News Briefs: Equine Related

MICHIGAN 4-H ELIMINATES 4-H PARTICIPATION FEE

As 4-H programs across the state return to in-person engagements, there is one thing that will not be returning to Michigan 4-H this year: the 4-H participation fee. Michigan State University Extension announced the elimination of the $20 fee for its flagship youth development program in an effort to better serve all youth across the state. “We’re excited to share this good news with children and their families across the state,” said Jake DeDecker, state leader for Michigan 4-H programs. “We feel this move helps get us closer to our mission of providing all youth ages 5-19 with the opportunity to take part in the life-changing experiences of 4-H.”

The 4-H participation fee was first launched in 2006 to help offset declining levels of funding at the state and county level. In light of the hardships placed on many families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MSU Extension chose to pause the collection of the fee for the 2020-2021 programming year. Since then, MSU Extension has used this pause to reflect on the fee structure and its role in 4-H participation across the state.

“Since the participation fee was implemented, we have been very vocal that we would never turn away any youth who wanted to participate, regardless of their ability to pay the fee,” explained DeDecker. “We’ve always offered scholarships to cover this expense, yet we learned that for various reasons, this fee remained a barrier for some potential youth and their families. This information made it easy to determine what the appropriate course of action was: remove the fee to increase everyone’s access to the power of 4-H.”

MSU Extension 4-H program coordinators, 4-H professionals who serve alongside youth in communities across the state, were instrumental in helping leadership reach this decision. These individuals championed the removal of the participation fee as they seek to better reach under-served audiences in rural, urban and suburban communities. holds,” continued DeDecker. “From the partnerships that can be developed, the new youth who will enjoy our program for the first time, and the friendships that can be forged between current and future 4-H’ers, there is so much this adjustment can help us to grow with 4-H.”

Though the 4-H participation fee has played a key role in supporting the growth and development of 4-H programs for many years, Michigan 4-H has identified alternative funding sources that can support both county and state programing initiatives previously enhanced by participation fee dollars. This includes endowments, grants, reallocating funds formerly used for 4-H participation fee scholarships and other methods. The quality and quantity of programming offered by Michigan 4-H will not be diminished as a result of the fee dissolution.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H and how to join, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/

2021 ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS, COLUMBUS, OHIO

Horse Show: Sept. 28-October 24, 2021 Trade Show: October 1-October 24, 2021

New Classes for 2021:

• Open Ranch Rail Stakes • Non Pro Ranch Rail Stakes • Amateur Select Ranch Riding • Congress Open Ranch Rail • Congress Amateur Ranch Rail • Congress Youth Ranch Rail • Level 1 Amateur Select Ranch Riding • Youth Ranch Riding 13 & Under • Youth Ranch Riding 14 – 18 • Level 1 Junior Ranch Riding • Level 1 Senior Ranch Riding • Open Ranch Trail • Amateur Ranch Trail • Youth Ranch Trail • NRHA Open Reining Level 1 Futurity (Added Level 1 to NRHA Open Reining Futurity) • NRHA NonPro Reining Lvl. 1 Stakes (Added Level 1 to NRHA Non Pro Reining Stakes) • Congress Open Steer Wrest. – IPRA

• Congress Open Team Roping IPRA • Ladies Breakaway Roping IPRA • Level 1 Junior Western Riding • Level 1 Senior Western Riding • Congress Super Sale 3 Year Old Open Hunter Under Saddle • Congress Super Sale 3 Year Old Open Western Pleasure • Congress Super Sale 3 Year Old Non Pro Western Pleasure • 3 Year Old & Over $2,500 Novice Horse Open Trail Stakes • Pee Wee Barrel Racing 8 & Under • Weanling Halter – All Divisions • 3D/4D Open Barrel Racing Side Pot • 3D/4D Am Barrel Racing Side Pot • 3D/4D Youth Barrel Racing Side Pot • 3D/4D Open Pole Bending Side Pot • 3D/4D Am Pole Bending Side Pot • 3D/4D Youth Pole Bending Side Pot

Super Sires classes added to the following (visit www.supersires.org for entry information):

• 3 Year Old Non Pro Western Pleasure Futurity NSBA • 3 Year Old Non Pro Western Pleasure Futurity – Limited NSBA

New for 2021

New Entry Deadline August 20th YEDA – October 6th IEA – October 7th

Dates to Remember

Friday, October 1st Trade Show Opens

Saturday, October 2nd NRHA Open Reining Futurity Finals (Level 4 & 3)

Sunday, October 3rd Congress Cutting Champions Challenge

Friday, October 8th PBR, Heroes On Horses

Saturday, October 9th Freestyle Reining, Congress Queen Crowning during Intermission

Wednesday, October 13th Intercollegiate & Junior Judging Tournament

Saturday, October 16th Congress Super Sale Sunday, October 17th NYATT

Saturday, October 23rd Congress 2 Year Old Masters Sunday, October 24th Cowboy Mounted Shooting

All American Quarter Horse Congress

http://www.quarterhorsecongress.com/

INVEST IN AMERICA ACT INTRODUCES EQUINE LEGISLATION

Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST) Act, H.R.3684, a surface transportation bill, directs federal investments in roads, bridges, transit, and rail, reimagines our national transportation policies includes two equine transportation bills as amendments.

The first, adopted at the committee level, mirrors the Horse Transportation Safety Act. This “double decker” bill shares the following language:

Transportation of horses

“PROHIBITION. – No person may transport, or cause to be transported, a horse from a place in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States through or to a place in another State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of each other.”

This prohibition most significantly impacts the shipment of rodeo stock around the country as they represent the final sector who have continued to haul horses in mixed load livestock hauling situations.

The second equine amendment mirrors the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2021 which was introduced May 19, 2021. This legislation would permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the United States as well as prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses to be sold overseas. While this legislation boasts a new name, the text looks to be unchanged. The previous SAFE Act, titled the “Safeguard American Food Exports” Act, has been introduced in every Congress since 2013, reaching a peak number of Cosponsors in the last Congress at 236. The amendment was introduced during the June 30th floor vote on the INVEST Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on July 1st.

Due to Republican opposition to the bill as presented, the Senate is likely to finalize their own version of a surface transportation bill, necessitating the creation of a conference committee, which is a temporary, ad hoc panel composed of House and Senate conferees which is formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers. The AHC will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the Senate. AHC will keep members appraised of developments and possible implications.

If you have any questions, please contact Cliff Williamson via email at: cwilliamson @horsecouncil.org

EQUITANA USA PARTNERS WITH UNITED STATES PONY CLUB FOR 2021 PROGRAM

October 1-3, 2021 Event at the Kentucky Horse Park to feature interactive education and fun for families.

EQUITANA USA announced today it has partnered with the United States Pony Club to bring interactive and educational content to the October event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The partnership pairs the leading international exhibition for the equine industry with education from the largest equine organization in the world. “EQUITANA USA is the premier event to attend for anyone in the equine industry, but also for families that love horses,” said Meghan Margewicz, the event’s director. “The Pony Club brings an incredible amount of knowledge to the event to share with horse lovers of all age groups. We’re excited to have them as partners to provide exciting experiences for our attendees.” The Pony Club will be onsite at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, during the event, scheduled for Friday, October 1 – Sunday, October 3, 2021. Pony Club will provide interactive fun for the entire family with an exciting display inside the venue’s covered arena. Attendees will learn the ins and outs of horses and ponies from an organization that boasts some 9,000 members in over 500 clubs/riding centers throughout the United States. Pony Club programming includes more than nine riding disciplines.

As part of the partnership, Pony Club members, along with their family and friends, will enjoy discounted ticket rates with opportunities to participate in both riding and educational demos during the event.

For the general public, tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.equitana usa.com and start at $27 (ages 13+), $10 (ages 6-12), and free for children five and under. In addition to entrance into EQUITANA USA all tickets include onsite parking, free United States Equestrian Federation fan membership and admission into the Kentucky Horse Park, which includes access to the International Museum of the Horse, American Saddlebred Museum and Hall of Champions.

Find more information about EQUITANA USA online at: www.equitanausa.com or www.kyhorsepark.com

About EQUITANA USA & RX: EQUITANA USA is a three-day celebration of the horse that invites equestrian professionals and enthusiasts of all riding levels and ages, disciplines and breeds to gather for education, entertainment, instruction and shopping. RX is the producer of EQUITANA USA and in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organizations. We elevate the power of face-toface events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com

IEA & APHA PARTNERED TO HOST THE 2021 IEA WESTERN NATIONAL FINALS

The Texas heat was not nearly as hot as the competition going on in the rings during the 2021 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Show and IEA Western National Finals this month in Fort Worth.

IEA & APHA PARTNERED TO HOST THE 2021 IEA WEST. NAT’L. FINALS, CONT. Finals, presented by the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) partnered with APHA to host a beautiful 2-day finals for IEA riders in grades 4-12 from across the nation who had qualified earlier in the IEA season.

Set in the historic Will Rogers Coliseum and the newer Watt Arena, the IEA Western Finals saw nearly 200 individual and team competitors in Horsemanship and Reining classes. The IEA uses a draw-based format for competition, whereby riders randomly are assigned the horse(s) on which they will compete just minutes before entering the show arena (with no little to no warm-up). Horses were generously provided by local professional barns, IEA teams, university programs and APHA exhibitors. More than $8,000 in cash scholarship awards was presented at this National Finals to qualifying seniors. IEA riders enjoyed special activities with APHA youth members including a boot scramble, ice-cream social, youth lounge, stick horse race, APHA office tours, the chance to watch the APHA World Show, shopping and more.

Judges for the IEA Western Finals were Daren Wright (APHA, AQHA, NSBA) from Chillicothe, Ohio and Debra Jones-Wright (AQHA, NRHA, NSBA) from Abbeville, South Carolina. Show Stewards were Dan Bergstresser and Jill Bergstresser, from Oswego, New York. Tammy Braham of Grove City, PA served as the Show Manager.

“We absolutely loved being a part of the APHA World Show and felt very welcomed by all the APHA members and staff,” stated IEA Co-founder/Executive Director Roxane Durant. “The facilities and opportunities given to our riders were outstanding and we have received dozens of great comments from our members. We look forward to continuing our partnership with APHA in a variety of ways in the coming years.” There was’t a dry eye in the house when IEA made a special presentation to honor the late Roger Elder with the new Roger Elder Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award and Perpetual Trophy. Roger’s wife, Sandra and daughter Sarah were present to accept the award on his behalf. The award was graciously donated by friends and members of the TN Quarter Horse Association.

Two lucky winners of a Bob’s Custom Saddle certificate were awarded by random draw from all the class winners on Individual competition day. Earning those coveted saddles: Tianna Cooper of KM Equestrian Team (Reg. 5-1) coached by Katie Morehead and Mallory Kirby of Dare Equestrian Team (Reg. 5-2) coached by Linda Dare.

The United States Pony Club (USPC) again sponsored the IEA National Finals Horsemanship Knowledge Test which was open to all Western rider members. Lydia Visser of North Country Horses (Region 2) and Grace Spooner of Team Need-A-Hand (Region 4) took top placings in the Upper and Middle School respectively.

Day two of competition saw 25 middle and high school teams battle it out for every point for the chance at National titles.

Lucky saddle certificate winner number three of a Bob’s Custom Saddle went to Marci Leath of Central Carolina Equestrian (Region 4) coached by Kate Mcalinn, Joy Garvin and Tania Morton.

Day two ended with a team parade and multiple awards presented including the NRHA Sportsmanship Award which was presented to McKenzie Templin of Lone Star Equestrian (Region 7) coached by Kelly Haydon and Russell Haydon. The Team Spirit Award was a hard-fought battle of costumes, props, sportsmanship, volunteering and social media posting with the award going to Arizona Reining Equestrian Team (coached by Jessica Bein). Grier School won the Scavenger Hunt. Volunteers of the Show: Olivia Badgley and Aubree Whanger, both of Dare Equestrian Team.

IEA would not exist without the help of our equine partners and horse providers. The Top Horsemanship Horse (Juice) and the Top Reining Horse (Zippy) both hailed from IEA team, E-Power, of Gunther, TX with the APHA Most Valuable Paint (MVP) Award being presented to Gunnador from Team Need-A-Hand in Mufreesboro, TN. IEA Western National Finals was expertly live streamed by Equine Promotions and US Equestrian. Photography was provided by Larry Williams Photography. A complete listing of results can be found at https://www.rideiea.org/western/finals/

About IEA: Now entering its 20th year, the IEA has near-ly 14,000 members across the US riding and coaching Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage. disciplines. The non-profit 501(c)3 IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students (grades 412) and is open to public and private schools and barn teams. For more information, visit www.rideiea.org About APHA: The American Paint Horse Association is the world's second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves, and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. For more information, visit www.apha.com

USDF LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE VIDEO FEEDBACK PORTAL

The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is excited to announce the launch of its new online video feedback portal for young horses. This portal offers a unique opportunity for riders, owners, and trainers of under-saddle dressage sport horse prospects (must be three or four years old as of January 1 of the current year), to obtain feedback from members of the USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum faculty. Currently, this faculty is made up of Scott Hassler, Willy Arts, Michael Bragdell, and Craig Stanley, all leaders in the industry in assessing, developing, and training dressage prospects. Upon receipt of the video, required application, and appropriate fee, each applicant will have their video randomly assigned to a faculty member. Faculty members will then review the video submission and provide detailed feedback to the applicant. Select videos along with faculty feedback will also be used to develop add’l. sport horse education to be offered thru USDF University. Founding faculty member Scott Hassler stated, “we are excited to offer this online platform as a meaningful outreach project, focused on the continued importance of education/development of young horses.” To access the online portal, submit videos, or learn more, visit the USDF website. For questions related to this, or other USDF offerings related to sport horse, contact the USDF office at sporthorse@usdf.org or call (859) 971-2277. https://www.usdf.org/