News Briefs: Equine Related

4-H GROWS HERE

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

The hands-on educational resources 4-H is known for are now available at home! Whether you're a 4-H member, a virtual learner, a homeschooler, or just looking for some quick and fun activities to take your interests to the next level, 4-H at Home has something for everyone. Explore the resources and join our newsletter to stay updated about new 4-H at Home activities. Visit https://4-h.org/about/4-h-at-home/

EQUESTRIANS –REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

DUE MARCH 31, 2022

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP NEWS

The Charter Township of Commerce, MI is currently accepting bid proposals for a concessionaire agreement for the purpose of providing the general public a recreational and/or an educational opportunity to learn about, interact with, and ride horses, whereby concessionaire shall operate a public use horse stable and riding facility on a year-round basis. The approximately 30acre property is located at 2552 Wixom Rd., Commerce Twp., MI 48382. The property includes: horse stable, various buildings, outbuildings, fenced pasture along with an indoor and outdoor riding arena. Site visit dates: March 7th 9am-12pm, and March 14th 2pm-5pm. Request for proposal due: March 31, 2022. If you have any questions, p l e a s e c a l l 2 4 8 . 9 2 6 . 0 0 6 3 , e m a i l eenglang@commercetwp.com, or visit www.commercetwp.com. GreenStone has already been working with young, beginning, and small farmers for over 100 years, and the new program services will benefit even more agricultural individuals for the future. CultivateGrowth launches a brand new loan program specifically designed for this community. The CultivateGrowth Emerging Loan has simpler, more relaxed standards, providing a financing option to some customers who may not have previously been able to qualify for a loan at any financial institution. Coupled with the new loan program remains the financing options young, beginning and small farmers have been benefitting from for decades. As a result, more customers will be able to obtain financing for their dream agricultural businesses. As agriculture is a rapidly changing, diversifying industry, GreenStone has prioritized its support by providing customers with learning opportunities. Those members in the Emerging Loan program can also earn a reduced interest rate after completing a slate of educational activities, like financial training, educational conferences, tax and accounting services, mentorship programs, and more. To help provide producers with many of the educational opportunities and support necessary for success, GreenStone is also once again committing up to $40,000 annually to young, beginning, and small farmers through CultivateGrowth Grants. Grants are available for the reimbursement of many of the activities and resources that will help them learn and grow their business – including educational opportunities and business-related services like farm consultants and GreenStone's accounting and tax services.

GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES LAUNCHES EXPANDED PROGRAM

GreenStone Farm Credit Services is proud to announce the expanded program for young, beginning, and small farmers – Cultivate Growth. CultivateGrowth is designed to support the diversity of modern agriculture through tailored financial and educational support initiatives. In order to prepare the next generation for success, GreenStone is also working to connect producers through the Cultivate Growth Mentorship. Through this partnership, new and experienced farmers are paired to help share industry knowledge, pass along on-farm lessons, and help equip them for the challenges of the agricultural industry. “It's always been our priority at GreenStone to support young, beginning, and small farmers in Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone CEO and president. “We're confident these new elements, paired with our century of support for these customers, will continue to bring a diverse and modern approach to our industry. We warmly welcome farmers of all types to begin a successful, long-lasting partnership with GreenStone.” Young, beginning, and small farmers each have a standard to qualify, and customers can meet one metric that aligns with the federal definitions: young farmers are those under 35 years of age, beginning farmers have less than 10 years of farming experience, and small farmers experience less than $250,000 gross farm income per year. More information on GreenStone FCS can be found at www.greenstonefcs.com

PLEASE CONSIDER AN ANNUAL GIFT OF $25, $50, $100, OR MORE TO THE IEA BENEVOLENT FUND

The IEA Benevolent Fund was established nine years ago to provide financial aid to riders who need funding assistance in order to take lessons and compete in the IEA. The Fund also helps coaches who are dealing with unfortunate circumstances such as health issues, injuries, barn fires, wildfires, and other unexpected tragedies that translate into a loss of business income. Contributing to the IEA Benevolent Fund is easy to do! Just click on the link below, OR if you prefer to send a check, mail it to our National Office at: Interscholastic Equestrian Association, PO Box 809, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. The IEA is a 501.c.3 nonprofit corporation, your donation is tax deductible. Thank you for your support. Visit: https://www.rideiea.org/donate/

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JOIN IN THE EFFORT TO HELP PEOPLE ENJOY STATE PARKS W/TRACK CHAIRS

16 yr old Ben Miller, a student at PewamoWestphalia schools, helped raise $14,500 for a new track chair at Ionia Recreation Area to help people explore the outdoors no matter their physical abilities. After his experience using a track chair at Muskegon State Park, he was inspired to raise funds and bring one to a location closer to home. Ben started off by selling pickles and popcorn, raising nearly $1,000. Soon enough, excitement about the fundraiser hit the community and donations started rolling in – including $10,000 from an anonymous donor. Due to Ben's efforts, and the support of the community, a new track chair will be available at Ionia Recreation Area in late spring of 2022. Efforts to help Michigan lead in track chair availability and outdoor inclusivity do not stop here. The DNR is raising funds to purchase an additional 14 new track chairs. Supporters can choose a specific park or make a general donation. https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/CHAIRS

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIES FOCUSED ON EQUINE COLIC

Morris Animal Foundation, a leader in advancing animal health, recently announced the selection of five new equine health studies to receive funding in 2022. The studies focus on equine colic (abdominal pain), an important and potentially lifethreatening disease of horses. “Colic consistently ranks among the top health concerns of horse owners and veterinarians,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Chief Scientific Officer. “We decided to focus on this topic in this year's equine call for proposals to advance our understanding of intestinal disease associated with colic and ultimately assist in improving outcomes for horses around the world.” Estimates suggest that 4%-10% of horses will experience colic at least once in their lifetimes, and the actual incidence may be even higher. Although the majority of horses can be successfully treated on the farm, approximately 10% require referral for advanced care, including surgery. The Foundation's Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all submitted grant applications and selected, based on scientific merit and impact, the studies with the greatest potential to save lives, preserve health and advance veterinary care for horses with colic.

Equine colic studies funded for 2022 include:

Studying Intestinal Inflammation, Understanding Risk Factors for Colic Secondary to Transportation, Helping Underserved Communities Recognize Early Signs of Colic, and New Prognostic Test for Postoperative Complications. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/

2021 OQHA AWARDS BANQUET

The 2021 Ohio Quarter Horse Awards Banquet held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Hilton Downtown Columbus was our biggest banquet yet! The banquet room was packed with more than 480 in attendance and over $87,000 in awards presented to the 2021 OQHA award winners. Read all about it and view photos online at: https://www.oqha.com/oqha-news/2021awards-banquet

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ODNR LAUNCHES 2022 OHIO STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST

Share your passion for the outdoors and take a chance to win big prizes through photos captured at any of Ohio's 75 state parks. Coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft, the 2022 Ohio State Parks Photo Contest is accepting submissions through March 28. “What better way to share the state's natural beauty than by showcasing the stunning scenes photographed by visitors,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We're excited to see Ohio's state parks through the lens of our biggest fans.” ODNR is accepting photos that fall into the following categories: • Wildlife in Action • Recreation in the Parks • Wondrous Water • Novice Naturalist • Explore Trails Visitors can submit up to five photos in this free contest. Each image must have been taken after Jan. 1, 2021. Submission forms and contest rules can be found online at www.discoverohiostateparks.com/2022. Submissions must be made by March 28 and winners will be announced by May 12. The contest is co-sponsored by US eDirect, ODNR's reservation management provider. The grand prize is a collapsible Oru kayak and a $120 Ohio State Parks gift certificate. Prizes will also be awarded to the second and third place winners. Winners of the People's Choice in each category will receive a free night of camping at any Ohio State Park campground. The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio's 75 state parks and waterways. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at: https://ohiodnr.gov/

LAST TWO LIVING DESCENDANTS OF SECRETARIAT CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS

Secretariat had more than 650 registered foals when he died, the last group born in 1990. Today, there are two living Secretariat offspring: 34-year-old Border Run, and 33year-old Trusted Company, both of whom celebrated birthdays on January 1, reports Thoroughbred Racing Commentary. Border Run is out of Crimson Saint and a full brother to Terlingua, the dam of Storm Cat. He sold for $650,000 as a yearling in 1988. He raced 41 times. Now owned by Curtis Wright, Border Run spends his time turned out at a Washington Farm and is spoiled with bananas, mints, carrots, and cookies. Though the gelding has some issues getting up from naps, he still eats with gusto. Trusted Company resides at Bright Futures Farm, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accredited sanctuary. The mare, out of Star Snoop, was born in 1989 and is the dam of Shatzi, who raced and was a broodmare in Peru. She had two foals of note: Pacatan and Lady Shatzi; both of whom won stakes races in Peru. Lady Shatzi was Peru's 2009 Horse of the Year. Though Company battles arthritis, she is still able to run in the pasture and boss around her field mate, Catch This T, a 29-year-old gelding. Company receives twice weekly PEMF (pulsing electromagnetic field) treatments and an anti-inflammatory tablet each day to ease her aching joints.

EQUINE RELATED News Briefs

U.S. POLO ASSN. EXPANDS ANNUAL COLLEGIATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), will once again outfit competitive collegiate polo players through its nationwide Collegiate Partnership Program (CPP) for the 2022 Collegiate Polo Season. A total of 30 colleges have signed up to participate, representing a record 48 collegiate teams with 28 women's teams & 20 men's teams. The teams span from east coast to west coast and include small private and large public institutions, as well as Ivy League and HBCU universities. Through this program, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide student-athletes with complete game attire that includes performance team jerseys, white playing pants, polo shirts, caps, and equipment gear bags as well as a monetary donation. There will also be a "Collegiate Content Contest" where teams will have the opportunity to win additional prizes for their creative social media posts. Sanctioned by the USPA, collegiate polo teams compete in the fall and spring with the official season beginning September 2021 and running through April 2022. This season will conclude with the 100th Anniversary of the National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) hosted at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, VA, from April 4-9, 2022. The NIC will air live on Global Polo TV (GPTV), the epicenter for polo content and live games around the world. The Men's and Women's Finals will also air on ESPN University, for the first time ever, in April 2022. Visit https://www.uspolo.org/ for more information.

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2022 USPC CONVENTION MARKS SUCCESS W/HYBRID EVENT FORMAT

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) gathered nearly 500 equestrians of all ages for the 2022 USPC Convention, held January 26-30, in a new hybrid format with a blend of in-person, livestream, and on-demand opportunities including more than 60 workshops and seminars plus meetings and awards presentations. As an added benefit, Convention attendees will enjoy extended access to all content on the digital event platform for the next six months. Pony Club members, leaders and equine enthusiasts met in Norfolk, Virginia, for networking and education with additional attendees logging in online. Representatives from 36 United States Pony Club Regions participated in the event, working to expand Pony Club programming for current and future members. In addition to educational workshops, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, from shopping the trade fair and viewing research project fair entries to exploring the popular USPC Anatomy Lab presented by Banixx Horse & Pet Care. Pony Club leaders enjoyed a special professional development seminar, members got advice to prepare for horse management at certifications and rallies. Workshop tracks focused on leadership, instruction, veterinary care, and riding disciplines. The convention welcomed 19 delegates to the 2022 National Youth Congress as well as honoring the inductees into this year's Academy of Achievement: Sally Ike and Carol Kozlowski. Many Pony Club awards were announced at the Saturday morning Meeting of the Corporation, sponsored by the University of Louisville College of Business Equine Industry Program. At the Saturday night banquet, Pony Club welcomed newly elected USPC President Jennifer Sweet. Winners of the USPC Research Project Fair presented by Grayson -Jockey Club Research Foundation and supported by Kentucky Equine Research were announced, and attendees celebrated the recipients of the USPC Founders Awards for 2021, recognizing longtime volunteers Darlene Connors and Kim Lowman Vollmer for their dedicated service to Pony Club. Outgoing USPC President Ben Duke presented the inaugural President's Recognition Award to Gegi Winslett in gratitude for her commitment to Pony Club and all the knowledge and wisdom she has contributed to the organization over the years. The 2023 USPC Convention will be held January 18-22, 2023, as Pony Club will explore the “Gateway to the Future” with the Midwest Region at the Marriott St. Louis Grand in St. Louis, Missouri. Visit: https://www.ponyclub.org/