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When you combine a proven two-time Congress western pleasure champion with a youth who has a hunger for excellence and a world champion trainer, magic truly can happen. The pair have been winning either a circuit or reserve circuit championship EVERY time they have shown.
As they head to the AQHYA World Show we wanted to take a closer look at the winning team to see what makes them so special. While their show career seems like a fairy tale on the surface, like all great stories stories it has a history with tragedy, overcoming odds, humility, dedication, hard work and
love.
Sydnee Wilson comes from a ranching family in Montana, not where most superstar pleasure stories begin. She was raised by a family that values deeply their ranching heritage where stewardship of the animal is foremost. Her parents both have roots in the agriculture industry and her family has raised line one Herefords since the 60’s. Her mom is an equine veterinarian specializing in Equine Sports Medicine. Sydnee was raised to respect the animal and to value great horsemanship.
Hes Got It Goin
On was a star from the beginning.
Winning two All American Quarter Horse Congress titles in his three year old year in the 3YO open non-pro western pleasure and the 3YO limited open western pleasure with Mallory Menard. Sired by Winnies Willy the stunning bay gelding has a beautiful presence in the arena.
The story of the two coming together, begins with a horse “Lucy” from Sydnee’s earlier years. “We found Dana Hokana because I had a show horse, Lucy, who was getting older and having a hard time with arthritis” explains Sydnee. “Lucy was an Invested Dimension’s and we loved her personality. In the fall of 2018 we searched her breeder, and saw that she had some horses for sale. We flew
“SHE IS A PERFECTIONIST, YET SHE IS EXTREMELY HUMBLE.”
“IN THE HEELS OF TRAGEDY, THIS INCREDIBLE PARTNERSHIP WAS FORMED.”
down to California to try them and we have been with Dana ever since.”
The Wilson’s purchased a mare from Dana for Sydnee and the two began to grow as a team, but as Sydnee’s talent grew through Dana’s coaching, her
aspirations changed to bigger shows.
“Sydnee to me is very exciting to work with” shared Dana. “We have a connection that we have built over the years with several horses. She is a perfectionist, yet she is extremely humble. She wants to ‘get it’ more than most youth and amateurs I’ve worked with. She has an immense sense of understanding horses and animals which I believe comes from her background and how she grew up. She has been exposed to a level of understanding the horse that is more than most people ever learn.”
Sydnee’s family purchased the exceptional HUS horse Yeah I Will, from Dana’s program and the pair were destined for greatness. They were circuit champions in their very first show together. They excitedly prepared for the Sun Circuit in 2021. Sadly, Wilbur had to be euthanized the very first day of the show.
Many kids would have been done at that point, but Sydnee’s dedication to horsemanship and excellence pushed
her to continue on. “Her courage to continue on was incredible and it comes from how she was raised and her perception of life” explained Dana.
Sydnee showed that circuit on a borrowed horse from Dana’s program who was there for experience. While at the show Dana found Hes Got It Goin On and they tried him out. “Gus was an exceptional futurity horse but needed finishing for a youth to take the reins, but his quality was there” exclaimed Dana. “In the heels of tragedy, this incredible partnership was formed. The family was completely trusting of my plan.”
Sydnee and her parents never questioned Dana’s plan and gave her the time to get their new horse in tune with her program. “Gus was super successful as a hackamore horse. I wanted him more finished in the bridle before placing a youth on him. We did a lot body mechanics to build him stronger and make him more supple for a long show career. Sydnee needed to learn the finesse of riding and showing a top pleasure horse, she was an experienced rider but had not had a truly top tier pleasure horse.”
Sydnee and Gus started off showing in the walk jog and were instantly
successful, while Dana finished him in the bridle. “I was so impressed with the maturity Sydnee showed, she never felt ‘too good’ to step back and show the walk/jog. She trusted the plan. She never acted like a victim even though she had stepped back after winning with Wilbur and buying a proven champion pleasure horse.”
That patience paid off. A beautiful partnership was formed and the judges have rewarded the pair every time they have entered the pen. “They often show in the level 1 and then the level 2 or 3 and the judges seem to reward them even more in the open youth classes” Dana shared.
“Gus enters the arena and his presence commands the arena. Sydnee is such a soft, elegant and beautiful rider. She compliments him and they are such a beautiful pair. Gus is a great jogger, a great loper and a has great topline. He has all the gears, is a true mover and has a happy consistent attitude. He makes the western pleasure standard proud.”
“Dana has taught me so much about understanding the biomechanics of a horse” emphasized Sydnee. “My riding has gotten a lot better as she helped me to understand how to use my hands, spurs, legs, etc. Dana also taught me about body control. With
“GUS ENTERS THE ARENA AND HIS PRESENCE COMMANDS THE ARENA.”
that, I can now get on any horse and know how to ‘feel them.’ Dana has also made sure that I know how to ride different horses. One time I went down to ride Gus and that week I (of course) rode him, but Dana also had me ride her stallion Legend and a green broke horse of hers. With Dana teaching me how to apply body control to a horse in different stages of learning, I have been able to apply those exercises to our ranch horses and my colts at home. I can definitely see a difference in a horse after teaching it more body control. Understanding the bio mechanics has really helped me become into a better hand. My parents are also amazing! My mom and dad have helped me so much with my horses and cattle. They have always made sure that I knew and had quality animals. They have taught me, if I’m going to do something, do it right.”
Dana shared that Sydnee is a “very talented rider with a beautiful seat.
“DANA HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THE BIOMECHANICS OF A HORSE”
She is good at capturing rhythm and accentuating it and is a great showmen and she and Gus are breathtaking to watch. She wants to do things right. Learn the correct ways and the ‘why’ so she has complete understanding.”
Despite their huge success, the trials were not over for Sydnee and Gus. This past winter
Sydnee suffered a devastating injury to her ACL that required surgery.
“I was pretty bummed to miss the spring shows,
especially Sun Circuit” shared Sydnee “but that just made me want to get back stronger. I made goals with my physical therapist and surgeon to get me back fast and stronger. My surgeon made sure I had a brace for riding and my therapist came up with exercises to help my leg be strong on a horse. A few of the exercises involved a horse. I rode my Mom’s horse a lot to help strengthen my leg. She was to perfect horse to rehab on since she’s only 14 hands on a good day so she was easy to get on. Making goals every week and reaching them really helped me a lot in recovery.”
Sydnee and Gus returned to the show pen at the EMO winning the Reserve Circuit Championship in the Youth Pleasure. Dana noted that she could tell “Sydney was in pain at EMO but she wouldn’t back down. She handled it like a winner.
Beyond the wins in the arena Dana has high praise for Sydnee and the entire Wilson family.
“She is also just a good human being. She is so caring and kind. She has confidence but is humble. She grew up taking care of her sister who has health issues, and this is her time to shine.”
“I love this family like the are my own. We have vacationed at their house. They value good horsemanship and they taught Sydnee that. They have such integrity the have so much community spirit. They live in the country in Montana and come from a
big ranching background.”
“The whole family have such a spirit of excellence in everything they do. They are cream of the crop, All-American,
“THE WHOLE FAMILY HAVE SUCH A SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING THEY DO. THEY ARE CREAM OF THE CROP, ALLAMERICAN, DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE.”
“I’M SO HONORED AND EXCITED TO REPRESENT MONTANA AT YOUTH WORLDS!”
down to earth people, who have and have instilled in their kids a great work ethic. They have such history and roots.”
Beyond showing champion western pleasure horses Sydnee has her own little herd of line one Hereford cattle and registered Angus cattle. “My dad has taught me all about cattle genetics and EPDs. With that knowledge, I have my own here that I have shown and then kept to breed. Last year I had a pretty good year showing them, one award included winning the state steer merit award for the having one of the best carcass in the the state of Montana.”
“My dream is to go to college in Texas (still deciding between two right now) and pursue a degree in equine business and
industry and work on the business side of the horse world. I love marketing and I run our cattle business Instagram account. I’m going to have to take a break from showing for a while but I will still have horses. I have two really nice colts that I’m going to focus on.”
Sydnee is so appreciative of all the support she has received as she chases her goals. “Everyone has been so supportive, It’s pretty rare for a kid to venture out of Montana and go for it. MQHA will always hold a special meeting place in my heart and I’m so honored and excited to represent Montana at Youth Worlds!”
We are excited for Sydnee and Gus and wish them the very best rides at the AQHYA World Show and all the majors. This team truly does have it “Goin On!”
I feel strongly that it is important to teach young kids the proper way to begin their experience with horses. As an exhibitor/trainer and judge, I see so much at the shows that inspires me to write about the proper and improper methods to teach and learn. Riding horses is an everyday learning experience, and I am still improvising ways to teach young riders that keep them interested in the wonderful world of horses, while keeping safety first and foremost. From my early childhood, horses have always been an important part of my life. I have a lot to share that can make experiences with horses at an early stage in a child’s life, very rewarding.
The three most important factors to consider when finding a riding stable for your child are:
1. A SAFE AND QUALITY FACILITY
2.REMARKABLY SAFE HORSES
Let’s start with the facility. Walk around the farm and see how things are taken care of. Is it neat and clean? Are the horses well fed? Do they have adequate round pens, arenas, and good footing for riding? Do they take pride in their facility with things raked up and the tack room and tack clean and organized?
Next, check out the horses. Are they older, safe, and completely broke and sound horses?
3.A KNOWLEDGEABLE TRAINER OR INSTRUCTOR
Most importantly, research and interview the instructor. Nowadays, it seems that everyone is a “horse trainer,” and everyone is an “expert.” So, you should be sure to check out their credentials. How long have they been in the business? What awards and achievements have they achieved in their career? Do they have a website? Where did they get their instruction and schooling? Ask around and do your research. There are many barns that have very talented trainers, but their interests do not include giving little kids lessons. Most big name trainers don’t want to spend the time giving lessons to beginner kids that will not enhance their and training. That is fine if they disclose that to you. In that case, make sure their assistants are dedicated to spending the time with your kids if they are not able to. I have
climbed many big mountains that required skilled guides and climbing experts. I researched my guides and their accomplishments long before I hired them to take me on risky climbs. Riding horses is a risky sport as well, so you need to do your research. Another point on quality instruction is that if you find your instructor on Craigslist, Deal Chicken, Groupon, or make your choice based on the low price of the lessons, you might not get what you were necessarily looking for. Many unqualified people who give lessons will drop their prices to the point of making lessons more attractive financially. Remember, you get what you pay for.
“When is the right age to start a child riding?” is the question I get all the time. I started my son Hayden when he was four years old. He spent time on a horse when he was two and three, but I was leading himaround on an old gentle nag, all the while keeping a close eye on him. My son had the advantage of having a father who was a horse trainer and could pick and choose what horses he wanted to ride at the age of four, whether it was “Moon,” the World Champion 20-yearold Trail Horse, “Blue,” my 18-yearold lesson horse, or “Diamond,” my palomino mare that I roped steers on. Most of the time he chose Diamond,
which says a lot about roping horses being some of the best lesson horses. I have had three or four rope horses over the years that also had other jobs teaching people how to ride. They were some of the best horses and teachers I ever had. They were always good with little kids because they were so broke, had seen everything, and didn’t have to work that hard as a lesson horse.
Another major reason for expressing my views on kids and horses is from judging many horse shows around the United States and internationally. I use the back page of my judging pad to make notes throughout the day on breaks as I am working, and put them together in thoughts for articles. I usually see the same thing at least once or twice at every show I judge. These things are not the majority, but nevertheless, I seem them at every show. I ask myself, and my ring steward, “How much do they love their child?” At the last three shows I had the opportunity to officiate, kids were being tossed off left and right in the Working Hunter and Jumping classes by dirty horses stopping hard in front of the fences, were running off with little kids in the reining, and barrel horses were flipping their heads and running off with little kids, some of whom fell off. This was simply a case of completely unbroken and improper
horses, kids who were not ready for the particular classes they were competing in, and/or parents who were not educated about the dangers of horseback riding. Life is too short! I always made sure that my son Hayden not only rode good horses, but that he wore a helmet and had constant supervision! Nice horses don’t cost a fortune, but it takes time to find or train the right one.
That leads me to proper equipment. Make sure that the saddle fits the child, that they ALWAYS wear a helmet, and they have the proper footwear. I understand that the helmet issue is
“Green and green equals black and blue.”
ultimately a parent’s decision, and that most kids showing in lead line and walk trot classes ride in western hats without any issues, however, when taking lessons and learning around home and at the shows, I make them ride in a helmet. It is both a liability
and safety issue for me. Riding in sneakers is not safe, and proper headgear and boots are a must. Kids wear helmets when they ride bikes, so why not when they ride horses? Horses are way more dangerous than bicycles! If your child is hitting the ground and getting tossed off, it is time to find a new trainer, and/ or a new horse! Remember, older horses are the way to go, not young green horses. I still hear from parents “I want to buy a younger horse so that they can grow up together.” I also heard a great quote last week: “Green and green equals black and blue.”
Little kids MUST be supervised at all times! It is too easy for horses to step on them, among other things. They should be taught ground work first: grooming, leading, handling, which side to lead from, not to stand on the off side when leading a horse, and how to walk around them from behind. If they are big enough, they should learn how to pick up a leg and clean out hooves properly. A round pen is the number one necessity when teaching little ones. Starting them in the round pen with walk/trot lessons is the way
to go before ever cantering or loping. The round pen keeps them safer and does not require much steering, so they can concentrate on balance and other things without having to worry about making the horse go where they want it to go. I always start the little ones with a Western saddle first and then if they become skilled, eventually graduate to an English saddle if they so desire. The Western saddle gives them a sense of security, and I let them hold the horn to start with if they get nervous, but soon thereafter, encourage them to not
“As a parent, do not live your life through your kids.”
rely on the horn. Using romal reins or roping reins are best at this stage of
learning because they can’t drop the reins and lose them like split reins. I like to teach them how to use split reins later on as their skills have developed, both by bridging the reins and learning how to use one hand with an index figure between them. Keeping them in the round pen until they can canter or lope comfortably is a must. Once they learn to stop, turn, and control the horse, then they will graduate to the “big” arena. By that time, they are looking forward to the opportunity to ride in the big arena with the big kids. I use that as an incentive and it works wonders for confidence in their abilities and balance.
When I graduate them to the big arena, they will ride in a virtual round pen, a set of 15 or more cones set in the same size as the round pen and they will have to ride the same way they did in the round pen, but without rails. Instead, this time with cones. Once they achieve this maneuver, they are ready to ride with the big kids. Teaching kids the basics of horsemanship, like balance, soft hands, weight distribution, timing and feel
at an early age are the most important tools to further their riding talents for later on in life. If kids are never allowed to pick up bad riding habits, most will progress at a faster rate. Many of the kids that I started with lessons at the age of four, have later competed on NCAA and IHSA intercollegiate riding teams riding in various events.
Make sure that they take care of their horses once they are done riding, which includes bathing, grooming, oiling hooves, feeding carrots, putting the fly masks back on, and making sure the stall doors are shut properly. This is a perfect time to teach your kids responsibility! Fun comes with work, and they need to know that the horse’s well being comes first.
Another important thing to note is that every kid is different. Some kids like to ride for hours, and some lose interest after 20 minutes. Attention spans are different with every child, and it is necessary to learn to read your kids. If they are bored and want to stop riding, then call it a lesson. If others want to ride for an hour or two, then let them do it if time allows.
They will always tell you what they want if you just listen. Some kids pick up skills faster than others and have more natural athletic abilities than others, so being patient with the rate of learning is important. Consistency in riding is another very important thing to remember. Just like other sports, nothing can replace practice and time spent in the saddle.
As a parent, do not live your life through your kids and their accomplishments. Do not push them. Step away and let the instructor do the teaching. If you interfere, they will only withdraw. I coached Pop Warner football years ago and saw this constantly with parents. As coaches, we had to continually tell the parents to “please step away and leave your son alone,” to the point where we had meetings, and later on restrictions where the parents were not able to be near the team for practices and games. Some parents just don’t get it. This rule also applies when they grow into teenagers and start competing. If your kids are whining and complaining that they are not winning enough, it might be time to tell them to stop whining.
Learning how to properly ride a horse is one of the greatest opportunities one can have in life. It also teaches personal responsibility and how to deal with the ups and downs that life has to offer. Learning how to lose graciously when competing is as important as knowing how to be humble and handle success in the show arena, as well as in the
arena of life. Unfortunately, in our world, instant gratification is part of the equation. Learning that winning does not come easily, working harder to become better, and accepting personal responsibility are the best lessons a child can learn. Horses are a great tool for learning about life, and the challenges that lie ahead.
ABOUT MARK SHERIDAN
A University of Findlay, Ohio graduate, Mark Sheridan holds a Bachelors of Science in Equestrian Studies. Mark has over thirty years experience producing winning all-around show horses. He has trained and coached multiple Quarter Horse Reserve World Champions in both English and Western divisions.
Mark has been an AQHA, AAAA ranked, and NSBA Category One ranked judge since 1993. He has judged the AQHA World Show five times, The AQHA Youth World Show twice, the All American Quarter Horse Congress five times, as well as the Australian, European, Canadian, Japan Championships, and NCAA and IHSA Collegiate Championships numerous times.
Mark is a Past President of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a member of the AQHA Professional Horseman’s Association, was awarded Arizona’s Most Valuable Professional Horseman in 2008, and is recognized on the University of Findlay Wall of Fame. He is an author of articles
for numerous nationally published magazines, conducts clinics nationally and internationally, and has recently produced a three DVD series on achieving perfect lead changes. He is finishing his first book on Valuable Tips for the Horsemanship Class which will be out soon on his website:
www.marksheridanqh.com
Canada is proud to boast some excellent breeding programs that are raising World and Congress champions in the North. Not only do Canadian prospects offer outstanding value ( USD is currently worth 1.32) They are eligible for many Canadian programs and Futurities.
CANADIAN BRED FUTURITIES
NORTH STAR FUTURITY
A new futurity program, the North Star Futurity estimates over 42,000 will be paid out to foals born in 2022. With divisions for Hunt Seat, Western and Ranch the furniture is dedicated to promoting Western Canada bred horses sired by Canadian stallions. Open to offspring of enrolled stallions who are registered AQHA, APHA, PtHA, ApHC, PHBA, ABRA, IBHA or POA.
Featuring non-pro and open classes the futurist kicked off their show classes in 2023 and recently awarded over $9,000 in cash and prizes to the lunge line classes. The futurist will host two year old and three year old events in the future in all three divisions.
Check out their website to see if your foal is eligible for nomination and where the next event will be held.
https://nsbacanada.ca/stallions
CANADIAN COLORS FUTURITY
The Canadian Colors Futurity has long been an outstanding program for Western Canada APHA enthusiasts. Offspring of nominated stallions are eligible to compete as weanling and yearling halter, two year old walk/jog
pleasure, two year old walk/trot HUS and three year old pleasure and HUS. A Grand Aggregate Winner is determined by the horse that accumulates the highest number of points from each class, a beautiful, custom, Miguel Aguilar saddle is presented after the horses have completed the 3 year old riding classes.
Learn more about enrolled stallions and the classes at:
https://albertapainthorseclub.ca/ canadian-colours-futurity
LMQHA BREEDERS INCENTIVE
This program based in British Columbia offers breeders an opportunity to compete with eligible offspring of nominated stallions. All get of donated stallions are eligible to compete with
the payout divided into three equal portions between Halter, Longeline, and In hand trail. Additionally they will be awarding an overall Aggregate award to the top earning yearling in all three classes.
To learn more about this nominated stallions visit
https://bcqha.com/lmqha-home/ lmqha-breeders-incentive-program
ONTARIO BREEDERS FUTURITY
This long standing program is in a revitalization phase. For 2023 the Summer Finale show August 30-September 3rd, will feature 11 special event futurity classes including halter, showmanship, longline, HUS, pleasure, ranch on the rail, ranch riding, horsemanship and trail. All performance classes are NSBA approved. The special event is open to Ontario bred AQHA, ApHC, APHA, and PtHA horses.
Learn more at the Ontario Quarter Horse Associations site:
https://oqha.on.ca/
THE CANADIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION 2022 BREEDER OF THE YEAR
The 2022 Performance Horse Breeder of the Year was Barry Foote of Sandy Land Stables
Courtesy CQHA
Barry Foote established Sandy Land Stables in 1980 with the vision of breeding quality AQHA Quarter Horses using a well bred band of brood mares and importing semen from the top Quarter Horse stallions in the world. Progeny from his breeding program are now showing internationally in both Western and English events.
It has been proven that it takes great mares to consistently produce world
caliber foals. The mares assembled by Sandy Land Stables are of that quality and are now producing third generation fillies who are being added to the band.
A member of AQHA for 40 years contributing to the production of top quality quarter horses and supporting the breed in many ways, through support and sponsorship of local quarter horse shows as well as sponsoring and attending the QHAA hosted Canadian National Quarter Horse Show in Red Deer, AB where many of his horses have had a great deal of success over the years including
many National and Reserve National Championships and Futurity Champions.
Barry has repeatedly supported and hosted 4-H members by offering up his facility for club events as well as giving clinics and lessons to youth and adults. He has always been a large supporter of youth involvement and education with horses. Giving riding lessons from his facility every winter for many years teaching all levels of youth and adults from people who had never ridden before to those competing at quarter horse shows. Barry thoroughly enjoys helping people achieve their goals and abilities with their horses.
One of the first mares Barry Foote started his breeding program with was Katies Solo a daughter of Swift Solo. Katie was an appendix quarter horse who Barry showed successfully to get her AQHA papers.
Katie went on to raise many foals who went on to compete with the best in the world. Barry Foote purchased Dynamically Designed when she retired from showing. She had an incredible show career winning multiple Canadian National Championships and Canadian National Superhorse titles under the guidance of Dean Ross. ‘Maggie’
went on to produce many more Canadian National Champions, Reserve Champions, and World Show qualifiers. Barry purchased ‘I’m Poppin Hot’ at the AQHA World Show sale and she has been
one of his top producing mares. She produced a filly “I’m Poppin Good” who has gone on to produce AQHA Champions and significant point earners.
Barry Foote bred a stallion So Dignified who was by Diversified out of Katie
Solo. Jigger sired many babies in the area including a Manitoba Superhorse 50/50 Futurity Champion. Barry Foote also stood working bred stallion Zans Hot Spur and between the two stallions and his mares consigned foals to local futurities including the Manitoba Superhorse 50/50 futurity.
Barry bred Only Invitational who was purchased and taken overseas to Germany where he has been the number one Quarter Horse stallion in that Quarter Horse market and was the leading halter sire in the World for a time.
Barry has utilized shipped semen as well as embryo transfer processes to successfully breed his mares over the years. Barry is well respected by everyone involved in the horse world locally and internationally.
Barry’s current mare band includes daughters of Invitation Only, Machine Made, Too Sleepy to Zip, Zippos Mr Good Bar, RL Best of Sudden, No Doubt
I’m Lazy, and VS Code Red. Barry has some of the best top quality bred mares in all of Canada. Barry has plans to breed to LL Cool Bay and Machine Made this spring.
Barry Foote has shown one of his yearlings in the Gold Rush Futurity lunge line class at the Canadian National Quarter Horse show every year which he has won or taken reserve championships multiple times. Barry has also shown in the states winning lunge line classes there as well including the Emerald Futurity.
Barry’s breeding program is well respected and he showcases his horses with confidence and people are always excited to see the baby’s he brings out.
Barry has dedicated his life to producing outstanding Quarter Horses without ever receiving any recognition and there isn’t anyone more deserving of the Performance Horse Breeder of the Year award than Barry Foote.
In 2022 we introduced our readers to an innovative new program being launched in Canada, the Canadian National Amateur Team Tournament. The dream of one amateur who remember the show years of her youth which were filled with community, sportsmanship, fun and camaraderie.
Joelle Johnson was determined to see the program bring back the fun to showing and she was 100% successful the program was a resounding success. Participants were placed on teams named after their sponsor stallions and worked together with members spread out from all across the country. Not only did it unite people at the local level it introduced exhibitors to fellow AQHA lovers from other provinces.
In addition to calculating show points earned countless horseless events were held at every show including scavenger hunts, contests, team builders and even online contests including a Halloween costume contest and the hilarious barn fashion show that saw exhibitors strut their stuff down the aisle way in the hottest barn equipment couture fashions!
Exhibitors competed for random prizes throughout the year and towards the year end cumulative team prizes. When the snow had settled the winning team was team Sirtainly Sierra earning a custom-made buckle, and a $200 gift certificate to Rose Fire Saddlery. Silver award was team My Sleepy Valentine who received a $100 gift
certificates and the Bronze team was Good Intentionz winning a $50 gift certificate each to Rose Fire Saddlery.
“I am beyond blown away by the success of CNATT2022, I never could have imagined that it would become such a roaring success” shared Joelle Johnson. “I am so thankful to Laurie Haughton, Holly Kress, and Hannah Searle for all their hard work this year. I am so lucky to have a team who believed in this from day one. Thank you to all of our Canadian show secretaries from coast to coast for being so diligent with their show
results, without you this could not have been possible. Finally, to our sponsors, stallion owners and business owners alike, your support for this program has been nothing less than amazing. I am
“I am beyond blown away by the success of CNATT 2022, I never could have imagined that it would become such a roaring success”
so touched by your support for such a new program, dreamt up by just an amateur with a dream and a desire to see change.”
To wrap up the 2022 Year in a big way, all 2022 CNATT Team Members were entered into a draw! The Grand Prize was a pair of Tom Balding Custom Spurs sponsored by Rose Fire Saddle
and Tack! Valued at $1,000.00. Second Prize was a beautiful thick Fleece Horse Cooler sponsored by ACE Therapy Canada. Valued at $250.00 and Third Prize was a CQHA Fleece Vest sponsored by Epona PR. Valued at $75.00!
“In Total CNATT 2022 Awarded $18,485.00 in prizes throughout the season, and to our top three finishing teams. This was all thanks to our amazing sponsors: Show Horse Today, Rose Fire Saddle & Tack, Tendo Enterprises, ACE Therapy Canada, Alfa Teck, Epona PR, Canadian Horse Journals
The 2023 program has seen expansion with increased teams from ten to fifteen and sponsors expanded to include businesses and breeders. The team competitions are well under way and recognized events were expanded to include all AQHA/CQHA alliance sanctioned events other including reining, barrel racing, NRCHA, NCHA, rodeo and hunter jumper events. 2024 Joelle has plans to expand the program to include APHA competitors.
“From the beginning I have been adamant that CNATT will never grow stagnant” shared Joelle.” It will always grow and adjust to the current economy and needs of the industry. As a member of the Quarter horse
“In Total CNATT 2022 Awarded $18,485.00 in prizes throughout the season.”
community in Alberta, I can see there is a need at this time for us to expand. The time for individual breed shows has passed in many areas in Canada, and it’s time for something new. Expanding our shows to include other breeds will not only increase their size, but the expenses can be shared amongst two associations.
In Saskatchewan they have seen huge success but combining their shows with other associations. Their AQHA/APHA show in May, saw larger numbers and was a great success. They were able to obtain judges that were dual carded and both clubs shared the cost. Those with dual registered horses really reaped the benefits of this partnership. By including APHA members in CNATT, I hope this encourages clubs to start seeing the industry as not just AQHA, APHA or ApHC, but as a breed show industry that encourages everyone and finds the best solutions in a trying economy.”
“APHA was the obvious next step for CNATT with regards to our stallion sponsors. Canada has a large number of double registered stallions that we are very excited to promote. Many stallion owners have already made their presence known to us and are eager to
sign up for next year.
It will be a lot more work for the CNATT committee, but we are all ready for the challenge. The entire committee sees this advancement as a huge opportunity for the Canadian breed show industry. We are so very excited to include and get to know the APHA exhibitors in Canada.”
“We have an exciting new sponsor for 2022 in Hoof Doctor! Hoof Doctor, based on birch bark extract, is made from 100% natural ingredients with no synthetic chemicals. You can use Hoof Doctor for all common hoof problems. It is recommended by farriers and veterinarians. We are thrilled to have them on board as a sponsor!”
MEET THE 2023 TEAMS AND TEAM SPONSORS!
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING ™
THE ART OF LUNGEING: PART 1
BY LYNN PALMI value lungeing for many reasons. Yes, lungeing is a way to exercise a horse, but it’s much more important in developing a horse’s self-carriage in all gaits, response to voice and whip commands, and lungeing can control a horse’s play on the line. I use lungeing as a day of training, and always as part of taking a horse to a new area that you want the horse to perform. I also use lungeing for a bitting exercise.
As I titled my DVD, “The Art of Lungeing” is just that. It is not initially easy to master lungeing for a handler. Practice is the only way in developing your eye reaction/ coordination, recognizing your horse losing his balance by falling in or falling out, and in developing your own coordination of both arms and legs.
FORMING A TRIANGLE
Form a triangle for proper lungeing. Here’s how: Stay parallel to the horse and make one side of the triangle with your lunge line. The horse is another side of the triangle, and the whip is the third side of the triangle. You are in the middle of the triangle.
STAYING PARALLEL TO THE HORSE
The key to staying parallel to the horse is to never walk toward the horse or take any steps backwards. Move your legs by crossing one in front of the other. Moving your legs sideways allows you to stay parallel to the horse.
ATTACHING THE LUNGE LINE; CONTACT WITH THE LUNGE LINE
Keeping contact with the lunge line to the horse’s halter allows you to recognize the line going slack, the horse falling in, the horse pulling you, or the horse falling out.
Attach the lunge line with a snap or a chain. NEVER attach under the horse’s chin, which would give you less control
of the horse’s head position. Never attach a lunge line to a bit. Here are two options for connecting the line.
1. If using a lunge line with just a snap, connect it to the side halter ring closest to you.
2. If using a flat cotton lunge line, thread the lunge line through the side halter ring closest to you, over the nose and snap it on the opposite halter ring. This is the most responsive position.
ORGANIZING THE LUNGE LINE
Keeping your lunge line organized is a must! I like a flat cotton lunge line the most, and I avoid nylon and round ropes. Nylon you can burn your hand if a horse tries to get away from you, and round lines are too hard to hold.
DO NOT LET THE LUNGE LINE DRAG ON THE GROUND— IT’S NOT SAFE!
I also have my students learn how to keep the line organized without the horse. Here’s how to loop the line:
1. Hold the loop at the end of the line.
2. Spread your hands apart, making a loop, and put it in your hand from the bottom of your hand. The line comes out the top between your thumb and first finger.
3. Continue to make similar loops. They don’t have to be perfect; however, you must stack the line in your hand so it is easy to hold.
4. Once you have looped and stacked the whole line, put your first finger in the loop that is on top and
leads to the horse. Hold it in place with your thumb.
5. When you have done this and can do it easily, now you have to master this technique without looking at the line. When you can do this, you will have the best control possible with the lunge line. You’ll be able to make different size circles, go straight, and adjust the length of the line when needed.
Don’t forget that a horse’s hooves really start to grow this time of year. Call your blacksmith and get on a schedule for trims and/or resets every 4-6 weeks depending on your horse’s needs. With Springtime’s warmer temperatures and with the busy riding and show season here, time spent on training and schooling our horses increases. Whether riding for the ribbons or just the pleasure of being together, don’t forget to reward your horse’s extra efforts by rewarding him with some healthy treats. Purina is offering a horse treat that is not only tasty, but good for your horse, too! Even dogs like it, including my two English Lab pups Sherlock and Watson who love to sneak them away from my horses!
Next month: Use of the lunge whip, lungeing different size circles, developing self-carriage while lungeing
Until then, follow your dreams…
Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.
For more information about Lynn Palm; her educational programs at Palm Equestrian Academy in Ocala, Florida; Lynn’s Ride Well clinics across the U.S.; saddles; DVDs; books; and trail and Western dressage competitions; visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 352-3627847
We love to share our Dressage backgrounds and knowledge with you and would love to have you come ride with us. You can join us at our farm in Ocala, Florida, or at one of our Ride Well Clinics on our USA Tour at a location near you.
If you would like to train with Lynn and Cyril at home with Western Dressage, take advantage of the following supportive training materials:
Books:
• "Head To Toe Horsemanship"
•"Western Dressage—A Guide to Take You to Your First Show"
•"A Rider Guide to Real Collection"
DVDs:
•“Dressage Principles for the Western Horse & Rider” Volume 1, Parts 1-5
•“Dressage Principles for the Western & English Horse & Rider” Volume 2, Parts 1-3
• “Let Your Horse Be Your Teacher”
Parts 1&2
WELCOME
We are please to announce that Show Horse Today and PleasureHorse.com have partnered with the American Roan Horse Association to bring to you Roan Horse Today, the official publication of the ARHA. Each month we will feature ARHA members, stallions and shows. It is our hope that this section will provide a “home” for roan enthusiasts from all disciplines.
Show Horse Today is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2023 ARHA World Show and has long been a media partner for the association from its beginnings. Our hope is that the reach of PleasureHorse.com and Show Horse
Today’s 54K Forum Members, 690K FB fans and nearly 1M views on the sites will bring many new faces to the American Roan Horse Association and its programs.
Over the years you have enjoyed the ARHA Daily Sparkle posts highlighting the most amazing horse show fashion as well as our numerous stories on the association.
Now, you will have the opportunity to easily find the ARHA news, photos, calendar and spotlights all in one place!
We are very exciting about this partnership and look forward to bringing you a beautiful section each and every month.
If you have suggestions on what you would like to see in Roan Horse Today we encourage you to reach out to Robyn Duplisea at robyn@ pleasurehorse.com as she would love to hear from you.
We hope you enjoy Roan Horse Today!
Hello ARHA family,
We are so excited it’s summer and we are sure you are as well! We want to wish you and your equine partners a safe and successful show season. the 2023 ARHA World Show and Roan to Riches were held July 13-15 andthis year’s show was a smashing success. be sure to check out all the results and candids in this month’s \Roan Horse Today!!
A big THANK YOU to our stallion
and mare owners. Because of your generosity and support the 2023 Roan To Riches Futurity paid out over $20k to exhibitors. We are excited about the future of this program. We hope to see everyone in 2024.
ARHA World Show Results
The 2023 ARHA World Championship Show will was held July 13-15, 2023 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in conjunction with The Southland Circuit. We are thrilled to share the latest ARHA World Champions!
2023 ARHA World Championship Award Winners
All Around
No Doubt I Shine – Rachel Trebesh
Molly’s Custom Silver buckle sponsored by Molly’s
Custom Silver Hi-Point
No Doubt I Shine – Rachel Trebesh
Saddle and $500 sponsored by Two Legitt
Sunburst Saddle Pad sponsored by Sunburst Saddle Pads
Youth High Point
Good To Bea Red Rock – Abby Lynn Mehl
Reserve Youth High Point
Good Miss Cadillac – Emily Craft
Non Pro Hi-Point
Wrap Up The Money – Maycee Watt
Open Hi Point
No Doubt I Shine – Rachel Trebesh
Amateur Hi Point
No Doubt I Shine – Rachel Trebesh
View the complete 2023
ARHA World Show Results
Reserve Hi Point
Good Miss Cadillac – Emily Craft
2023 Roan To Riches Winners
Roan To Riches Open Yearling Longeline Champion - Just Good N Lucky (Justa Creepin x Good Bar Cookie) owned, shown and bred by Hillary Miller $2,300.40
Res Champion - Cover Girl Charlie (Got Em Talkin x The Ranger Girl). Owned by Patricia Murray, shown by Kerri ClausmanStone, bred by Patricia Murray $1,789.20
Third- Too Hot To Creep (Justa Creepin x Hot For Principal). Owned and shown by Tara Rattray, bred by Bruce and Barbara Saltgaver $1,022.40
Roan To Riches Open Western Pleasure Futurity
Champion- VS Blue Impulse (VS Code Blue x Ona Good Impulse). Owned by Lori Leighword, shown by Dustin David and
bred by Jan Shepherd Pittman $1,635.84
Res Champion- Don’t Skip This Code (VS Code Blue x Dont Skip This Cookie) owned by Ashleigh Kelly, shown by Jeremy Price, bred by Stanley and Susan Scott $1,124.64
Third- VS Simple Man (VS Code Blue x Always That Simple). Owned by Larry Balins, shown by Erik Parsons and bred by Larry Balins $971.28
Roan To Riches Open Trail Futurity ��
Champion - Rideitlike U Stoleit (VS Goodride x She Made It Happen) owned by Matthew Peddy, shown by Maryah
Cugno and bred by Brenda Gower $5,112
Roan To Riches Open Hunter Under Saddle Futurity
Champion- Don’t Skip This Code (VS Code Blue x Dont Skip Cookie) owned by Ashleigh Kelly, shown by Ceralena Gray and bred by Stanley and Susan Scott $5112
ARHA World Show
Roan to Riches High Point Stallion
We want to announce a special gift from Robyn Duplisea and Show Horse Today for our Roan To Riches stallions. The stallion with the highest earning OFFSPRING at the 2023 Roan To Riches futurity will earn the following marketing package valued at over $2,500.
High Earning R2R Stallion Prize Package includes:
• 12 month complete stallion marketing package with Show Horse Today (value in excess of $2500)
• 12 premium full page ad placements in Show Horse Today magazine
• 12 month stallion banner ad on ShowHorseToday.com
• One feature Editorial spotlight in Show Horse Today magazine highlighting the stallion and the win (6-7 pages professionally written and designed)
• Roan Horse Today cover image
• Unlimited stallion business updates shared via Show Horse Today media platform
• 2 Facebook Posts to over 690K
fans
• 2 Email Blasts to 20K + opt in subscribers
This is an amazing opportunity for our stallion owners and wouldn’t be possible without Robyn’s generosity and support of the program.
So today give that special stallion an extra hug and treat because they are the heart of our program and participation in programs is what makes our equine industry thrive!
PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SPOTLIGHT FORM AND SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES HERE: HTTPS://WWW.RIDEAROAN.COM/SUBMIT-PHOTOS
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