News Briefs: Equine Related

HELP YOUTH FIND THEIR SPARK WITH JOANN FABRICS

From now until April 30, every dollar can make a difference in helping a young person find their SPARK. While visiting your local JOANN store or shopping online, you can support 4-H by adding a donation at checkout. The funds donated will support the 4-H program, with 50% going back to local 4-H programming and 20% supporting Michigan 4-H. To find out more about this partnership, visit https://www.joann.com/4-h/

LANDMARK $50 MILLION GIFT TO 4-H FROM MACKENZIE SCOTT

As partner to Cooperative Extension's 4-H program, we are pleased to share the news of a transformational $50 million gift to the National 4-H Council from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Because of 4-H's expansive reach into every US county, parish, and territory, this investment will support positive youth development for millions of kids and families. Amid the serious challenges affecting our youth – from a national mental health crisis to widening opportunity gaps – the skills, confidence, and resilience young people develop through 4-H are essential. “This extraordinary gift is a rare and special occurrence,” shares Krysta Harden, National 4-H Council Board Chair and President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “With such a significant gift comes great responsibility. We will engage our stakeholders to ensure these resources lift the diverse voices of young people and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for this generation, and future generations to come.” The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, coordinated and underwritten by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club and hosted by Keeneland Association, was held for the first time in October 2006. The two-day workshop, which brought together a wide crosssection of the breeding, racing and veterinary community, was designed to improve safety and soundness for the Thoroughbred racehorse. For more information visit www.graysonjockeyclub.org/ The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit is one of the safety initiatives spearheaded by The Jockey Club. Please visit www.jockeyclub.com for details regarding the Thoroughbred Safety Committee, Equine Injury Database, and Jockey Health Information System.

This gift builds upon the dedicated efforts of thousands of local Cooperative Extension 4H educators, more than 500,000 volunteers, and millions of 4-H youth, alumni, and donors. It leverages decades of public investment from counties, states, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at USDA. And it will sustain 4-H's commitment to ensuring all young people – regardless of their background or beliefs – are empowered with the skills to lead for a lifetime. “Together, we have built a life-changing movement that serves six million youth each year,” observes Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Fueled by this historic investment, we will make even greater progress toward our shared vision: providing all young people with access to opportunity.” We extend profound gratitude to MacKenzie Scott and her husband, Dan Jewett – not only for the largest single gift in 4-H's 120 year history – but also for their belief in the strengths and influence of young people to improve the world around us.

THE 10TH WELFARE AND SAFETY OF THE RACEHORSE SUMMIT WILL BE HELD JUNE 22, 2022

Like previous summits, the event will be free and open to the public in the Keeneland sales pavilion and streamed live online. The agenda will include a review of the Thoroughbred industry's implementation of safety recommendations developed at the first summit in 2006 as well as a presentation by Dr. Tim Parkin on the latest statistics from the Equine Injury Database. The full program and list of speakers will be available soon.

The subsequent summits, with the same sponsors, have been held every two years at Keeneland. During the original summit, committees were formed and began working on various aspects of Thoroughbred welfare and safety. These committees include On-Track Injury Reporting, Education and Licensing, Shoeing and Hoof Care, Racing Surfaces, Durability, Race Conditions and Racing Office, and Health and Medical Records.

GREENSTONE DONATES $20,000 THROUGH MEMBER GROWN OUTREACH

To celebrate GreenStone's milestone of returning $115 million to members on Patronage Day, GreenStone is donating a total of $20,000 to local organizations and charities through the Member Grown Outreach program. Money will be directed to groups based on GreenStone member votes at their local branch under one of these categories: health and wellness, local disaster relief, or sustainability and environment. This is the fourth year GreenStone has donated through this program. “We are invested in helping local organizations support the communities where we all live and serve,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone CEO and President. “This is part of our company and cooperative culture, and with Member Grown Outreach, we can increase our collective impact.” On March 17, 2022, the GreenStone board of directors increased the patronage return to $115 million. GreenStone members received their Patronage in the form of dividend checks on St. Patrick's Day. “This marks 17 years of returning a total of $720 million back to our members,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone CEO and President. “As a cooperative, we're here to provide a dependable, competitive, and responsible source of credit and financial services to our owners. We've been focused on that for over one hundred years, and we continue to stay very focused on that today as well. Anything we can do to reduce our members' overall cost of borrowing, we will do, and Patronage is one of those tools.”

GREENSTONE SUPPORTS AGRICULTURE WITH $40,000 IN CULTIVATEGROWTH GRANTS

GreenStone is supporting the next generation of agriculture by providing $40,000 to young, beginning, and small farmers through 2022 CultivateGrowth Grants. Whether applicants are starting a business or taking over a generational farm, the CultivateGrowth Grant is designed to give people the right resources and knowledge to overcome the challenges of today's highly competitive market. The grant can help prepare all producers for success, and it helps minimize financial and resource barriers often faced by individuals entering the industry. 2022 marks the fifth year GreenStone has dedicated $40,000 to individuals through grant funding. The grant awards up to $1,000 to current customers and up to $500 to non-GreenStone customers. Grants can be used for a variety of agricultural programs, educational courses, conference fees, consultants, and GreenStone resources like initial tax and accounting services. “We are invested in the future of agriculture, and the CultivateGrowth Grants are one of the great ways we can help provide that support,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone President and CEO. “We want to help remove financial barriers and increase educational opportunities so producers can build a solid foundation. Really, the grants provide recipients with a chance to gain valuable knowledge and achieve personal growth.” To qualify for up to $1,000, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, or farming for less than 10 years, or sustain annual gross sales from agricultural production of less than $250,000, in addition to residing in GreenStone territory in Michigan or northeast Wisconsin. Further details are outlined in the application. Both GreenStone members and qualifying non-members are encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.greenstonefcs.com/grants

About GreenStone Farm Credit Services:

GreenStone Farm Credit Services, based in East Lansing, Michigan, is Michigan and northeast Wisconsin’s largest agricultural lender and one of the country’s largest associations in the Farm Credit System. A member-owned cooperative, GreenStone owns and manages more than $12 billion in assets and serves over 27,000 members with 35 locations in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.

IEA NATIONAL FINALS

April 28 through May 1, 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA So many great things are happening again this month. Zone Finals and Regional Finals are happening every weekend. Hundreds of riders and teams will qualify this month. We are so very grateful for everyone who has played an important part of our 20th Anniversary season – your membership helped break records and we hope you have had (and continue to have) a terrific experience this season.

Visit www.rideiea.org/2022nationalfinals/ for the most updated news and deadlines. Good Luck Everyone!

Membership for the 2022-2023 season will open again in late May, so be on the lookout for early-bird discount opportunities. We invite and highly encourage any IEA teams not showing at National Finals to plan to attend as spectators and take part in the activities, shopping, and watching the nation's best IEA riders and teams compete. It promises to be a great 20th Anniversary event. The PA Expo Center has plenty of parking and is entirely enclosed and under one roof – so weather is not a factor.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: WARM-UP RING

Did you know? We partner with U.S.-based shelters and rescues with a shared goal of massively increasing horse adoption. Partnership brings numerous benefits including access to grant opportunities, product donations, education, and our equine transport program. For groups who want to become ASPCA Right Horse Partners, the Warm-Up Ring is the pathway to partnership to ensure that we are philosophically aligned and that our Partners provide outstanding equine care, a positive adopter experience and are effectively supporting horses in their community. Learn more about the Warm-Up Ring and encourage your favorite local shelter or rescue to take part. Visit: www.theright horse.org/becomeapartner/

2022 ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS

The All American Quarter Horse Congress is an unmatched destination for equestrians from across the globe. The Ohio Quarter Horse Association has created a legacy by maintaining the largest single-breed horse show in the world, the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The 2022 All American Quarter Horse Congress is scheduled for September 27-October 23 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Online at: https:// www.quarterhorsecongress.com/

REDISCOVER THE OHIO STATE FAIR, RETURNING JULY 27–AUGUST 7, 2022

The Ohio State Fair will return in full capacity for summer 2022. Ohioans and out-of-state visitors alike are invited to rediscover the Ohio State Fair with great food, fun games, thrilling rides, educational activities, friendly competitions, concerts, agriculture and so much more! As an added bonus, general parking is now FREE for all fair-goers, any day of the fair. The Ohio State Fair is possible thanks to the hard work of thousands of staff members, exhibitors, volunteers, vendors, partners, performers, concessionaires, youth leaders and sponsors. At this time, the Ohio State

OHIO STATE FAIR, continued

Fair staff are actively working on enhancements that will make this year's Ohio State Fair safe, fun, and memorable. Ohio State Fair e-newsletter subscribers will be the first to know about new acts and gain access to pre-sale opportunities. Be sure to encourage your friends and family members to sign up for our newsletter. We are looking forward to seeing YOU this summer. The Ohio State Fair plans to follow applicable state and local protocols related to the spread of COVID-19. For more information about fair hours, where to park for free, cost of admission, where to buy tickets and many more details, visit: https://ohiostatefair.com/

PONY CLUB ANNOUNCES DATES AND LOCATIONS FOR 2022 USPC CHAMPIONSHIPS EAST AND WEST

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 2022 USPC Championships East and West. The USPC Championships West will be heading to Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, CA, July 1-8, 2022. The USPC Championships East will be returning to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, NC, July 27-31, 2022. “Pony Club is thrilled to be hosting our championships competition at two topnotch facilities, ” said USPC Executive Director Teresa Woods. “We look forward to these two great competitive events in the coming year and the memorable experience that participation offers for our members.” USPC offers Championship competition in Dressage, Western Dressage, Eventing, Mounted Games, Polocrosse, Quiz, Show Jumping, and Tetrathlon. Pony Club members compete as a team and are scored not only on their riding performance, but on their Horse Management skills and knowledge. For 2022, invitational competitions will again be offered for USPC's newest disciplines, Gymkhana and Western Trail. All equestrians (current Pony Club members and non-members) are welcome to attend and compete in this special opportunity. “We’re excited to offer these new opportunities that are more inclusive of Western riders,” said USPC Activities & Events Director Erin Woodall. “The enthusiasm is building and having these invitational events at Championships is a great way to show what these new disciplines are all about.” USPC Championships bring together hundreds of members, volunteers, and families for a fun-filled event. Visit us online at www. ponyclub.org/Events/Championships for more information about USPC Championships. For information about sponsorships, advertising, and other opportunities, contact advertising@ponyclub.org

About The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that builds the foundation of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members. USPC is proud to offer instruction and competitive opportunities in more than 10 different disciplines through hundreds of clubs and centers across the United States. USPC's educational standards continue to be instrumental in curriculum development for schools, universities, equestrian professionals, and organizations across the United States. Many of the nation's top equestrians, including Olympic team members, as well as successful business professionals and leaders in a variety of fields, have roots in Pony Club.

SUPPORT YEDA'S SCHOLARSHIP INCENTIVE FUND (SIF)

YEDA has acquired two spectacular donations: a custom cowboy hat from Shorty's Custom Hattery and a pair of custom chaps from Paradise Leather. With these two items, YEDA has set up an amazing online raffle through Rally Up raffles. Winners will be drawn at the 2022 YEDA Nationals, and here is where we need your help. YEDA is asking all members to help us get the word out about the raffle. For more information and to buy entries, visit us at: https://go.rallyup.com/yedasif/ Campaign/Details All the proceeds of this raffle go directly to our YEDA Scholarship Incentive Fund (SIF) and in turn, those funds go back to the student riders. Please help us with this exciting raffle!

SADDLE UP! MAGAZINE ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST

Saddle Up! Magazine’s 7th Annual Summer Writing Contest is normally announced this time of year. We’ve decided to change it up a little this year and do a “Drawing Contest” instead. Don’t get out your pencil and paper just yet, we have a few things we need to mention in order for the drawings to turn out well when printed in the magazine. We will be announcing the drawing contest in May’s issue, but for now, here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Draw your favorite horse breed 2. Drawing must be in black or blue ink 3. Your drawing must be on an 8.5”x11” piece of white paper 4. If you mail your drawing, do not fold it 5. Emailing your drawing is fine, as long as it is scanned at a resolution of 300 dpi 6. Do not color in your drawing, it should be outline only, like a coloring page. We’ll announce the contest officially in our May issue, with mailing information, prize list and deadline. We can’t wait to see all your drawings!