From the President

Dear FOSH Friends and Supporters,

June is busting out all over and it looks like those chilly evening temps are a thing of the past. I hope you’re enjoying all your favorite equine activities now that fairer weather has arrived.

Our editor, Stephanie, has put together a fantastic issue as usual with articles covering a gaited horse breed--the Mangalarga Marchador, finding a riding instructor and an interview with an equine loving mother-daughter team. As your horse shows, trail riding and other activities pick up again, we hope you send your photos and notes to us—we would love to publish them and hear what you are enjoying this Summer with your horse. What will be interesting to see is if any of you picked up new equine pursuits during the COVID shutdown (video dressage anyone?) and if you plan to continue those activities now that the world has opened post COVID.

We’re excited to mention that there will be a FOSH inspected, multi-gaited breed horse show in Tennessee this summer. We thank Milda Minter for her initiative in holding one of her horse shows in Tennessee. Several Board members, including me, were lucky enough to attend a show she held in Florida in February 2020. I remember it quite vividly and also because it was where I met Stephanie in person. All the show details are on page 7. If you are unable to show or attend, please consider sponsoring one of the classes.

I’m proud to inform you that FOSH is providing scholarship grants for the first time ever. More information is available on pages 8 and 9 if you know of any horse loving college students. FOSH also has grants for clinics—why not try on some Working Equitation, trail obstacle courses or even dressage? More information is available on page 31.

When the weather becomes a tiny bit too warm, I know I’m going to be relaxing and reading our Larry Whitesell article which has too many gems to mention about communicating with your horse. I’m guessing none of it will be new to our supporters; but, I appreciate these reminders from Larry that will help you enjoy your relationship even more with your trusty steed.

I’m saving the best for last—look for the new FOSH website debuting in June (fingers crossed). The layout will work much better for your mobile phones and other devices. We’re still adding archives so this will be a work in progress for awhile. We’ll put an announcement on Facebook when we’re up and running.

Best, Teresa

Teresa Bippen FOSH President Tbippen1957@yahoo.com