MApHA January issue

Horsemanship 101: Showmanship

Become a member

TODAY!

MApHA 2014 Banquet Information and Year End Awards

Issue Contents On the Cover Horsemanship 101……….………………………………..15 Become A Member TODAY!......................................3 MApHA Banquet…………………………………………...14

In This Issue Newsletter…………………………...…………………………2 Raffle Gelding………………………………………………….2 Meet A Member: Bobbie Best………………..………..5 Meeting Minutes…………………………………………….8 Current 2014 Board of Directors………………………18

Newsletter Greetings and Happy New Year! This year brings a lot of excitement for the board of directors. We are busy making final preparations for banquet and the 2014 Show Season.

to you in this online magazine. You will meet a member of our MApHA family and we encourage you to do the same in real time! The magazine will also be featuring area professionals and their suggestions that you can use to better your relationship As you may have noticed the “newsletter” has gotten a major over- with your Appy! Occasionally, I will be haul. As a board we have decided to calling on you to be apart of this take a trial leave from our SaddleUp growing online publication. As always we’ll continue to share show related subscription. This has spurred us to news and ways you can support our explore alternate options for advertisement. Issu is an online collection club and it’s members and continue to get all general information that of magazines that allows us to post our publication free for everyone to you as a member (or potential mem- If you have anything you’d like to submit, please contact Dustin Boehmer ber) need to know. view. While we haven’t decided on at 269-420-1242 or e-mail at hard copy print, that topic is currently in discussion. If you would like to con- Please take a moment and share this boehmer3@msu.edu. tinue to receive a “printer friendly” of issue and the following issues on all the newsletter and meeting minutes, of your social media sites! Get the Until next month, word out there and support your lothat option is still available.

There are several institutions coming cal Appaloosa!

2013 MApHA Raffle Gelding Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or 3 tickets for $5.00 Tickets are available from MApHA Board members The drawing to be held Sunday, March 9 at 4:00 p.m. at the MApHA booth during the Michigan Horse Council Stallion Expo & Trade Show (Winner may choose gelding or $500.00)

Become a Member Today Why? MApHA offers a unique opportunity for those owners and enthusiast to engage in relationships and competition with fellow members of similar interests.

For years MApHA has been considered a great family organization and though we may not be related by blood we do share a undeniable common interest in the horses that we care for dearly.

Aside from the companionship gained from our wonderful organization are many other opportunities. Annually we award our top showmen at the MApHA Banquet, held in conjunction with our friends at WMAR. MApHA provides it’s youth members the chance at a yearly scholarship for educational purposes and provides youth with many other unique opportunities to grow relationships and responsibility.

While we remain proud of our Michigan residents, competitors come nation wide to enjoy the professionalism and proficiency of our shows. Time and time again, we here that we have some of the best shows and our national standings annually only prove the satisfaction rate!

We also engage in community events to help grow friendships and interest by attending tack sales, encouraging open shows via an annual high point award and supporting other organizations such as the Michigan Horse Council.

At the Stallion Expo & Trade show MApHA hosts an information booth and raffles off a gelding to help promote the breed, engage the public and grow our organization.

Whatever reason you choose, we hope that you choose MApHA and all the wonderful people that make us great. Thank your for your consideration. We hope to be having a great 2014 with you, whether it be in or outside the show pen!

Bobbie Best As our first installment of Meet a Member we sat down with Bobbi Best, MApHA president and long time member.

Thank you for taking the time to sit down and answer my questions!

What originated your love for the breed? How did you get started with Appaloosas, the national and affiliate associations? How did you become involved with the MApHA board?

I married into the breed. I was raising and showing Quarter Horses when I married Dave Best. He was my farrier.

He was raising Appaloosas and that was back in the 60’s when the Appaloosas had become very popular again.

My husband had been on the board for many years. Then when he decided to quit I was asked to run for the board.

How are you involved with Appaloosas, the national organization and affiliate associations outside your responsibilities as President of MApHA? I am a national judge. I will be receiving my 40 year pin in January 2014 at the Color Breed Council Judges Seminar in Tulsa Oklahoma.

What do you consider is your greatest achievement in the industry?

As far as the Appaloosa industry, I would say owning great horses like Star Diver, Star Divers Best, Zero Sky Diver and Impulsive Zipper. These stallions have been great producers in their day. I would also say producing some of the great show horses of the past few years. Dave and I are very proud of what we have produced and what they have accomplished.

Considering you have been with the breed and it’s organizations for a substantial amount of time, what do you consider the biggest difference in the industry from your earliest involvement to current day?

The biggest different I’ve witnessed is the improvement of the Appaloosa horse and a decline in the members of the club at all levels; not just our horses but horses in general. The MApHA use to have over 600 members when I first got into the club. I can remember meeting at the Civic Center, you could not get a seat because of so many members being at a meeting. There is so much more going on for youth to be involved with and horses are expensive and hard work. Horse racing used to be the only legal way to bet but now we have casinos therefore there is a decline in the interest in racing. Look at the summer sports that are available to people that cost a whole lot less than keeping a horse. While, I'm not sure anything can be done to turn the interest around, I think we can try to improve what we have to keep our existing member who are still interested with incentive programs.

What most fuels your desire to continue to support MApHA? The people and the love for the Appaloosa breed. The MApHA has some of the greatest, caring people you could call friends.

What are your plans to continue to keep the board productive and innovative as our industry changes in 2014 and continues to change after your term has ended?

The MApHA has a great board of directors, we have some board members that have been in the business for many years that give this board stability and a solid foundation. We have some young board members that bring new ideas and energy to the board. We have business people that will keep this board financially solid. We have national show level competitors that will help us stay current with what is going on in the show pen and that will keep our shows up to date. I just need to keep them organized and let them do their jobs.

There has been a certain amount of animosity that stigmatized the board and it’s directors in the past. What are you reactions, concerns and potential solutions to this branding of our organization?

The past is the past. There have been situations off and on in the history of this club that have caused some upsets but the club has been able to work through them and stay an important asset to the Appaloosa industry. Things are not going to change, there will be quiet times and there will be problem times and the club will deal with them as they come along.

What are you most excited about in 2014?

Spring is coming!! I am excited about the new incentive ideas that Bob Clark has come up with. I want to see the incentive program that Jim Hollis came up with grow. We need these kinds of ideas to improve our shows.

This could be industry related or not. Who is the most influential person of your lifetime?

My mom and dad, they made me the person I am. They were never interested in horses but I was and they saw to it that I had a pony, they saw to it that I could show horses when I wanted to do that. They were older parents, my dad was 50 when I was born and my mother was 45 but they never held me back because of their age. They supported me in everything I wanted to try. They worked hard on the farm to see that I could graduate from MSU in education.

Would you like to add anything in closing?

I think the MApHA and WMAR are great clubs and I am so happy to be a part of them. I am looking forward to a good year for both clubs.

November Minutes

The Board of Directors meeting was held at the Michigan State University Pavilion beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Those present were: Bobbi Best, Dean Wintjen, Frannie Wintjen, Cathy Wood, Amy Zeigler, Kay Bowen, Amy Schweiger, Bob Clark, Jennifer Schulte, Lee Fischhaber and Dustin Boehmer. Absent were: Kari Klein.

Also present were: Judy Biber, Terry Shelhammer, Sharon Clark, Jamie Clark, Jackson Fitzgerald, Kris Fitzgerald.

she completes the education, she will be able to do blood draws and injections. She works primarily on dogs and cats but once education is completed she hopes to do more with large animals. She hopes to show her gaming horse in the upcoming season but is also going to work so that she won’t have to take out as many loans.

two resignations. She explained that she did not distribute these resignations because she felt it wasn’t something that should be handed out for general distribution. Bobbi read the resignations from Julie Townsend and Denise DeVolder so that Board would know how these two former Board members felt about the Board.

Jackson Fitzgerald graduated from Fruitport High School and is a freshman at the Muskegon Community College. She is interested in education, primarily in theater and English Agenda – Requested additions to the but still trying to figure it out. She Agenda included ribbons and awards showed Appaloosa in 8th grade and and to discuss the list of members Junior year but hasn’t been recently who want to receive Club communi- active because of financial situation. cation via e-mail.

She is currently the Muskegon County 4-H Queen and works at Wesco. She Minutes – Minutes for the October goes to school four days of the week 12, 2013 meeting were presented. and works the other days. She exCorrection was requested to clarify that Judy Biber is not responsible for plained that her horse, Dusty, has continued to be used in 4H and school hiring the photographer. Frannie equestrian programs. After commuWintjen made a motion that the nity college she is looking at Western minutes be approved as amended, State University or MSU. She is willseconded by Jennifer Schulte. The ing to volunteer to work at the shows motion carried by a majority vote. if needed.

Scholarship Candidates – Two of the scholarship applicants were present- Both candidates were advised that they would notified of the Boards deed for individual interviews. cision at a later date.

Jaimee Clark has been accepted into the Baker College Vet Tech program. Treasurer’s Report - The Treasurer’s She is currently in the first term of the report was deferred to the General Membership Meeting at 1:00 PM, Noprogram and will have five more to vember 9, 2013. complete. The last term is an internship requirement. Currently she Correspondence – President, Bobbi works as a Vet Assistant and when Best, explained that she had received

Judges – Bobbie Best reported that she had hired all but three judges for the 2014 show season. Judy Biber needs to send out the contracts. She tried to hire judges based on their expertise in the riding disciplines and the horses that are shown. The cheapest airfares are for individuals coming from Texas. She has made a concerted effort to keep expenses as low as possible.

Non Pro – Amy Zeigler reported that awards have been ordered. The NonPro will be having a Board meeting in December. There are open positions on the Board and elections will be held in January. The Non Pro will be participating in the February tack sale if anyone wants to donate. They will also have a consignment option available but fees have not yet been decided. They would also like the Board’s approval to hold the Mexican Fiesta and the calcutta at the Sizzler Show. Frannie Wintjen made a motion to approve Non Pro holding their Calcutta and Mexican Fiesta events at the Sizzler Show. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried by a majority vote

November Minutes

of the Board.

thing yet but if anyone wants to put things in the membership packets, Youth – Cathy Wood reported that the awards have been ordered. The they should bring 200 copies of the Youth are still collecting proof of pur- information to the January Board chase forms for Tribute feeds and can meeting. be turned in any time. They will have a Youth meeting at the Banquet Show approval – Frannie Wintjen with the usual 50/50 raffle. They will stated there was nothing to report at be providing free pizza for the youth this time. who attend the Youth meeting at BanOLD BUSINESS quet.

Ingham County Fairgrounds – Bob Games – No report given. and Sharon Clark talked with the Banquet – Kay Bowen reported that Ingham Country Fair director. They she had been working with a caterer have a new contract and new pricing to provide deli sandwiches, soup, sal- plan. There will no longer be per stall ad, and cookies for lunch. Dinner charges and this will help us in the would be a chicken and beef or pork long run. We will have the two big with potatoes and gravy, vegetable, barns south of the arena included in salad and pie. Aiming for a per dinthe facility fee and if we need more ner cost of $10-12 dollars. Nothing stalls, we will pay a barn fee ($200finalized yet but will have details at $300 depending on the barn needed). next meeting. Frannie reported that They hope to have a new covered she had made contact with two DJ’s— practice pen built in the in-field track one for $400 and one for $500. She area by Spring Show 2014. It will be was leaning towards the $500 DJ be- 75’ X 144’ and we might be able to cause he offered edited music selec- use it for practice trail to help speed tions that would be “kid-friendly”. up the show. To rent this arena, it Open Awards –Amy Zeigler reported would cost $1,000 for the weekend. that the open awards have been orWe don’t have to let them know until dered She is waiting for the recipithe week of the show whether we ents to decide which High Point way to use it. Would only take an award they want, i.e. trophy, belt increase of $5 per stall to cover the bucket or cash. new arena cost. Contracts need to Website – Bobbi Best asked if there be signed.

2500 tickets. Sharon Clark will coordinate our Expo exhibit as usual but requested whether the Club would consider purchasing a digital photo frame to display our current photo album. This will be explored and a purchase decision will be made at next meeting.

were any suggestions or complaints Expo – 2014 Gelding Bob Clark has about the website. There were none. found a gelding. Judy Biber has the raffle license and needs to buy tickets.

Member Services – Frannie Wintjen reported that she hasn’t started any- Bob Clark suggested that we purchase

E-mail List - Jill Baker called about the check box on the membership form where members can be added to the list to receive copies of the newsletter

NSF Check – Judy Biber had been holding a check since Classic Show at the request of a participant and that issue has been resolved at this point in time.

Ribbons – Lee Fischhaber reported that she had ordered ribbons in 2013 but only for one year. Lee has taken an inventory and we may need to order more for 2014. There was discussion and Cathy Wood moved that we only order Grand and Reserve ribbons, postponing ordering of the other ribbons until Spring Show is over.

Frannie Wintjen seconded the motion and it carried by a majority vote of the Board, with one opposing vote.

Awards – There was discussion about the complaints that had been received about the Spring Show high point awards. It was decided that the show committee needs to do the best they can to satisfy the exhibitors but have to realize you can’t satisfy everyone.

NEW BUSINESS

November Minutes looking for the horse that would be used to check the fences on your farm.

and Board minutes. She wanted to know who was going to see that those things continued to be e-mailed.

There was discussion and it was decided that the membership form would be modified to ask whether the member wanted to receive Club info via e-mail. Dustin Boehmer will see that all Club info is forwarded to those who have elected to receive email.

Requested Show Changes – President, Bobbi Best, asked the Board to consider dropping the FPD halter classes and replacing it with a Performance halter class. There hasn’t been much interest in the FPD classes and a performance horse class might generate more interest. The horse would have to participate in a performance class in addition to the halter class. Yearling could participate because of the yearling lunge line class being offered and we might have to consider a two year old lunge line class for those two year olds who are not ready for a riding class. Bobbi also asked that the Board consider a Ranch pleasure horse. Would ride in working saddles/equipment and no glitzy attire. The judge would be

eight classes—junior and senior western pleasure, junior and senior hunter under saddle, open stakes and stumps, aged geldings and aged Lee Fischhaber asked if the Board would consider a Novice Non Pro Trail mares—at all three of our shows— and a Green Trail class for the inexpe- Spring, Sizzler and Classic—and that participants must be members of the rienced or young trail horses.

MApHA to be eligible to receive any Amy Zeigler brought up that there of the payback monies. The motion were families who bring ponies for was seconded by Jennifer Schulte and their little ones to ride during show carried by a majority vote of the weekends. She asked that the Board Board. consider an “all breed Pony class” Lee Fischhaber asked to have three that would be free and just give the little ones a chance to strut their stuff. classes added to the showbill for Classic. Her request was to add Weanling She volunteered to buy the awards.

Fillies, Weanling Geldings and WeanBob Clark presented an idea to offer ling Colts. added money classes at the Spring Show. He suggested that there be no Dustin Boehmer talked with Grand Lakes Buckskin Association to deteradditional fee to the participant to have an opportunity to earn pay back mine if they had any interest in a joint money. It would encourage participa- show. They are interested but the tion and be a way to pay back to the dates for the Sizzler Show fall at the same time as their World Show. The members. The Club would put in Classic Show dates fall right between $100 for each of six or eight classes their ABHA and GLBA shows. They and pay out that money to the top four places. The Non Pro and Youth are willing to set up a committee to could consider adding money for the discuss it more. Cathy Wood pointed top placing Non-Pro or Youth partici- out that the Paints don’t have any shows in August and maybe we could pant. He suggested that there be work with them. Because the Paint stipulations for the Non Pro or Youth added money, such as requiring at least three Non-Pro or three Youth participate in the class, or the added money would not be paid. Frannie Wintjen made a motion that we give incentive dollars ($100 per class) for

November Minutes

worlds were going on, Cathy was not able to make contact with anyone to determine interest. She will do that before the December Board meeting.

Bobbi Best will also contact the POAs about this to see if they have interest.

Because we have three days reserved for Classic, there should be time available to run another circuit.

Classic Show – There was additional discussion about whether we should run the Classic Show as a three day or a two day show. There were issues this year because of youth conflicts with Equestrian Teams etc. Lee Fischhaber made a motion that we schedule the Western Riding & Reining, Trail, Keyhole and Figure 8 classes on Friday after 5:00 PM. The practice trail would run at 3:00 PM. Dean Wintjen seconded the motion and it carried by a majority vote of the Board. The decision was that all breed classes would not be offered.

by the Fairgrounds, Lee Fischhaber made a motion to charge $25 per night for Spring Show. Dean Wintjen seconded the motion and it carried by a majority vote of the Board.

nine votes in favor and one vote opposed. Motion carried by a majority vote

Sizzler Show – Amy Schweiger made a motion to raise the weekend stall fee Dean Wintjen made a motion that we from $45 to $50 per stall. Frannie raise our blanket fee to $100, up from Wintjen seconded the motion and it the 2013 fee of $90. Cathy Wood carried by a majority vote of the seconded the motion and it carried by Board. a majority vote of the Board. There Cathy Wood made a motion to raise Show Bill Fees Discussion was one vote opposed. Bob Clark camping fees to $25 per night. FranSpring Show - Dean Wintjen made a stated that he thought we were innie Wintjen seconded the motion and motion to raise the price of all stalls creasing too much too quick. Amy it carried by a majority vote of the by $5 at Spring Show. Amy SchweiSchweiger asked Judy Biber whether Board. ger seconded the motion. Discusshe knew how many blanket fees we sion clarified that stalls would be The Blanket fee will remain at $90, had at each of the shows. Judy has priced at $50 per stall if prepaid and if the information but not with her. one horse or one rider. not reserved and paid in advance, Cathy Wood suggested that at $100, Classic Show – The Blanket fee will stalls would be $60 per stall. The the blanket fee is still cheaper than remain at $90, one horse or one rider.

Ingham County Fairgrounds will not anywhere else. After much discusLee Fischhaber made a motion to allow trailer-ins—all horses must be sion, Dean Wintjen made another moleave the stall fee at $50 for Classic, stalled, just like MSU. The motion tion to rescind the blanket fee motion seconded by Amy Schweiger. Voice carried by a majority vote of the and leave the blanket fee for 2014 at vote was not by majority vote so a Board. $90. Amy Schweiger seconded the show of hands vote found four in faBecause of the change in fees charged motion. A show of hands vote found

November Minutes vor of the motion and five opposed to the motion. The motion failed.

After more discussion about having the same stall fee for a two day show as opposed to a three day show, Cathy Wood made a motion to increase the Classic Show stall fee to $55 per stall. Frannie Wintjen seconded the motion. A show of hands vote found five in favor of the motion and three opposed. The motion carried.

but not offer Performance Halter class until Sizzler and Classic. No “All breed Pony class” until the Sizzler and Classic Shows. No Novice Non Pro Trail or Green Trail to be offered.

(Classes 59-62) and Figure 8 Stakes (Classes 102-105) will start after 5 PM. Trail practice will start at 3 PM. The FPD classes will be replaced with the performance halter class. The 2Yr Old Longe Line class will be added.

Sizzler Show – All breed Pony class will be offered free of charge to any- The weanling halter classes for Fillies, Geldings and Colts will be added and one six and under. We will insert it after lunge line on Sunday and before Bob Clark will find added money for the yearling Longe Line class. the stakes classes. There will be no FPD classes but we will add the perAdjournment formance halter class, requiring par- Dean Wintjen made a motion to adCathy Wood made a motion that ticipation in at least one other perfor- journ, seconded by Dustin Boehmer camping fees be $25/night, as opmance class. A 2-Yr Longe Line class and the motions carried. The posed to the $45/weekend. Amy will be added in order to attract those meeting adjourned at 12:35 PM. Schweger seconded the motion and two year olds who aren’t ready for the motion carried by a majority vote riding classes. Bob Clark offered to of the Board. put added money in for the Yearling Respectfully Submitted, Longe Line class.

Show Bill Revisions Kay Bowen, Recording Secretary Classic Show – Trail, Western Riding Spring Show – After discussion, the decision was to take out FPD classes and Reining (Classes 40-49), Keyhole

Board of Directors

Bobbie Best—President 25401 Dunning St Cassopolis, MI 49031 Home: 269-445-3357 Cell: 269-214-0097 Email: Best Farms Term Expires: 2016

Dustin Boehmer—Newsletter/Summer Sizzler 6466 McCue Rd Holt, MI 48842 Cell: 269-420-1242 Email: boehmer3@msu.edu Term Expires: 2014

Cathy Wood—Vice President/Youth Advisor PO Box 173 Mason, MI 48854 Cell: 5172566548 Email: cwoodshowhorses@aol.com Term Expires: 2016

Frannie Wintjen—Classic Show/Show Approval 3234 Moyer Rd Williamston, MI 48895 Cell: 517-719-8941 Email: dsfancy499@aol.com Term Expires: 2014

Kay Bowen—Banquet/Minutes Keeper 9245 N Wyman Rd Barryton, MI 49305 Home: 989-382-8952 Cell: 231-3577366 Email: c4amile@dishmail.net Term Expires 2016

Bob Clark—Spring Show 2776 Bellevue Road Leslie, MI 49251 Home: 517-589-9711 Email: clarkappaloosas@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2014

Kari Klein—Youth Advisor/Website 415 N Gould St Owosso, MI 48867 Cell: 989-382-8138 Email: Kariklein@hotmail.com Term Expires: 2015

Jennifer Schulte—Classic Show 1760 Ranch Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Cell: 616-826-8004 Email: jennifer.schulte3@gmail.com Term Expires: 2016

Amy Zeigler—Open Awards/Show Bill 10327 W Grass Lake Rd Barryton, MI 49305 Home: 989-382-8138 Cell: 989-600-9922 Email: Appy_pharm06@hotmail.com Term Expires: 2015

Lee Fischhaber—Summer Sizzlwer/Trail Coordinator 22341 M Drive N Marshall, MI 49065 Home: 269-781-3453 Cell: 616-403-1073 Email: Jlee4140@gmail.com Term Expires: 2014

Judy Biber—Executive Secretary/Treasurer 28328 Dixboro Rd South Lyon, MI 48178 Home: 248-486-0695 Email: Judybiber@comcast.net Term Expires: 2016

Dean Wintjen 3234 Moryer Rd Williamston, MI 48895 Home: 517-655-2763 Email: deano327@aol.com Term Expires: 2016

Horsemanship 101: Showmanship In every aspect of life, it’s very important to have clear objectives and well thought out plans. There is no doubt that this preparedness allows us to accomplish our goals and face adversity when it arises. At no other point during your show day are you as closely scrutinized as you are when you walk into the pen for showmanship. That is why this mindset is immensely important for this class

if you’re on a fixed income and attending 4-H or schooling shows, you can make do with less. Regardless of the venue, fit and cleanliness are a must. I would much rather see simple and fitted as opposed to loud and baggy. Ill fit, always comes off as unkempt no matter how much bling is covering it. If you are having a hard time finding the perfect fit, purchase your clothing a size larger and have When picking your attire, it’s best to them altered to match your body type. After all, you just spent months understand and evaluate the arena perfecting your pattern work. Do you that you’ll be showing in. The AllAmerican Quarter Horse Congress re- really want the judge’s comments to read, “at Cone A - messy and neglectquires different appointments than your local open horse show. A blazer, ed”? button down shirt, pressed slacks, a Cleanliness is next to Godliness, espesharp creased, cleaned hat and polcially in the showmanship arena. As ished boots in conservative colors are someone who is in the pen a lot, I feel a great look for any venue! However, as if this information should go with-

out saying, but a bathed and properly clipped horse with clean trimmed hooves make all the difference in the world. Furthermore muzzles, ears, and legs should be trimmed short to match the existing hair coat. Oil can be placed around the muzzle, eyes and ears to create a polished look.

Bands in the mane should be less than an inch in width and even in their placement on the neckline. Tails, with or without extensions, should be no longer than the horses fetlock joints.

The halter, preferably leather (oiled and clean), should fit snug to the horse’s face. Lastly, the chain, ran under the chin, should meet the lead with approximately five links from the halter.

Equally as important and the last portion of the equation your horse’s ma-

neuverability. Before you begin your training process, you should first evaluate you and your horse’s abilities.

Any showmanship exhibitor should have the following maneuvers in their repertoire. Your horse should be able to walk, trot, and back straight lines (in all combinations). Your horse should be able to pivot with its body in a straight line from the hip, through the shoulder, to poll. The set up should be timely and the inspection executed without exaggerated movement from you or the horse. Your departure to any combination of these maneuvers should be crisp, but not quick, with as little visible guidance from the exhibitor as possible. A finished team should “close” every element before beginning the next. This helps to reduce harshness in handling and execution, as it creates a clean, even, consistent picture for those who are evaluating your performance.

is a substantial amount of pressure, as if you are pulling your horse, hold your pace. As soon as your horse decides to “catch up” to your longer stride and release the pressure on the lead, you settle back to the original walk, a release in pressure is created and everyone relaxes. On this release of pressure it is especially important to maintain a constant body position.

You are teaching the horse to move with your body, not your hand. Also be prepared when creating the connection with the lengthening of stride at the walk that some horses will jump forward on the first couple of attempts. Remain solid and unchanging with your body position, let him hop forward without creating a negative reaction and TRY AGAIN! Quiet repetition, though daunting at times, is the best solution to any task. This understanding that you’re creating between you and your horse to move To achieve this suppleness you must forward will be the building block to begin by teaching your horse to move every showmanship maneuver. away from the pressure of the shank. Once you’ve spent some time asI believe this to be best achieved at sessing your strengths and weaknessthe walk. Having forward motion give es, you can begin planning toward something for both of you to think about and focus on. Once you’ve found a comfortable pace with your horse, increase your stride length, but do not change any other aspect of your form. While some horses will naturally respond to this and increase their pace, you will find that most horses will continue at the same pace created originally. Very quickly there will be pressure on the lead between your hand and the horse’s face. Once a solid connection is made and there

perfecting your game. Under ideal circumstances, working your horse three to four times a week over the course of two months, an exhibitor could take a green horse and develop the maneuvers necessary to complete a basic showmanship pattern. Understanding that not all of us are starting from scratch, you can use this time frame to attain a new skill while polishing your current knowledge base. It is also important to understand your horses’ threshold for training. Once you’ve hit a road block, come back to something simple, but keep working.

You want your horse to develop a positive mindset towards working and using that prior knowledge base, his comfort zone, is just the trick to keep him focused and happy.

Though this will get you get started, achieving the proper finish to compete at high levels takes a lot more polish than can be discussed in one sitting. Your goals will be easily achieved with consistency, persistence and dedication. Good luck, until next time!

MApHA Banquet January 25 & 26, 2014 Association Members, the time has arrived to celebrate 2013 show season achievements! The banquet provides an opportunity to visit with friends and plan for the next show season. It will be here before you know it. We are looking forward to another year at the University Quality Inn. The WMAR will host its banquet on Sunday at the hotel. We hope you will join us in the fun.

LOCATION: University Quality Inn, 3121 East Grand River, Lansing MI 48912.

ROOM RESERVATIONS: Call the University Quality Inn at (517) 351-1440, to receive our group discount rate of $85.00 per night. Please reserve your room no later than January 13, 2014. This rate includes a complimentary hot breakfast for all guests and two complimentary beverages in the Hotel Lounge (per room, per evening). Cancellations require 48 hour notice or a one night stay will be billed.

MEAL RESERVATIONS: Banquet meals must be reserved and paid for by January 13, 2014. NO banquet meals will be available for purchase at the banquet. Meal tickets will be distributed and table seating information available on Saturday at the hospitality table. The meals will be provided by VG’s Kitchen.

QUESTIONS: Please call Kay Bowen at 989-382-8952.

AUCTIONS: For questions and item donation, please call Joanne Raver at 586-914-5505.