From the President...

which is the passing of Clant Seay. Clant was a journalist and grassroots organizer of numerous protests at big lick horse shows. I joined him on some of his protests along with like-minded, sound horse supporters. He was a source of strength while I was in Washington, D.C. to testify on behalf of the PAST Act and again when I met with USDA Secretary Vilsack. His reporting on the efforts and work of other sound horse supporters kept us informed when we could not be on the ground with him. Due to his efforts, there are fewer big lick shows today and for shows still around, the audiences are much smaller. Yes, the enthusiasm for the big lick is dying which is due, in part, to his efforts.

Happy FOSH Friends!

Well is your day going to be cold, chilly, warm, hot, wet or dry? Most of us are dealing with those erratic weather changes that can be challenging for our horses and us at this time of year.

As you can see, Eli and I are outfitted for the cold in our photo, and he is all fuzzy. As he is my first donkey and arrived with all that fur, I am wondering just how slicked out he will be when warm weather arrives? Will he slick out as much as Shiloh and Dusty? I’m unsure as his coat is so darn thick. At least he is much smaller for when grooming time arrives.

I hope you read our Sound Advocacy Update on page 7. The talented Jo Ellen Hayden generously wrote this issue’s update and provided some history on the legislative and political battle to eliminate soring. The battle has been ongoing for so long, we sometimes forget our wins.

There is one loss we wish to acknowledge,

As we went to press, we were delighted to receive grant requests for a show and two clinics. We will have follow up stories and photos in our next issue. If you are in those areas (MO, OH and MN), all three have flyers in this issue so you can learn more about them. With our grants available for your clinics and shows, maybe you and your gaited horse cohorts will decide to hold your own clinic or a schooling show.

As you enjoy those spring rides with the leaves peeping out and beautiful spring flowers, please take some photos and send them to our editor. We would love to publish them. They are a delight for our readers who are no longer able to ride.

Enjoy your rides, and don’t’ forget your helmet!

Best, Teresa

Teresa Bippen FOSH President

Tbippen1957@yahoo.com