA CUTTING CHANGES FACILITIES FOR 2011
The Bonanza Cutting will be changing locations for their 2011 event. Word has it that the event will be moving to the Glen Rose facility in February. Their move to Alvarado in 2010 was great for increased entries; however, inclement weather caused problems for cattle and spectators.

WEATHERFORD MULTI-USE FACILITY COULD JUST BE A DREAM
The $1 million price tag for the planned Weatherford, Texas, multi-use facility has reportedly been reduced to $800,000, which may make it impossible to build during the current economy. I will try to keep you up on the progress of this facility.

VAN E. SNOW, PROMINENT VETERINARIAN DIES IN PRIVATE PLANE CRASH
Van E. Snow, 58, a prominent equine veterinarian who was an early pioneer in shock-wave therapy to treat soft tissue injuries and stress fractures in horses, was killed in a private plane crash on Thursday, April 8 in San Diego, Calif., county. According to his sister, Gayle Stevens, Snow was scheduled to compete in an air show this weekend in San Diego County and was practicing flying his experimental Harmon Rocket when it crashed – evidently from a mechanical malfunction.

“He said to me just last week if he ever died flying, he would go doing what he loved,” said Stevens in an article in the Santa Ynez Valley News.

Snow was raised in Glennville, near Bakersfield, Calif., and graduated from UC Davis. He moved to Virginia to specialize in equine medicine and then in the early 1980s moved to the Santa Ynez Valley. He was the brother of Gainesville, Texas, reined cow horse trainer Ron Ralls. A private service is planned for Saturday, April 17. On April 18, a barbecue and celebration of Snow’s life will be held at Santa Lucia Farm, the facility where Snow practiced.

HORSE EXPO SALE TO BE HELD IN SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
On Sunday June 13, 2010, the Horse Expo Sale will be held at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, in Sacramento, Calif. All horses will preview as they sell. The entry fee will be $400 with 8 percent commission and no buy-back fee. Sellers need not make an advance entry fee payment as all entry fees will be deducted from the sale proceeds. All entries are subject to sifting. Every horse has an online profile including a video and photos. Selling will be show horses, cow horses, ranch horses, pleasure riding horses, rope horses, trail horses and a special draft horse section. Enter online or download an entry form at www.dhauctions.com. E-mail Dave Hammond Auctions at DHAuctions@gmail.com or call 530-677-8956.

HIGH PLAINS RANCHERS & BREEDERS TO HOLD SALE ON MAY 1
The High Plains Ranchers and Breeders Association will hold their 11th Annual Sale at Dalhart, Texas, at 1 p.m. on May 1. Over 90 quality horses will be offered, with a preview held between 10:30 and 12:30 a.m. Offered will be 47 riding geldings and mares, 33 yearlings and 2-year-olds and 12 broodmares. The West Texas ranches represented will include: Bar D Quarter Horses, Hooker, Okla.; Rob A Brown Ranch, Stinnett, Texas; Chisum Ranch, Dalhart, Texas; H Ranch, Channing, Texas; Bailey Patterson, Spearman, Texas; Summers Cattle Co, Dimmitt, Texas; Wing Brothers, Dalhart; Wing Family Q.H., Dalhart; Mike Wing, Dalhart and the Zieman Ranch, Stratford, Texas.

Bid online or watch the sale at www.cattleusa.com. For more information e-mail Kathleen Hill at kathleen@hprba.com or call (806) 674-7337 or 235-3776.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SAN ANGELO RODEO MAY SURPASS $30 MILLION
Estimates for the economic impact to the San Angelo, Texas, metro area from this year’s San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo are expected to surpass $30 million. The 10-day event in February drew a record number of stock show entries – nearly 10,300 – and had what is believed to be the largest field of rodeo competitors this season for a PRCA rodeo, said Justin Jonas, executive director of the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association.

“There’s no doubt we should be able to hit $30 million impact,” Jonas said. “Last year we were at $26 million, and attendance for the events only grew.”

Jonas said there has been an upward trend of the economic impact to the city since 2007 because of the passing of the half-cent sales tax in 2004. The new buildings near the San Angelo Coliseum have allowed the stock show to increase its numbers, rivaling entry numbers from San Antonio and Houston – two of the biggest stock shows in the nation.

IS HORSE RACING IN TEXAS IN A "CRITICAL" STATE
With Lone Star Race Track in Grand Prairie, Texas, celebrating their spring opening on April 8, in an article published in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, race writer Gary West said, "With the exodus of horses and horsemen pursuing higher purses in neighboring states, Texas racetracks have seen their handle and attendance decline dramatically in recent years, along with the quality of their racing. The inaugural Lone Star Derby and Texas Mile held at Lone Star Park both offered a purse of $250,000. The purse for both this year will be $200,000. The track opened in 1997 with an average daily purse of $150,000 and purses approached $250,000 by 2001. Today's purses hope to reach $150,000 a day."

With the current trend, West asks "How can this trend be turned around?" West also noted that according to the Jockey Club, from 1998 to 2008, the number of Thoroughbreds foaled or born in Texas dropped more than 48 percent. During the same period, the foal crop in Louisiana increased 106 percent and in New Mexico 150 percent. Lone Star celebrated their opening on April 8. West blames Texas lawmakers’ lack of knowledge or disinterest in the economic impact of the horse industry.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
April 5, 2010
Dualin Blue and Roger Wagner top NCHA Super Stakes Open semifinals; Super Stakes Sale numbers light; numbers hold their own at Fasig-Tipton Texas 2-year-old Sale, and World Champion Steer Wrestler Lee Graves sidelined from surgery.

DUALIN BLUE AND ROGER WAGNER TOP NCHA SUPER STAKES SEMIS

Roger Wagner rode Dualin Blue to the high-score in the NCHA Super Stakes Open semifinals.

Scoring a 221, Dualin Blue and Roger Wagner topped the 22 horses headed to the finals of the NCHA Open Super Stakes. The finals of both the Open Super Stakes and Open Super Stakes Classic will be held this afternoon at 2 p.m.

Dualin Blue, a daughter of Dualin Jewels out of the great mare Quintan Blue by Mecom Blue is owned by Jon Winkelried’s Marvine Ranch, Meeker, Colo., and Weatherford, Texas. The pair had scored a modest 215 in the first go-round and a 216 in the second, for a total of 431. It took a 430 to qualify for the semifinals.

The second high score of 220.5 was obtained by two contestants: Boyd Rice riding Boonie Tunes (Peptoboonsmal x Shiney Tari), owned by Danny Poole, Texline, Texas, and Matt Gaines riding Special Nu Baby (Dual Rey x Nu I Wood), owned by Gary and Shannon Barker, Madill, Okla. Boyd’s son Tatum scored a 219, tying for fourth and fifth riding Shes Twice As Smooth (Smooth As A Cat x Dually Lil Pep), owned by Jennifer and Jeff Foland, Weatherford, Texas. He tied with Lee Francois riding Reys Desire (Dual Rey x Playguns Desire), owned by H. B. (Woody) Bartlett DVM, Pike Road, Ala.
Click here for Open semis results>>

NCHA SUPER STAKES SALE NUMBERS LIGHT – BOTH IN NUMBER OF BUYERS AND MONEY SPENT
While the results have not all been posted, the NCHA Super Stakes Sales held Friday and Saturday, were light on buyers – and in the money they spent for horses. Figures for the two sessions held on Friday showed 60 percent of the 157-consigned horses sold for a $5,600 average. Results will be posted as soon as they are posted by Western Bloodstock. Go to their web site at www.westernbloodstock.com.

NUMBERS HOLD OWN AT FASIG-TIPTON 2-YEAR-OLD SALE
This year’s figures at the Fasig-Tipton Texas 2-Year-Old in training sale held Tuesday, March 30. With 192 offered, a39 sold for $2,371,900, down only 4.2 percent from 2009. The average was $17,064, down .8 percent from 2009’s $17,201 and the median was up 8.8 percent – from $9,650 last year to $10,500 this year. Also, Texas-bred horses held their own against the Louisiana-bred horses.

WORLD CHAMPION STEER WRESTLER SIDELINED FOR 3-6 MONTHS
Two-time reigning World Champion Steer Wrestler Lee Graves underwent surgery March 23 to repair a torn bicep tendon in his left arm and is expected to be sidelined three to six months. Graves, Alberta, Canada, suffered the injury during Super Series competition at RodeoHouston, but chose not to withdraw. He had a time of 9.1 seconds in the semifinals round after breaking the barrier and failed to post a time in the Wild Card round. Two years ago, he was out of action for eight months recovering from surgery to repair a torn patella tendon in his right knee, but he came back last year to edge out Luke Branquinho for the World title. Graves is currently 17th in the current PRCA standings.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 26, 2010
Correction on High Brow Cat’s breeding status; has the NCHA Super Stakes gone to the dogs?; investors purchase Polo Ranch – David Hartman, DVM, will work out of the facility and Dustan and Maria Horne, Weatherford, Texas have twin girls

HIGH BROW CAT DEEMED INFERTILE CORRECTION
In the March 20 Today’s News, I published that according to a letter from Jack and Susan Waggoner to clients and mare owners, High Brow Cat - the industry’s leading stallion - was diagnosed with “age-related testicular degeneration at the beginning of the breeding season. The Waggoners went on to say that they have a good supply of frozen semen which will be used to breed mares and he should remain cryogenically fertile for years to come. Mares will be inseminated using the “post-ovulation low-dose, deep-horn insemination” method, which involves using only a small amount of semen injected into the mare’s uterine horn. This is the method currently being used for the frozen semen.

I went on to say that the cost is currently $4,500 which was misleading, and for that I apologize. That $4,500 cost would be for ICSI semen straws allowing for Intracellular Sperm Injection, which was also mentioned in the letter. According to Waggoner, they have enough of High Brow Cat’s frozen semen to last for four or five years and enough ICSI doses to last 20 years – and, according to Waggoner, by that time, the cost to breed with ICSI doses should be closer to $500 rather than the $4,500 it currently costs. .

HAS THE NCHA SUPER STAKES GONE TO THE DOGS?
Due to a schedule conflict, the NCHA Super Stakes began today, March 26, without exhibitors in the exhibit hall. Instead the Fort Worth Kennel Club’s 105th all-breed competition will be held there. The show began today with 1,800 dogs and Saturday and Sunday, more than 2,400 dogs will be entered each day, representing160 breeds. NCHA Super Stakes exhibitors will be opening their booths on April 1.The event will continue through April 16.

INVESTORS PURCHASE POLO RANCH:
According to David Hartman, DVM, the old Polo Ranch breeding facility has been purchased by a couple of investors and he will be working out of that ranch following the closing of the transaction. Hartman is currently standing five stallions at his breeding facility in Whitesboro, Texas, which he will also be keeping. The stallions he is standing include CD Olena, a 1991 son of Doc O’Lena out of CD Chica San Badger by Peppy San Badger, that he has leased from the Bar H Ranche, Dual Pep, Smart Mate, Boon A Little and Dulces Smart Lena. You can reach Hartman at 903-564-3200 or e-mail him at www.equinefertilitycenter.com.

DUSTAN AND MARIA HORNE HAVE TWINS
Dustan and Maria Horne, Weatherford, Texas, recently had twins – born on two different days! One was born on Thursday, March 18 and the other Friday, March 19. Beth came in at 5.8 pounds and is was 18 inches long. Katie weighed 6.4 pounds and was 18.5 inches long. Dustan, continues to work for Steve and Michelle Anderson, Weatherford, Texas, and is now training outside horses of all ages, as well as a helping a few Non-Pros and Amateurs. Send your congratulations to Dustan and Maria at 344 Carter Ranch Tr, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or you can contact Dustan at (817) 304-2732 or e-mail him at DmHorne1@aol.com.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 20, 2010
The Marketplace Sale, featuring 206 consignments will start at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 27; High Brow Cat deemed infertile in letter to mare owners; CD Olena leased by David Hartman, DVM, Whitesboro, Texas and Jeff Matthews and Sheri Forrest to wed in Weatherford, Texas on June 25.

MARKET PLACE SALE OFFERS 206 CONSIGNMENTS; 100 ON CATTLE
The Marketplace At Ardmore sale will be held next Saturday, March 27, starting at 9 a.m. at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Okla. The sale will include 206 head of top cutting- and performance-bred horses, with at least 100 being exhibited on cattle.

Highlights will include a 20-head production sale from Bill and Jo Ellards EE Ranches of Texas. Three of the consignments are geldings, with one being eligible for the $100,000 Gelding Incentive for the 2010 NCHA Futurity and two for the 2011 Incentive. The money is paid out to offspring entered in the NCHA Futurity sired by Cat Ichi, DJ Tracker, Dual Rey, Duals Blue Boon, Freckles Fancy Twist, High Brow Cougar, Lizzys Gotta Player, Nitas Wood, Power Proof and Starlights Gypsy in the Non-Pro, Limited Non-Pro and Amateur divisions. Unfortunately, on March 16, Bill Ellard passed away at his home following a long battle with cancer. Click here for more information about Bill Ellard>>

Managed by Susie Reed and with Don Green and Steve Friskup, the sale promises to be fast-moving with some of the industry’s best-bred horses, including offspring of High Brow Cat, Dual Rey, Peptoboonsmal, One Time Pepto, Smart Little Lena, Smooth As A Cat, Grays Starlight, Dual Pep, Freckles Playboy, Peppy San Badger, Playgun, Spots Hot, Soula Jule Star, and many more. Other consignments include 16 from Don and McSherry Weber, 8 from Gary and Renee Lord, 7 from Western States Ranches and many more.

This may be the time to buy, since according to a recent article in Thoroughbred Times Today, after two years of major losses, yearling-to-juvenile pinhookers have a chance at making a profit this year. Pinhookers, who buy horses as yearlings and sell them as 2-year-olds, posted an $8.7 million profit as the average price rose 7.6 percent at the first three sales of the year. Historically, the cutting industry horse sales have closely followed behind the Thoroughbred sale market. The next Marketplace sale is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the same location.
Click here for a copy of the sale catalog>>

HIGH BROW CAT DEEMED INFERTILE IN LETTER TO BREEDERS
According to a letter from Jack and Susan Waggoner to clients and mare owners, High Brow Cat - the industry’s leading stallion - was diagnosed with “age-related testicular degeneration at the beginning of the breeding season. The Waggoners went on to say that they have a good supply of frozen semen which will be used to breed mares and he should remain cryogenically fertile for years to come. Mares will be inseminated using the “post-ovulation low-dose, deep-horn insemination” method, which involves using only a small amount of semen injected into the mare’s uterine horn. The cost is currently $4,500.

CD OLENA LEASED BY DAVID HARTMAN
CD Olena, the 1991 son of Doc O’Lena out of CD Chica San Badger by Peppy San Badger, has been leased by David Hartman, DVM, from the Bar H Ranche. The winner of the 1994 NCHA Futurity, 1995 NCHA Derby and 1995 NCHA Horse of the Year, is the No. 4 leading sire of NCHA cutting horses, with offspring winning over $14.2 million. He is standing for a $6,000 stud fee, with a $600 chute fee and shipped semen is available. Also standing at Hartman’s breeding facility on Highway 377 in Whitesboro, Texas, is Dual Pep, Smart Mate, Boon A Little and Dulces Smart Lena. You can reach Hartman at 903-564-3200 or e-mail him at www.equinefertilitycenter.com.

JEFF MATTHEWS AND SHERI FORREST TO WED
Jeff Matthews, Warsaw, N.C., the owner of Matthews Cutting Horses and the industry’s popular up-and-coming stallion – One Time Soon – will be tying the knot with Sheri Forrest, Gold River, Calif., at Matthews’ Weatherford, Texas, ranch on June 25, 2010.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 16, 2010
In memory of Glenna Smith, Houston, Texas, Bobby Ezell, Loranger, La., and Dale Wilkinson, Waynesboro, Ga.; the winners of the Cattlemen's Derby/Classic-Challenge and the to-date champions at the Eastern Nationals.

GLENNA SMITH PASSES AWAY FROM SWINE FLU
Glenna Smith, 68, Houston, Texas, passed away on March 14 following a hard-fought and courageous battle with Swine Flu. Glenna was married for 49 years and nine months to Steve Smith and both of them showed cutting horses and were involved with the National Cutting Horse Association. Several years ago, Steve was chairman of the Finance Committee.

Glenna was born to Idell and Wallace McKee and raised in Coleman, Texas, where she met Steve. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace, and brother, Gwin Mckee.

She is survived by her husband, mother, Idell; son Terry Smith and children; son Jeff Smith and daughter-in-law and their children. She is also survived by her sister, Kay and John Bitter, and brother, Jerry McKee and his wife; as well as brother-in-law, Jim and Jare Smith.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, at Geo H Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston. The memorial service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17 in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, Houston. Following the service, there will be a reception in an adjacent venue at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations be directed to the Assistance League of Houston, 1902 Commonwealth, Houston, TX 77006-1836; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Houston Gulf Coast Chapter, 2425 Fountainview, Suite 280, Houston, TX 77075; MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or the charity of one’s choice. Send cards to Steve Smith, 2638 Sutton Ct., Houston, TX 77027.

BOBBY EZELL VICTIM OF ONE-CAR ACCIDENT
Robert (Bobby) Claude Ezell, 66, Loranger, La., passed away Wednesday, March 10, following a one-car accident. A member of the NCHA for many years, he will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ezell and two children: Vickey Ezell Krantz and Ty Ezell.

Services will be held on Monday, March 15, at the Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m., following by the services at 11 a.m. Send your cards and letters to: Mrs. Sandra Ezell, 51703 Allen Drive, Loranger, LA 70446.

DALE WILKINSON, 1972 NCHA FUTURITY CHAMPION, DIES AT 84
Dale Wilkinson, 84, Waynesboro, Ga., passed away last week at Doctors Hospital, Augusta, Ga., only days after a March 4 surgery from a fall he took at home. Wilkinson is better known as a reiner, as he was instrumental in the formation of the National Reining Horse Association in 1966. However, he won the 1972 NCHA Futurity aboard Gun Smoke’s Dream (Mr Gun Smoke x Lady Badger 71 x Grey Badger III), as well as the 1966 and 1975 NRHA Futurity.

He was inducted into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, the AQHA Hall of Fame and the NRHA Hall of Fame. He was also instrumental in the formation of the equestrian program at the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 16 in Waynesboro, Ga., from 5-7 p.m. at Joiner, Anderson, Saxon Funeral Home, 220 East 6th Street. The main funeral service will take place at 7 p.m. Another service will be held at the University of Findlay on Saturday, April 17.

CATTLEMENS SHOW COMPLETED

Ashley Flynn rode Financial Sugar to the Non-Pro division of the Cattlemens Classic.

The new cutting aged event, the Cattlemens Derby & Classic/Challenge, held in Graham, Texas, finished up Sunday, March 14. Ashley Flynn, wife of trainer Sean Flynn, Weatherford, Texas, won the 54-entry Non-Pro Classic Finals riding Financial Sugar. The pair scored a 218.5, winning $12,465.96. The Reserve title and $11,332.69 went to Adan Banuelos, Jacksboro, Texas, riding Purr N Like Magic, with a 218 score.

Dustin Adams won the Non-Pro Derby riding KR Winston.

Dustin Adams, Dublin, Texas, captured the 39-entry 4-Year-Old Derby Non-Pro title riding KR Winston. The pair scored a 219, collecting $12,464.57. Brazilian Armando Costa Filho tied himself for the Reserve title riding Arosesuchaclatter and Miss N Wood to a 212. He collected $10,127.47 on each horse.

Renee Lord, Granbury, Texas, rode Playful Sansallyboon to the championship of the 32-entry Amateur Derby finals, scoring a 216 for $3,755.24. Reserve was Jose Sigala, Weatherford, Texas, was Reserve riding Sofie Rey to a 214.5. The pair won $3,218.78. Julie Jarma, Prosper, Texas, won the 43-entry Classic Amateur Finals riding Short Scootin to a 219, collecting $3,880.49. The Reserve title was split between Sandy Barrio, Miami, Fla., riding Hunten Blue and Viki Williamson, Argyle, riding Meradas Gotta Gun. Both scored a 215 and collected $3,233.74.
Click here for the Cattlemens results>>

CLASS WINNERS FROM EASTERN NATIONALS:
A Track Runs Thru It (DJ Tracker x Royal Replay) owned by Terry Pigg, Collinsville, Ala., and ridden by Brett Davis, won the Open Division at the NCHA Eastern Nationals, taking place in Jackson, Miss., through March 20. The pair scored a 222. The Reserve title went to Eddie Braxton riding Oh Cay Starlight (Grays Starlight x Meradas Oh Cay) owned by Susan Dunne, Clinton, N.C. Braxton also won the $3,000 Novice Division riding Mississippi Cat for Vick Etheridge, Corinth, Ms.

Third place went to the team of Sam Shepard and Dees Mr Charles, (Its Just About Me x Dees Dually x Dual Pep) owned by Edley and Sue Hixson, Deridder, La. The pair scored a 217 in the Open; however, a 221.5 scored by the pair in the $10,000 Novice Horse Division.
Click here for Open results>>

The $2,000 Limited Rider division was won by Scott Chartier, scoring a 217.5 on Wild Start, owned by Randy and Kelle Chartier, Cottrellville, Mich. The Reserve title went to Jamie Moore, Saint George, S.C., riding BSR Cat, with a 216.5 score.
Click here for $2,000 results>>

The Junior Youth was taken by Matthew Dedden, Burlington, Ky., riding A Cat Named Sue (High Brow Cat x Merada Hickory Sue) to a 223. Second, with a 216, was Garrett Hampton, Rogersville, Mo., riding Duallys Drifter (Dual Pep x Lenaetta).
Click here for Junior Youth results>>

The Senior Youth was won by Cody Hedlund, Weatherford, Texas, scoring a 223 riding CD Boonsmal owned by Ray Baldwin, Weatherford, Texas. Reserve was Cheyenne Johnson, Pine Level, Ala., with a 217.5 riding Freckles Blue Jewel (Duals Blue Boon x Freckles Peppy Belle). The event continues through Saturday, March 20.
Click here for Senior Youth results>>

STUD BOOK & REGISTRATION COMMITTEE HAS FINAL WORD ON REGISTRATION OF AQHA HORSES

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 10, 2010
Many individuals are thinking that the recent decision by the AQHA Stud Book & Registration Committee to not register cloned horses, has to go by the Executive Committee to be official.

However, this is not the case and has not been the case for as long as I can remember. In the Bylaws of the AQHA, on Page 22, Section 6 of the AQHA Rulebook states: "All powers of the Board of Directors, EXCEPT the power to change any Bylaws AND ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO REGISTRATION OF HORSES, be and are vested in the Executive Committee."
Click here for Corporation Bylaws of the AQHA>>

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 8, 2010
Three major events are being held this week, including two aged events and the NCHA Eastern Nationals. Also Keeneland is revamping the world's largest yearling sale held 15 days - Sept. 12-26 and John Mitchell holds cutting clinic in Temecula, Calif.

The PCCHA Derby/Classic/Challenge started yesterday, March 7, and will continue through March 13 in Paso Robles, Calif. The event features $106,000 in added money and besides the aged events will include NCHA Open, Non-Pro, Amateur and Youth classes, as well as a Roo-Hide Ranch Cutting, Invitational Stick Horse Cutting and a Trainers Party with a Youth Auction. The event started yesterday with the 8-entry NCHA Open Cutting won by Gavin Jordan aboard Tachitas Cat, onwed by Margot Hazell, Livermore, Calif. The pair scored a 220 and picked up $1,615.20. The Reserve title was Todd Bimat, Orland, Calif., riding Royally Smart Cat, owned by Jerry Erwin, Ridgefield, Wash., to a 219 for $1,076.80.

The first go-round of the 44-entry Open Classic/Challenge was topped with a 220 scored by Russ Westfall riding High Style Royal for Tag Chapman. Tim Smith finished second with a 219 riding Stylin Roxy, owned by Jim and Patsy Chamberlain.

In the 36-entry $35,000 Non-Pro, Georgeanne Siegfriend rode Notice My Date to the championship with a 215, collecting $710.64, while Bernit Talbot, Wilton, Calif., rode Smart Little Norman to a 213 for $583.74.

In the 35-entry $15,000 Amateur, Ross Hall, Corcoran, Calif., rode Catsablackboon to a 215.5 and the first-place check of $690.90. Second went to Cassandra Biller, Tulare, Calif., riding Little Larry DNA to a 215 and $567.52.Today the first go-round of the 66-entry Open Derby is currently in progress, along with the second go of the Open Classic Challenge.
Click here for PCCHA schedule & results>>

The Cattlemens Derby & Classic, is a new event starting today and being held until March 16 in Graham, Texas. With $115,000 in added money, the aged event sponsored by Ping Gough, Jeff Gough, Henry Pickett II and Patt Fasano will be held until next Tuesday. Show secretary is Donna Bachand. The event starts out today with the first go-round of the 69-entry 5/6-Year-Old Open today. The second go will be held tomorrow morning, along with the first go-round of the 80-entry Open 4-Year-Old.
Click here for Cattlemens schedule & results>>

The NCHA Eastern National Championships in Jackson, Miss., starts today with a 120-entry $10,000 Novice Horse class. Tomorrow will start out with the 108-entry $3,000 Novice class, followed by the Taste of Mississippi party at 7 p.m.
Click here for Eastern Nat'ls schedule & Results>>

KEENELAND REVAMPS THE WORLD'S LARGEST YEARLING SALE
In an effort to serve its consignors and buyers better, the Keeneland Association has revamped the world's largest yearling sale, a 15-day sale scheduled for Sept. 12-26. The sale will offer 1,500 yearlings during the first week of the sale, offering fewer yearlings on average each day in an effort to be "more relaxed."

According to an article in Thoroughbred Times Today, Book 1 will include 200 yearlings that will be spread over Sunday and Monday night sessions, with about 100 offered each night. Book 2 will run Tuesday through Friday with 1,300 yearlings averaging 325 per day - down from the 400 per day offered the past few years.

Officials hope the new format will create more stability, continuity and excitement within the Thoroughbred marketplace as economic conditions continue to rebound domestically and internationally.

JOHN MITCHELL CLINIC SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 24-15
Top cutter, John Mitchell, resident trainer at the Slate River Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, will be holding a cutting clinic April 24-25 at the Casner Ranch, Temecula, Calif. Mitchell recently finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th Feb. 3 in the 5/6-Year-Old finals at Tunica, Miss. There will be fresh cattle each day. Cost is $1,200 per rider and $50 per day for obsdrvers. Call (951) 852-1945 or e-mail Lois at lois.horseshow@verizon.net.

STUD BOOK & REGISTRATION COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AMENDING REGISTRATION RULES ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 6-7 DURING CONVENTION IN KISSIMMEE, FLA.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 5, 2010
On Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7, the Stud Book & Registration Committee of the AQHA will discuss information provided by the cloning task force in regard to amending Rule 227(a), which prohibits the registration of horses produced by any cloning process. The meeting will take place during the 2010 AQHA Convention being held March 5-8 in Kissimmee, Fla.

The suggested amendment would allow for the registration of clones by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). According to Wikipedia, SCNT is a laboratory technique for creating a colonial embryo using an ovum with a donor nucleus. It can be used in therapeutic cloning (regenerative medicine) or it is used as the first step in the process of reproductive cloning.

The subject of cloning horses is very controversial among AQHA members for many reasons. Those opposed to cloning saying that a clone is not an identical copy of the original due to mitochondrial DNA that is passed through the oocyte (unfertilized egg) that comes from the donor mare.

Cloned females will pass on to their offspring the mitrochondrial DNA of the egg used in the cloning process, but the cloned males do not. This is because when a stallion sires a foal, his sperm mitochondria are eliminated and the foal only has the mitochondria from the egg of its dam – which in some cases could be an unknown mare from a slaughterhouse.

According to a recent guest editorial from Lee A Bulla Jr., PhD, a professor of molecular biology at the University of Texas at Dallas in the Quarter Horse News. “A clone is not an exact duplicate of the original and “lies in the capacity of certain nuclear genes transferred by SCNT to be normally activated or expressed. In normal development for some genes, one copy is turned off, depending upon which parent transmits it – which is called genomic imprinting.

It genetically marks the DNA from the sire and the dam so that only one copy of a gene is turned on. In SCNT, genese in a donor nucleus skip passing through a sperm or egg and thus are not imprinted. Therefore, this often leads to abnormalities and disorders resulting from changes in the normal activation and expression of certain embryonic genes.”
Click here for a copy of the QHN article>>

Dr. George E. Seidel, Jr., associated with Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., who also published a paper also agrees that Dr. Bulla’s article “is well written and describes many of the reasons that clones are not phenotypically identical with the original and why clonemates will not be identical with each other and sometimes have abnormalities. He continued that many of the mechanisms causing dissimilarity are similar to the causes of differences between identical twins.
Click here for Seidel's paper>>

Some members argue that this compromises the purity of the AQHA breed. At the very least, they contend that if registration of clones is approved, the source of both the mitochondrial DNA from the oocyte (dam) and the sire be registered American Quarter Horses – and that the lineage of the oocyte donor be recorded.on the registration papers. They contend that the only way to get a true “clone”, as far as DNA is concerned, is to take an oocyte from the same maternal line as the nuclear DNA donor (ie) the dam or a sister on the maternal side. ;

However, owners of highly successful cloned cutting horses keep pushing for their registration. According to an article “Pure Genetics” published in the February 2009 issue of the Quarter Horse Journal, AQHA Professional Horseman Jason Martin says, “It’s coming whether we’re ready or not.”

Several well-known cutting horses were cloned in 2006, including Doc’s Serendipity,. The 1977 NCHA Futurity Reserve Champion cloned in 2006 by David Brown; five clones of NCHA Triple Crown Champion and leading sire Smart Little Lena, cloned by the Smart Little Lena Syndicate; Royal Blue Boon, the all-time leading NCHA dam, by Elaine Hall; Playboys Ruby, earner of $262,441, by Waco Bend Ranch; Tap O Lena, NCHA earner of $450,639, by Phil Rapp; and Gills Bay Boy “Scamper,” a top barrel racing gelding owned by WPRA World Champion Charmayne James.

In 2007, Lynx Melody, the winner of the 1978 NCHA Futurity, by Gregg Veneklasen DVM and Jason Abraham and two clones of Jae Bar Fletch, NCHA Hall of Fame stallion owned by Ernest Cannon.

But not all of the clones worked, as Lindy Burch, Weatherford, Texas, attempted to clone her 2000 NCHA Futurity winner Bet Yer Blue Boons. Two clones were born in 2006; however, one was born with an enlarged umbilicus that hemorrhaged and the other “had all kinds of things going wrong” and was euthanized at approximately 30 days.”

One of the main points Dr. Bulla makes is that information available suggests that the offspring of clones do not have such problems, correcting themselves in the next generation.

While the clone of Doc’s Serendipity was in training for the NCHA Futurity, but had soundness issues, she has a foal by High Brow Cat. Currently there are three clones standing at stud: “Clayton,” the clone of Charmayne James great barrel racing gelding Gills Bay Boy, nicknamed Scamper; and Dave and Eli, two of the clones of Smart Little Lena.

All three are standing at Joe Landers Stallion Station in Weatherford, Texas. According to Lander’s office, the breeding price for Clayton is $4,000 with consideration given to certain mares. The fees for Dave and Eli are determined by the Smart Little Lena Clone Syndicate and will more than likely depend on the mares being bred. As far as Landers knows, those three are the only cloned stallions standing at stud.

Asked if he has had a lot of interest by mare owners, Landers said “a little … but we’re living in different times right now.”

Nena Winand, DVM of Cornell University, who discovered the HERDA gene, is opposed to cloning because “We don’t really know the full effects of cloning right now; we don’t know if we’re introducing mutations (into clones). .But she feels cloning amplifies an individual’s impact on a gene pool – and not always in a good way.

“I think it is useful to look at whether or not the expansion of an individual’s bloodline is causing the emergence of recessive traits and economic loss resulting from that. “ She was referring to such undesirable recessive traits such as HERDA, mutations, which have caused significant economic loss for breeders of affected cutting horses that come from the Poco Bueno line. “If a population of horses is already in danger of being genetically ‘bottle-necked’ with certain bloodlines, clones could further that problem,” said Winand.

Several Quarter Horse breeders are opposed to allowing clones to be registered by the AQHA, including past AQHA Presidents Steve Stevens and Frank Merrill and legendary breeder Carol Harris, Reddick, Fla. However, Stevens will not be at this year’s Convention and Stud Book & Registration meeting due to being hospitalized with a severe heart attack and Harris is in rehab from an automobile accident.

ViaGen Inc., Austin, Texas, is the only commercial entity offering horse cloning and charges $150,000 for one clone. To help with identification, the company has offered to microchip clones to differentiate them from the original (or each other) before it leaves the company’s care, or there is a possibility they could use iris scan technology to identify them. However, the AQHA article says there are some unresolved issues when it comes to verifying whether a particular offspring was sired by the original donor stallion or a clone of that stallion.

This could be a problem with the Smart Little Lena clones as they are currently standing at stud. It won’t be a problem with Scamper, in that he is a gelding and his clone, “Clayton,” is a stallion

Gary Griffith, AQHA executive director of registration, in the AQHA Journal article said, “While I understand that a more advanced DNA test could be used to differentiate the offspring of a cloned mare and the original donor mare because of different mitochondrial DNA, the same is not true for stallions. Likewise if a stallion was cloned twice, we are currently unable to verify whether a particular foal was sired by a clone stallion No. 1 or cloned stallion No. 2. This not only creates issues with respect to maintaining lineage records, but also potentially creates issues with respect to race, show, produce and get records being attributed to an incorrect parent.

During 2008, the NCHA became the first organization to allow cloned horses to compete in aged events. NCHA member and attorney Lew Stevens recommended the association adopt a policy to allow clones to compete since the association was a performance horse association, not a breed association.
Click here for Pure Genetics published by the AQHA>>

However, the only clone shown to date in NCHA competition is Ruby Too, a 4-year-old clone of Playboys Ruby, a 1987 daughter of Freckles Playboy out of Lenachick by Doc O’Lena. Playboys Ruby has earned $268,441 and has produced 12 offspring earning over $1.6 million. The clone, Ruby Too, is owned by the Waco Bend Ranch, Graham, Texas. According to her owner, Ray Baldwin, when Waco Bend Ranch purchased Playboys Ruby, the clone came with her.

Baldwin rode the mare in the first round of the Augusta Non-Pro Futurity, marking a 207 – bettering her 203 score in the first go-round of the Open with Turner West, an assistant trainer for Phil Rapp, in the saddle. West had also shown her during her first outing at a weekend show at Silverado, making a 70. The horse did not make the finals in either division. According to Baldwin, If the mare doesn’t show some good potential, plans are to breed her in the spring.

Click here for the AQHA Convention schedule>>
Click here for the agenda for the Stud Book & Registration Committee>

Feb. 24, 2009
Black Rock's Grant Setnicka wins first go-round of South Point Winter Show Derby and Classic/Challenge; three tie following first go-round of the new Arbuckle Mountain Futurity, entries at Eastern Nationals break records and some are questioning if the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing will survive.

BLACK ROCK'S GRANT SETNICKA SWEEPS FIRST GO OF SOUTH POINT DERBY & CLASSIC/CHALLENGE
Grant Setnicka, the resident trainer of Marhsall Chesrown's Black Rock Ranch won the first go-round of the 70-entry South Point Derby, as well as the 35-entry $10,000 Ltd Horse, riding Widows Peak. He topped it off with the first-place paycheck in the first go-round of the 55-entry Open Classic/Challenge riding Dual R Smokin. Second in the first go of the Derby was Tim Smith riding Reys Hot Wheels for the Brinkman Ranch. Smith also was second in the first go of the Classic/Challenge, this time riding Oaks On The Skyline owned by Sally Nakasawa.

The second go-round of both divisions will be held Wednesday, Feb. 24. The South Point Winter Championship Show is being held Feb. 23-27 at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The finals of both divisions will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, with the Non-Pro and Amateur classes starting Thursday. The schedule and results can be viewed at: http://www.nchacutting.com/southpointwinter/schedule.shtml

THREE TIE AFTER FIRST GO IN 5/6 YEAR-OLD OPEN AT NEW ARBUCKLE MOUNTAIN FUTURITY
Sponsored by the Hardy Murphy Coliseum and the city of Ardmore, Okla., the Arbuckle Mountain Futurity is in full swing. Following the first go-round of the 79-entry 5/6-Year-Old Open, three horses are tied for first with 219s. They include Royals Magnificat, owned by Dave and Georgia Husby, Weatherford, Texas, ridden by Clint Allen; Peptos Stylish Miss, owned by Slate River Ranch, Weatherford, ridden by John Mitchell and Haymaker, owned by the Center Ranch, Centerville, Texas, ridden by Steve Oehlhof.

The event, held Feb. 23-March 3 at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, features $110,000 added to the limited aged events with a guaranteed payout in the 4-Year-Old and 5/6-Year-Old Open of $20,000 for first, $17,500 for second and $15,000 for third.

The event continues today with the second go-round of the 5/6-Year-Old Open. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 25-26, the 4-Year-Old Open will be held, followed by the 5/6-Year-Old Open Finals. The 4-Year-Old Open finals will be held Saturday, Feb. 27. The Non-Pro and Amateur classes start Sunday, Feb. 28 with finals being held Monday and Tuesday, March 1-2. For results go to: http://www.nchadella.com/arbuckle/index.htm

Another new event, The Cattlemens Derby & Classic, in Graham, Texas, will follow the Arbuckle event on March 8-16 with $115,000 added. The event is being put on by Ping Goughm, Jeff Gough, Henry Pickett II and Patt Fasano. For further information go to http://www.cattlemenscutting.com/schedule.html.

Also, the PCCHA Derby/Classic will be held March 7-13 in Paso Robles, Calif.

ENTRIES AT EASTERN NATIONALS BREAK RECORD:
According to the NCHA, the 2009 NCHA Eastern National Championships, to be held March 8-20 in Jackson, Miss., attracted an all-time record of 1,127 entries - a 24 percent increase in entries from last year. The added money of $200,000 is a 67 percent increase from last year and will represent a record $454,367 total - a 36 percent increase from last year. Every finalist in every class will receive a larger check than last year and the first-place in each class will pay from $5,264 up to $8,642. Entry fees remained at $500 per class.

WILL THE TRIPLE CROWN OF RACING SURVIVE?
The year 2010 is going to be a tough one for the Thoroughbred racing industry. At stake now are the three greatest races in the industry - the Preakness, Belmont and the Kentucky Derby. The Preakness and Belmont venues are threatened by lack of gaming. The Kentucky Derby seems to be safe for now; however, the fate of the entire industry is at risk in today's down economy.

According to Charlie Hayward of the New York Racing Association, the NYRA will be out of money by summer and the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, could be threatened if the state doesn't decide on a video lottery terminal (VLT) operator at Aqueduck Racetrack. That decision has been postponed for years.Complicating the matter is the fact that New York City Off-Track Betting has declared bankruptcy and isn't able to advance funds to the NYRA, even though the state has an obligation to fund NYRA until VLTS are operating.

Also Maryland racing is at risk because it also is funded by slot machine revenue, which are having a hard time right now - at risk could be the Preakness. One writer for the Thoroughbred Times pointed out that although the Kentucky Derby seems safe for the moment, Thoroughbred racing seems to be at the point where it's success is dependent on slot machines rather than the sport of racing.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Feb. 19, 2010
Ernie Beutenmiller and Jim Milner are in the race for the NCHA Vice President position, a new cutting program on a new channel on DISH and DirecTV coming in March and why not listen to NCHARadio.com while you’re working on your computer?

BEUTENMILLER AND MILNER TO VY FOR NCHA VICE PRESIDENT
NCHA members will soon be receiving ballots for the new NCHA Vice President position. The ballot will include Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr., Union, Mo., a current NCHA Executive Committee member and Jim Milner, Fort Worth, Texas, a past NCHA Executive Committee member and President of the NCHA.

Beutenmiller is a cutting horse trainer with a reputation of having extensive knowledge of the NCHA Rule Book and who presented the Tour To The Finals concept at the 2007 NCHA Convention. Milner is a successful businessman, who along with his family has been involved in the cutting horse industry since the early 1970s as owners, breeders and riders. Jim, his wife Mary Jo and son Joey, are all members of the NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame.The new Vice President will take his position during the 2010 NCHA Convention

THE WEEKEND CUTTER
“The Weekend Cutter” is a planned television program on “In Country,” a channel located next to the RFD on both Dish and DirecTV. According to NCHA member Kenny Emigh, Cleburne, Texas, equine content is starting to fill in on the channel and “The Weekend Cutter” will air on March 29 at 8 p.m. Central time. If you would like to see a pilot program, go to the Face book page of Kenny Emigh.

According to Emigh, an Amateur cutter, he started this project so that “other Amateurs could see, the sport from an Amateurs point of view, and get to see, AND hear the coaching from "Amateur Friendly, and Honest" Open Trainers, that are more concerned with their clients being successful, rather than draining their bank accounts, until they distrust, and/or dislike the sport.”

NCHARADIO.COM
If you haven’t listened to “Real Country music for Real Cutters,” go to NCHAradio.com. This is a new internet station that goes around the world around the clock. The radio station not only includes the world’s most popular country music but also up-to-the-minute news of cutting events. The venture is a partnership between the NCHA and Internet Cowboys LLC. You can send your personal comments to Program Director Billy Thorman at BillyThorman@ILovecutting.com. For advertising information contact Shawn McCoy at 817-929-8597 or Mark Herron 817-244-6188.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 26, 2010
Do you ever wonder what happened to the offer by South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center to hold an NCHA Finals basically free of charge at their state-of-the-art facility. Following is a step-by-step of correspondence showing where the offer stands today.

On Nov. 10, 2009, I published an article regarding the South Point offer, including a copy of a Nov. 1, 2009, letter that Steve Stallworth, General Manager of the South Point Equestrian Center sent to NCHA President Chubby Turner, extending a proposal to the NCHA to hold a Finals for the NCHA classes that presently do not have a Finals. As it stands today, only the NCHA Open and Non-Pro have a Finals that in 2009 were held during the NCHA Futurity.

Offered was the indoor arena attached to the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.,, move-in and move-out expenses, hotel rooms for NCHA working staff, conversion and take-down expense, dirt, judge’s stands, cattle pens, practice pens, dirt, drags, show office, office equipment, a vet clinic and judges lounges. Also, favorable hotel rates would be given to participants in the event. The NCHA would also be able to make money on stall rental.
Click here for proposal letter from Stallworth>>

On Nov. 24, 2009, Executive Director Jeff Hooper responded saying that the Executive Committee had met on Nov. 18 and discussed the proposal. He wrote that the NCHA was no longer conducting an NCHA Finals under the same structure as it was when it was held in Amarillo for the past several years and that the other class winners would be honored during the Futurity.
Click here for Hooper response>>

On Jan. 14, Stallworth wrote Hooper, stating that the South Point was still interested in a relationship with the NCHA, stating that the previous offer was not just limited to 2010 – and that it was not meant to interfere with the World Finals of the Open and Non-Pro held during the Futurity – but rather to accommodate those members in the rest of the classes that have now been deleted from having their own Finals.
Click here for Stallworths offer>>

That same day, Hooper responded to Stallworth in an e-mail stating that he would make sure the Executive Committee was updated on the opportunity.
Click here for Hoopers response>>

If you have an opinion on the above, please e-mail me at glory@glorykurtz.com with your comments.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 22, 2010 – Fort Worth, Texas
Parking at the NCHA events, or any other events for that matter, at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth will no longer be free. According to Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, when the Fort Worth Stock Show ends on Feb. 7, permanent parking gates will go up around the Will Rogers Memorial Center and Amon Carter Square.

Beginning around March 15, visitors will pay either $5 or $6 a day year round to park near the coliseum, cattle barns and the Amon G Carter Jr Exhibits Hall. That’s for horse shows, cattle barn flea markets, gun shows, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. This means that the fee will be in effect for the NCHA Super Stakes scheduled for March 26-April 16 and the Sale, April 3.

Although the Fort Worth Cultural District parking plan isn’t written yet, tenants and employees are being told that everyone will pay $5 or $6 to help finance the much-needed 1,100-space Western Heritage Parking Garage. Whether or not the NCHA or other associations will provide parking for entries, box-seat holders, ticket holders or the media is not yet known.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 21, 2010
The day before the Augusta Futurity was set to begin its nine-day run in Augusta, Ga., the man who is credited with its growth and success, William Morris III, chairman of Morris Publishing Group saw his company granted critical “first-day” motions by Judge John Dalis of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Augusta.

According to Mark A. Berkoff, a partner with Morris Publishing’s legal counsel Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, expects the Morris restructuring “will be one of the fastest newspaper reorganizations in U.S. history.”

The motions allowed the company to continue its business operations by paying wages and benefits to employees and to continue covering both pre- and post-petition obligations to suppliers and customers, according to a Morris press release. The court also granted the company authority to continue using its cash to fund its operating expenses. The court also set a deadline of Feb. 10 for objections to the plan and disclosure statement submitted by Morris, and scheduled a confirmation hearing for Feb. 17.

“This allows us to complete the final step in our debt restructuring without any noticeable impact to our newspapers. Just as important it saves thousands of jobs and enables us to continue to operate our business with the same high standards we have for three generations,” said Morris in the press release.

Morris Publishing filed a prepackaged bankruptcy plan of reorganization on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The company is asking the Court to approve a plan that will reduce bondholder debt through the issuance of $100 million of new second lien secured notes due in 2014 in exchange for the cancellation of approximately $278.5 million principal amount of outstanding senior subordinated notes due 2013 plus accrued interest. Holders of approximately 93 percent of the existing notes who voted, voted to support the pre-packaged reorganization plan.

With its restructuring plan, Morris Publishing will reduce its overall indebtedness from approximately $415 million to $126.5 million. For more information about the bankruptcy plan, visit
www.morrisrestructures.com.

MORRIS OWNS 13 DAILY NEWSPAPERS, WESTERN HORSEMAN MAGAZINE, QUARTER HORSE NEWS AND BARREL HORSE NEWS

Compiled by Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 14, 2010
Morris Publishing Group, an Augusta, Ga., company said in a company news release today that it would file a “prepackaged” plan, preapproved by a majority of its creditors, in federal bankruptcy court by Tuesday of next week. The plan, through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeks to slash Morris Publishing’s debt of $415 million by nearly 70 percent. The decision was made when the holders of 99 percent of the company’s debt couldn’t be obtained for its proposed “exchange plan” presented late last year.

The owner of 13 daily newspapers plus a group of other publications, including Western Horseman Magazine, Quarter Horse News and Barrel Horse News, has been struggling with declining advertising revenue for several years, resulting in layoffs and other cost-saving measures. As newspaper profits have dwindled industry wide from the economic recession and the loss of readers to online media, Morris Publishing has been saddled with debt which came mostly from its acquisition of newspapers in the 1990s. The company was unable to pay $19.4 million in interest on unsecured bond debt of $278.5 million that was due in two semiannual payments in February and August of last year.

In 2009, the company was granted more than a dozen extensions to pay $19.4 million in interest on a portion of its $417 million debt. Since October, Morris Publishing has been trying to get creditors to support the restructuring plan but failed by the deadline earlier this week to get the near-unanimous approval required to settle its debt out of court. The new plan allows Morris Publishing to exchange $100 million in new debt for $278.5 million in existing debt – which are 7 percent senior subordinated notes. A statement from Morris said that the offer required that 99 percent of existing notes be tendered but the condition was not met by a Jan. 12 deadline, so Morris terminated the offer.

Morris will follow other newspapers who have filed bankruptcy, including the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, the Tribune Company in Chicago and the Star Tribune in Minnesota. Newspapers owned by Morris include the Amarillo (Texas) Globe News; Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald; Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle; Bluffton (S.C.) Today; Brainerd (Minn.) Dispatch; Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville; Juneau (Alaska) Empire; Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark.; Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal; Peninsula Clarion, Kenai, Alaska; The St Augustine (Fla.) Record; Savannah (Ga.) Morning News and the Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal.

After the bond exchange is approved, Morris Publishing says it plans to further reduce its debt by paying back $110 million of $136 million in debt owed to J P Morgan Chase (the administrative agent for Morris’ creditors) and other banks by using funds generated by the company’s sale of a majority stake in a billboard company last October. According to the Metro Spirit, an Augusta, Ga., publication, JP Morgan had previously forced the Journal Register, the owner of 20 dailies, to file for bankruptcy. Under that bankruptcy proposal worked out with JP Morgan, the paper would trade much of its debt to the banks in exchange for stock in the newspaper company. The publication also said that William S. Morris III had sold his MediaCom stock for more than $100 million in a deal that closed early in 2009.

Although the Western publications have not been as affected by the downturn in advertising and subscriptions as the daily newspapers, the publications have cut staff and costs. The position of Robert Eubanks, an employee of Quarter Horse News for over 20 years, was eliminated several months ago, Carl Mullins, publisher of the Western publications and President of MCC Magazines resigned and more recently employees of the production department of the Western publications in Fort Worth, Texas, were eliminated, with the work going to the Augusta Chronicle.

According to Morris’ press release, the plan of reorganization is not expected to have any noticeable impact on Morris’ ongoing operations. “Under the terms of a restructuring support agreement among the company and holders of approximately 75 percent, or $209 million, of the existing notes, the company agreed to file voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on or prior to Jan. 19, 1010. If the Plan is confirmed by the bankruptcy court, 100 percent of the existing notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, will be canceled.”

Information for the above article was obtained from press releases issue by Yahoo News, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Amarillo Globe News, Savannah Morning News, Jacksonville Business Journal and the Metro Spirit.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 10, 2010

Kate Gaughan and Cookie Banuelos were married in Las Vegas on Friday., Jan. 8.

PEOPLE, TRAINERS AND FACILITIES:
Congratulations to KATE GAUGHAN, the daughter of Michael and Paula Gaughan, and COOKIE BANUELOS, who tied the knot in their hometown of Las Vegas, Nev., on Friday, Jan. 8. Both Kate and Cookie qualified for the recent NCHA World Series Finals held during the NCHA Futurity, with Kate showing in the Non-Pro and Cookie in the Open. Cookie trains horses for the Gaughan family.

DUSTAN HORNE, who has worked for Steve and Michelle Anderson, Weatherford, Texas, for several years, will be taking some outside horses of all ages to train, including 2-year-olds. He will also accept a few Non-Pros and Amateurs. Dustan and his wife, Maria, who are expecting twins in April, also are continuing to work for the Andersons. You can contact Dustan at (817) 304-2732 or e-mail him at DmHorne1@aol.com.

Talking about the Andersons, their beautiful 137-acre equine facility at Silverado On The Brazos between Weatherford and Granbury, is for sale. It includes two stone homes, a 17-stall barn with an upstairs lounge and game room, two pools, a 125x250 indoor arena with a commercial kitchen and dining area, two round pens, covered panel walker, truck and hay barn, seven wells and five stock ponds. The facility is listed by Mac Coalson.

Also, according to a Mac Coalson Real Estate ad, the Silverado show arena is for sale. The 222-acre facility includes an attached barn, plus a separate barn, outside arena, 117 paved parking spaces, 28 RV hookups, horse swimming pool, cattle pens etc., five water wells and five stock ponds – among other amenities. The facility is equipped to hold large cutting events.

Other news is that Richard Fields, the owner of Jackson Land & Cattle Co., Jackson, Wyo., is purchasing Lindy Burch’s Oxbow Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. The final papers haven’t been signed yet, but that should take place within a week or so.

KEENELAND JANUARY HORSES OF ALL AGES SALE TO BEGIN ON MONDAY
For five days, starting on Monday, Jan. 11, the Keeneland January “Horses of all ages” sale will be held for five sessions in Lexington, Ky. According to Thoroughbred Times Today, Keeneland has 1,753 horses cataloged – down 26.3 percent from last year when the Thoroughbred auction industry suffered its biggest drop in history – a $308.8 million decline from 2008 – which had been cut in half from its peak in 2006.

However, Keeneland’s Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell, says that the sale is really part of the 2009 sale season. He isn’t expecting anything to change during this sale from the 2009 sales, especially since temperatures are expected to be in the teens with negative wind chills. “We’ll have to wait for the yearling sales,” said Russell. “Credit is still tight and it affects everyone on many levels.”

Last year, Dan Liebman wrote an article on bloodhorse.com regarding the Keeneland yearling sales, saying, “Markets don’t correct themselves overnight, especially ones like for Thoroughbred horses that take a long time to bring the product to the buyers. It is tough to admit when the market problem you encounter is caused by none other than yourself, but breeders and consignors recognize they are paying dearly now for years of sending too many mares to the breeding shed. They couldn’t resist temptation to take the money off the table in the short term during a lengthy up market which has caused harm to the breed in the long term.”

The result of the down market in the Thoroughbred industry has been sales that are down in size and amount and reduced stud fees. Doesn’t that sound pretty familiar for cutting horse buyers and sellers as well as stallion and mare owners?

ENTRIES DUE FOR NCHA WORLD SERIES AT SAN ANTONIO RODEO
The deadline for online entries, as well as the final deadline for entering the NCHA World Series at the San Antonio Stock Show, Feb. 6-8, is Jan. 23. A total of $25,000 will be added to both the Open and the No-Pro, and will play a key role in the year-end Open and Non-Pro races. There will also be Youth, Novice and Non-Pro classes and limited age classes. With new sponsor Mercuria Global Energy, the NCHA World Series has expanded to eight shows in 2010. Following San Antonio will be the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, March 3-5, following a full slate of AQHA cutting and NCHA classes beginning Feb. 25.

CONGRESS REQUESTS HORSE WELFARE STUDY:
According to an article in “America’s Horse,” the U. S. Governments wants the General Accounting Office to look into the effects that the closure of U. S. horse slaughter plants have had on horse welfare. The request is part of the Senate Appropriations Committee Report, which accompanies the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2010, which provides funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congress wants to know what changes the closures have made on farm income and trade, any impacts on state and local governments and animal protection organizations, how the USDA oversees the transport of horses destined for slaughter in foreign countries, particularly Canada and Mexico, as well as general conclusions regarding the welfare of horses as a result of the ban.

Keith Kleine, the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ director of industry relations, says it is hoped that the study will provide facts to congressional leaders that will help in crafting legislation to aid the horse industry in dealing with ever-increasing numbers of unwanted horses

Dec. 29, 2009
Horse dentist Carl Mitz, Buda, Texas, and three other horse dentists have filed a suit against the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, who have ordered unlicensed equine teeth floaters to stop practicing or work under the supervision of a licensed vet. The Mitz lawsuit claims that the board is violating the state constitution, specifically Article 1, Section 19, which holds that "no citizen of this state shall be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or immunities, or in any manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of the land."

The equine dentists claim that regulating equine teeth floating deprives them of their right to earn an honest living. They are represented by Clark Neily, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, a non-profit libertarian law firm, which wants to stop state governments from overregulating. The institute is also fighting on behalf of equine massage therapists. The group lost a teeth-floating suit in Minnesota last year. several customers of the equine dentists have also joined in the lawsuit.

According to a Dec. 27 article in WSJ.com, a website of the Wall Street Journal, states vary in their approach to floating. Arizona requires floaters to be certified by their trade association, Nebraska lets licensed vet techs do the work under supervision and Maryland imposes no restrictions. Last year, Oklahoma made it a felony to float teeth without a veterinary license, but when a rodeo star and state hero was arrested, the law was repealed due to outrage by citizens and the horse community.

Although several teeth floaters have quit in the face of cease-and-desist orders, others have gone underground. Mitz, who has been floating teeth for 25 years, is currently allowed to continue until the lawsuit is resolved; however, it has not yet been set for trial. However, more than likely, a trial will be set for sometime in 2010.

NCHA HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS HONORED

Article and photos by Robert Eubanks
Dec. 10, 2009 - Fort Worth, Texas

Ron Lane, Eugene F. Williams Jr., Bob Moorhouse, Bernice Humphreys (widow of former manager Jim Humphreys), Eugene F. Williams III.

The Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., popularly known as the Pitchfork Ranch, with roots in the West Texas counties of King and Dickens, was presented the Charles Goodnight Award at the 20th annual Goodnight Gala on Dec. 7 at Fort Worth’s Worthington Hotel.

The award is named after Charles Goodnight, a legendary cattleman and trailblazer of the 19th century. The award acknowledges self-determination, individualism, achievement and concern for one’s neighbors. Each recipient personifies the ideals of the Old West and has made noteworthy contributions to the preservation of the Western heritage that has meant so much to the economy and culture of Fort Worth and the state of Texas.

Pitchfork’s brand has grown steadfastly since 1870s. In addition to its Texas Panhandle locations, the ranch has a satellite operation in Oklahoma’s Jefferson County and branch operations once extended to Wyoming and Kansas.

Accepting the award on behalf of the ranch was Eugene F. Williams III. Corporate headquarters are in St. Louis, Mo.

Proceeds from the gala benefit the ranch management program at Texas Christian University, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Previous recipients of the Charles Goodnight Award were Perry R. Bass, John S. Justin, Jr., Anne W. Marion, W.R. “Billy Bob” Watt, W.R. Watt Jr., Watt Matthews, Stephen Murrin Jr., Dolph Briscoe, Buster Welch, Waggoner Ranch, Edward P. Bass, King Ranch, Zack T. Wood Jr., Edwards Family Ranches, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Beggs Family, Red Steagall, Bob Green/Green Family Ranches, and Clarence Scharbauer Jr.

Country/Western singer Trace Atkins provided the entertainment for this year’s gala.

Inductees into the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame also were recognized. Inductees into the Members Hall of Fame are Pat Earnheart, Kenneth Jackson, Murlene Mowery, Mel Shearin and Greg Welch.

New members in the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame are David Costello, Dennis “Zeke” Entz, Sean Flynn, Lee Francois, and Gavin Jordan. NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame honorees are Lindy M. Ashlock, James “Spunky” Hawkins, Billy Martin (Texas), Lach Perks and Stacy Shepard.

Special recognition was given to Kathy Shaughnessey, who had labored tirelessly for 20 years to ensure that the gala remained a treasured part of activities during the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity. Mrs. Shaughnessey died at age 58 on Nov. 1.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Nov. 23, 2009
International buyers “save the day” at Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale; Cindy Monroe Young gives deceased dad credit for her AQHA World Show win and you can win a Dodge Truck to be given away at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS SAVE THE DAY AT KEENELAND NOVEMBER BREEDING STOCK SALE
Even though the 13-day run of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale was filed with gyrating figures – going up then down – when all was said and done on the final day, Sunday, Nov. 22, optimism reigned. Helped by the Overbrook Farm dispersal and a “globally diverse” group of buyers, the final results were not as bad as some expected.

A total of 3,545 horses went through the sale ring, 15.4 percent fewer than in 2008; 2,779 actually sold, down 7.9 percent from 2008’s 3,019 and 21.6 percent didn’t sell – down from 2008’s 27.9 percent. Sales totaled $159,727,800, down 13.9 percent from 2008’s $185,552,300. The average of $57,477 was down 6.5 percent from $61,462 2008 average. However, the median was the most encouraging – staying even with the 2008 median of $20,000.

Five horses topped the $1-million mark compared with 19 last year. A total of 148 horses sold for $31,760,000 during the W. T. Young family’s Overbrook Farm dispersal, averaging a healthy $214,595. Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell gave the dispersal, whose horses sold without reserve, for “putting confidence back in the market.” Russell said with optimism that changes are taking place throughout the industry – a reduced number of mares bred, reduced stallion fees and other measures that will insure a return to market profitability in the near future.”

The next test will be the Tattersalls’ nine-day December sale which begins today and includes sections for yearlings, weanlings and mares.

CINDY MONROE YOUNG GIVES DECEASED DAD CREDIT FOR HER WIN
Cindy Monroe Young, the daughter of cutting horse trainer Herb Monroe, who passed away in December of 2007, knows her father is proud of her. Cindy won the AQHA World Show Senior Hunter Under Saddle at the event just over in Oklahoma City, Okla. Cindy was Reserve World Junior Hunter-Under-Saddle Champion last year and also won the 1999 Congress in the 2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle. Also her husband, Shane Young, won the Congress t his year in the AQHA Junior Western Pleasure and the NSBA Junior Western Pleasure. Shane also was Reserve Champion of the AQHA Senior Western Pleasure in 2000.

WIN A NEW DODGE TRUCK
The United Horsemen’s Front, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, is raffling off a truck at his year’s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Las Vegas, has provided a 2009 Dodge 4WD 2500SLT Short Bed pickup, which will be displayed at Gaughan’s South Point Casino. No more than 2,000 tickets will be sold at $100 each. You can view the pickup and purchase a ticket from their website:
Click here to register for pickup>>

SOUTH POINT HOTEL & EQUESTRIAN CENTER MAKES OFFER TO HOLD NCHA FINALS “FREE OF CHARGE”

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Nov. 10, 2009 – Las Vegas, Nev.

The South Point Hotel and Equestrian Center has offered a "free of charge" facility for the NCHA World Finals.

For the first time in several years, there will be no NCHA Year-end Finals for haulers in all the NCHA classes, except for the Open and Non-Pro – which this year will be held during the NCHA Futurity this month. Steve Stallworth, general manager of the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nev., wants to change that.

In a Nov. 1 letter sent to NCHA President Chubby Turner, Stallworth outlined a proposal for the NCHA World Finals to be held “free of charge” at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. “The South Point Equestrian Center will waive ALL “event day” rent of $7,800 per day and “move-in/move-out” rent of $3,760 per day, with a total value of $86,250,” said the letter. The proposal includes the cost of ushers, security, video scoreboard (with the video feed from the NCHA), registration area, media and announcer’s stand, house sound and house lights.

The paid-up expenses would also include conversion, arena set-up/take down, panels, gates, judge’s stands, cattle pens, practice pens, cutting dirt, drags, show office, all office equipment, veterinarian clinic and judges lounges. For the NCHA staff, the South Point will provided up to 10 hotel rooms for working staff at no charge, plus up to five rooms for judges – plus favorable hotel room rates will be given to participants in the event. (Hotel guests can watch and hear the events in the Equestrian Center on a television channel in their rooms). The NCHA would also have an opportunity to make money on stall rental.

According to Stallworth, the proposal presented is for a 2010 event for 2009 qualifiers; however, if year-end awards have already been purchased for the 2009 qualifiers, the three-year proposal would include approximately the same dates in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

“We are extending this proposal in response to the many favorable comments from our cutting horse customers regarding our facility,” said Stallworth. “By providing you with this aggressive proposal (virtually no expenses), we are hopeful it will enable you to have a World Finals event. I truly believe the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals and the South Point Equestrian Center can come together in Las Vegas to provide your participants, fans and supporters the best experience possible.”
Click here for a complete copy of proposal>>
For more info on the Events Center, click here>>

Nov. 2, 2009 – Bossier City, La.
With over 25,000 residents of Bossier City urged to evacuate due to levees being threatened by rising storm water, Louisiana Downs evacuated approximately 250 horses.

According to an article in Thoroughbred Times Today, The severe storm on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) caused flooding and threatened to breech the Red Chute Bayou and Flat River guideline levees – with flood waters splashing over them on Saturday. The National Guard joined Bossier City authorities, working to reinforce the levees.

According to authorities, the water has not yet crested and may not crest until Wednesday (Nov. 3). The entire property is closed down – including the casino.

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS, CONSIDERING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-USE ARENA THAT COULD ATTRACT CUTTING HORSE COMPETITION AND SALES

Oct.. 28, 2009 - Weatherford, Texas
According to a Sept. 19 article in the Weatherford Democrat, the city of Weatherford is considering the building of a multi-use arena consisting of 6,000 fixed seats plus a number of luxury suites, private boxes, premium seating, retail office space, convention space, and a hotel.

The city has already paid for a feasibility study for the unnamed project that already has several members of horse associations involved in the design and layout. The campaign is being initiated by local attorneys Jim and Jack Eggleston.

Following is a copy of the Sept. 19 article that ran in the Weatherford Democrat:

Civic center project rises from grass roots campaign
Sept. 19, 2009 - WEATHERFORD — Cities across the United States and particularly Texas have turned to convention and civic center projects for much-needed fuel for economic development, job creation, increases in property tax bases, increases in sales and uses taxes, and for entertainment options and commercial development.

Weatherford may see such a development thanks to a grass roots campaign initiated by local attorneys Jim and Jack Eggleston.

The project received a city appropriation of $85,000 to complete a feasibility study for the as-yet unnamed project. The city also endorsed the formation of the Weatherford Civic Center Development Corp. to undertake the initial planning for the project.

The proposed location is on Fort Worth Highway, midway between the Courthouse and the I-20/Highway 180 interchange where a livestock auction barn used to be.

According to the Development Corporation, initial plans for the project include a multi-use arena consisting of 6,000 fixed seats for basketball, hockey and rodeos, with the capability of adding 2,500 seats for concerts. The arena is expected to include a number of luxury suites, private boxes, premium seating and retail and office space. Plans for the site also include 75,000 square feet of convention space, a hotel, a 1,200-seat performance theater, a 500-seat amphitheater and outdoor parks.

Members of several horse associations have already been involved in design and layout ideas and have been enthusiastically receptive even to the point of writing letters of endorsement for the project.

In addition, event promoters have already begun asking for dates for future shows beginning in 2012.

Eggleston says that while it is a little premature to start taking reservations, “You have to start planning for and seeking out all potential users in order to prove up the viability of the project. We are still in the early stages, though we are more certain now that it can become a reality than we were six months ago.”

The Development Corporation has also approached several national associations in the equine and cattle industries who have shown an interest locating headquarters, major shows or annual sales at the site.

“One of the key ‘hooks’ for Weatherford and this facility,” Eggleston said, “is our city’s reputation as the ‘Cutting Horse Capital of the World.’ We plan to build something that meets the exacting standards of the cutting horse, reining horse and roping professionals. If we do that, then we can attract events from all over the country because the competitors will see the quality of the facility and enjoy the experience.”

He also noted a minor league hockey group from Scottsdale, Ariz., has already been to the site several times, engaged in discussions with minor league sanctioning authorities and has begun to do their own feasibility study.

“For this to work, it has to be a multi-use facility,” Jack Eggleston said. “Weatherford’s city and chamber groups have done extraordinarily well drawing people to the city with the limited facilities that we have. Now, with more true tourism, convention and civic center facilities, we could really ratchet up our tourism and convention outreach as well.”

When asked how the project may get funded, Eggleston responded it will have to be a city-owned facility, but that private funding will be sought to compliment any public-funding measures.

“[As far as] the impact on taxes, I can say that we have never contemplated or projected one penny of tax increase to pay for this,” Jim Eggleston stated in an e-mail.”

He reported some “very preliminary” letters of interest have already been received. The pending feasibility study is expected to reveal sources of private capital and private interest.

“For example, personal seat licenses will likely be offered, though not at a ‘Dallas Cowboys Rate,’ but at more of a Weatherford rate,” laughed Eggleston. “A preliminary plan of the Development Corporation would give people the opportunity to ‘buy’ their seats and then have the first right to buy tickets for rodeos, concerts, horse shows and other events before tickets are open to the public.

He further projects the economic impact on the city will be several times what the cost of facility may entail.

“The key to funding this kind of a project,” Eggleston said, “is to remember that the return to the City of Weatherford will be enormous in terms of economic development, increases in property values, hotel and motel revenues, retail sales and the creation of jobs.”

The payoff is most often projected a 10 to one or above Eggleston said according to information he has received from officials in Fort Worth, in excess of $25 million per year goes from Parker County into Fort Worth because Weatherford lacks the facilities to keep those events within the county.

Several meetings have reportedly been held with companies interested in purchasing naming rights to the arena. Eggleston would not disclose any names of who has shown such interest, but he did say the companies are primarily local to the North Texas area.

The Development Corporation has enlisted the help of people with experience in developing these kinds of projects. In addition to CSL, Jim Lites, former president of the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers, has been involved in the early planning.

Lites was instrumental in building the American Airlines Center in Dallas, several of the Dr Pepper/Stars Centers and Cedar Park Center near Austin, the new home of the top minor league franchise of the Dallas Stars.

“What is encouraging is that the base of support is really beginning to encompass all kinds of groups including convention planners, music and arts supporters, horse people and others who see what this could do for our future,” Jack Eggleston said. “It will set us apart from Fort Worth and help us further define our unique identity.”

“Depending on the results of the feasibility study,” Jim Eggleston said, “we will have a clearer picture of the next steps. This is a pretty big elephant and we are going to just eat it a bite at a time.”

Sept. 19, 2009 - Fort Worth, Texas
Beginning at the 2013 APHA Fall World Championship Paint Horse Show, cutting will be added to the Breeders’ Futurity line-up for eligible 3-year-old horses. This will be a great opportunity for your Breeders’ Trust-nominated foal to earn cold, hard cash! A 4-year-old Futurity will begin in 2014 when these foals reach that age.

Make sure your 2010 cutting-bred Paint foals are eligible for the American Paint Horse Association’s new Breeders’ Futurity by enrolling their stallion in the APHA Breeders’ Trust by November 30, 2009.

In order to compete, foals must be sired by a stallion that was subscribed to the APHA Breeders’ Trust program for the applicable breeding year, and the foal must be nominated to the Breeders’ Trust prior to earning any APHA points. The foal’s dam must also be nominated to the Breeders’ Futurity program for the respective foaling year, and applicable fees must be paid prior to competing in Breeders’ Futurity competitions.

The APHA Breeders’ Futurity makes its debut at the 2009 Fall World Championship Paint Horse Show. The program was created to add value to Breeders’ Trust-subscribed stallions, the mares bred to these stallions and their offspring. It also presents yet another added-money opportunity to the World Championship Show.

The long-established Breeders’ Trust program provides added incentive for Paint Horse owners to exhibit their horses in the show arena or on the track. The Breeders’ Trust pays cash dividends for points earned by nominated horses at APHA-approved events. In fact, the Breeders’ Trust is the most unique incentive program in the horse industry today. Some of the program’s latest enhancements include:
• Highest stallion subscriber payback ever offered—20%
• Non-owner stallion subscriptions.
• Preferred treatment for re-subscribing stallions.
• Extended deadline for stallions standing for the first time.
• New Breeders’ Futurity program designed to make your Breeders’ Trust foal even more valuable.

The Trust is designed so that everyone responsible for the success of an outstanding foal is rewarded. The stallion subscriber, foal nominator and horse’s owner all share in the profit.

For more information about the Breeders’ Trust and Breeders’ Futurity programs, visit apha.com/breederstrust, apha.com/breedersfuturity, or contact Steven Imhof at simhof@apha.com or (817) 222-6441.

HORSE OWNERS URGED TO CONTINUE CHECKING WITH STATES OF DESTINATION BEFORE HAULING LIVESTOCK

Aug. 9, 2009
Texas Animal health officials have lifted a quarantine on a ranch in Starr County, where horses have recovered from vesicular stomatitis (VS), a virus that occurs sporadically in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and other western states. Currently, there are no quarantines or active investigations for vesicular stomatitis in Texas. Livestock susceptible to VS include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and other cloven-hooved animals. Infected animals can develop blisters, lesions and sloughing of the skin on the muzzles, tongue, teats and above the hooves and usually recover in two to three weeks. To prevent the spread of this virus, which is not fully understood, quarantines remain in effect until at least 21 days after the animal?s lesions have healed.

"Although the quarantine in Texas is released, some states may continue to enforce enhanced entry requirements or restrictions on Texas livestock until the height of the VS season ends in late fall, when temperatures drop, said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas' state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission, the state?s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. New Mexico also has had VS this year, and it is possible that another VS case could be detected in Texas, since the virus is active this year." He urged private veterinary practitioners and livestock owners to check with the states of destination prior to moving animals to ensure all entry requirements are met.

Dr. Hillman explained that the clinical signs of VS mimic the highly dangerous foot-and-mouth disease, and a veterinary exam and laboratory tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis. ?Horses are not susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, but they are often the first animals to get VS,? said Dr. Hillman. ?We can assist with private veterinary practitioners with disease investigations at no charge, and we can receive disease reports 24 hours a day at 800-550-8242.

PLANNING ON HAULING HORSES TO NEW MEXICO - THEY'VE UPDATED THEIR VESICULAR STOMATITIS REQUIREMENTS

July 1, 2009
According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, if you are planning to haul Texas horses to New Mexico, you will have to obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within seven (7) days prior to arrival in that state, due to the vesicular stomatitis (VS) outbreak.

New Mexico updated their vesicular stomatitis requirements Tuesday, June 30. (When Texas is free of vesicular stomatitis, certificates of veterinary inspection will again be valid for 30 days for Texas equine animals entering New Mexico.)

For ALL livestock entering New Mexico, the New Mexico state veterinarian requires the following statement on the certificate of veterinary inspection:

"The animals represented on this CVI (health certificate) have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis (VS), or a premises on which VS has been diagnosed in the past 21 days. I have examined the animals and have found no clinical signs of VS."

You must have an entry permit, issued by the New Mexico Livestock Board, if you are transporting livestock to New Mexico from a county with vesicular stomatitis. (Currently in Texas, vesicular stomatitis is limited to STARR COUNTY in far south Texas.) The entry permit may be obtained at no charge by calling the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161.

June 30, 2009
According to the AQHA publication, America's Horse, All American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses and Appaloosas conceived by mares and stallions living in Texas during 2009 are eligible to be nominated to the new Texas Equine Incentive Fund. House Bill 1881, which was signed by Gov. Rick Perry on June 19, becomes law Sept. 1.

The bill creates a voluntary monetary incentive program to keep Quarter, Paint and Appaloosa horses breeding, showing or racing in Texas.

The bill was introduced into the Texas House by Rep. Sid Miller (R) of Erath in February and garnered broad support as a nonpartisan bill that did not assess taxes on Texas residents.

Miller was the 2006 and 2007 amateur tie-down roping world champion and the 2007 reserve world champion in amateur breakaway roping at the AQHA World Championship Show, and the reserve world champion in breakaway roping at AQHA’s 2008 Bayer Select World Championship Show.

The Texas Equine Incentive Fund will provide rural jobs in the state of Texas by providing incentives to raise and show horses in Texas, rather than other states. The funds for the program are raised within the horse industry and will be administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The rules and guidelines for the program will be determined by a panel representing each of the stock-horse breeds.

The equine industry was worth more than $11 billion in 1998, according to studies at Texas A&M University.

Texas is home to about 900,000 horses. More than 450,000 people are employed by or involved in the industry. More than 101,000 service-providers’ jobs are affected, including veterinarians, veterinary support staff, real estate agents, trainers, farriers, horse trailer dealerships, truck dealerships, fertilizer dealers, feed stores, saddle and tack makers, western apparel stores, hay growers, hotels and restaurants.

For more information, contact the Texas-Bred Horse Association at (214) 223-4188.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
April 3, 2009 – Las Vegas, Nev.
Are you a weekend cutter? Would you like an Invitational World Championship Finals with $210,000 in added money and possible $620,000 total purse? If so, you’ll be happy to hear about the planned South Point Invitational World Championships, scheduled to take place at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center, next February, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Since the NCHA has announced that their NCHA World Championship Finals will no longer be held in Amarillo, and instead will be held during the NCHA Futurity, with only the top 15 Open and Non-Pro riders being able to compete, weekenders are disappointed that they will no longer have a World Championship Finals and that their World titles will be decided by the total money won throughout the year.

Since 1992, Michael and Paula Gaughan have had large, added-money aged-event shows that have paid out over $14.1 million. On the drawing board is an invitational event for the top 50 in the NCHA approved divisions, except the Open and Non-Pro, where invitations will go to contestants ranking. 16-65. The top 15 going to the finals in Fort Worth will not be eligible. ALL CLASSES WILL BE A CLEAN SLATE COMING IN – WITH THREE FULL GO-ROUNDS THAT WILL PAY DOWN 10 PLACES IN EACH GO-ROUND. The event will not be NCHA approved.

With a planned $210,000 in added money, the total purse is estimated to be $620,000, based on 50 entries in each division. The Gaughans are also currently working on getting sponsors for this event. There will be an added purse of $25,000 in the Open, Non-Pro, $10,000 Novice Horse and $15,000 Novice Horse Non-Pro rider. The entry fee will be $1,475 with $900 jackpotted. A total of $23,333 paid out in each go-round and first place in each go-round will pay $4,000.

There would be $20,000 added in the $50,000 Amateur, $20,000 Non-Pro, $10,000 Amateur, $3,000 Novice Horse and $5,000 Novice Horse Non-Pro Rider. The entry fee will be $1,375 with $800 jackpotted. With $20,000 paid out in three go-rounds, first place in each go-round will pay $3,100.

The $2,000 Limited Rider class would have $10,000 in added money, a $1,175 entry fee and $600 jackpotted. With $13,333 paid out in each of the three go-rounds, first place in each go-round will pay $1,800. There are also a lot of quality awards planned.

I would like to hear from you about whether or not you like this format, how you would change it and if you would consider attending the show. E-mail me at glory@glorykurtz.com – or call me at 940-433-5232.

Click here for a chart of classes and pay-out>>

The industry has lost legendary horseman and clinician Ray Hunt, Ernie Vest passes away from coronary heart failure and AQHA implements a "Green Pastures" program.

EMPTY BOOTS
Legendary Horseman Ray Hunt, who was in his late 70s, passed away on March 12. With a summer home at the Rattlesnake Ranch in Mountain Home, Idaho, and a winter home at the Oak Valley Ranch, Era, Texas, Hunt was the first to become a traveling clinician. He used the natural horsemanship methods of the Durance brothers and promoted it throughout the horse industry by holding clinics across the country for over 30 years. In fact, he had a spring clinic scheduled at his Texas Ranch. For more information on Ray Hunt, go to his web site at www.rayhunt.com.

Ernie Vest, 65, Valley View, Texas, passed away on Feb. 14 at Denton Regional Medical Center, Denton, Texas, from coronary heart failure. Vest, well known at horse sales throughout the industry, was cremated.

AQHA IMPLEMENTS “GREEN PASTURES” PROGRAM
If there is a horse in your life that you would like to provide a “forever home,” you can now indicate on a horse’s registration certificate that should that horse ever become unwanted or unusable, you will, if possible, assist in finding him or her a suitable home. The program is voluntary and does not imply that a buy back or exchange of money will occur, or that a horse is guaranteed a home – because sometimes situations change. – but at least you will know when one of your favorite horses is in trouble. You can list up to five horses with the AQHA. Contact the AQHA customer service department at (806) 376-4811 or go to their web site at www.aqha.com, put in your membership number and password – then go to “Business Services” and then “Greener Pastures Enrollment.” You will need the horses’ registration numbers and names.

Liz Haverty, wife of top reining horse trainer, Clint Haverty, is hospitalized with Bacterial Meningitis; John Mitchell and Peptos Stylish Miss take first go-round in the Open Classic/Challenge at the Bonanza Cutting; Eastern Nationals offering $334,000 in purse money; and who’s in the NCHA standings following the high-paying NCHA World Series held during the Houston Stock Show.

LIZ HAVERTY HOSPITALIZED WITH BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
Liz Haverty, wife of reining trainer Clint Haverty, has Bacterial Meningitis and is in ICU at Presbyterian Hospital in Denton, Texas. For anyone wanting to send flowers, she is in room 2120. The hospital is located at 3000 N I-35, Denton, TX 76201.

PEPTOS STYLISH MISS/JOHN MITCHELL TAKE FIRST GO-ROUND OF BONANZA CLASSIC/CHALLENGE
John Mitchell took home $1,500 for his 222 score in the first go of the 85-entry Open Classic/Challenge during the Bonanza Cutting, held March 10-17 in Abilene, Texas. Mitchell was riding Peptos Stylish Miss, owned by Slate River Ranch, Weatherford, Texas. A championship has eluded the pair as they seem to always be the bridesmaid, not the bride. Previously they were Reserve at the 2008 PCCHA 4-Year-Old Open Stakes, and tied for Reserve at the 2008 Brazos Bash Open Derby and 2009 Augusta Classic Challenge. The 2004 daughter of Peptoboonsmal out of Stylish And Foxie by Docs Oak has lifetime earnings of $163,286 going into the Bonanza.
Second place went to Playin Pistol, a 2003 gelding by Smart Little Pistol out of Play With Belles by Freckles Playboy, ridden by Tarin Rice to a 220, taking home a $1,000 paycheck. The mare came into the Bonanza with $60,621 in lifetime earnings. Third was a three-way tie between Your Turn To Play ridden by Boyd Rice, Desires little Rex, ridden by Bubba Matlock and Rubys Royal CD ridden by Phil Hanson. Each collected a $166.66 for their 219 score. Riders may ride an unlimted number of horses in the Open 4 and 5/6-Year-Old classes.
Click here for the Bonanza schedule & results>>

For the 30th year, the Wayne Hodges & Outlaw Conversions/NCHA Eastern national Championships are being held in Jackson, Miss., March 9-20. Texas, with 227 entries, tops the list of states with entries. Obviously, entries from the Eastern part of the country made up a majority of the entries, including Florida with 85, Alabama with 71 and Mississippi and Louisana with 64. Oklahoma was represented by 54 entries.

The purse for the event totals $120,000, or $12,000 for each of the 10 classes, with the cut-off day being Nov. 23, 2008 – the last day of the point year. The entry fee is $500 plus $125 for a stall. Entry fees for the youth are $150.. Entries are limited to the Top 10 2008 area leaders from the 25 NCHA areas or the Top 10 from each affiliate. However, any horse shown in the Open or Non-Pro of the world Finals and finishing in the Top 15 in the final standings are ineligible. Classes are one go-round and finals.

The two classes with their first go-round already held include the 97-entry $10,000 Novice Horse and 89-entry $3,000 Novice Horse divisions. Heading up the $10,000 Novice Horse Division are Peptos Stylish Bay, owned by Carol Pace, Rossville, Tenn., and ridden by Dennis (Zeke) Entz to a 218. Second is Lenas Silver Pistol, owned by Lori Broome, Aubrey, Texas, and ridden by Casey Crouch. Third place is tied between five horses, all scoring a 216, including Grandpaws Playgirl, Leon and Peggy Lewis, Carthage, Texas, owner, Brett Davis rider; Gun N Sandy Candy, owned by Larry Grimes, Thayer, Mo, ridden by Nathaniel Lansford; Justa Lil Freck, Randall & Nicole Aldridge, Killeen, Ala., ridden by Todd Gann; Miss Rey Hickory, owned by Kenneth Wrobbel, Hillsdale, Mich., ridden by Randy Chartier and Tracker Jones, owned by EE Ranches Inc., Whitesboro, Texas, ridden by Guy Woods.

In the $3,000 Novice division, the leader is Grandpaws Playgirl, with a 218 and second is split four ways with a 216. They include bobby Joe Rey, owned by Connie Price, New Underwood, S.D., ridden by Clinton Price; Lakers Playboy, owned by EE Ranches, ridden by Guy Woods, San Tule San doc, owned by Roger and Star Cagle,, Paragould, Ark., ridden by Rusty Jeffrey and Starcat Merada, owned by Daniel Jaeggi, Switzerland, ridden by Chubby Turner.
For a schedule and results, go to:
Click here for Eastern Nat'ls schedule & results>>

NCHA STANDINGS FOLLOWING NCHA WORLD SERIES OF CUTTING
The new NCHA World Standings following the World Series of Cutting held Feb. 28-March 7 during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo have been posted. The top 15 money earners in the Open and Non-Pro divisions for the year will qualify for the World Finals to be held during the NCHA Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas. Other class winners will also receive their year-end awards during the Futurity.

Neat Little Cat, a High Brow Cat stallion owned by Jim and Judy Spaulding, Millsap, Texas, and ridden by Scott McClurg tops the Open Standings. The pair has now shown at 11 shows, earning $11,119.07. A close second is Cats Royal Jewel, owned by Robert and Connie Rust, Gordon, Texas, and ridden by Robert during 14 shows, earning $0,150.03. Third is Mike Coleman riding Lenas Dualin for Buck Daniel to 10 shows, $7,336.69; fourth Rust riding Jazzys Pep Talk for Willard Alexander, $7,336.69 and sixth, Austin Shepherd riding Thomas E Hughes for Don & Kathy Boone, $6,972.95.

Elizabeth Queen, Weatherford, Texas, who topped the Non-Pro World Series of Cutting, tops the Non-Pro Standings. Riding Sister CD and Jazzy Touche, Elizabeth went to nine shows, earning $11,840.79. Second goes to Steve Norris of Colorado Springs, Colo., is second riding Freckles Royall Doc to 14 shows, earning $10,049.90. Third is McKenzie Mullins riding Belles N Bullets, $9,017.77; fourth Dan Hansen riding Woody Be Lucky, Neverey and CD Owen to $8,387.29 and fifth, Janet Westfall, riding Jeeps Posi Traction to $7,634.95.
Click here for NCHA Standings>>

By Glory Ann Kurtz
March 9, 2009
It looks like the registration of cloned horses by the AQHA will be put off until next year following a decision made at the AQHA Convention in San Antonio, Texas; AQHA lowers points for most 2009 World Show qualifiers; the PCCHA Derby and Classic/Challenge are in full swing in Paso Robles, Calif.; the NCHA World Series of Cutting is won by Roy Carter while Elizabeth Queen takes Non-Pro; Doug Williamson wins Open title at National Stock Horse Classic; and Magna Entertainment, who owns the license for Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

AQHA CLONING DECISIONS ON HOLD UNTIL 2010 CONVENTION
Following a 2008 proposal to the AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee, that cloned horses be registered with the AQHA, the proposal was revisited during a meeting of the Stud Book and Registration Committee held March 6 during the AQHA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. With members being invited to the meeting, the AQHA announced that it would also be a live webcast so all members could watch the proceedings. When all was said and done, the Stud Book and Registration Committee approved a motion that recommended that action on the proposal to approve the registration of clones be put off until the 2010 AQHA Convention.

The forum panelists included Katrin Hinrichs, a veterinarian involved in equine cloning at Texas A&M University; Sharon Spier, an epidemiologist at the University of California-Davis; George Seidel, a professor specializing in biomedical sciences at Colorado State University and an expert on cloning and Blake Russell, vice president of ViaGen, a cloning company that recently moved to Canada. The Smart Little Lena clones were created at Texas A&M, while ViaGen cloned several horses, including the cutting industry’s leading dam Royal Blue Boon and the barrel racing industry’s most famous gelding – Charmayne James’ Scamper. Hinrichs stressed that all the clones from Texas A&M appear to be normal. Even though ViaGen did not have a 100 percent success rate, Russell spoke out positively about the technology that makes cloning possible.

Also present was a lawyer representing an AQHA member who owns some cloned horses, as well as Chad Pierce, the AQHA attorney. Several members supported cloning, while others didn’t – bringing up the fact that the mitochondrial DNA received from the donor mare carries certain health risks, as well as the fact that there is no test now available which can distinguish whether a foal is sired by the original stallion – or his clone.

The NCHA has already made a ruling that clones will be allowed to show in the NCHA Futurity and several will be of the age where they can compete this year. In fact, Doc’s Serendipity, a daughter of Doc Bar, was cloned and her clone is not only in training for this year’s Futurity, but was bred to High Brow Cat last spring. The carrier mare of the embryo transfer foal should give birth to the first offspring out of a cloned cutting horse this spring.

AQHA LOWERS POINTS FOR MOST 2009 WORLD SHOW QUALIFIERS
With the 2009 AQHA World Show scheduled to be held Nov. 6-21 in Oklahoma City, the number of points it takes to qualify have been lowered for most classes. Amateur and Open performance halter and ranch sorting were not reduced, as well as classes that only required two points.

Classes that now take 2.5 to 5 points were lowered by a half point, points that now take 5.5 to 10 points were lowered by one point, from 10.5 to 15 were lowered 1.5 points, 15.5 to 20 were lowered two points and points 20.5 and up were lowered by 2.5 points.

Qualifying points necessary in Junior or Senior cutting are 4.5 each, Amateur Cutting requires 3 points; Junior Working Cow Horse requires 4 points, Senior Working Cow Horse requires 5 and Amateur Working cow Horse requires 2 points. Junior Reining requires 13 points, Senior reining requires 12.5 and Amateur Reining requires 12 points.

For the requirements for all classes go to:
http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/
030609_conventioncoverage.html

PCCHA DERBY AND CLASSIC/CHALLENGE IN FULL SWING
Steve Schlesinger and Cats Full Moon, the 2008 Open Derby Champions and Open Cutting Stakes Champions, are trying to make it three in a row. The pair won the first round of the Open Classic/Challenge competition at the PCCHA Derby and Classic/Challenge held March 8-14 in Paso Robles, Calif. The pair led the 42-horse field with a 224 score. Cats Full Moon, owned by the Brinkman Ranch, Lockeford, Calif., is a 5-year-old stallion sired by High Brow Cat out of Darlin Little Dually by Dual Pep. Cats Full Moon was also Reserve Champion of the 2007 PCCHA Open Futurity with Tim Smith in the saddle. The stallion currently has over $96,600 in NCHA earnings.

Finishing second was Smith riding Gimme A Little Pepto for Mike Rawitser. The pair scored a 219. The 6-year-old mare is by Peptoboonsmal and out of Gimme A Little Sugar by Smart Little Lena and has over $13,000 in lifetime earnings. Third was taken by David Costello riding Smart Little Minnie, owned by Ron and Vicki Mullins, to a 218.5 score.

Leading the eight-entry Classic/Challenge Gelding Division was Spookys Cat Deville, owned by Jeff Barnes and ridden by Brent Erickson, Wilton, Calif., with a 217.5 score. The 6-year-old gelding, sired by High Brow Cat out of San Starlight by Grays Starlight, has over $10,700 in NCHA money. The leading Novice Horse was High Brow Kitty, owned by Susan Hearst and ridden by Bonnie Johnson to a 218.

The 77-entry Open Derby began this morning at 9 a.m., followed by the second go-round of the Open Classic/Challenge.

Four NCHA classes were held at the beginning of the show, with Sandy Bonelli, Petaluma, riding Shakin Rondee to the 14-entry Open Championship and $2,447.60 paycheck earned for her 222 score. The Reserve title went to Scott Weis, Ojai, Calif., riding Hick Chicaroo to a 220.5, earning $1,836.70 for the Latigo Canyon Ranch, Los Olivos, Calif. Roni Tanner, Salinas, Calif., won the 18-entry Non-Pro riding Boo Lou Cat to a 219 score and a $2,145.90 paycheck. Second was Debbie hall, Paso Robles, riding Ifitaintgotthatswing to a 216.5, earning $1,788.25.

The 28-entry $20,000 Non-Pro was won by Nicole Carson riding Peptos Promise to a 73, earning $651.42, followed by Lynn Trayham riding Kellys Catalac scoring 72.5 for $535.10. Vicki Mullins rode Flos Remedy to a 145 and the championship of the 30-entry $10,000 Amateur class, earning $810.75. Second was Teresa Home riding Ms Boons Sweet N Low to a 144 and $648.60.

For full results, go to:
http://www.pccha.com/shows.asp?id=8

NCHA WORLD SERIES OF CUTTING WON BY ROY CARTER; ELIZABETH QUEEN TAKES NON-PRO
Roy Carter rode Scootin Boon to a whopping 226, winning the first event of the NCHA 6666 Ranch World Series of Cutting finals held at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, March 7. Owned by Hal Sutton’s S&S Farms, Shreveport, La., Scootin Boon is a stallion sired by Smart Lil Scoot out of Susies Blue Boon by Peptoboonsmal. With $25,000 in added money, Carter picked up $8,013 in the Open Division which featured 59 entries. The Reserve title went to Lindy Burch riding Play Peek A Boon for her Oxbow Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. The daughter of Freckles Playboy out of Peek A Boon by Smart Little Lena scored a 224.5, earning $7,137. Third went to the 2007 NCHA World Champions, Dual Rey Me, owned and ridden by Jeremy Barwick. The Dual Pep gelding out of Miss Smart Rey Jay by Smart Little Lena scored a 221 and earned $6,260.

The 51-entry, $25,000-added Non-Pro Division was won by Elizabeth Queen, Weatherford, Texas, riding her great gelding Sister CD to a 223. Sired by CD Olena and out of Little Baby Sister by Dual Pep, the pair earned $7,797. The Reserve title was split between Nutn Buta Houndog, owned and ridden by Joe Howard Williamson, Weatherford, and Snow Rey, owned and shown by Chad Bushaw, also from Weatherford, to scores of 219. Nutn Buta Houndog is a gelding sired by Smart Mate and out of Liza Quixote by Doc Quixote while Snow Rey is a son of Dual Rey out of Lenas Snow by Docs Stylish oak. Both earned $6,522.

The World Series, which will culminate with the top Open and Non-Pro riders competing for the World Championship titles during the 2009 NCHA Futurity, helped the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo post record numbers with the NCHA and AQHA cutting totaling close to 1,000 entries. The series will continue at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alb., Canada, the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio and the American Royal in Kansas City. All money earned during this series will count toward the 2009 World Championship title.

DOUG WILLIAMSON WINS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT NATIONAL STOCK HORSE ASSOCIATION CLASSIC
Doug Williamson, riding Cattys Dual Doc, a 5-year-old son of Cattin out of Dual Docs Starlight by Grays Starlight, scored a total of 438.5, winning the Open title of the National Stock Horse Association Classic, held Feb. 24-March 1 in Tulare, Calif. The pair took home $12,000. The Reserve title went to Lance Johnson riding Shesa Special Pastel (Pastels Smart Lena out of Especials Poco Bell by Especial), owned by Gary and Kay Watt, Porterville, Calif. The pair scored a total of 437.5 after the three events – herd work, reined work and cow work, taking home $7,762.50.

Get a Dual Pep, owned by Steven and Kathleen DeBolt, Escondido, Calif., ridden by John Ward, won the Open Classic Novice $2,500 division, taking home $2,318.40. Second was Mark Luis riding Pearl Escence for Joe Kathrein. The pair collected $1,821.60. They also won the Intermediate Open Novice for an additional $1,188.

The Intermediate Open Classic was won by Brad Buttrey riding Shock And Awe for Ron Landskroner, collecting $1,545.60. The Limited Open Classic was won by Billy Martin riding his horse MH Im Just Booning, Ty Rohrbaugh won first and second in the Limited Open $2,500 Novice riding Indian Pep, owned by Linda Mars, and Chic San Olena, owned by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch.

The first two places in the Non-Pro Classic were taken by Anne Reynolds riding Very Smart Sir to first and Very Smart Flo Jo to second for $3,000 and $2,000 respectfully. The Intermediate non-Pro Classic was won by Kristi Locatelli riding Last To Dance.

MAGNA ENTERTAINMENT FILES CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY; LONE STAR PARK NOT PART OF FILING
With the prospect of defaulting on multiple loans, Magna Entertainment Corp., filed for relief under Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on Thursday, March 5. According to Frank Stronach, its chairman and chief executive, the company will continue its day-to-day operations and will begin selling assets to repay debts. However, according to a March 6 article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, operations at Lone Star park at Grand Prairie, Texas, will not be affected by the filing and still plans on opening its new season on April 9, which will run until July 26. According to General Manager Drew Shubeck is not among the parties filing for bankruptcy and will not be included in the proceedings. None of their assets will be frozen or negatively affected by the filing. However, the Toronto Stock Exchange plans to delist Magna Entertainment Corp stock at the close of market on April 1.

According to an article in the Thoroughbred Times Today, The company and its subsidiaries will try to reorganize to address their debt problems and will begin by selling assets, including interests at Lone Star Park. Magna owns the racing license but leases Lone Star Park from the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corp., which owns the track. Magna has entered into an agreement with MI Developments, its controlling shareholder and largest secured creditor, to sell its interests in at least six tracks and other properties for $195 million.

Magna manages Pimlico Race Course in Laurel Park, Md., and Santa Anna Park in Arcadia, Calif. Pimlico is the site of the Preakness Stakes, the second race in horse racing’s Triple Crown. In bankruptcy proceedings the Preakness Stakes could be offered as an entity for bidding; however, Maryland law gives the state the right to match any offer for the race. The current balance of MI Developments loans and interest owed by Magna total $372 million, including $171 million under the Gulfstream Park project financing, $23 million in Remington Park financing, a $125-million bridge loan in September 2007 and a $53-million loan in December 2008.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Feb. 21, 2009
Magna Entertainment default on loans could affect Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas; the All-American Quarter Horse Congress could partially relocated to Hillard, Ohio, and the winners of the cutting at the San Antonio LIvestock Show.

MAGNA ENTERTAINMENT DEFAULTING COULD AFFECT ARLINGTON, TEXAS’ LONE STAR PARK
Lone Star Park racetrack in Arlington, Texas, could be in jeopardy following the release of information that Magna Entertainment, who operates Lone Star Park, is in danger of defaulting on loans. However, according to a Feb. 21 article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Magna Entertainment, who could face a March 20 deadline for repayment of a $126-million bridge loan owed to an MI Developments subsidiary, $100-million in financing of its Gulfstream Park project, as well as an additional loan of $48.5 million owed to the MI Developments subsidiary, owns the racing license for Lone Star Park and leases it from Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corp., which owns the track. (MI Developments Inc., is the parent company of Magna Entertainment.)

The article said that if needed, the Sports Corp. could operate the racetrack, which is continuing to prepare for its April 9 opening. Magna announced it has been informed by the Toronto Stock Exchange of an “expedited review” of the company’s eligibility for continued listing. Friday, on the NASDAQ stock market, the price of a Magna share fell 21 percent to 30 cents, after having already fallen 25 percent Thursday.

According to the Thoroughbred Times Today, Magna had hoped to obtain more capital from MI Developments to pay off loans but the investors in the companies, with Frank Stronach as chairman of both, opposed the plan. With its increasing debt and failure to receive new capital Magna Entertainment was unable to submit a required $28.5 million license fee with its request to add slot machines at Laurel Park, and were thereby disqualified by the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission. Lone Star Park had been hoping to also obtain slot machines at their facility. Lone Star Park general manager Drew Shubeck said he will be continuing his efforts in Austin on behalf of legislation favorable to the horse industry.

ALL-AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS COULD “PARTIALLY” RELOCATE TO OHIO’S FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN HILLARD
Currently the All-American Quarter Horse Congress is held annually in October at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. However, the event, which attracts about 650,000 visitors annually, has outgrown the Columbus facilities.

According to Denny Hales, the event’s Executive Vice President, the Columbus facility is “limited in time and space” and they want to expand their exhibits by having satellite operations at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. A feasibility study, participated in by the Franklin County Commissioners, Franklin county Agricultural Society, the city of Hilliard and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress is currently being done. The commissioners are also appointing one at-large citizen to help craft the study. Hilliard is located approximately 15 miles north of Columbus on North Loop 270, just prior to Dublin.

JAMES DAVISON WINS SAN ANTONIO LIVESTOCK SHOW CLASSIC
James Davison , Fredericksburg, Texas, rode Tripp Deperier’s Freckled Leo Lena to the championship of the San Antonio Livestock Show Open Classic. Davison and the 5-year-old son of Smart Little Lena out of Freckled Leo Girl by Freckles Playboy scored a 147.5, earning $2,194. The Reserve title went to Dualin Lil Playgirl, a daughter of Dual Rey out of Dainty Playgirl by Freckles Playboy, owned by Gary and Mickey Goodfried, Flint, Texas, and ridden by Ronnie Rice. The pair scored a close 147 for $1,803.

The Non-Pro Champion was Lica Pinkston, Mountain Home, Ark., riding Play A Bet, a 6-year-old daughter of Bet On Me 498 out of Play A Masterpiece by Freckles Playboy to a 147. The pair picked up $1,524. The mare also won the AQHA Senior Cutting with Craig Gilham in the saddle. Second in the Non-Pro, with a 143, was Billy Crenshaw, Beaumont, Texas, riding Cat Sees De lights, a 6-year-old daughter of High Brow Cat out of Madrones Last Star by Grays Starlight. The pair collected $1,252.

The AQHA Junior Cutting was a tie between Davison and Freckled Leo Lena and Kathy Daughan, riding Metro Fletch for Kit Moncrief and LeeTennison, Fort Worth, Texas. Metro Fletch is a 4-year-old gelding by Royal Fletch out of Mo Flo by Mr Peponita Flo.

The AQHA Amateur Cutting was won by April Hames Widman, Weatherford, Texas, riding SR Instant Tee, a 1999 gelding by SR Instant Choice out of Tee Cross O Lena by Tree Cross. The pair took home $496. Second was Ray Whitmire, Sallisaw, Okla.m riding Can Yall CD Freckles, a 2002 daughter of CD Olena out of Miss Freckles Wilson by Freckles Playboy. The AQHA Novice Amateur Cutting was split between Dan Osterman riding Gunnin Smart and Dennis Myers riding HH Poco Hickory. The Youth was also split between Justin Henson riding Playboys Slider and Lauren Kleck, Sallisaw, Okla., riding Lucky Nurse.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Feb. 12, 2009
A deadly tornado in Lone Grove, Okla., missed several cutting horse facilities; two trainers running for Vice President will guarantee that eight trainers will still be on the NCHA 14-member Executive Committee; Richard Fields of Jackson Land & Cattle Co supports AQHA Youth World Show Assistance Program; Tunica Non-Pro and Amateur champions named; stallion auction planned to fund Doug Ingersoll fire fund and economic turbulence affects Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale.

LONE GROVE TORNADO MISSES CUTTERS
The devastating tornado that hit Lone Grove, Okla., on the evening of Feb. 10, went right over several horse facilities, but miraculously caused no damage to them. It traveled directly over Bill and Ann Riddle’s facilities, but was not on the ground at the time. James Payne’s place was just east of its path but was missed as was Dick and Brenda Pieper’s facilities – although they were without power for the evening.

It also dropped down only a mile from Michael and Emily Townsend’s facilities in Edmond, where he had broodmares in the pasture. (Michael owns the stallion Peeka Pep) The Galyeans, who had just had a tremendously successful show in Tunica were on their way home and found everything OK when they got there. Also, Brad Wilson, who won the Classic Non-Pro at Tunica, was already home but he and his wife, Connie, who is an emergency room doctor at Mercy Memorial in Ardmore, also were fortunate enough to be spared.

ANOTHER TRAINER SCHEDULED TO REPLACE BRONC WILLOUGHBY
When Bronc Willoughby’s year-long NCHA presidency is over in June, during the NCHA Convention in Denver, another trainer – Chubby Turner, the president-elect will take his place. Trainer Chris Benedict will then move up to President Elect. Two trainers have been selected to run for the vacant Vice President position – Pete Branch, Farwell, Texas, and Keith Deaville, Covington, La. Currently there are eight trainers on the 14-member board and it will stay that way following the election.

RICHARD FIELDS FAMILY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS AQHA YOUTH WORLD SHOW ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Richard Fields, the owner of Peptoboonsmal and the Jackson Land & Cattle Co. of Jackson, Wyo., have made it possible for many qualified youth participants to attend the AQHYA World Championship Show. Through the assistance program, the Fields Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by Fields, awards need-based monetary grants to qualified youths. Since its inception in 2005, the program has helped about 170 AQHYA members make it to the World Show. Fields is also a supporter of the Jackson Hole High School rodeo Cloub and the Teton County 4-H Group.

TUNICA NON-PRO, AMATEUR CHAMPIONS NAMED
The Non-Pro champion of the 4-Year-Old Futurity at Tunica was Jimmy Kemp, Eastland, Texas, riding Fantastic Plastic, a daughter of Whittle Mike O Dual out of Miss Remanita by Mr Peponita Flo. The pair scored a 217.5 in the finals, collecting $16,760. The Reserve title went to Phil Layne, Weatherford, Texas, riding Hills Rim Shot, a son of Playgun out of Lynneas Smart Lena by Smart Little Lena. The pair scored a 216 for $13,141.

The Limited Non-Pro Futurity was won by Max Collins, Channelview, Texas, riding A Tule Named Su, a gelding by San Tule Freckles out of Layla Su by Miss N Okie. Their 215 score gave them $2,735 in the Limited Class, along with a third-place split in the Non-Pro for $9,212. Collins and A Tule Named Su also tied for the championship of the 4-Year-Old Amateur with Denver Mead. Both scored a 216 and won $4,139, giving Collins a total paycheck of $16,086. Denver was riding TRs Smokin Gun by TR Dual Rey out of Smokin Rita by Tigerote. Second and third went to Christina Galyean, Ardmore, Okla. She rode Seca Rey Lena, a daughter of Dual Rey out of Seca Little Lena by Smart Little Lena to second and His Reyflection, a Dual Rey gelding out of Sweet Shorty Lena by Shorty Lena for third, for a total paycheck of $2,735.

Sasha Thompson, wife of trainer Craig Thompson, Buffalo, Texas, tied for the championship of the 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro Classic, with Brad Wilson, Lone Grove, Okla. They both scored a 220 and collected $14,758. Sasha also won the Limited Non-Pro, collecting an additional $2,425. Sasha was riding Smart Shiny Bet, a 5-year-old daughter of The Smart Bet out of Haidas Shiny by Haidas Little Pep, while Brad rode Redneck Style, a 6-year-old daughter of Peptos Stylish Oak out of Frontpage Peppy by Peppy Motorscooter. Third was Dustin Adams, Dublin, Texas, riding WSR Joses Cat, a 5-year-old gelding by High Brow Cat out of Joses Dually by Dual Pep to a 219, collecting $11,061.

Chris Thibodeaux, the owner of Grace Ranch, Jennings, La., won the 5/6-Year-Old Amateur by scoring a 222 on Ginas Cat, a 6-year-old gelding by High Brow Cat out of Gina Badger by Peppy San Badger. Reserve went to Bruce Cournoyer, Miami, Fla., riding Dulces Lena, a 5-year-old daughter of Dulces Smart Lena by Doobie Pep by Dual Pep.
For full results go to: http://www.nchadella.com/tunica

STALLION AUCTION PLANNED TO FUND DOUG INGERSOLL FIRE FUND
Following a Jan. 23 fire at Doug Ingersoll’s training facility in Lincoln, Calif., that killed 12 performance horses and a 4,000-square-foot barn valued at $250,000, the horse industry has come together and donated stallion services to be auctioned off. All money raised will go directly to Doug and Debbie Ingersoll to rebuild their facility and business. Over 35 stallion breedings have been donated, with bids starting for as little as $500. Some of the stallions involved include Chic Please, Chics Magic Potion, Hollywood Vintage, Lenas Wright On, Matt Dillon Dunit, Nu Circle Of Cash, Real Gun, Roosters Wrangler, Smart Lil Highbrow, Smart Spook, Smokums Prize, Sweet Like Pepto, The Love Man, Topsails Rien Maker, Doc Soula and Yellow Roan Of Texas. The auction will end at the Back To Basics show at Rancho Murieta, CA on March 8. For more information call LaDona Emmons (209) 256-0172 p or LLLDare@aol.com or mail a check to The Ingersoll Fire Fund, c/o PO Box 59, Lincoln, CA 95648. www.gotcowhore.com will be posting bids as they come in.

Also, an auction will be held Feb. 28 at the NSHA Stock Horse Classic, held Feb. 24-March 1 in Tulare, Calif. Ted Robinson will be the auctioneer. Items donated so far include: (donator-item) Flanigans- Sliver Brow Band Headstall; Don Brown - 5/8" Hackamore; Larry Gay - Silver Snaffle; Glaser Saddlery - Custom Pair of Chaps; Carlos Silver - Silver Split Ear Head Stall
Ronnie Richards - Spanish Bit; Benny Guitron - Steve Guitron Custom Braiding Complete Spanish Bridle, Headstall, Bit & Reins; D Bar M Western Store - Spanish Bit; Bill & Teresa Black - 5/8" Rawhide Hackamore Horsehair Hitch Quirt; Les Vogt - Spanish Bit; Avila Pro Shop - Rawhide Reins; Kim Paul – Spurs and Chuck Chapin - Custom Chaps

ECONOMIC TURBULENCE AFFECTS FASIG-TIPTON WINTER MIXED SALE
Fasig-Tipton reduced the winter mixed sale from two sessions last year to one day this year and cataloged 306 horses for the day, down 40 percent from last year’s 510 horses. But with the current depressed economy, only three horses sold for over $100,000 compared with 13 last year. The number offered were down 42 percent (244), the number sold down 35.2 percent (206) and gross was down a whopping 62.9 percent to $2,392,900 from $6,452,400 with a 15.6 percent no-sale rate. The average dropped 42.8 percent to $11,616 from $20,291 and the median was down 28.6 percent to $5,000 from $7,000. This year’s high seller was $130,000 down from the $320,000 brought by last year’s high seller.

In other Thoroughbred racing news, Triple Crown nominations have declined by 10.7 percent to 401 nominations compared to 2008’s 449. During the past 10 years, the years with the lowest nominations were2005 with 358 and 2000 with 387. The highest was 450 in 2007.

Press release from the AQHA
Feb. 6, 2009 - Amarillo, Texas
American Quarter Horse Association members who can’t make it to the equine cloning forum at the 2009 AQHA Annual Convention to be held March 6-9 in San Antonio, Texas, can watch the event online in the members section of www.aqha.com. The forum Webcast will begin at 2 p.m. March 6.

“Based on member requests we’ve received, we are going to Webcast the cloning forum,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA executive vice president. “We are fortunate that the forums lends itself to being Webcast so that more AQHA members have up-to-date information on equine cloning.”

You must be an AQHA member and have a Personal Identification Number to login to www.aqhamembers.com and access the Webcast.

Within the past couple of years, commercial cloning of a number of horses, including American Quarter Horses, has been well publicized. However, under Rule 227(a) of the AQHA official handbook, a rule that became effective in 2004, American Quarter Horses produced by any cloning process are not eligible for registration.

The AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee first considered a proposed change to Rule 227(a) at the 2008 AQHA Convention. That proposed change would allow a live foal produced via a particular type of cloning to be registered if its DNA matches that of a registered American Quarter Horse. At that time, the SBRC recommended that any decision regarding the proposed change be postponed pending further study to be undertaken at the direction of the SBRC. The proposed change to Rule 227(a) will again be on the SBRC agenda at the 2009
Convention.

Confirmed forum panelists include Katrin Hinrichs, a veterinarian involved in equine cloning at Texas A&M University; Sharon Spier, an epidemiologist at the University of California-Davis; George Seidel, a professor specializing in biomedical sciences at Colorado State University; and Blake Russell of ViaGen.

AQHA anticipates the forum will include presentations by a panel of speakers from the equine industry and educational research institutions.This forum is open to all interested AQHA members.

Following the forum, AQHA members will have the opportunity to leave online comments on the information presented. Comments will be limited to 100 words and need to be related to the topics presented during the forum.

“We know our members are interested in the topic of cloning,” Brewer said. “We hope our members will provide some good feedback on the forum, while becoming more educated on the topic.”

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Feb. 2, 2009
“That was the best Christmas present I ever got,” said Debbie Patterson, Tecumseh, Okla., when she affectionately talked about how she got Gun Smokes Wimpy, the gelding who took her to two NCHA Non-Pro World Championship titles and won over $670,000. She had to put the gelding, whom she affectionately calls “Gunner,” down last week following a bout with colic at age 25. According to Debbie, he had had successful colic surgery four years ago.

“Gunner was colicking when I went to feed him Sunday night, so I took hime to the clinic and Dr. Larry Powers worked with him all night trying to get his gut to work - to no avail," said Debbie. “I felt surgery was out of the question since he had surgery four years earlier.”

The 1984 chestnut gelding by Gun Smokes Pistol by Mr Gun Smoke out of Lacy Jo Whipple by Davey Whipple, was bred by Lanna Wolfenbarger, Ledbetter, Ky. As a 5-year-old in August 1989, he sold to Norman Morefield, Oxford, Mich. Ernest Cannon, a lawyer from Madisonville, Texas, and the owner of the now-deceased Hall of Fame horse, Jae Bar Fletch, found the gelding in 1991 and bought him for Summer Hightower. However, the horse was soon transferred to Ernest’s name.

Ernest sent the horse to Debbie's dad, cutting horse legend Pat Patterson, the winner of $1.5 million in NCHA lifetime earnings, a 1988 inductee into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame and a 1989 inductee into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame. However, he was suffering from lung cancer and died in August 1993 when he contracted pneumonia. "After Dad died, I took Gunner back to Ernest," said Debbie.

However, following Pat's death, Ernest gave Gunner to Debbie on Christmas - Dec. 24, 1993. The rest is history.

Debbie said that her most memorable win on the gelding was their first World Championship title in 1995. “He was the last horse that my dad rode before he died,” said Debbie. "and affter he had ridden him for a couple of months, his goal was to haul for the World. So I dedicated my win to him.” Riding Gunner, she won the NCHA Non-Pro World Championship title again in 1997.

Asked why Ernest gave her the horse, Debbie said, “With Ernest, he was either really good or he ran off and I think he just got tired of it.” Debbie gave the horse to her dad to ride and said that he would still run off occasionally but there was a vast improvement. “He was a real hyper and nervous horse and hated to get in trouble,” said Debbie. “When you were riding him and something went wrong, he would just run faster and faster and then freak out.” Debbie said it took about a year after she got him until he trusted her and he didn’t worry about doing something wrong. “He would still run off occasionally,” said Debbie, “but rarely. I guess he trusted me.”

Later she bought a full brother to Gunner named Whole Lot Of Smoke; however, she felt he wasn’t quite as good as Gun Smokes Wimpy, so she sold him. “If I would have kept him, I think I could have gotten him close to being as good as Gunner. He wasn’t quite as hyper as him.”
Debbie is currently living with her mother on their home place in Tecumseh and she still has seven horses. Her mother, who will be 88 on Feb. 3, is still very active and in good health. “She still goes to the barn,” said Debbie. For 10 years, Debbie was the stallion manager at Chris and Vickie Benedict’s DLR Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. “I just got burned out,” said Debbie. “I’m a perfectionist and I gave it all I had. It took seven months out of my life each year and I had no life. So I came home to spend time with my mother.

Debbie still trains and shows cutting horses, having made the semifinals of the 2008 NCHA Non-Pro Futurity. She has a 25-year-old mare who was Gunner’s partner, and another younger broodmare that is crippled. “I was going to sell her,” said Debbie, “but she has a 3-year-old High Brow Cat who is one of Austin Shepard’s best babies.” She’s in foal to the 2008 NCHA Horse of the year, Reys Dual Badger and she is planning on breeding her to High Brow Cat again this year. Debbie previously owned Dos Palomino, the earner of over $200,000, sired by San Jo Lena out of Docs Flying Sug by Doc’s Sug. She sold the Palomino stallion in July to Brazilian buyer Antonio Carbonari Neto. “I think they were planning on showing him and breeding him,” said Debbie.

Even though many top trainers had ridden Gunner, such as Faron Hightower, Don Pooley, Chris Benedict, Kathy Daughn, and Chubby Turner, the last person to win on the gelding was Don and Kim Pooley’s son, Clint, who, following the gelding’s colic surgery, won the big NCHA Scholarship cutting in Fort Worth.

“I was the last one to ride him,” said Debbie, “but I wished I hadn’t.” She said that she had entered Dos Palomino in the 2005 NCHA Finals, but when Dos Palomino broke his sesmoid bone prior to the Finals, her friends talked her into showing Gunner. “It was too late to get Gunner in shape,” said Debbie, “so we went through two rounds and quit. I wish I hadn’t rode him – it wasn’t fair to him.”

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 28, 2009
The Augusta Futurity finals in Augusta, Ga., are coming up on Thursday and Saturday; cutting winners from the Fort Worth Stock Show, Flynn Stewart recuperating from heart surgery, Ken Bartlett scheduled for triple by-pass heart surgery, tax tips for the horse industry; NRCHA Celebration to start in San Angelo; the PBR makes cuts; four-time National Steer Roping Finals qualifier Jim Prather dies at age 74 and are you interested in Color Genetics?

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE E-NEWSLETTER?
Tomorrow an article with statistical charts will be sent out in an E-Newsletter, which ranks the sires of the Open and Non-Pro classes at the 2008 NCHA Futurity by the average money won by their offspring. You’ll be surprised which stallions are in the lead, when the number of entries are divided into the total money won by each stallion’s offspring. There’s still time to sign up for the E-Newsletter. Just go to www.allaboutcutting.com and click on the upper right-hand side of the page where it says, “Sign Up For Newsletter” and fill in your e-mail information. With a few more days, another article and chart will be e-mailed, combining all the classes at the NCHA Futurity, ranking sires the same way. Also listed will be the latest stud fees for the stallions, as quite a few of them have been reduced over the past few weeks.
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AUGUSTA FUTURITY
Brett Davis leads Open Futurity on Sly Angel, scoring a 434 on two go’s; the Open Classic is led by the NCHA Futurity champs Austin Shepard and High Brow CD scoring a 442 and the Non-Pro Classic is being led by Brad Wilson with a 437 riding Redneck Style. The 5/6-Year-Old Open and Non-Pro Classic finals will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, jan. 29, while the Futurity Open and Non-Pro finals will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Click here for results>>

CUTTING AT THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW:
ARC Catty Dual won first under both judges at the Fort Worth Stock Show AQHA cutting. The 1994 daughter of Dual Pep is out of Cat Mist by High Brow Cat was ridden by Phil Rapp, Weatherford, Texas, and owned by Arcese Quarter Horses. The Reserve title under Judge No. 1 went to High Classed JPB, a 2005 stallion by Cats merada out of High Classed Model by Gallo Del Cielo, owned and ridden by Kathy Daughn. Under Judge 2, Bobby Jolena, a gelding by Little Polo Joe out of Jolena Folena by San Jo Lena, owned and ridden by Ed Dufurrena, finished second.

In the Senior Cutting, Dual Rey Me,, owned by Jeremy and Candace Barwick and ridden by Jeremy, finished first under both judges. The 1999 gelding is sired by Dual Pep out of Miss Smart Rey Jay by Smart Little Lena. Captains Choice, a 1999 gelding by SR Instant Choice out of Miss CC Wilson by Doc Wilson finished Reserve under Judge 1, owned by JK Logan LLC and ridden by Casey Crouch. Under Judgeg 2, Playin By Five, a 2001 gelding by Plain Stylish out of Swingin By Five by Justa Swinging Peppy, owned by Cole and Crystal Benedict and ridden by Chris, finished second.

The Amateur Cutting was won by Karen Hansen under both judges riding Woody Be Lucky, a 2000 gelding by Nitas Wood out of Playboys Ladyluck by Freckles Playboy, owned by Karen and her husband Dan. Reserve under both judges was Gayle Karanges riding Tracks On The Moon, a 2004 stallion by DJ Tracker out of Same Lake Same Moon by Laker Doc.

In the AQHA Working cow Horse, C. J. Shopbell rode Mesquite Lena to the championship in all-Age Open working Cowhorse. The mare is a daughter of Chex That Out and out of Sweet Mesquite Smoke by Chex My Freckles. Reserve went to Mr Playinstylish, a 2005 stallion by Playin Stylish out of Tari Chick Gay by Doc Tari, owned by Charlie and Kit Moncrief and ridden by Boyd Rice.

In Amateur competition, P. W. May rode Zezes Superstar for Toby May. The 2001 mare is by ZeZe Gunsmoke out of Super Lizzie by Superstar Bar. Ashley Good rode the second-place horse, Cinnabars Lil Spark, a 2005 stallion by Cinnabars Lil Lena out of Shiners Oakie Val by Shining Spark.

FLYNN STEWART CONSIGNS HIGH SELLER AT SHAWNEE SALE
Flynn Stewart, Bowie, Texas, who had quadruple by-pass heart surgery only weeks before the NCHA Futurity –then came to the Futurity sales where he had horses consigned, had the high seller at the Triangle Sales Winter Classic Consignment Sale, held Jan. 16-18 in Shawnee, Okla. Stewart consigned Twentyfour Karat Cat, a 2-year-old palomino stallion by High Brow Cat out of Aristocratic Cookie by Smart Aristocrat, who was purchased for $39,000 by Wayne Sands, Moville, Iowa, a truck driver for Fed Ex.

“I never saw a horse sell so fast,” said Stewart. “He just kept going up. When they looked at me and asked if I had something to sell, I just said, ‘Sell him.’ “ Flynn was please with his price and said that he thought the horse market had stabilized or even rebounded some.

With 710 consignments and a gross of $1,859,575 for a $2,619 average it was 37.4 percent lower in the gross than the same sale in 2008. A total of 80.8 percent of the horses sold this year, compared to 85 percent in 2008. The second high seller was Scootin Lil Mate, a 5-year-old bay gelding by Smart Mate out of PCR San peppy Lena by Peppy San Badger. Consigned by Les Graham, Byars, Okla., he sold for $27,000.

Flynn says he is feeling great following his by-pass surgery and has lost 37 pounds. “I just kept taking him with me wherever I went,” said his wife Norma. “The doctor said he needed to get exercise and he’s getting it.”

KEN BARTLETT SUFFERS HEART ATTACK
Boyd, Texas, NCHA cutter, Ken Bartlett, suffered a heart attack last week and is scheduled for triple by-pass surgery next week – using the same hospital (Decatur) and same doctors as Flynn had. The new hospital, which is now part of the Baylor Hospital system, has state-of-the-art equipment with many high-qualified doctors coming to practice there. Decatur is located about an hour northwest of Fort Worth. Bartlett, a non-pro, was a familiar face in the cutting shows around Fort Worth on his horse Freightrain.

ON THE MOVE:
Debbie Patterson’s beautiful palomino horse, Dos Palomino, sold last August, going to a Brazillian buyer. The 1999 stallion had a semifinalist, Touch Of Lena, owned and ridden by Debbie, in the semifinals of the 2008 Non-Pro Futurity. Also, Joanne Parker, Weatherford, Texas, will be standing her stallion Starlights Gypsy, a 1995 son of Grays Starlight, at her ranch for a $3,000 stud fee. With only eight 2005 AQHA-registered foals, the stallion recently had Swinging Gypsy, owned and ridden by Julie McCloud win $30,439 in the Non-Pro finals of the NCHA Futurity. Also, with Tim McCloud leaving, Jason Clark is now working out of her facilities.

INTERESTED IN COLOR GENETICS?
Animal Genetics, Tallahassee, Fla., is the largest private provider of genetic tests for birds in the USA and is now moving into color genetics for horses. If you are interested in color, genetics you can click on the following link for equine color testing:
Click here for more on Color Genetics>>

PBR MAKES CUTS TO REFLECT TOP 40 RIDERS:
At the beginning of the 2009 Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) season, the PBR’s Rules & Regulations Committee made the decision that only the top forty bull riders in the world will now compete on the prestigious tour. The decision was made to create a stronger competitiveness among those qualified riders. On Monday, January 26, the PBR administration announced the first official cut of the 2009 season.

The riders who were dropped from the prestigious BFTS tour following the Dickies Invitational in Dallas, Texas are: Harve Stewart (Stephenville, Texas), Reese Cates (Carthage, Texas), Pistol Robinson (Burleson, Texas); Clayton Williams (Carthage, Texas), LJ Jenkins (Texico, N.M.), Vince Northrop (Davidson, SK, Canada), Clayton Foltyn (El Campo, Texas), Dustin Hall (Springfield, Mo.), Aaron Roy (Asquith, SK, Canada), Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.), Colby Yates (Fort Worth, Texas), DJ Domangue (Schriever, La.), and Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, SP, Brazil).

However, due to their standings in the Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour and as a previous PBR World Champion, Canter and Caminhas will remain on the BFTS tour. In addition to those two riders, Pete Farley (Kempsey, AUS), Jock Connolly (Queensland, AUS), Skeeter Kingsolver (Mclouth, Kan.), and McKennon Wimberly (Cool, Texas) will also advance to the elite BFTS tour by virtue of their achievements at the Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour level.

The purpose of the cut is to determine which 40 bull riders will be competing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS). Upon the conclusion of every fifth BFTS tour stop, the lowest ranked riders in the BFTS point standings are dropped from the tour and replaced by the top five riders in the Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger tour standings. Money earned at all lower level PBR tours – Copenhagen Bull Riding Tour, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour, Discovery Tour, and international tours – counts toward earning a spot among the 40 best bull riding athletes in the PBR. All 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals qualifiers received five BFTS events before they were subject to the cut. (Above article provided by PBR)

BENEFICIAL TAX TIPS FOR THE HORSE INDUSTRY
Tax season is near and the American Horse Council has extensive tax information that can influence your equine business tax returns. For 40 years, the American Horse Council has provided the horse industry with tax information through the Tax Bulletin, the Tax Handbook and other various publications.

The American Horse Council is pleased to announce that Mr. Joel B. Turner of Frost, Brown, Todd in Louisville, KY will be joining the AHC’s Tax Bulletin Advisory Board. Mr. Turner will be joining the very skilled group of professionals who are currently contributing to the AHC’s Tax Bulletin. The Tax Bulletin is a must have for the equine business person. A bi-monthly publication featuring timely articles on equine tax and business issues written by an editorial board of tax professionals, as well as updates on the latest tax court decisions, IRS regulations and legislation that might impact your ability to run a profitable business.

Order your copy of the Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook. This 1000-page book explains the Internal Revenue Code as it pertains to the U.S. horse industry. No one commercially involved with the horse industry should be without it. Topics covered in the Handbook include: Business versus hobby-including summaries of important court decisions; Forms of doing business; Sales, Exchanges and Involuntary conversions; Tax planning; Depreciation; Record keeping and accounting rules; and much more.

Above article provided by the American Horse Council. AHC’s Tax Bulletin and Tax Handbook are included in certain levels of membership or can be purchased separately. For more information on obtaining these items, call 202-296-4031 or email ahc@horsecouncil.org. Their web site is www.horsecouncil.org.

NRCHA CELEBRATION TO START IN SAN ANGELO
Nine days of NRCHA competition will begin on Jan. 31 when top 4- and 5-year-old cow horses will compete in herd work, rein work and cow work in the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby, which concludes on Feb. 2 at the First Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. The three day event paid out $107,303 to 203 entries in 2008. The champion, Corey Cushing pocketed $11,753. On Feb. 3, the NRCHA World Championship Show will kick off. Last year the show saw 289 entries with the top 10 advancing to a clean-slate finals and the $171,290 purse. The Finals will be held Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7. On Feb. 8, the World’s Greatest Horseman contest will be held. The events they must show their skills in are cutting, reining, cow work and steer stopping. The 31 entries will compete earlier with the top 10 competing on Feb. 8. In 2008, Russell Dilday and Topsails Rien Maker won the title and $30,000 paycheck. They are returning this year to renew that title.

JIM PRATHER DIES AT 74
Jim Prather, Post, Texas, died at his home on Jan. 9. He was 74. Prather, who qualified for four consecutive National Steer Roping Finals (1965-68) worked as a cattle buyer for many years and produced the OS Ranch Steer Roping and Art Exhibit, a fund-raiser for the West Texas Children’s Home.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 24, 2009
Despite the efforts of firefighters, a dozen cutting, reined cow horse and reining horses were killed early Friday morning, Jan. 23, when a 4,000-square-foot barn burned at the training stables of Doug Ingersoll, Lincoln, Calif. Ingersoll and the firefighters tried to rescue the horses, but it was too late. The barn was valued at $250,000; however, there was no immediate estimate on the value of the horses, which were owned by Ingersoll and his customers.

Ingersoll, a brother to Bobby Ingersoll, a legendary reined cow horse competitor and trainer, and his wife, Debbie, who lived only 1,000 feet from the barn but didn’t hear a thing until it was too late, had a second barn where eight horses in training were stalled and which was not impacted by the fire. However, all of his show and working tack, including saddles, bridles, pads and blankets were lost in the fire.

Ingersoll’s neighbor, Deb Shatley, is heading up a drive to obtain some new or used tack for Ingersoll so that he can continue to train the rest of his horses. “If anyone has had cutters or reiners you probably have an idea what he needs,” said Shatley. “ However, he does work young horses and uses plain snaffles, wire snaffles, etc., and if anyone has something they wish to donate, please call or e-mail me so I can determine if that item is still needed.” Shatley’s phone number is 916-768-6837 and her e-mail address is dgshatley@gmail.com.

Doug has a daughter Ashley, married to trainer Corey Cushing, currently living in Scottsdale, Ariz., and another daughter, Kirsten, living at home. You can contact Doug at 2499 McCourtney Rd., Lincoln, CA 95648-9710 or by phone at 916-645-7056.

Jan. 15, 2009
Released by the Texas Animal Health Commission
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) reports that laboratory tests have confirmed that a stallion in Texas is infected with contagious equine metritis (CEM), a highly contagious venereal disease of horses.

The Texas-born quarter horse had spent the 2008 breeding season in Kentucky, where CEM was detected in a stallion during routine testing in mid-December As of January 15, a total of nine infected stallions have been detected: four in Kentucky, three in Indiana, and one each in Wisconsin and Texas. All of the infected stallions have epidemiological links to one or more CEM-infected equine during the 2007 or 2008 breeding season. State and federal authorities are continuing to seek the source of the infection.

At least 38 states are involved in a nationwide epidemiological investigation and testing of about 275 horses that may have been exposed to CEM through natural breeding or artificial insemination. The disease can be spread among stallions, if strict biosecurity measures are not maintained during the collection of semen.

CEM is not routinely spread through casual contact or shared boarding facilities, and horses can be treated with disinfectants and antibiotics to wipe out the infection. Potentially exposed and infected equine animals are being held under movement restrictions by state animal health authorities, until they test negative for the disease or they complete veterinary treatment and are certified as CEM-negative.

Currently, the TAHC is working with accredited private veterinary practitioners to test another stallion and 21 mares with potential exposure to CEM. In some cases, CEM may cause infected mares to abort.

CEM is not known to affect humans. The equine disease was first detected in the U.S. in 1978, then again in 1979. In both instances, the limited outbreaks were eradicated.

Click here for USDA web site>>

AHC PRESIDENT JAY HICKEY'S TAKE ON THE 111th CONGRESS AND THE ISSUES THAT IT FACES

Jan. 13, 2009
The 111th Congress has convened and the Democrats have picked up seats in both the House and Senate. The country also has a new President, Barack Obama, who will take office on Jan. 20. President Obama will have to deal with some of the most difficult issues a new President has faced in modern times. Many are wondering what these changes will mean for the horse industry.

“For the most part, issues affecting the horse industry are not partisan,” noted AHC president Jay Hickey. “Like most industries, our legislative concerns don’t clearly split along party lines. Democrats may approach issues from a different perspective than Republicans, and vice-versa, but the industry works on a bi-partisan basis with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.”

Nonetheless, since the Democrats now hold larger majorities in both houses, there may be less partisan “gridlock” that has prevented Congress from acting on a lot of legislation in the past. But the margins are not so great that the Democrats can simply push through whatever they want. They will still need some Republican support, particularly in the Senate, to pass legislation.

In the “new” category, Congress will have to deal with a down economy, “bailouts” of various industries, a giant tax stimulus package to assist industries and states and preserve jobs, and to fund energy alternatives, health care and two wars. So there will be many new issues that impact the horse industry tangentially. But Congress will also be dealing with issues that are important to the horse industry that were not dealt with in the last Congress and will be part of the legislative mix.

Tax issues and the state of the economy will have a staring role in the coming months. The inclusion of the Equine Equity Act in the farm bill that was passed in the last Congress was a victory for the horse industry. Beginning in 2009, all race horse will be depreciated over three years, regardless of when they are placed in service. Previously, race horses were depreciated over three or seven years.

But the second part of the Equine Equity Act, reducing the holding period for horses to one year from two for capitol gains purposes, was not passed. This issue will once again be pushed by the horse industry, along with the Pari-Mutuel Conformity and Equality Act, which would repeal the 25 percent withholding tax on winning wagers over $5,000 when the odds are at least 300-to-one.

The increase of the Section 179 expense deduction to $250,000 and the reinstatement of bonus depreciation were benefits to the horse industry that were included in last year’s tax stimulus bill. Both expired at the end of 2008, but it is likely that Congress will extend both provisions in this year’s stimulus bill. As Congress considers these bills it will be important to remind Congress of the $102 billion impact of the horse industry and the 1.4 million jobs the industry supports.

In the “old” category, the last Congress tried to enact comprehensive immigration reform several times, but failed. The problems with immigration and a large undocumented work force have not gone away and Congress will have to deal with this, although it is not likely to be one of the first issues to be considered.

The horse industry relies heavily on foreign labor. Some of this labor is provided by the H-2A agricultural and H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker programs, which are costly and inefficient. In addition, the H-2B program is capped by Congress at 66,000 workers a year, making competition for these workers from all industries intense. The horse industry also relies on a large number of undocumented workers who must be considered in any comprehensive package.

The AHC supports a comprehensive approach to our immigration problems that would address a better guest worker program and a way to handle undocumented workers in the U.S. The last Congress considered the AgJobs bill that dealt specifically with undocumented agricultural workers and would have reformed the H-2A program. In addition, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act would have provided some cap relief to H-2B users. Both of these bills will be debated again.

“The agricultural industry laid a good foundation for reform with the AgJobs bill and that will be pushed again in this Congress,” said Hickey. “Senator Obama and Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA), who has been nominated to be Secretary of Labor, supported AgJobs, so there is reason to hope for action in this Congress.”

Internet gambling will continue to be a topic in Congress. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), passed in 2006, contains provisions protecting racing’s activities allowed under the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA). However, rules adopted by the Bush Administration in November could prove troublesome to the industry. It is likely there will be efforts to modify the restrictions on internet gambling during this Congress in order to regulate, license and tax it. The horse industry will need to watch any such efforts closely to ensure that any legislation does not adversely impact the current interstate wagering allowed on pari-mutuel horse racing under the IHA.

Last Congress several bills were introduced to prohibit the shipping, transporting, or sale of horses for slaughter for human consumption, including the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act. Neither bill was voted on in the House or Senate, but it is likely the same bills will be reintroduced. The election of Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), could impact the passage of the slaughter prohibition bill. That committee has jurisdiction and Congressman Waxman was a cosponsor of it in the last Congress, while Mr. Dingell was not.

Members of Congress can be expected to look at animal welfare in general, including the welfare of horses, in the 111th Congress. Some members raised welfare issues regarding racing and showing last year and there is no reason to think that will not be a concern again.

Legislation was introduced in the last Congress to ensure equestrians are not unfairly excluded or removed from federal public lands to which they have traditionally had access, including the Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act and the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act. The American Horse Council will be working to make sure similar legislation is reintroduced. But we will need substantial support from horse owners and recreational riders to have any chance of passing this legislation. Other bills that could impact the horse industry are likely to come up as well, including the Travel Promotion Act, which could positively impact equine tourism.

No matter what legislation is introduced in the coming months, it will be important for the new Congress to hear from members of the horse industry. This is why the AHC, in cooperation with its member organizations, has launched a new grassroots initiative called the Congressional Cavalry program. All individual horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers, competitors, recreational riders, service providers, or anyone who desire to join the grassroots efforts of the horse community in Washington are encouraged to join. It costs nothing and the AHC will let you know if legislation that effects the horse industry is introduced and when and how to contact your members of Congress. If you would like to sign up for this program or have any questions please call the AHC (202) 296 4031 or email ahc@horsecouncil.org .

A new Congress has convened, just like it does every two years. Some of the players may change, but if the industry works together as it has in the past, we will adjust and continue to be successful.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

Jan. 6, 2008
Equine cloning will be the focus of a forum at the 2009 AQHA Annual Convention, March 5-9 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio.

At AQHA’s 2008 convention, the AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee was for the first time presented with a proposed change to Rule 227(a) that would allow a live foal produced via a particular type of cloning to be registered if its DNA matches that of a registered American Quarter Horse. At that time, the SBRC recommended that any decision regarding the proposed change be postponed pending further study to be undertaken at the direction of the SBRC. As a result, on Oct. 15, representatives from Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and ViaGen, a commercial cloning company, met with the SBRC in Amarillo to discuss equine cloning.

The proposed change to Rule 227(a) will again be on the SBRC agenda at the 2009 AQHA Convention March 5-9 in San Antonio. In an effort to make the most recent information on equine cloning available to AQHA members, AQHA has scheduled an open forum for Friday, March 6 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt hotel. AQHA anticipates the forum will include presentations by a panel of speakers from the equine industry and educational research institutions. This forum is open to all interested AQHA members.
Above article reprinted from AQHA's America's Horse Weekly Newsletter

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Jan. 5, 2009

CHANGES AT THE AQHA:
Most of us knew that on March 9, AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer will end his 16-tenure with the AQHA. According to the AQHA, the next day, 34-year-employee Don Treadway will officially become AQHA’s new executive vice president. But most weren’t aware of the other changes going on at the AQHA. Gary Griffith, executive director of registration will be retiring on April 1 after which the registration and customer service departments will be combined with the accounting and human resources areas and will be overseen by Trent Taylor, a 14-year-employee of the AQHA and the treasurer and executive director of operations.

Jim Jennings, executive director of publications retired on Dec. 31 and the marketing and publications were merged and will be under 16-year-employee Tom Persechino, the executive director of marketing and communications. Karen Latta, a 22-year employee will also be promoted to executive director of corporate and alliance partnerships/business development, overseeing corporate partnerships, membership services, affiliates, youth and sales.

R. L. CHARTIER – MICA MOTES TO MARRY MAY 30
R. L. Chartier, 24, who wowed the audiences of the NCHA Futurity when he won the Limited Open and finished fourth and fifth in the Open Finals, will be marrying Mica Motes, 20, daughter of Danny Motes, at the Motes Weatherford, Texas, ranch on May 30. Since 2007, Chartier has been an assistant trainer to Clint Allen, who works for Julie Wrigley in Weatherford. The couple met during the 2007 NCHA Super Stakes and this year both made the NCHA Futurity Finals riding two horses.

Chartier rode Hay Maker for Scott Cusick to fourth place and Pretty Katz to fifth place in the Open for the Wrigley Ranches LLC., for a total of $243,300. He also won the Limited Open on Hay Maker for an additional $24,062. Mica finished 12th in the Non-Pro riding Two times A Star and 25th riding Too Bossy, winning over $51,850. She has now won over $300,000 in the cutting arena. Both horses were from the first full foal crop of CD Light, the stallion owned by her mother and stepfather and top trainer Winston Hansma.
Mica’s brother, Ryon Motes, is a third-generation qualifier for the NFR, followed in the footsteps of his dad, David, who qualified for the NFR more than 20 times and his grandfather, Glen, who qualified in 1960. He recently won the Speed Williams Roping in Las Vegas following the loss of his thumb only last October. (see article in Industry News Misc.)

Chartier also comes from a family steeped in cutting horse tradition. His father Randy Chartier is a long-time NCHA member, judge, judge’s monitor and Executive committee member and his now-deceased grandfather, Mel Chartier, owned the famous stallion Dry Doc, a son of Doc Bar out of Poco Lena and a full brother to Doc O’Lena.

Danny said that Mica had always said she wasn’t going to marry anyone until she found someone just like her brother Ryan. One day cutter Freddie McGee called Danny and said, “I found Ryan.” Danny asked what he was talking about and he said that he found someone just as nice as Ryan for Mica. It wasn’t long before Mica agreed.

ABILENE SPECTACULAR IN PROGRESS:
The Abilene Spectacular, held Jan. 2-13 in Abilene, Texas, is in full progress, following a highly successful cutting circuit. The event started out with the 4-Year-Old Amateur, followed by the 5/6-Year-Old Amateur, with their finals being held Sunday, Jan. 4. The championship of the 4-year-Old Amateur was split between Erika Black, Stephenville, Texas, riding TR Show Me Yours and Whitt Bell, Hickory Plains, Ark., riding Mixmeastrawberrylena, with both scoring a 217.

The 5/6-Year-Old Amateur was won by Robert Masterson, Guthrie, Texas, riding Classy Mecum to a 220, Reserve was a tie between Jim Price, Stephenville, Texas, riding Rey Of Fire and Von Sutten, Fort Worth, Texas, riding Smartware to 216s.

The first go of the 4-Year-Old Open, with many of the high money-winners from the NCHA Futurity entered, including champion Metallic Cat with Beau Galyean riding, started Jan. 4 and continues on today. After the first day, Phil Rapp is in the lead with a 219 riding Don’t Look Twice, owned by the Waco Bend Ranch; Paul Hansma and Coupe Dualville, owned by the Bar H Ranche scored a 218; J. B.l McLamb, riding Shez TA Reysa for Leslie Troyer, Weatherford, finished with a 217.5 and R. L. Chartier and Hay Maker, owned by Scott Cusick, Orem, Utah, and Kory Pounds riding Tammy Faye Rey, owned by Winsome Capital, Calgary, Alb., Canada, both scored a 216.5. Metallic Cat shows today.

The 5/6-Year-Old Open starts Tuesday, Jan. 6 and continues Wednesday Jan. 7. Both 4-Year-Old and 5/6-Year-Old Open finals will be held Friday, Jan. 9. Non-Pro classes start Saturday, Jan. 10 with the finals being held Tuesday, Jan. 13. For current results of the Abilene Spectacular, go to: http://www.gullyranch.com/abilenespectacular/2009_Schedule.htm

CUTTING HORSE FORUM – AN INTERESTING B LOG SITE FOR CUTTERS
If you haven’t had a chance to go to www.cuttinghorseforum.com, you might try it out and see what the talk of the day is. It’s entirely free, with a variety of subjects (and you can even add your own), and participated in by cutters from across the country. Lately, the way today’s cutting horses stop seem to be the main topic of discussion.

BRAZOS VALLEY CUTTERS HOLD AGED EVENTS:
Aged-event classes were held during the NCHA cutting held at Silverado on the Brazos, Weatherford, Texas, Dec. 29-31. The 4-year-old division is being held today and the 5/6-year-old will end the year on Dec. 31. The winner of the Open Futurity was Casey Morris riding Fiesta Zack for Bobby and Francie Butler, also of Weatherford. Scoring a 76, the pair took home $1,930.77.

Reserve went to Darren Simpkins riding My Gal Wood for Eddy Longley’s Crystal Creek Ranch, Aledo, Texas. Their 75 score netted $1,465.09. Matt Gaines finished third riding ARC Purdy Boonsmal for Gary and Shannon Barker, Madill, Okla., with a 74.5 score, winning $1,302.30. Matt also finished sixth on that Catomine, owned by Jack and Susan Waggoner, Bridgeport, Texas. It was interesting to note that every horse in the open was ridden by a Weatherford trainer, except two – which were ridden by Stephenville, Texas, trainer J. B. McLamb.

In the Non-Pro Division, Mary Ann Rapp took the top spot riding Amanda Starlena to a 74 and a $1,365.84 paycheck. Reserve went to Dan Hansen riding Cuttin Corn to a 73 and $1,024.38. Ray Baldwin finished third riding Sierra Louie LV, scoring a 72 for a $682.92 check. Hanson also finished fifth on Woody Jazz, eighth on Tiana Rey and 12th on Pepcorn.

The Open cutting was won by Chubby Turner riding Starcat Merada for Daniel Jaeggi of Switzerland, with a 76 score. The pair picked up $1,528. Reserve was Jeremy Barwick riding Horse Of The Year Dual Rey Me, scoring a 75 for $1,146. Short Scootin, owned by Debbie and Don Jarma, Prosper, Texas, and Dan Popeck came in third with a 74 and Neat little Cat, ridden by Scott McClurg and owned by Jim and Judy Spaulding finished fourth with a 73 for $382. Hansen also won the Non-Pro riding Woody Be Lucky to a 76 and $1,534. Reserve was Elizabeth Queen riding Sister CD to a 74 and 4920.40.

NATIONAL TEAM ROPING HORSE ASSOCIATION TO HAVE $50,000 ADDED TO FUTURITY
The inaugural National Team Roping Horse Association (NTRHA) World Champion Futurity for 5-year-old rope horses will be held in Tulsa, Okla., April 28-May 3, 2009, along with the first ever World Championship Sweepstakes for 6- and 7-year-old horses. With $50,000 added for the six-day extravaganza, it will be the richest aged event in the history of rope horses.

Horses of any breed can enter both the Futurity and Sweepstakes; the Futurity will be horses coming 5 in 2009 – regardless of where they have competed in the past. The Futurity will be the first leg of the NTRHA Triple Crown. All horses must be age verified through breed registration papers, or if unregistered, must be NTRHA permitted. Divisions will be the Open, Limited Open, Amateur and Novice Amateur.

Owners may purchase as m any slots as they like, but the total number of slots is limited. Entries are open through march 30, 2009. If the slots are sold out prior to march 15, a waiting list will be kept in the order of entries made. For more information, contact Taylor Tune at taylor.tune@ntrha.com or call (817) 598-0110.

DEADLINE TO NOMINATE FOAL FOR NRHA FUTURITY/DERBY NOMINATION IS DEC. 31
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has a new way of funding their 2011 NRHA Futurity and 2012 Derby. The fact is that it’s the only way to play at the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby. All 2008 foals by subscribed stallions must be nominated by tomorrow - Dec. 31 - for the one-time nomination $300 fee. On Jan. 1, the fee jumps to $2,000. Also at the time of nomination, you need to complete a competition license application and send it in along with the nomination – along with appropriate fees for both.

The purses, based on 3,000 nominations are estimated to create a Level 1 Open Futurity purse of $46,000 and Level 1 Non-Pro Futurity purse estimated at $34,000. This would triple the total payout in the Limited Open Futurity Division and make substantial increases – as much as 100 percent – to the total payout in the Intermediate Open, Intermediate Non-pro and Limited Non-Pro Divisions of the NRHA Futurity.

The Nominator Incentive is a perk of the program that gives money back to the person who nominates the horse. Five percent of all the money that the horse earns at the Futurity and/or Derby is paid back to the nominator of the horse – even if that person no longer owns the horse.

When the horse is at the age to compete, all applicable entry and judge’s fees will apply. For further information, contact the National Reining Horse Association t (405) 946-7400 or fax (405) 946-8425.

OSCAR BLACK SENTENCING DELAYED
Sentencing for Oscar Black, the Weatherford, Texas, mortgage banker and cattleman that allegedly bilked investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a ponzi scheme, was delayed to Feb. 17. Several of those investors were well-known cutting horse owners and trainers in the Weatherford area.

His sentencing was to take place today in Federal Court; however, according to Kathy Colvin of the United States Attorney’s Office, the sentencing has again been delayed. Originally it was to take place in September, then November and then yesterday, Dec. 15.

DAVID MCDAVID WINS $281 MILLION LAWSUIT
David McDavid, Fort Worth, Texas, the owner of the popular stallion Hes A Peptospoonful, won a $281 million lawsuit stemming from his failed bid to purchase the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers sports teams in 2003 from Turner Broadcasting Sytem, Inc. (TBS) , a Time Warner Inc. company.

According to an article in the Fort Worth Business Press, the auto dealer and former Dallas Mavericks minority owner, had formed an investment company, DMC Group, with his brother-in-law, Stephen Dieb, to purchase the basketball and hockey franchises and operating rights to Phillips Arena in Atlanta. A Georgia court ruled that TBS broke a contract it had with McDavid, 66, by selling it to a different party. There was no word on whether or not TBS will appeal.

AMATEUR MEETING
With the Amateur Meeting scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, I was unable to attend as I was at the sales. If anyone was at the meeting and would like to share any observations with me, please e-mail me at glory@glorykurtz.com or call me at 940-433-5232.

HORSE SALES:
Prior to the NCHA Futurity Sales, the big Thoroughbred sales were suffering a 50 percent setback in the average of the horses selling. Also, the NRHA had their sales, which were down about 30 percent in the net and average. During 2007, there were 372 consignments, 298 sold (80%) for a net of $4,663,500 and a $15,649 average. This year featured 364 consignments, with 265 (72.8%) changing hands for $2,905.800 and a $10,965 average.

According to unofficial results posted by Western Bloodstock, this year’s NCHA Futurity sales were down about 29 percent in the net and 36 percent in the average from last year. The percentage of horses sold was also down 5 percent from 82 percent to 77 percent. The number of horses consigned was up by 213 and the number sold was up 106 head.

OXBOW EVENT – DEC 9
17 head, $384,700 gross, $22,629 average
The high-selling horse was Reys Yer Bet, a weanling red roan filly by Dual Rey out of Bet Yer Blue Boons by Freckles, Playboy, however, the filly did not sell. This made Better Sue, a 2003 daughter of Bet On Me 498 out of Meradas Little Sue by Freckles Merada, the high seller at $50,000. The earner of $51,498 sold with an embryo by One Time Pepto. Although she had arthroscopic surgery on her stifle in May, she was sold as sound to continue cutting.

NEW SIRE SPOTLIGHT - DEC 9
141 head, $1,432,200 gross, $10,157 average
With this sale held for offspring of the industry’s newest sires, he high seller was Caboom On The Moon, a yearling daughter of Cats Moonshine out of Stylish Play Lena by Docs Stylish Oak, bringing $70,000 for consignor Gail Holmes of the Double Dove Ranch, Longmont, Colo. Second high seller was One Time Long Legs, a 2007 bay roan daughter of One Time Pepto out of Lil Lena Long Legs by Smart Little Lena. Consigned by the Kickapoo Farms, the filly brought a $66,000 final bid.

One Flashy Style, a yearling red roan son of One Time Pepto was passed out at $53,000 by the southern Star Ranch, as was One Time Colonel, consigned by Carroll’s Cutting Horses, and passed out at $45,000. The yearling sorrel colt was also a son of One Time Pepto.

PREFERRED BREEDERS SESSION 3 – DEC 10
57 head, $911,800 gross, $15,996 average
Shorta Ticket, bringing $39,000 was the highest-selling horse in the Preferred Breeders Sale Session 3 that actually sold. The 1999 daughter of Shorty Lena out of Eticket by Gallo Del Cielo brought a $39,000 final bid. Consigned by the Wagonhound Land & Livestock, the mare earned $44,467 and was bred to Reys Dual Badger.

Daintys Cat, was passed out by Tommy Manion at $145,000. The daughter of High Brow Cat had earned $48,013 and sold with an embryo by Smart Little Lena.

ST NICKS PINES DISPERSAL – DEC. 10
9 head, $141,000 gross, $17,625 average
The high-selling horse was Bowmans Fancy Lena, a 2003 daughter of Smart Little Lena, a 2003 daughter of Smart Little Lena out of Bowmans Fancy by Lenas Jewel Bars. She brought a final bid of $37,000. The earner of $11,124 sold with two embryos – one by Nitas Wood and one by Sweet Lil Pepto. Second was Smart Lena Merada, selling for $35,000. The 1994 daughter of Smart Little Lena out of Lena Merada by Freckles Merada, had earned $53,948 and sold for $35,000 with three embryos – two by Cat Ichi and one by Dual Pep.

GASPARILLA INN DISPERSAL OF DREAMCROSS HORSES PART 2 – DEC 10
44 head, $476,500 gross, $10,830 average
The Dreamcross horses all changed hands, with the high-seller being Dual Lena Belle, a 1994 daughter of Dual Pep out of Reylena, with earnings of $61,271. She brought a final bid of $50,000. The second high seller was Mia Olena Belle, a yearling daughter of CD Olena out of Dual Lena Belle, bringing $46,000. A price of $35,000 was paid for Miss Pepto Bar, a yearling daughter of Peptoboonsmal out of Miss Dual Bar by Colonel Jay Bar.

NCHA FUTURITY LIMITED OPEN FINALS WON BY R.L. CHARTIER
R. L. Chartier, son of Randy Chartier rode Hay Maker, Scott Cusick’s son of Mr Jay Bar Cat to a 223, winning the Limited Open Division of the NCHA Futurity, held Tuesday, Dec. 9. The pair won $24,062. Hay Maker is out of Calie Del Rey by Dual Rey. Cusick is from Orem, Utah, while Chartier, is from Marine City, Mich., but is working in Weatherford, Texas.

The Reserve title was split between Wayne Robinson riding Dual Rock Sugar, owned by Joe Katin of the Czech Republic and Pat Earnheart riding Reynshine, owned by Robert C and Aly Brown, Tallulah, La. Both horses scored a 218.5 and took home $19,911. Dual Rock Sugar is a son of Dual Pep out of Xclusively Sugar by Poco San Lena and Reynshine is a son of Dual Rey out of Haidas Shiny by Haidas Little Pep.
For full results go to: www.nchacutting.com/futurity/i328501.shtml

BILL COWAN CAPTURES LIMITED N ON-PRO FINALS
Bill Cowan, Ardmore, Okla., rode Catty Hawk (Hight Brow Cat x Scarlet Dance x Peppy San Badger) to the Limited Non-Pro Finals, scoring a 224 and taking home the $17,739 paycheck. Bill also finished 18th riding Play Smart Chance, earning an additional $4,836. His wife, Michelle, who gave birth to their third child only five weeks ago, also placed in a tie for 13th riding Boonin San Tule to a paycheck of $7,492.

The Reserve title went to Adan Banuelos, Jacksboro, Texas, riding Mr Ed Hardy, a gelding by Abrakadabracre out of Reeds Instant Choice by SR Instant Choice to a 218 and a $16,980 paycheck. Adan, 20, is the son of trainer Ascension Banuelos.
For full results of the Limited Non-Pro finals go to www.nchacutting.com/futurity/i328611.shtml.

RUSSELL JENKINS LEADS IN AMATEUR SEMI-FINALS
Russell Jenkins, Amite, La., rode Little LOL Colonel to a 215, which was the top score in last night’s Amateur semifinals. It took a 202 to advance and 27 entrants will go to the Amateur Finals today at 4 p.m. Little LOL Colonel is sired by Little Lol Lena out of Miss genuine Colonel by Genuine Doc. Two horses finished up second and included Barry McCullar, Albany, Texas, riding Shesa Duals Play Kit (Kit Dual x Playgiarism by Freckles Playboy) and Tommy Neal, San Angelo, Texas, riding Peptos Fancy. Both horses scored a 213.

For full results of the Amateur semifinals, go to: www.nchacutting.com/futurity/i028663.shtml.

MIKE RUTHERFORD JR RIDES QUITE THE FAT CAT TO THE LEADING SCORE IN NON-PRO SEMIFINALS
Mike Rutherford Jr., Buda, Texas, rode Quite The Fat Cat to the top score of 221 in yesterday’s Non-Pro semifinals. It took a 209.5 to qualify for the finals, which will be held today following the Amateur Finals. A total of 25 horses qualified. Quite The Fat Cat is a gelding sired by Mr Peppys Freckles out of Quite The Cat by High Brow Cat.

Three riders split second and included Mary Ann Rapp, Weatherford, Texas, riding My Other Toys A Car, Tatum Rice, Alvarado, Texas, on Yer Cat Daddy and Brad Wilson, Lone Grove, Okla., riding Rose Colored Cat. All three scored a 216.

For full results of the Non-Pro semifinals, go to: www.nchacutting.com/futurity/i028613.shtml.

DOUG LILLY AND RAY WINBORN LAID TO REST
While the NCHA Futurity has been going on, two well-known horsemen passed away. Doug Lilly, 58, Mobile, Ala., formerly of Pilot Point, Texas, passed away on Dec. 3. Lilly was involved in pleasure horses and was a member of the AQHA, NSBA, NRHA and APHA. A memorial service was held Dec. 10 at the Slay Memorial Funeral Center, Aubrey, Texas, with Tim O’Neal officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Clark Bradley, Charlie Cole, Troy Compton, Joe Edge, Rick Gervasio, Benny7 Guitron, Clint Haverty, Casey Hinton, Tommy Manion, Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Dave Page, Mark Sheridan and Barry Wyatt.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Scott Schroeder, Dallas, Ga., and two grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and her husband Ray Boley, Brighton, Mich. Memorial donations can be made in the name of Douglas Lilly to the AQHA Guy Stoops Professional Horsemen’s Scholarship Fund, PO Box 200, Amarillo, Texas 79162.

Ray Winborn, 77, Gainesville, Texas, died Dec. 4 at his residence, with funeral services being held Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Clement-Keel Chapel. Larry Sullivant officiated. Winborn was a member of the Cowboy church in Gainesville, a rancher and showed and raised cutting horses. Survivors include his wife, Mary, of Gainesville, and 12 nieces and nephews. Palbearers were Jeff Schuckers, Rick Pittner, David Kerr, Lynn Templin, Jack Newton, Adam Crum, Wesley Tamplin and George Saxby.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Nov. 28, 2008
Flynn Stewart is on the mend, Jerry Ellis killed in horse accident, Tommy Manion resigns as co-manager of Smart Little Lena Syndicate, Pat Jacobs book and CD book available at Futurity and on-line, latest from NCHA Futurity and Trevor Brazile posed to break career earnings record at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

ON THE MEND:
Flynn Stewart, Bowie, Texas, who only days ago had quadruple by-pass surgery is now home and doing fine. “I’m walking every day and overseeing the operation of the ranch,” said Flynn. “I want everyone to know how much we appreciate the cards, calls, e-mail and letters.” Flynn is planning on being in Fort Worth during the NCHA Futurity – evidently for the upcoming sales.

CONDOLENCES:
Jerry Ellis, 51, a reining horse trainer from Burleson, Texas, was killed Tuesday, Nov. 25 in a horse-related accident when a horse he was training kicked him in the chest. According to relatives, he was helping to break a horse for a friend.

SMART LITTLE LENA SYNDICATE RESIGNTION:
Now that the lawsuits are over, I’ve been told that Tommy Manion, a co-manager of the Smart Little Lena Syndicate, has resigned, citing the fact that his goals had been met. Smart Little Lena is no longer being bred to mares; however, there is still a lot of frozen semen for the upcoming years. Remaining co-managers include Hanes Chatham and Mike Kelly.

PAT JACOBS BOOK AVAILABLE AT THE FUTURITY:

With an introduction by famed author Tom McGuane, Pat Jacob’s book titled “Outcasts, Outlaws and Second-Chance Horses,” is available in print or audio form at his booth (612) during the NCHA Futurity. Don’t miss this interesting book about the time in the cutting horse industry when one could take ill-bred and/or bad horses and win major titles across the country with them. You’ll read interesting and many times, very funny stories about some of the greats, including Buster Welch, Stanley Bush, Jim Lee and many others as Jacobs competed against them.

Jacobs, who is 71 and legally blind, still rides cutting horses. He also plays the bass guitar by ear and this year received the Cowtown Society of Western Lifetime Achievement Award. He also recently engineered the “Oklahoma Swing Project,” a CD including 18 songs. You can order his book or CD from his web site www.patjacobs.com. It would make an ideal Christmas gift.

NCHA FUTURITY:
Today is the final day of the first go-round of the Open division of the 2008 NCHA Futurity. Boyd Rice, riding Reylinquish, a daughter of Dual Rey out of Look Never Mind by Squeak Toy, bred and owned by Don Ballard, Sugar Land, Texas. It’s interesting to note that Squeak Toy is out of a Thoroughbred mare. The second go-round will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30.

Also, during the Futurity, don’t miss the Amateur Open meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. in the South Texas Room of the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall, on Saturday, Dec. 13. The Open meeting will be followed by a closed meeting for committee members.

TREVOR BRAZILE POISED TO BREAK CAREER EARNINGS RECORD HOLDER AT WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO IN LAS VEGAS
Trevor Brazile seems to have a knack for coming up with something special for his closing act at the PRCA Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., each year. This year’s event will begin on Thursday, Dec. 4 and continue until Saturday, Dec. 13. A year ago it was the first Triple Crown in 24 years, winning gold buckles in the steer roping, tie-down roping and all-around.

As the only competitor qualified in more than one event for this year's 50th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Brazile is almost certain to become the fourth man to win six or more all-around gold buckles, but he is also in position to make another sort of history. He needs $50,045 to surpass Joe Beaver as the ProRodeo career earnings leader and $121,560 to become the sport's first $3 million cowboy. A year ago he took home $139,704, competing in the tie-down roping and team roping.

And Brazile is not the only Wrangler NFR competitor on the verge of reaching a monetary milestone in December. Team roper Speed Williams is $30,053 away from becoming the 15th PRCA contestant to reach $2 million in career earnings and his fellow header Jake Barnes is within $80,798.

Gary Gonsalves rode Mecom bay Roan to the lead after the first day of cutting at the NCHA Futurity. The colt is a full brother to the great mare Quintan Blue.

News from the AQHA World Show, the NCHA Futurity, update on the sick ward, including Sandy Sokol and Flynn Stewart.

The AQHA World Show is in full swing with Ron Emmons, Ione, Calif., riding Olena Oak, a 2002 stallion sired by Smart Chic Olena out of Fritzs Oak E Doakie by Doc’s Oak, winning the Senior Working Cow Horse event, with a 444 total score. The stallion is owned by Mel Smith and Nichole Scott, Dunnigan, Calif., and was bred by Dave Nogle, Palatine, Ill. The 444 score consisted of a 219 in the reined work and a 225 in the fence work.

This was the second consecutive year for a World title for the horse/owner/rider combination, as Emmons and the 6-year-old stallion also won the 2007 Junior working Cow Horse class. It was Emmons’ first World title. The Reserve title, scoring a 441 was Ima Little Tangy, a 9-year-old chestnut gelding sired by Tangys Classy Peppy out of Im Street Smart by Smart Little Lena, owned by Susan Fiely, Edmond, Okla., ridden by Todd Crawford, Blanchard, Okla. The stallion was bred by Art Haskins, Clements, Calif. Crawford also finished third with a 437 riding Smart Shinetta, an 8-year-old Shining Spark daughter out of Smart Hickory by Doc’s Hickory, owned by the popular singing star Lyle Lovett, Spring, Texas, and was bred by Jeff Cornelius, Blountsville, Ala.

The Junior Working Cow Horse World title went to Jay McLaughlin, 34, Ozark, Mo., riding Fuel N Shine, a 4-year-old buckskin stallion sired by Shining Spark out of Boomerita by Boomernic, owned by Lapke quarter Horses, Logan, Iowa. The stallion, who scored a 444.5, was bred by William and Michelle Cowan, Ardmore, Okla. This was the first AQHA World title for McLaughlin.
Reserve went to Docs Soula, a 5-year-old sorrel stallion by Soula Jule Star out of Docs Hickory Nut by Doc’s Hickory, ridden by Bob Avila, Temecula, Calif. The stallion, who scored a 434.5, was owned by D&S Quarter Horses, Terrebonne, Ore., and was bred by Loyd Forrest, Wilton, Calif.

Both class finals, held Nov. 20, were judged by Robert Ingersoll, Rod Kelley, Billy Cochrane, Ken Wold and Ian Chisholm.

REINING:
In the AQHA World Show Senior and Junior Reining finals, held Nov. 21, Casey Hinton, Whitesboro, Texas, rode Slip Slydun Away, a 12-year-old stallion sired by Mister Slydun Pine out of Cowgirls Cody by Scooper C Poco, to the Senior Reining title, scoring a 217.5 under the five judges. Owned by Cecilia May Hylton, Gainesville, Va., the stallion was bred by Terry A Glassford, Galena, Ohio.

The stallion, which ran his pattern to Simon & Garfunkel’s Slip Slidin’ Away,” hadn’t qualified for the AQHA World Show since 2003 and worked first among the 15 qualifiers. Asked about riding the 1996 stallion, Hinton told Holly Clanahan of America’s Horse, “Horses are like tires in the reining. The more mileage you put on them, the more they wear out, the more they don’t drive as well. And so it’s a difficult chess game sometimes when they get to be an aged horse like him – keeping them mentally right, physically right and not have old habits override what you want them to perform like.”

The Reserve was split between two horses – with each scoring a 216.5. Whizin Off Sparks, a 6-year-old buckskin daughter of Topsail Whiz out of Setting Off Sparks by Shining Spark, ridden by Jason Vanlandingham, Whitesboro, Texas, was bred and is owned by Rosanne Sternberg of the United Kingdom. Memorable Affair, a 7-year-old daughter of Major Vaquero out of Coronas Affair by Corona Cody, ridden by Craig Schmersal, Overbrook, Okla., is owned by Victoria Lambert, Hempstead, Texas, and was bred by Robert Stinner, Aubrey, Texas.

The 17-horse AQHA World Championship finals in the Junior Reining was won by Starbucks Finest, a 5-year-old buckskin gelding sired by Smart Starbuck out of Dun It Sweetly by Hollywood Dun It, ridden by Randy J Paul, Scottsdale, Ariz. The gelding, who scored a 220, is owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, Scottsdale, Ariz., and was bred by Furniss Quarter Horses, Inc., Newnan, Ga. The win put Randy in the prestigious “Over $1 million Club,” as he has now won over $1 million in reining earnings.

The Reserve title, scoring a 218, was Ruf Whiz, a 5-year-old sorrel gelding by Lil Ruf Peppy out of Chexy Sugar Whiz by Topsail Whiz, ridden by Carol Metcalf, Pilot Point, Texas. The gelding is owned by Mark Shannon Miers, Abilene, Texas, and was bred by Brent Loseke, Aubrey, Texas.

The judges for the Reining finals were Terry Thompson, Ed Cridge, Chris Kozlowski, Betsy Tuckey and Carla Wennberg.

NCHA FUTURITY:
The NCHA Futurity began on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, with the beginning of the Open class. By the time the day was over, Gary Gonsalves was in the lead with a 220 riding Mecom Bay Roan, a colt by Mecom Blue, owned by Lannie Mecom of the Wichita Ranch, Brenham, Texas. Mecom is the owner and breed of Mecom Blue and Mecom Bay Roan, who is a full brother to the great Quintan Blue, Reserve Champion of the 2004 NCHA Futurity with Roger Wagner in the saddle. The mare, currently owned by James Vangilder, has over $609,000 in NCHA lifetime earnings. Mecom Blue is sired by Haidas Little Pep and is out of Royal Blue Boon, the all-time leading producer of cutting horses.

Second, with a 218.5, was Eddie Flynn riding Little Bow Peepto, a Peptoboonsmal daughter out of Bowmans Little Jewel by Smart Little Lena owned by Peter and Nora Stent. Scoring 218s were Boyd Rice riding Third Cutting, a Boonlight Dancer stallion that Carl Smith had purchased for $46,000 at the Oct. 16 Polo Ranch Dispersal; Tim Smith and Ragtime CD, a High Brow Cat daughter owned by Sally Nakasawa, Yuma, Ariz., and Crown Him Pistol, a Dual Rey son out of NCHA Triple Crown and Horse Of The Year Chiquita Pistol, the winner of the 2002 NCHA Futurity, owned by Tooter Dorman and ridden by Tag Rice.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, Rice also rode Lean On Rey, owned by William and Lisa Hefley, Little Rock, Ark., to a 219.5 – good enough for second place. The first go-round of the Open ends on Friday, Nov. 28 and is followed by the second go-round Nov. 29-30. The first go-round of the Non-Pro starts Monday, Dec. 1 and goes through Thursday, Dec. 4. The event ends with the Amateur finals at 4 p.m., followed by the Non-Pro finals on Friday, Dec. 12, the Open semifinals at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and the Open finals on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Including all the classes, the event features a record 1,885 entries and a $4,245,015 total purse, with $1 million in added money.

HIGH BROW CD NAMED HORSE OF THE YEAR:
High Brow CD will be honored as the NCHA Horse of the Year on Sunday, Dec. 14, the final evening of the NCHA Futurity. The stallion, with Austin Shepard in the saddle, won the 2007 NCHA Futurity when he was owned by Arthur Noble. Noble sold the stallion to Chris and Staci Thibodeaux just before the Augusta Futurity, where he also won the championship. Before the year was over, he had won five more limited aged events, including a tie of the NCHA Super Stakes. According to the NCHA Daily Chatter, the great stallion has two siblings in this year’s Futurity – a full sister, Sadie The Cat, owned by Stan Thomas, rider unnamed, and SDP Sweetest Thing by Dual Rey, owned by the Buffalo Ranch, rider unnamed.

SICK BAY:
The NCHA Futurity is going on without Sandy Sokol, Saginaw, Texas, who worked in the NCHA Show Department before becoming very ill with cancer. Sokol had also been secretary of the American Cutting Horse Association before going to work for the NCHA after the retirement of Carolyn Crist. Crist is filling in for Sandy at the Futurity. Sandy is not doing well and needs your cards and encouragement. Send them to Sandy at: 312 Bluebonnet St, Saginaw, TX 76179.
Also, Flynn Stewart is doing “as well as can be expected” after quadruple by-pass surgery performed a week ago. Hopefully, Flynn will be home before long. Send your cards to Flynn and Norma at PO Box 1793, Bowie, TXS 76230-1793.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Oct. 30, 2008

Mary Ann Rapp and her and Phil's daughter Emma Grace Rapp.
Photo courtesy PCCHA

Today's news includes information on the upcoming NCHA Futurity Sales which will feature close to 280 more horses than were consigned in 2007; the latest from the PCCHA Futurity which is going on right now, the newest NRHA Millioinaire and a new National Finals Rodeo broadcast online.

NCHA FUTURITY SALES FEATURE OVER 1,530 HORSES
Although the Polo Ranch Sale, held Oct. 17 at the Polo Ranch in Marietta, Okla., was a shining light in a sick economy, the results of the upcoming NCHA Futurity Sales are a big question in everyone’s mind.

With over 1,530 horses consigned, the numbers are close to 280 more than the over 1,250 consigned in 2007. The eight days of sales, from Dec. 6-13 (with no sale held on Monday, Dec. 8) will include 57 horses formerly owned by Dream Cross LLC, consigned by Gasparilla Inn, Inc.; 59 horses in a production sale from the Buffalo Ranch; 17 in a production sale from the Oxbow Ranch and 8 head in a dispersal sale of St. Nicks Pines.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Select Seasoned Cutting Horse sale, with 104 entries, will be held and at 4 p.m., there will be a free party with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music. At 5 p.m., the NCHA Distinguished Service Award will be presented to well-known auctioneer Col. Don Green, and that will be followed by the 69-entry Invitational Yearling Sale.

The longest day will be Wednesday, Dec. 10 when 272 horses will be sold, including 144 in Session 2 of the Preferred Breeders Sale and 60 in session 3. The Preferred Breeders session 4, with 231 horses will be Thursday, Dec. 11. On Friday, Dec. 12, the Auction of 2009 stallion seasons, lifetime breedings and syndicate shares will be held, followed by 230 horses in the Preferred Breeders Sale session 5.

Saturday and Sunday will be Super Stallion days with breeding stallions being paraded prior to the sales and most will be available for viewing afterward. Prior to the parade of stallions on Sunday, a free cutters breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. The parade will be followed each day by the two sections of 2-Year-Olds by Select Sires sale – 110 on Saturday and 109 on Sunday.

THE LATEST FROM THE PCCHA FUTURITY:
NON-PRO FUTURITY:
Phil and Mary Ann Rapp brought 21 horses to the PCCHA Futurity and six of them are being shown by Mary Ann in three Non-Pro divisions. She started with three in the Non-Pro Futurity and put all three in the finals – two in the Non-Pro and one in the Non-Pro Gelding division. Twice Is Right, a son of Smart Little Lena out of Tapt Twice by Dual Pep, is leading in the Non-Pro following two go-rounds, with a composite score of 430. He carried her to a three-way tie for the second go-round lead (with one of the three being her riding Neat Little Rey), the lead in the Non-Pro Gelding Stakes plus the aggregate top score of 430 in both divisions going into the finals.

Kim Vaughn and Plastic Spoon, a gelding by Hes A Peptospoonful (the horse her husband Brad rode to the top scores in the first three rounds of the 2001 NCHA Open Futurity) tied for the second go-round of the Non-Pro Futurity with Mary Ann and her two horses. The war horse is also second going into the finals of the Non-Pro Gelding division and is the only horse to advance in the Open, Open Gelding, Non-Pro and Non-Pro Gelding divisions of this year’s PCCHA Futurity. Kim, who has won over $78,000, prefers to show in weekend events and doesn’t show a lot at aged events.

NON-PRO CLASSIC:
Julie Wrigley, Weatherford, Texas, with three horses entered in the Non-Pro Classic, rode Wood I Never to an impressive 220 for the lead of the day yesterday. Clint Allen was also a finalist in the 5/6-Year-Old Open held on Monday night.

Julie also rode Faith In My Cat to a tie for the second highest score, tying with Kyle Manion and Im Countin Checks (the horse that won the 5/6-Year-Old Open Classic with Matt Gaines riding), and Mary Ann Rapp and Miss Reycine – with all three marking a 219. On her third horse, CD Graceful Dual, she earned a respectable 215. Wood I Never (Zack T Wood out of Curly Gray Hair by Grays Starlight) is a full sister to Julie’s awesome gelding Wood Ya Wanna.

$200K NON-PRO FUTURITY:
Brian Postill, Coldstream, B.C., won the $200K Non-Pro Futurity Championship after taking a 20-year sabbatical from the cutting pen. Postill, 57, rode Quixote Lights (CD Lights x Quixote From Heaven x Heavens Little Lena) to the winning score of 216. The pair also tied for the lead in the Non-Pro Futurity Gelding Stakes and has the sole lead in the first run of the Senior Division. Postill, a brother-in-law to trainer Dave Batty, is a road building contractor and he and his wife spent 20 years hauling their two daughters to success in hunter-jumper competition. Monday was the first time he showed the gelding.
Click here to find all results>>
Click here for PCCHA Daily Cutter issues>>

CRAIG JOHNSON NEWEST NRHA MILLIONAIRE
With only 12 competitors reaching the “millionaire” status in the National Reining Horse Association, Craig Johnson, Middletown, NY is the most recent member to the exclusive club. Johnson won the NRHA Open Futurity in 1983 and 1985, the NRHA Open Superstakes in 1984 and the Open Derby in 1989. Other reiners who have surpassed $1 million in earnings include Bill Horn, Tim McQuay, Shawn Flarida, Duane Latimer, Todd Bergen, Dell Hendricks, Craig Schmersal, Andrea Fappani, Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and Brent Wright. McQuay and Flarida have each surpassed the $2 million mark and Flarida is only dollars away from becoming the NRHA’s richest rider, with $3 million in lifetime earnings.

There are over 100 millionaires in the ranks of the National Cutting Horse Association trainers.

NATIONAL FINALS RODEO TO BE BROADCAST ON PRORODEOLIVE NETWORK
ProRodeoLive will broadcast all 10 rounds of this year’s 50th anniversary Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dec. 4-13 on a nationwide network of radio stations and on its newly launched web site ProRodeoLive.com. A link to the site will be available on the PRCA’s homepage www.prorodeo.com.

Veteran PRCA rodeo announcer Steve Kenyon, Pendleton, Ore., will anchor the broadcast team with commentary from ProRodeo Hall of Fame Bareback Rider Clint Corey and two-time World Champion Barrel Racer Kelly Kaminski. Derek Barton, a PRCA announcer and radio personality from Wheatland, Wyo., will interview each nights WNFR go-round winners.

By Glory Ann Kurtz
Sept. 25, 2008 – Fort Worth, Texas
The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), on Sept. 19, responded to the Appeal filed by Lainie Whitmire in her lawsuit against the NCHA, following the loss of her amateur and non-pro status, as well as her membership within the association.

Basically the response of the defendant, or Appellee, is that:
1) the summary judgment given to them by Judge Thomas Lowe was required because Texas law prohibits judicial intervention in the affairs of a private association.
2) the “procedural defects” alleged by Whitmire (the Appellant) predate the 2005 Settlement Agreement and are not supported by record,
3) the alleged Oral Agreement for Automatic Reinstatement claim fails as a matter of law and
4) the trial court is required to grant summary judgment on Appellant’s fraud and misrepresentation claims.

The NCHA, represented by Eldridge Goins and James W. Morris, Jr., of Goins, Underkofler, Crawford and Langdon, LLP, the NCHA lawyers and Henry Wehrmann of Stradley & Wright, the insurance company’s lawyers, concluded that the trial court correctly granted the NCHA’s Motion for Summary Judgment and its judgment should be affirmed. Also, they concluded that the NCHA should be awarded its attorneys fees and costs of the court for this appeal.

Whitmire is represented by James Walker of Walker Sewell LLP, Dallas, Texas. Oral arguments for both sides are set for Dec. 2 in Fort Worth.

Click here for copy of brief>>

Sept. 16, 2008

Hurricane Ike downed trees, took off roofs and toppled sheds at horse facilities as it gained strength in Ohio. Charlie and Tammy Hutton's Hilldale Farms (shown) in Princeton, Ky., also lost a lot of trees.

It was the last place you’d expect to feel the ravages of a hurricane, but on Sunday afternoon, that is exactly what many cutters, reiners and other horse enthusiasts in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois experienced. The remnants of Hurricane Ike unexpectedly gained strength as it headed toward the Northeast, dumping rain and sending wind reminiscent of the storm at its peak in Texas.

“They said that when Ike crossed the Ohio River, which is very warm, wide and deep, it re-energized and strengthened,” explained Michele Flarida, wife of Shawn Flarida, the industry's top reining horse trainer. “All of a sudden, we had a hurricane.”

Flarida, Springfield, Ohio, reported winds up to 78 mph – the strength of a Category 1 Hurricane. The family had minor had damage to yard fences and their kids’ playground equipment, but all the primary structures were okay. The wind blew a trailer off blocks, but it managed to stay upright and sustained no major damage. The family counted themselves lucky, as a few others in their neighborhood lost roofs and had other structural damage. The biggest problem they faced was the lack of power, with a reported 1.3 million in the area without power.

“Since we’re on a well system, that means we can’t get water,” she said. “They had to haul water out of the pool for the horses this morning.” Later, the Flarida family was able to get a generator in order to get at least the water back on line.

Horse facilitiees in Ohio received severe wind damage, but little or no rain. In Atwater, Ohio, located northwest of Columbus, a surprised Dave and Mary Dawson, who operate a boarding stable as well as a Western store, lost their power without warning, and as of today - almost 36 hours later, they are still without power and no idea when they will get it back. The Dawson family was also without water for all their board horses because without electricity, they had no well water, so they purchased a couple of generators, so they could at least water the horses - as well as hook up a deep freeze that they had just filled with pork from two pigs they purchased at the local youth fair.

"We lost hundreds of trees, said Jim Pickett, Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Bob and Sue Southworth, also of Dublin, said they had tree damage and lost electricity for awhile, but it didn't stop them from taking vacation time today to play golf in Virginia.

However, Ohio wasn’t the only area hit hard by the storm – or taken by surprise. In Princeton, Ky., Tammy Hutton, wife of Charlie Hutton, reported extensive damage at Hilldale Farm, home of the stallion Nu Chex To Cash.

“It took the roof off new hay barn, took shingles off the house, and there were a bunch of trees down in driveway,” said Hutton, whose new hay barn was just completed on Saturday. “We had a bunch of sections of fence down, but luckily we were able to fix it before anything got out. But it’s a real mess here!”

The storm took nearly everyone by complete surprise. “There was no warming. It just blew up and all of a sudden we had 70-mph winds,” she explained. “We did not get a drop of rain, unfortunately, and we really needed the rain. We’re sure not hit like they were in South Texas, but it was still devastating. The rest of my family was at a show in Alabama, and I called them up and said, ‘you’re never going to believe what’s happening here!’ I was catching lawn furniture off the patio as it was blowing away. It was just crazy.”

At Roseland Farms back in Ohio, trainer Brandon Brant was also taken by surprise, but probably not as surprised as his dog was. “I was out in what was probably the worst of the wind, when it was more than 70 mph,” he explained. “My dog was helping me bring in my donkey and a broodmare from a pasture when the wind picked him up. He was airborne and then rolled about 15 to 20 feet. He got right back in there, but I just couldn’t believe it.”

Both the dog and all the horses came out fine, but the storm flipped turnout sheds in the pastures, destroyed the round pen and left the barn doors hanging by threads. “It’s a mess, that’s for sure,” Brant said. “I have a lot of friends and family that live in Houston, and some of them didn’t even get anything like this. My friends in Galveston were pretty well wiped out, but it’s hard to believe the same storm did damage like this here.”

While area residents have a lot of cleaning up to do, all the horse owners we spoke to were very happy to report that all their horses were fine, although the experience is not likely to soon be forgotten!

The Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives debated H.R. 6598 on Wednesday of this week, a bill that in some cases would criminalize selling horses. According to the Animal Ag Alliance, this measure is "inappropriately named Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598), a bill which would criminalize the sale and transportation of horses for the purposes of slaughter. The bill was introduced by Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Representative Dan Burton (R-IN)." The bill now has an astounding 80 co-sponsors.

The Alliance fully expects the measure to be brought up for a Committee vote this coming week (the week of Sept.15) and that it could pass that body based on the Chairman's support. Philip Lobo with the Animal Ag Alliance says that this is the type of measure that could pass at the end of a Congressional session as a "feel good" measure- with many lawmakers taking money from the HSUS and their assurance that it can't hurt anything for them to support it.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the leading veterinary association in the nation, warns, "This new bill will do nothing to improve the welfare of horses or prevent equine cruelty" and opposes H.R. 6598. The Animal Ag Alliance adds that "This bill would severely limit the rights of owners to manage their private property and subject horse owners to criminal prosecution should they sell or transport their horses for processing for human consumption."

Groups that oppose this measure include the American Quarter Horse Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Steve Dittmer of the Agribusiness Freedom Foundation is one of those speaking out against this measure - and we have his email sent out to his supporters on Tuesday linked below. Dittmer writes "Last month, we noted the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) was supporting this bill to outlaw the knowing possession, sale, delivery or transport of horses for slaughter for human consumption across state lines or international borders, punishable with fines and prison terms from one-three years." Suddenly he adds, that this measure has appeared as a item to vote on by the Judiaciary Committee less than 60days before the November general elections. While, it's unlikely that supporters of this measure could sneak all the way through the legislative process in just three weeks, the amount of money that the HSUS brings to the table is enormous - and clearly, the Democratic leadership is trying to curry favor with them by promoting one of their "pet" issues. (pardon the pun) If it fails to move in the next three weeks- unless there is a lame duck session where it advances, the measure would have to start over in the new Congress in 2009.

We talked on Friday afternoon with Philip Lobo of the Animal Ag Alliance (click for their website) and he urges those in animal agriculture to call members of the Judiciary Committee and urge a NO vote- because the consequences of even fewer options for owners of horses at the end of their useful lives are severe if this measure should slip through and become law. The list of the Judiciary Committee is at the bottom of that news release we have linked to. Click on the listen bar below to listen to that conversation.
Click here to Vote "NO">>

Sept. 9, 2008
If you are involved in the horse industry and care about the welfare of horses, this is important to you!This alert is provided by United Horsemen’s Front, a horse industry-based group. More information about us can be found at www.UnitedHorsemensFront.com.

H.R. 6598, ironically named the “Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act,” is scheduled for a vote by the House Judiciary Committee this Wednesday, September 10. Please contact the legislators on the committee and urge them to vote “NO!” Contact information and a suggested message are below. Here is why:

If enacted into law, this bill would make it a federal crime to buy, sell, own or transport a horse, alive or dead, with the intent to use it for human consumption. The crime would be punishable with a fine and up to three years in prison.

This bill would further complicate the plight of horses and horse-related businesses following the closure of U.S. processing plants.

H.R. 6598 stems from animal rights activists’ misguided and damaging efforts to permanently ban horse slaughter. The anti-slaughter movement campaigns on emotion, ignores the facts, and denies the unintended consequences of the ban. Since the last U.S. processing plant was closed almost a year ago, horses have been abandoned in greater numbers; many more horses now suffer inhumane journeys and painful deaths at slaughter facilities outside our borders; and honest, hard-working people involved in the horse industry find their livelihood in danger.

The animal rights movement has a well established and well-funded political machine already in place. Its voice is drowning out the voice of the horse industry. We, the people who care the most and know the most about horses and their management, should have the greatest influence on the laws that affect our industry and the animals we are devoted to.

Please! Take a moment right now to contact lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Here is a suggested message to cut-and-paste into an email. For the committee members who do not have an email address, this message can be pasted into a new Word document and faxed to the numbers below:

Subject: Please vote NO on HR 6598
Dear House Judiciary Committee Member:

I am a voter and horseman who strongly opposes H.R. 6598. I believe in humane treatment for all horses, and this bill would add greater suffering to the already dire situation facing horses and horse owners following the closure of the last U.S. horse processing plant. Without this option, unwanted horses are condemned to neglect, abandonment or agonizing death in unregulated slaughterhouses outside our borders. Those of us who make a living in the horse industry have seen the market value of horses plummet.

There are approximately 100,000 unwanted horses in this country every year. Who will care for them? Where will they go? Slaughter provides a humane, federally regulated and cost-effective option for owners of sick, old, or dangerous horses. Furthermore, because horses are classified not as livestock, but as personal property, this bill violates horse owners’ basic property rights by taking away the option to sell a horse for a minimum price.

Please consider the cruel and unrealistic effects of this legislation, and vote NO on H.R. 6598 and any similar legislation.

(your name)
(your address)
(your phone number)

John Conyers (MI) John.conyers@mail.house.gov
John Sensenbrenner (WI) sensenbrenner@mail.house.gov
Howard Berman (CA) howard.berman@mail.house.gov
Rick Boucher (VA) ninthnet@mail.house.gov
Marty Meehan (MA) martin.meehan@mail.house.gov
Bill Delahunt (MA) william.delahunt@mail.house.gov
Anthony Weiner (NY) weiner@mail.house.gov
Howard Coble (NC) howard.coble@mail.house.gov
Chris Cannon (UT) cannon.ut03@mail.house.gov

These committee members list phone/fax contact information.:
Lamar Smith (TX) Ranking Member Tel: 202-225-4236 Fax: 202-225-8628
John Sensenbrenner (WI) Tel: 202-225-5101 Fax: 202-225-3190
Jerry Nadler (NY) Tel: 202-225-5635 Fax: 202-225-6923
Bobby Scott (VA) Tel: 202-225-8351 Fax: 202-225-8354
Elton Gallegly (CA) Tel: 202-225-5811 Fax: 202-225-1100
Melvin Watt (NC) Tel: 202-225-1510 Fax: 202-225-1512
Bob Goodlatte (VA) Tel: 202-225-5431 Fax: 202-225-9681
Zoe Lofgren (CA) Tel: 202-225-3072 Fax: 202-225-3336
Steve Chabot (OH) Tel: 202-225-2216 Fax: 202-225-3012
Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) Tel: 202-225-3816 Fax: 202-225-3317
Dan Lungren (CA) Tel: 202-225-5716 Fax: 202-226-1298
Maxine Waters (CA) Tel: 202-225-2201 Fax: 202-225-7854
Ric Keller (FL) Tel: 202-225-2176 Fax: 202-225-0999
Robert Wexler (FL) Tel: 202-225-3001 Fax: 202-225-5974
Darrell Issa (CA) Tel: 202-225-3906 Fax: 202-225-3303
Linda Sanchez (CA) Tel: 202-225-6676 Fax: 202-226-1012
Mike Pence (IN) Tel: 202-225-3021 Fax: 202-225-3382
Steve Cohen (TN) Tel: 202-225-3265 Fax: 202-225-5663
Randy Forbes (VA) Tel: 202-225-6365 Fax: 202-226-1170
Hank Johnson (GA) Tel: 202-225-1605 Fax: 202-226-0691
Steve King (IA) Tel: 202-225-4426 Fax: 202-225-3193
Betty Sutton (OH) Tel: 202-225-3401 Fax: 202-225-2266
Tom Feeney (FL) Tel: 202-225-2706 Fax: 202-226-6299
Luis Gutierrez (IL) Tel: 202-225-8203 Fax: 202-225-7810
Trent Franks (AZ) Tel: 202-225-4576 Fax: 202-225-6328
Brad Sherman (CA) Tel: 202-225-5911 Fax: 202-225-5879
Louie Gohmert (TX) Tel: 202-225-3035 Fax: 202-225-5866
Tammy Baldwin (WI) Tel: 202-225-2906 Fax: 202-225-6942
Jim Jordan (OH) Tel: 202-225-2676 Fax: 202-226-0577
Adam Schiff (CA) Tel: 202-225-4176 Fax: 202-225-5828
Artur Davis (AL) Tel: 202-225-2665 Fax: 202-226-9567
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) Tel: 202-225-7931 Fax: 202-226-2052
Keith Ellison (MN) Tel: 202-225-4755 Fax: 202-225-4886

By Glory Ann Kurtz
July 18, 2008
On July 14, I posted an article about the Amateur Committee meeting after the NCHA Convention on June 21 and unanimously voting to remove the “Amateur” definition from the Rulebook. (The article is below)

Shortly thereafter, Terry Adams, the chairman of the Amateur Committee, called my house and read the riot act to the girl taking care of our horses, who, of course, knew nothing bout this. He also talked to another friend of mine telling him that my post was untrue – I had made it all up. I was accused of spreading “gossip” on my site. He demanded that I retract the article.

Another reader of my site told me that they called some other members on the Amateur Committee and both denied any agreement for the removal of “Amateur” from the Rule Book; they said what they did agree on was that it would be taken to the “committee” for discussion - and that no one was at the meeting taking notes or the meeting.

Therefore, I am attaching a copy of the e-mail that was sent out by Julie Davis from the NCHA office. As you can see, this e-mail was sent out to a large number of people PLUS it was on the sign-in table at one of the cuttings in Brenham, Texas, so every one could see it. With all of these people having access to this e-mail, I do not understand why the Amateur Committee is denying what happened. Also, ordinarily minutes are sent out by Julie to be reviewed and the recipients are asked if any changes need to be made.

Therefore, I will not retract my article – instead I’m attaching a copy of the e-mail and let you decide what’s real.
Click for Minutes of Amateur Meeting>>