It is hard to believe that fall is just around the corner! Kids are going back to school and cooler weather is hopefully on the way.

We are excited to announce that the Aiken Fall Festival will be awarding overall Grand Champions for the two week circuit. The Grand Champion will receive a custom wool cooler donated by Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens and ribbon. Grand Champions will beEquusFallcolorad awarded in the following divisions- Amateur Owner Hunter, Adult Hunter, Junior Hunter, Pony Hunter, Childrens Hunter, Grand Hunter, Child/Adult Jumper, and Jr/Am Jumper. If you or anyone you know is interested in honoring a special horse or person by sponsoring a perpetual trophy please contact us in the office at 803-643-5698.

Aurora, CO (August 10, 2010)—The Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) has announced it awarded $15,000 in grants and youth scholarships this year. Since the Foundation was re-launched three years ago, the nonprofit entity, which is the philanthropic arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), has given over $75,000 in grants and scholarships. The AHF recently awarded $5,000 in Scholarships, $5,000 to Rescue and Rehoming of horses, and $5,000 to Equine Research.

“The Foundation is pleased to once again step forward and provide funds for projects that will have a positive impact on the equine world and provide funds to help educate our future leaders,” stated Larry Kinneer, AHF President. “Since the Foundation was successfully re-launched at the 2007 AHA Annual Convention, we have made significant strides in our ability to grant scholarships and fund worthy projects. Our hope is that we continue to grow, with more people making contributions that will enable us to do the work we do.”

The $5,000 grant to Rescue and Rehoming was split evenly between Mountain View Rescue, which is in Columbia, Kentucky and the Emergency Rescue Fund, a new fund set up within the AHF. The grant of $2,500 to Mountain View will be used to help those impacted by the nation’s struggling economy by providing hay on a short term basis for owners who have been financially challenged. New to Mountain View’s program is a low-cost gelding program, designed to encourage gelding intact stallions. This is the second grant to be given to Mountain View. The second designation of $2,500 will be used for emergency situations that require quick evaluation and response.

Carol Darnell, chair of the Foundation’s Rescue and Rehoming Advisory Panel, commented on both gifts.  “Mountain View’s use of our grant last year demonstrated how effective a small, well-managed, and well-thought-out rescue can be in addressing real world challenges. Their vision and the execution of that vision earned them our support for a second year. Their programs have the ‘legs’ we seek; the ability to do more for the horses and the equine community than would be expected from the size of our grant. We feel that the new gelding clinic program will demonstrate the same kind of ‘legs’.”

She continued, “We are delighted to have seed money for the emergency fund which carries the tentative title, ‘Horses‘ Distress Fund.’ We are actively pursuing additional funding sources. It’s disheartening to be approached for emergency funds, only to have to send people in need elsewhere. Now we will be in a position to act. Our goal is to be able to assist in both man-made and natural emergencies, but we’re going to need a lot more than our initial seed money!  Yes, I’m asking!”

The Foundation directed $5,000 to Equine Research, with $2,500 going to work at UC Davis, and $2,500 going to Cornell University. The Foundation has funded projects at both institutions previously with evidence of significant progress as a result of funding.

The $2,500 to UC Davis will be directed to the work of Dr. Cecilia Penedo in the continuing efforts to refine the search for the mutation that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), a degenerative condition of the brain caused by the death of neurons called Purkinje cells, resulting in a severe lack of coordination.  Most affected horses are euthanized before adulthood. Evidence indicates that CA is widespread in the Arabian breed

The $2,500 to Cornell University will go toward research into Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Equine Cushing’s Disease (ECD) in the Arabian. The grant will fund the work of Dr. Samantha Brooks and Cassy Streeter. A frequent complication of EMS, also known as Insulin Resistance, and ECD is laminitis and laminitis, in turn, is one of the most common causes of lameness and death in the horse.

Beth Minnich, chair of the Foundation’s Equine Research Advisory Panel, commented on the two recommendations made by the Advisory Panel. “Continuing to support the research on Cerebellar Abiotrophy is very important. These funds will be used to incorporate whole genome scanning, utilizing the Equine 50K SNP chip into the project. This upcoming work will provide a strong base of data to continue moving the research forward to identify the causative mutation for CA and reach the ultimate goal of developing a direct DNA test.” In addition, Minnich stated, “Arabians are a breed affected by EMS and ECD, so to be able to define genetic markers associated with a predisposition to these diseases would help tremendously in being able to identify at risk horses, properly manage affected horses and potentially assist in developing therapies for treatment. Additionally, the influence of the Arabian breed in the development of many modern breeds will assist in the identification of these genetic markers among a variety of horse populations.”

“Our Foundation Advisory Panels consistently do a wonderful job of researching and evaluating the best projects for the Foundation to fund,” Kinneer said.

Ten youth were awarded scholarships by the Foundation. Jim Cada, Foundation Treasurer and chair of the Scholarship Advisory Panel, commented, “We continue to be pleased with the quality of applications for scholarships. It is always rewarding to help a young person achieve their dreams and potential by furthering their education. Many parents continue to struggle with the economy and the need to support their children in their efforts to continue their education. It is good that the Foundation can provide help with this need.” Serving with Cada on the panel is Nancy Harvey, Foundation Secretary.

The AHF Scholarship winners are:  Carissa Grisham of Southlake, Texas; Bethany Dewey of Newfane, New York; Breanne Ensor of Heath, Texas (winner of the Jon Ostermeier Scholarship); Lucy Rutt of Denver, Pennsylvania (winner of the Don Thompson Scholarship);  Matthew Christian Hoffman of Hastings, Minnesota (winner of the Norm Dunn Scholarship); Melanie Ray of Wichita, Kansas (winner of the Myron Krause Scholarship); Robbin LeJune of Lota, Louisiana; Lindsay Jones of Corvallis, Oregon; Kaitlyn Zurek of Howell, Michigan; and Ethan Hendrickson of Friendswood, Texas.

“In order to continue supporting worthwhile projects and scholarships, the Foundation will continue to look to the AHA membership to help with donations,” Kinneer said. “Perhaps one of the most positive things to happen to the Foundation within the last year was adding the check-off box on the online membership form. People are checking this box and donating amounts ranging from $5 to $100. The Foundation board is deeply appreciative of those who are choosing this easy way to donate. A reminder also, that one can make a contribution through PayPal. If everyone makes a contribution, no matter how large or small, it will help us achieve our goals.”

Other board members in addition to Kinneer, Cada and Harvey, are Lollie Ames, Vice President, Frank Galovic and C.A. Butler. For more information about the Foundation, visit the web site at www.arabianhorsefoundation.org

AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org.

Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians descend on Regina, Sask. August 16-21, 2010 for the Arabian and Half-Arabian Canadian National Championship Horse Show, affectionately known as “The Royal Red.” The championship show, produced by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., will take advantage of Evraz Place’s new Cooperators Centre for a variety of disciplines including reining, dressage, hunter jumper and more.

The Royal Red will bring about 720 world class horses from 40 states and six provinces to compete in halter, saddle seat, driving, side saddle, western pleasure, Arabian mounted native costume, trail, reining, working cow, hunter pleasure, jumping, show hack, and dressage. Unlike any other national show produced by the AHA, Canadian Nationals features competition in amateur, youth, open and—new this year—select divisions, providing an option for many different kinds of riders.

While they aren’t in the ring, riders and spectators can take a stroll through the newly expanded Canadian Nationals Shopping Expo that offers a special brand of equine-related and inspired clothing, tack, art and jewelry. The Shopping Expo is open daily, August 16-21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Admission to the Canadian Nationals is free. Events will run from approximately 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. most days in three sessions at 8 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org

Find your next Arabian horse on MyHorseForSale.com

AHC WASHINGTON UPDATE AHC Seeks Information on Health Benefits of Riding.

There is a growing concern with childhood obesity in America. In the Spring President Obama established a Taskforce on Childhood Obesity to address the mounting problem of overweight children.

The AHC is looking for any documents, studies, articles, etc. that highlight the physical benefits of equestrian sports and recreational riding. Being able to document that riding is good exercise for children would be very helpful in making the case to the Task Force. If you have such information, please email them to the AHC.

The AHC has already submitted some comments to the Task Force proposing that riding be included in the scope of expanded opportunities for physical activities that the Task Force focuses on to increase physical activity among the young. (Copy attached.) In its comments, the AHC noted that:

Competing on horseback is a complex and demanding physical sport. Riders must develop muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. Riding can also improve posture and cardiovascular health. Though there is often the perception that the horse is doing all the work, riding certainly requires athletic skills and activity from the rider that develops muscle and burns calories. Additionally, the daily care of a horse such as mucking out stalls, stacking hay, grooming, etc promotes physical fitness also. Riding for pleasure on a regular basis has many of the same benefits as competitive riding.

Today a great many individuals who are involved in equestrian activities are young people. In fact there are many equestrian organizations specifically geared toward youth like the United States Pony Club and the National High School Rodeo Association. Additionally, most equestrian organizations have youth programs like the United States Equestrian Federation’s “High School Equestrian Athlete” program or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association.

A Pennsylvania State 2006 study (Impact of Equine Activities on Youth Development) found that once children became involved in a youth horse program that 90.8% stayed involved for more than four years and 58% stayed involved for more than 8 years.

The AHC needs as much information as possible to continue making its case for the health benefits of riding. Please email bpendergrass@horsecouncil.org with any information regarding this issue.

By Lydia Bagley

For many of us summer is in full swing. Temperatures climbing into the high 90?s and a heat index over 100. If you live in one these “warm” climates here are a few recommendations to help keep you and your horses cool while riding this summer.

by Lydia Bagley

There are certain behaviors that horses develop during the course of a lifetime some good, and some bad. There are some behaviors however that are unacceptable and dangerous to children and inexperienced handlers. The following discussion lists several behaviors that are unsafe and should be considered red flags when you are buying a horse. If you are looking at two very similar horses and one has a behavior issue and the other does not the horse that is well behaved is the horse to buy.

Behaviors that are unacceptable under saddle: bucking, bolting, rearing, kicking, and head tossing.

Bucking: There are several reasons that a horse may buck under saddle: the saddle may not fit correctly, soreness, or the horse has been poorly trained. As the buyer it is not your responsibility to figure out why the horse is bucking. Consider it a warning and continue your search. This was not the right horse.

Bolting is one of the worst behaviors for a beginner’s horse. The horse must be reliable, a horse that runs off is not reliable. Bolting decreases the rider’s confidence that he/she has control of the horse.

Rearing is very difficult to fix and can be caused by many things. Again as the buyer it is not your responsibility to fix the problem. Do not buy a horse that rears. This can only get you hurt and certainly frightens beginners.

Kicking under saddle is rare in most horses. They may stop and kick at a rider’s leg or attempt to kick while you mount. This horse is most likely in pain of some kind but again this is not your problem continue your search.

Head tossing is the last and least worrisome of the unacceptable behaviors however a horse that repeatedly tosses his head can cause anxiety and worry in the rider. If you are comparing similar horse go with the one who behaves perfectly.

Behaviors on the ground that are unacceptable: biting, kicking, rearing, bolting, refusal to stand tied, refusal to load, turning the hindquarters to you when entering the stall.

These behaviors are red flags; please do not buy a horse that presents any of these behaviors when you go to look at them. These are considered vices. When approached the horse should not bite or kick out at the handler. When being lead the horse should walk quietly beside you with no resistance. If the horse should rear while being lead do not buy that horse, it does not matter if the horse is scared. A horse that bolts is not trustworthy. Refusing to stand tied while not a huge offense is difficult to deal with. A horse that sets back can break halters, lead ropes, and seriously injure themselves, or the handler. Continue to look for a horse that has every characteristic you are looking for. Refusal to load is a vice that is pretty easy to fix, if you do not have a professional that you are working with and you want to be able to haul on your own keep looking. A horse that does not face you when you enter the stall may have several different problems. It indicates that the horse may be difficult to catch in the pasture and that the horse is unfriendly.

Not all of these behaviors are dangerous to the horse or the handler, some are indicators of a horses personality. Its important that you are comfortable on the ground, in the saddle, and that your personalities match.

I hope this article helps you understand some equine behaviors. If you have a question about any of these behaviors give me a call or send an email, and I’ll be happy to discuss the possible causes and corrections if your horse presents any of these behaviors.