January - June, 2015
MASS MORGAN
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE: -
MMHA Awards Banquet .... 2015
The Joys of Driving with " Independence" - Trotting in with News from... -
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MMHA Silent Auction .... 2014/2015 Mass Morgan Horse Show USEF Horse of the Year
*President's Message *Committee News *Membership Update *Chuck Wagon *Ask the Expert
Committee News Youth: •
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MMHA Anna Ela Memorial $2000.00 Scholarship is posted on www.massmorgan.com. There is a new format. Completed applications must be submitted by August 1st. The Youth Council is looking for active members. Plans are again being made to bring all Youth together at the 2015 Mass Morgan Horse Show. Members are needed to help coordinate activities during the show. Anyone interested can contact Sue Therrien at sue.therrien@gmail.com. Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show Youth of the Year Horsemanship Patterns for the 2015 show can be found on the website at www.massmorgan.com.
Communications: •
We want to hear from you! If you have a question you would like us to answer, please send it along. If you have a special event you would like us to post on our calendar, let us know. Please submit questions/events to Chris Delude at kdelude3028@charter.net or Judy Candage at jcandage@cericfab.com.
Membership: •
Have you renewed your Mass Morgan membership??? You can renew at www.massmorgan.com, or email Judy Candage at jcandage@cericfab.com for a membership application.
Horse Show: 2015 * The show committee is planning another fun and exciting show ! Go to www.massmorgan.com for more details ! Note: Judge's will be Lyle Wick and Tim Roesink. Lyle has replaced Katie Mair who was unable to judge this year.
This year at the MassMorgan show a Carriage Driving Clinic will be given by Suzy Stafford. Suzy competes on the national and international levels with her Morgan mare, PVF Peace of Mind. More information ! Suzy can be found on her web site: about http://www.staffordcarriagedriving.com
President’s Message The horse show season is in full swing with many of our Massachusetts members having participated in the UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premier, the Greater Boston Charity Show and Connecticut and Vermont Morgan horse shows. Congratulations to Nikki Rae Woodworth, trainer for KGA Morgan Farm, on her win in the ASHA/AMHA trainers equitation class held at the Spring Premier. 19 trainers participated raising over $16,000 to benefit ASHA/ AMHA and the 2016 super convention. The trails have also been very busy places and morgan activities all across the state are offering a variety of different horse related experiences. Hope to see everyone soon ! Melissa Miskiv-Keene
MMHA Banquet.... 2015 Submitted by: Chris Delude The Mass Morgan Horse Association awards banquet was once again held at Cyprian Keyes in Boyleston, Ma. The estate which is rich in history, dating back to 1734, was the perfect setting to create a once in a lifetime experience for those who attended. Music, which was provided by Harry Sebring, set the background for all to enjoy great food, friendly conversation and of course, a presentation of well deserved awards. In addition to the Championship and Reserve Championship awards that were presented, Mass Morgan also recognizes and presents a Distinguished Service Award, a Youth of the Year Award, and a Horse of he Year Award. It was with great appreciation and admiration that these following awards were given.
Distinguished Service Award..... Jane Morrell From a very young age, the Distinguished Service Award recipient, Jane Morrell, was involved with horses. Her love for horses began at her mother's stable, where she rode and learned by watching and doing. She attended her very first Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show in 1969 and was also elected to be the new organization's Secretary. Her involvement in showing Morgan horses has graced just about every division. Jane raced a Morgan at Northampton, showed in the Western, Hunt, English Pleasure, Road Hack and Park saddle divisions and in Western Dressage. She has won many a blue ribbon in New England and at the Grand National Horse Shows. She has had the privilege of being in the publication celebrating the First 25 years of the Grand National Morgan Horse Show. Jane has been a part of the Mass Morgan Horse Association since its inception, both as a member and as a Director. She has also been the MMHA Show Committee Chairperson for the past 8 years. Jane appeared quite surprised when her name was announced and a little speechless as she was congratulated by her family, friends and colleagues.
MMHA 2014 Youth of the Year.... Lexie Ferris Lexie Ferris is an outstanding young woman. To say Lexie is HARD WORKING is an understatement and her Morgan roots run deep. Lexie has spent many hours riding the trails of Vermont with her grandmother Barbara Ackley. Lexie's first trip to the Mass Morgan Horse Show was when she was 11 years old. She worked as the groom for Jeff Morse's Green Meads Farm. Since then, Lexie has continued to work for Jeff and has also groomed for several other farms. Lexie is a strong and active contributor to the newly formed Mass Morgan Youth Council. In addition, she is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. In 2014, she served as Jr. Captain of her team. She has earned her varsity letter as a High School Equestrian through USEF. Lexie owns a Morgan
mare CBMF Moonstruck (Cher), who she started in the hunter- jumper division in 2014. It is Lexie's outstanding horsemanship, her hardworking attitude and contributions to the Mass Morgan Youth Council that made her the perfect choice for MMHA's 2014 Youth of the Year !
2014 MMHA Horse of the Year.... Pembroke Sweet Treat This year's Mass Morgan Horse of the Year is a true ambassador of the Morgan horse. Pembroke Sweet Treat " Cupcake " is a teacher, promoter of horse showing and a horse that everyone loves. Five years ago, " Cupcake" was bought for a six year old child. In the span of one month they went from lead line to a first walk/trot blue ribbon victory pass. In addition, Pembroke Sweet Treat serves as a lesson horse to those starting to ride. She shows regularly at the South Shore horse show series bringing new junior and adult students to their first horse show. At the Mass Morgan Horse Show she brought a student to their very first "A" rated show and they won the Hunter Seat Equitation Championship ! She also brought her little walk trot rider to Oklahoma where they made Grand National and World Championship victory passes. Pembroke Sweet Treat is owned by Emily Iovanna.
Congratulations !
The Joys of Driving.... with " Independence " Submitted by: Andrea Pianka Imagine sitting in a carriage behind a Morgan, racing through a cones course or navigating smoothly and elegantly through a dressage test ! These are two of the many enjoyable ways to bond with an equine partner in the world of carriage driving. A few days out of the week and one day out of a weekend, you will find a dedicated group of carriage drivers practicing for an up coming event or simply going for a fun drive around the beautiful property at Independence Stables. Independence Stables, located in Belchertown, Ma is owned by Dottie Brittingham-Foreman who is also the trainer. This is one of many professional training and boarding facilities that offer carriage driving. Why do they do it ? Why do they spend their time and energy working so hard and practicing so much ? The answers may vary but their love for what they do and the closeness they develop with their equine partner, fellow competitors and trainer all seem to drive their passion.
David and Taz David McGuirk is a long time Morgan enthusiast says " I just love to drive ! My family purchased our first Morgan when I was 10 years old. He was so kind, with a wonderful disposition and a do everything attitude. I presently ride and drive my registered Morgan gelding, Greentree Tesseract. All of my driving friends are wonderful, very supportive and encouraging.... We have a great camaraderie, always have lots of fun and know our trainer is there for us. DRIVE On ! "
Denise and Angus Denise is another long time Morgan lover. She began with a special Morgan gelding named Orcland Silver Don who she competed with as a young girl. Years later, she is now showing Homeward Angus McGinty (Angus) in carriage driving. Angus was my Saddleseat Equitation horse, newly transitioned to carriage. " I hadn't driven a horse in a very long time.....and now I had a reason to " said Denise. "Andrea needs someone to be with her in the carriage when she starts driving again... And that's me ! Both Angus and I have evolved in our carriage driving adventures. We have a long way to go, but the trip has been nothing less than awesome ! "
Susan and Adam Susan Morrall and Hickoryledge Advantanna are no strangers to the carriage world. She enjoys driving Adam at home as much as competing at horse shows. Susan goes on to say " Carriage driving with Adam has brought me great joy and certainly more awards than I ever thought I would win. He is truly a wonderful representation of the Morgan breed, having a curious personality but also a great work ethic. We are just starting to tap his versatile potential in ridden dressage and he is proving that he is great at this also."
Jennifer and Encore, Gail and Jolie, Elizabeth and Gingersnap, Tina and Whisper and Ken Fountain Jennifer Wood enjoys carriage driving for many reasons. She says " I enjoy carriage driving with Equinox Encore for many reasons. He really keeps me on my toes and is never boring. He knows how to turn on the charm.... And can brighten every day." Gail Warren and Heydey Joie De Vivre are a new team and have been working hard and getting to know each other. Gail enjoys driving because she feels in her
opinion," it is the most unique of all the disciplines. At open shows, each turnout is different. Everyone stands out in their own way, and while it is competitive, there is a camaraderie that exists among drivers that makes for a great time." Elizabeth Snider is a junior driver and made her carriage debut last season. She felt very welcomed into "the most wonderful group of people she has met." Included in that group is Ken Fountain who is not only a skilled whip but also a talented builder and restorer of carriages. Tina Delullo drives Green Vale Whisper Dee primarily at home. She enjoys carriage driving for a variety of reasons... But perhaps best sums it up by saying..." Carriage folks just can't be beat and driving is a way that I can get my parents and husband to enjoy horses with me ! There's nothing like enjoying a good carriage drive with a friend. It's an easy way to include non- horsey people in our horsy world !"
Conclusion So as it is reported, carriage driving is a "joy" and very rewarding as the drivers learn to connect with their equine partners. All agree that the horses, people and support from their trainer are well worth all the time, energy and hard work that is required !
Mass Morgan Horse Show 2015 will host a carriage driving clinic given by Suzy Stafford who is a national and international competitor. Go to www.massmorgan.com for more details !
Trotting in with News from ..... The UMass
Equine program was one of the recipients of the proceeds from the Mass Morgan Silent Auction in 2014 !
This Spring EQN Remington RAF, born on April 9, 2015, was the subject for the "Foaling class" at the Stockbridge Equine Studies Program. Out of the mare, MEM So Emotional (aka Sister) he was the only Morgan born on the farm this year and the seven graduating students took on the project with great enthusiasm and excitement. EQN Remington RAF is owned by Equus Novus (mother and daughter Carol Wesson and Judy Candage of Monson, Ma.) This year UMass is breeding three of its own Morgan mares. Everyone is excited to see what next Spring will bring ! Most of the foals born at UMass stay at the farm and eventually join the lesson program.
MMHA Silent Auction... 2015 Winning Spirits will be one of the recipients of the Mass Morgan Silent Auction in 2015 ! Winning Spirits is a 501(c)3 organization that supports individuals with physical disabilities competing in the sport of carriage driving. They seek to level the playing field for drivers with physical disabilities in the New England Region, by providing education, support and funding for drivers and the organizations that support them. The Mass Morgan Horse Show Committee is again planning for a fun, exciting and enjoyable 2015 show. Prize list and more information are available at MassMorgan.com.
Congratulations to Cindy Mugnier the AMHA Woman of the Year! Recognition for her continued support of the breed!
 
Cindy was also recognized in The Morgan Horse making The Women In Our Industry Honor Roll for 2015 !
Jo Ann Bush riding Indian Creek Splendid Son, (Sonny)
USEF Amateur Morgan English Pleasure 2014 Horse of the Year Indian Creek Splendid Son, owned by Jo Ann Bush of Townline Farm in Belchertown, was the 2014 winner of USEF's Horse of the Year in Amateur Morgan English Pleasure. Jo Ann traveled to Kentucky in May to receive the award. She reports, " It was a great trip with wonderful weather in Lexington. The dinner was fabulous and the trophies were beautifully displayed for everyone to see." When she was called up on stage to receive her award, she said she received "a huge round of applause." Asked if she would go back again.... She said " If, and I hope I do win another USEF award, I will definitely be going back. I felt very much welcome "
Congratulations, Jo Ann !
WELCOME TO THE MMHA CHUCK WAGON SHARE YOUR RECIPES FOR THE HORSE SHOWS,TRAIL RIDES AND ANYTHING ELSE HORSE RELATED ! CROCK POT MANWICH CHICKEN 2 - 4 BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS 1 15.5 oz can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce 1/4 Cup Salsa 3 - 4 tbls. Honey ( optional ) 1 small onion, chopped 1 small green pepper, chopped
Put the chicken in a crock pot. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the chicken. Cook on high for 4 - 5 hours or low for 7 hours. Serve over rice or pasta, add a salad or bread. You can also shred it and serve over rolls. Serves 4 ! Submitted by: Denise Pianka 
Mass Morgan would like to thank all the folks renewing and to welcome those joining for the first time! Memberships are coming in daily through the web site as well as coming in the mail! If you have any questions or difficulty with the web site, please call Judy Candage 978-265-8209 ASK The EXPERT ??? Question: Is it possible to get a judge's card without aecting your amateur status ? What is involved in getting a judge's card ? Answer: To be eligible to become a licensed judge, you must be
a Senior Active member of USEF, 21 years of age or over. Amateurs may hold a judges card without affecting their status (GR 1306.3i)
The requirements to become a Morgan judge include judge's school, learner judging
and submitting evaluations from references. All applicants must attend two AMHA
judge's schools, every day of the first school and two consecutive days of the second
school, within two years preceding application and receive a passing score of 85% to
be eligible for enrollment. (GR1067.2) All applicants must serve as a learner judge in the
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Morgan division at a minimum of one licensed competition within a two year period
preceding application. (GR 1067.2) The exception to the rule is any "r" and "R" USEF Licensed judges from any discipline are not required to complete required to complete learner judging.
Once you have completed learner judging and judge's school you then will submit an
application, payment of fees, and a list of references to USEF. Your information will be reviewed and your references will receive a questionnaire. At least 15 questionnaires
must be returned, 8 of which must be from the current roster of judge's or members of
the USEF Morgan Committee. If the required number of questionnaires is received, your application will be presented to the Licensed Officials Committee for consideration. It is at that time that the Committee determines whether or not to grant recorded status. A letter notifying you of the Committee's decision will be sent within approximately two
weeks after the Committee meets. the full rules and procedures for becoming a USEF licensed judge are outlined in Chapter 10 of the USEF Rule Book.
If you are an "r" or "R" USEF carded judge in another division, you may apply for
your Morgan card after attending 1 AMHA/USEF Judge's School and successfully completing the written exam with a minimum score of 85 %.
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: We want to hear from you!!!! If you have a question you like to to consider, please send it along! We want to hear what you would like to know: Horsemanship, nutrition, riding, etc. Please submit your questions to Judy Candage (jcandage@cericfab.com)
Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association President - Melissa Miskiv-Keene Vice President - Melissa Morrell Secretary- Chris Delude Treasurer - Jeff Morse Clerk - Judy Candage
List of Committees: Development Committee: Melissa Miskiv -Keene Chairperson Horse Show Committee: Jane Morrell - Chairperson Communications Committee: Chris Delude - Chairperson Youth Committee: Susan Therrien - Chairperson Banquet Committee: Melissa Morrell - Chairperson Finance Committee: Jeff Morse - Chairperson
Welcome ... Our new board member... Sue Galvin ! Sue Galvin, our newest member of the MMHA Board of Directors, is looking forward to being an active participant on the board and helping to support future activities of the MMHA. Sue's interest in horses started over five decades ago when she cared for a neighbor's pony. Eventually the neighbor, Marsha Matlasz purchased a Morgan, and the rest was history. While attending college, Sue worked for the late Chloe Miller at Miller's Dairy Bar in Ludlow. Sue remembers serving ice cream to customers at the Take out Window, while Chloe would take one of her morgans for a drive around the Dairy. In celebration of her graduation from college, Sue purchased her first Morgan, Smart Style. Since that time, Sue has owned Morgans and Saddlebreds that have been shown successfully in their respective circuits. Sue currently lives in Ludlow. She has two daughters, Jolene and Jennifer. Jolene,who showed horses since she was three years old, is a riding instructor and assistant at Matthew Roberts Stable in Arizona. Jennifer is employed by the Massachusetts Trial Court and is also a member of the Army Reserves.
Recently Sue retired, after 40 years of service in the Criminal Justice System. Her retirement has given her the opportunity to enjoy time with her family, friends and of course, horses ! Sue can be reached at newgate2000@yahoo.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Memoriam: This year we have lost several members of our Horse Show Community. Nancy Roberts, Bob Moseder, Heidi Kunkle, Jill Bertrand, Susan Roberts and most recently, Harry Sebring will all be sadly missed. We will always remember the special memories they created .....from in the ring to on the rail. They will forever hold a special place in our hearts !