MOSCOW, Idaho— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is pleased to announce the top 10 Appaloosas that were ahead of the curve in the 2009 racing season. The following Appaloosas were the 2009 leading starters based on dollars earned:

Moon Bully (Man With The Power x TB Fancy Moon, AQHA) was the leading Appaloosa starter, earning $37,283 to end the year with a lifetime total of $114,019. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Dub Seely of Sallisaw, Okla.

Texas Royal Snow (This Snow Is Royal, AQHA x Texas Union) earned $33,828, completing the year with a lifetime total of $186,948. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Jimmy Maddux of Weatherford, Texas.

Cash For Casey (Takin On The Cash, AQHA x Kisses For Casey) earned $25,566 in his first year of racing. The 2-year-old gelding is owned by Ronna Pauley of Ramona, Okla.

Katies Perks (Man With The Power x It’s Cash’s Perks) completed her first year in racing with $23,459 in purse money. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

G I Jana (Brisco County Jr, AQHA x Sure Nuff Fast) earned $23,380 to bring her lifetime total to $74,070. The 4-year-old mare is owned by Jana Harrison of Stonewall, Okla.

Audaciously (Hotdoggin, AQHA x Won A Queen) completed her first racing year with a total of $21,092. The 2-year-old filly is owned by John McBride of Ogden, Utah.

A Day Before (Dispensing Speed x It’s Cash’s Perks) finished the year with $17,539 to bring his lifetime total to $40,022. The 4-year-old gelding is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

Oak Kid (Oak Tree Special, AQHA x Kiddles) earned $14,156, with a lifetime total of $29,111. The 3-year-old stallion is owned by Jimmy Guest of Strawn, Texas.

Willies Chick (I Love Willie x Lavish Moon, AQHA) earned $14,105 in her first year racing. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Ronnie Ennis of Kingston, Okla.

Divo (R Limited Edition x Lucks Beduino, AQHA) earned $12,781 in his maiden year of racing. The 2-year-old colt is owned by Dr. John V. White Jr., DVM, of Fort Collins, Colo.

For a complete list of top 10 honors in Appaloosa racing, visit www.appaloosa.com.

Appaloosa Racing

Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports—horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in total purses. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Alexcia Livingstone, Racing Coordinator, at (208) 882-5578 ext. 280 or racing@appaloosa.com.

As I read through my Christmas Equine catalogs I noticed that two terms have become a bit blurred, and prompted the writing of this article. What is the difference between a snaffle and curb? How do I know which is severe and which is not?

Every horse is unique, each horse has a different mouth and most require a bit just for them. If you have multiple horses, chances are you have multiple bits on different bridles, and a box full of alternatives. The bit can be one of several things; a communication device, a tool to create submission, or a way to harm the horse. The rider is in control of what the bit says to the horse.

There are two main categories of bits for the rider to choose from snaffle or curb.

For a bit to be considered a snaffle the reins and headstall must attach to the same ring and be able to shift on the ring. Examples would be traditional D-ring or O-ring type bits. Most people think of snaffles as having a jointed mouth piece, and while most do, it is not what makes them a snaffle. A snaffle bit applies direct pressure to the horses mouth, meaning if I pull the right rein the horse will turn right, he will feel the bit lift in the right side of his mouth.

A curb bit creates leverage pressure. It applies pressure to the poll, the back of the jaw, and the bars of the mouth.  A curb has seperate attachments for the headstall and reins usually seperated by the mouth piece. The headstall will attach above the mouth piece and the reins below. A curb can have a jointed mouth piece or ported mouth piece. A curb does not allow you to pull one rein and turn in that direction, and should only be used on horses that neck rein or work off seat and leg aids.

Bits come in different forms of severity. A jointed mouth piece is less severe than a ported one. A curb by nature is more severe than a snaffle. Severity of a curb is measured by two factors the mouth piece, and the length of the shank (the piece of metal dropping from the mouth piece to the rein attachment link). The longer the shank the more severe the bit is. If the shank has curves or an (s) design in it, that reduces the severity of the bit slightly. If you are using a curb bit, it is best to use one less than 3″(inches) in length.

When training your horse if they are not responding to the current bit, rather than moving to a more severe bit evaluate the training process and technique and look for any signs of discomfort in your horse.

The ultimate goal of all Horsemen and Women should be to ride bridleless and have a happy, willing, partner who responds to the lightest of touches.

Your horse can feel a fly on his back, how soft are your aids?

by: Lydia Bagley

Contact Lydia Bagley at LydiaBagley@myhorseforsale.com