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Q-TALK Q-TALK ARCHIVE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2005 Today, I thought Q-Talk would focus on dreams. Not the kind we have when we sleep (although, I’m sure it still comes up). Instead, I thought I would highlight the stories of Quarter Horse owners who are living and achieving their dreams. Let’s start with Raley-Mae Radomske. More than anything, this eighth grader from Ellensburg, Washington, wanted to win a National Cutting Horse Association World Finals title. But when she bobbled a cow in the second go, she thought her dream was lost Things started out well for Radomske and her mount Venture On Me this week. In the first go of the $10,000 amateur division on Monday, Radomske picked two very tough cows to wow the judges. “My first cow was just a cow, but it was pretty good,” she said. “Then my second two cows were the toughest imaginable. They were pressing on my horse in every turn, and he was folding underneath himself trying to get there. I don’t even know if I was breathing during that run. It was very nerve-racking.” But the judges liked what they saw, giving her a 220. She finished the round in the top spot. She tried the same strategy in her second go on Tuesday. “I had a really nice cow picked out,” Radomske said. “I was cutting him, and I probably shouldn’t have done that because he got tangled up with another cow. I made a couple of turns on him and he ended up running over me.” The next two cows were better but the damage was done. Her second go was a 197, resulting in a cumulative score of 417, just one point short of making it into the finals. “It broke my heart,” she said. “To lose that cow was major. It was huge. It was really hard for me because I thought I was done. My whole year was gone.” On Wednesday, Radomske had to watch the finals from the sidelines as her nearest rival, Michael Carlyle, competed for the $10,000 amateur title. He needed a little more than $2,000 to take the championship away from Radomske. But to do so, he would have to place first. “Watching Michael was very hard for me,” the 14-year-old said. “My heart stopped a couple of times. It was scary.” However, Carlyle and his 1994 gelding Magnalight were unable to beat the 223 set by Janelle Michael and her 1997 mare GL Cindy Ann Quixote. With a 217.5, he ended up third in the finals and was awarded the reserve division title. “I felt bad for Michael because he’s hauled all year, too,” said Radomske, whose year-end total earnings came to $14,877.86. “If I’d been reserve, I’d been happy. But I’m also happy that I won.” Radomske gives a lot of credit for the $10,000 amateur title to “Harry,” “He’s a kick,” Radomske said with a grin. “I love that horse so much. I can’t even explain how much I love him. When I’m not feeling so hot, he picks me up. He’s got a lot of character.” The homegrown 1997 bay gelding is owned by Radomske’s parents, Harland and Jody, who run a cattle operation in eastern Washington near Yakima. He is by Doc’s Hickory and out of Peppys Smokin Oak by Peppy San Badger. As a 3-year-old, he was shown in several cutting futurities and won about $19,000. But as a 4-year-old, he developed a performance glitch and didn’t win a penny. Radomske took him on as a 5-year-old and in about 18 months she was competing on him with some success. However, she said during last summer, it was like a light turned on and he became a rock-solid cutting horse. “People probably think we went out and bought some great horse so I could win, but we raised him and I seasoned him,” Radomske said. “There were a lot of tears involved in seasoning him. Believe me, it wasn’t easy. But I’m really glad I did.” Mikey Makes Woman’s World Go Round Christine Hexter’s dream started with a black pony. When she was 9, her mother’s friend gave them “Joey,” and today, at 38, the Sharon Center, Ohio, woman is still living her dream of horses. In a Beacon Journal story, Stephanie Storm writes that “unlike a lot of kids who grow out of their ‘pony phase,’ Hexter grew into it. She took great care of Joey, feeding and grooming him daily. “Within a couple years, the family bought some miniature horses to keep Joey company. In the meantime, Hexter learned to ride and began competing in amateur equestrian shows. “Hexter grew up and Joey did too. He lived to be 29. Hexter went to work full time in her mother's beauty shop. She married. Through it all, her passion for horses grew. “Her hobby turned even more serious 10 years ago, when she and husband Bob Hexter bought a quarter horse yearling named Sweet Movin Artie. “Although the horse got his name from his sire, Artful Move, he also carried the nickname Michael, after Michael Jordan. “‘There was just something so special about Mikey when we first saw him. I just knew he was the one,’ Hexter said.” Storm writes that Hexter gets up every morning at 6 to drive to her boarding stables to ride Mikey. “Why would a woman approaching 40 spend so much of her time and money on horses? Why would she spend part of the last 20 years traveling to shows all over the country to ride in competitions? “‘It's certainly become a costly hobby, but it's my passion, too,’ Hexter said. ‘There's no doubt I've spent a fair share of my income over the years on my pet. Luckily for me, it's become an addiction for both my husband and I. Otherwise, I don't know if he would have lasted.’” Since 1997, Mikey and Hexter have competed in the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, and in 2004, they were in the Top-10 in amateur hunt seat equitation and hunter hack in many. The pair have also amassed 187.5 points in hunter under saddle, 2 points in jumping, 107.5 points in working hunter, 45 points in green working hunter and 101 points in hunter hack. “’He's actually one of the highest money-earning horses in his show career, making about $85,000,'' Hexter said. ‘We've had many chances to sell him. People often come up to us offering money on the spot.’ Hexter told Storm that she figures she could have bought a new house with the money she’s turned down. “‘But there's no way I could part with Mikey,’ she said. ‘He's my pet. He's my hobby. And in a lot of ways, he's like our kid.’” She has her Eye on the Ultimate Goal Paula Hunt of the San Antonio (Texas) Express-News writes that “June Holeman knows there's nothing like getting so close to your dream that you can almost taste it. “Her dream is to compete in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, and the barrel racer and her chestnut Quarter Horse Sparky (Sparky Impression) finished a career-best 16th in the standings in 2003. “Unfortunately, only the top-15 qualifiers go to the NFR. “Considering Holeman is 61 and Sparky 16, it's easy to think their time is running out. But Holeman says nearly 40 years of competition isn't enough yet. "‘I started out and wanted to see how I could do, and I got 16th,’ said Holeman, from Arcadia, Nebraska. ‘You don't get any bigger than (the NFR). That is the ultimate goal.’” In 2004, Holeman traveled to 87 to qualify for the NFR, but ended up 18th. This year, she’s left her husband, Don, at home and she’s hitting the road with Sparky and another horse she’s training. Before arriving at the 2005 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo this week, she was in Fort Worth, Texas; Rapid City, South Dakota; El Paso, Texas; and San Angelo, Texas. Next week, she’ll be in Tucson, Arizona, before heading back to Texas for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in March. “It isn't just the demands of travel that have changed in the world of barrel racing since Holeman began competing in 1966. "‘It's gotten super, super tough and extremely expensive with fuel costs and entry fees,’ Holeman said. “While some riders have the luxury of traveling in a big rig with a big trailer or flying to rodeos, Holeman pulls her horse trailer with a 1995 ambulance that Don fixed up with a bed in the back so she doesn't have to spend money on hotels. Holeman takes on women young enough to be her grandchildren. But she can hold her own ... up to a point. "It's all about timing, and that's where you really lose when you get older." Holeman told Hunt. Holeman said her real edge is her and Sparky’s experience. By Barnone Impressive and out of Sokota Sparky by Sokota Babe, Sparky is one tough barrel horse. "This horse is a good horse. He doesn't win a lot of them, but he places a lot and he's real honest," Holeman told Hunt. "He's a little short, and I like to outrun all those big, tall horses." Plus, Sparky has already competed at the NFR. “Last year, fellow barrel racer Molly Powell borrowed Sparky and rode him in some of the early rounds. "‘I was honored when she asked me because, if I never get to go, at least he's gone,’ Holeman said. ‘And if we do get to go together, then he'll be the one with the experience, and I'll need it. "‘I keep telling people, I don't know what I'll do if I finally get there. I'll probably die of a heart attack right there in the arena.’" ‘Small Fry’ has Big Dreams Like June Holeman, 8-year-old Lauren Diaz is also on the road quite a bit pursuing her dream. Lachelle Seymour of the Advocate Reporter in Newark, Ohio, writes that “during most weekends of the year, she lives in a 36-foot Georgie Boy motor home, traveling around Ohio from one horse arena to another with her mother, Kelli Diaz. “It's not an easy life, but the quiet, self-assured second-grader with a slick brown ponytail and scuffed black work boots is a competitor. Just like her mom, her grandparents say. “After a spectacular 2004 season, Diaz, of Heath, Ohio, was crowned All-Around Small Fry for the Ohio Quarter Horse Association this month -- the result of her efforts at Ohio equestrian competitions throughout the year. “As champion, she could choose her prize -- a new saddle or belt buckle of her design. She chose the latter, crafting a shiny buckle from sterling silver, 14-carat gold and two blue sapphires positioned in the center of delicate flowers. She'll wear it to shows this season.” Lauren has been riding since she was 4 and is the daughter of a couple that met at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Her mother, Kelli, won the Congress in 1982 and her father, Manuel Diaz, grew up in Cuba around horses. Lauren rides Good Timin Tiger, who is by Zippos Mr Goodbar and out of Winnie The Tiger by Tiger Leo. When she competes, Lauren wears a green-and-purple riding outfit with more than 5,300 crystals on it. "It's really gone crazy," Kelli told Seymour. “On the road, Lauren and her friends turn the family trailer into ‘party central.’ Sometimes, she does homework while at shows or before school on Monday. “When Kelli traveled the nationwide circuits, a tutor came with her. Lauren misses school days, too, but takes work with her to remain a strong student, Kelli said. “Although Kelli traveled so much she missed her proms and even graduation, she would never trade her own memories from miles on the road and hours in competition for a more standard past. “Years from now, Lauren wants to be a veterinarian. In the short term, she'll settle for successful Ohio and national tours.” Mare Enriches the Lives of Mother and Daughter Finally, all dreams must come to an end, but hopefully we’ll always be full of the good memories they generated. In The Pine Journal in Cloquet, Minnesota, Wendy Johnson writes about her daughter’s Quarter Horse, Spanish Solo. “This was to be a special springtime for Solo, a 28-year-old bay mare who has been a part of our family for the past 14 years. We bought her when my daughter, Allison (now 25), was in fourth grade. “It hadn’t taken Allison long to realize the love of horses early on in life – love that most little girls experience to some degree along the way to growing up. But with her, it turned out to be an all-consuming passion. “Long before we ever bought Solo, Allison was already following in my own childhood footsteps – reading every horse book in the library, collecting horse models, and riding other people’s horses every chance she got. “In fact, it was during one such episode that our lives changed in a small but very significant way. “One afternoon, Allison was at a friend’s house, and the two decided to take the girl’s horse out for a ride. They managed to shimmy up onto the horse bareback and then rode double across the countryside north of Cloquet. All went well until they were coming home through a field and something spooked the horse. Both girls were thrown off. Allison hit the ground face first, knocking out one of her permanent front teeth. “The whole experience traumatized one so young. I knew if Allison didn’t get right back on and ride, she would carry the fear with her for a lifetime. “Though she was way past believing in the tooth fairy, I encouraged her to put the tooth under her pillow that night. The next morning she found an envelope with a $100 bill in it, along with a note: ‘If you choose, you can put this money in the bank for the future. But if you still love horses, consider this as seed money toward buying one of your own.’ “To make a long story short, Spanish Solo came into our lives the following year. “It didn’t take us long to realize the patient bay mare, then 14 years old, knew far more about little girls than we knew about horses. For the first decade of her life, Solo had grown up alongside a young girl from Barnum who had ridden her, taken her to horse shows, and loved her. When that little girl grew up, Solo was left to spend her days in the pasture. “When we learned of the mare, it didn’t take much persuasion to talk her owner into selling her, and the circle remained unbroken as she started life all over again with Allison. “Day by day, the three of us – Solo, Allison, and I – got to know more about one another. We learned what makes horse and rider tick, what challenges there are in growing up, what victories lie along the way, and what amazing things patience and love can accomplish. “Allison and Solo found success in the show ring, but their happiest times together were spent riding down dirt roads, across open meadows, and through the scenic trails of the Cloquet Forestry Center. “Allison eventually moved on to a younger, flashier gelding but we kept Solo, too, because by then, she was a part of our family.” But after living with the Johnson family for many years, Wendy got the call a couple of weeks ago everyone dreads. Solo was down with colic and there was nothing they could do for the 29-year-old mare. “Though we had all been looking forward to seeing Solo in springtime this year, she was in the winter of her life, and it was simply not meant to be. “Last week, I went to visit the spot where Solo had been buried in the far end of the pasture she’d loved. It was just a barren spot of ground with the snow scraped away. I scattered a package of wildflower seeds over the frozen ground, knowing that the chances were slim that any of them would actually survive to germinate in the spring. But simply making the gesture made me feel our loss a little less – as though springtime had come to Solo at last.” THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005The National Cutting Horse Association World Finals is still in Amarillo and Becky Newell, editor of America’s Horse, has been hanging out at the arena talking to folks. Earlier this week she spoke with 14-year-old McKenzie Mullins, who won the junior youth title. Mullins told Newell that when she gets nervous in the cutting pen, she quietly sings the children’s ditty “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” to herself. “It’s something one of my friends taught me to do, and it works,” she said. Newell writes that “it’s surprising that McKenzie wasn’t singing the tune for all the world to hear when she entered the arena for the finals of the junior youth division at the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals in Amarillo on February 13. She had plenty of reasons to be nervous. Coming into the finals, McKenzie was in the lead by only six points, she was riding a horse she had never competed on prior to the finals, and the cloud of a losing streak was hanging heavily over her head. “But challenges only seem to make McKenzie stronger and more determined to do better. “McKenzie’s mount, The Squeaker, was another factor that could have worked against her in the finals. The reason? She had never competed on him and had ridden the horse only twice in the practice pen at home.” Prior to the finals, McKenzie’s regular horse, Tater, came up sore. McKenzie didn’t have a horse to ride. “I tried a few horses, but nothing really worked out,” McKenzie told Newell. “Then Ken Sitton suggested I try his horse, The Squeaker. He’s a great horse. I thought, ‘Oh, he’s tired, he’s not going to want to do this.’ ” “But he and McKenzie stepped up the plate and scored a 225, which was like getting an ‘A’ on a school project into which she had poured her heart and soul. And, after being the reserve world champion four times, the dark-eyed Texas cowgirl won her first youth world championship. “The morning after the finals, McKenzie wandered into her family’s hotel room, wearing her shiny new buckle over her pajamas.” Speaking of the NCHA World Finals … Here are the winners of yesterday’s final go-rounds and divisions: Winning the $10,000 Novice finals was Boyd Rice aboard James Kenney’s 1998 stallion Bobs Hickory Rio (Bob Acre Doc x Gay Hickory Rio by Doc’s Hickory). He scored a phenomenal 229. He came into the event at No. 62 and finished No. 11 in his division with total earnings of $14,995.52. Winning the division was Matt Sargood of Acampo, California, aboard his 1997 stallion To Short To Play (Shorty Lena x Sheza Playboy by Freckles Playboy). In the final go, the pair scored a 213, putting them in ninth place. He finished the year with earnings totaling $49,450.48. To Short To Play was also the division’s world champion stallion. Winning the $10,000 Amateur finals was Janelle Michael of Channing, Texas, and her 1997 mare GL Cindy Ann Quixote (Genuine Legacy x Dockles Quixote San by Doc Quixote). She scored a 223. Michael came into the World Finals in fourth place and ended up finishing third with total earnings of $11,607.16. Although she didn’t make into the final go-round, Raley-Mae Radomske and her 1997 gelding Venture On Me (Doc’s Hickory x Peppys Smokin Oak by Peppy San Badger) finished the year in the top spot. Radomske, an eighth grader in Washington State, won the first go but bobbled a cow in the second go to miss the finals. However, her nearest competitor, Michael Carlyle and Magnalight, needed to finish first to beat her. They ended up third with a 217.5. Radomske’s total earnings for the year were $14,877.86. Winning the $3,000 Novice finals was Jeremy Barwick aboard his 1999 gelding Dual Rey Me (Dual Pep x Miss Smart Rey Jay by Smart Little Lena). Barwick, who scored a 225, came into the event in second place and finished in the same spot with earnings totaling $54,416.77. Dual Rey Me was also the division’s world champion gelding. Winning the division was again Sargood and To Short To Play. The pair finished the division with earnings totaling $57,771.38. In the final go, they scored a 218.5 to put them in fourth place. To Short To Play was again the division’s world champion stallion. For more information on the World Finals click here or check back with Q-Talk. National Animal Identification System Web Site Launched The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently launched a new Web site about the national animal identification system. The site, www.usda.gov/nais, is designed to be a one-stop resource for information about NAIS. In addition to providing national news, the site provides contact information for state and tribal animal health authorities. The states and tribes are responsible for providing each premises under their purview with a nationally unique identification number-the starting point of the NAIS. All states should be able to assign nationally unique premises identification numbers to locations where animals are managed or held by mid-2005. Over time, APHIS plans to add to the Web site resources targeted to specific species and industry-segment groups. Currently, NAIS working groups comprised of industry and government representatives have been established for cattle and bison, sheep, swine, poultry, horses, llamas and alpacas, deer and elk, and livestock markets and processors. In implementing the NAIS, USDA's goal is to provide animal health officials the ability to identify all animals and premises that have had contact with a foreign or domestic animal disease of concern within 48 hours after discovery. As an information system that provides for rapid tracing of infected and exposed animals during an outbreak situation, the NAIS will help limit the scope of such outbreaks and ensure that they are contained and eradicated as quickly as possible. Rutgers Equine Science Center Presents ‘Ask the Expert’ "Ask the Expert," a new feature of the Rutgers Equine Science Center Web site, www.esc.rutgers.edu, invites horse owners and enthusiasts to seek science-based answers to their questions about horse health and management. The Equine Science Center, located at Rutgers-Cook College in New Jersey, taps the expertise of some 30 faculty, researchers, specialists and staff who are affiliated with the center. These individuals, primarily drawn from Cook College, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension, include a nutritionist/veterinarian; equine exercise scientist; endocrinologist; water, pasture, and nutrient waste management specialists; economists; West Nile virus researchers; and financial managers, among others. Recent questions have addressed supplements, behavior problems, nutritional inquiries, toxic plants, and similar subjects. Visitors to the Web site can access "Ask the Expert" directly from the Equine Science Center’s home page by selecting the highlighted menu item in the upper right hand corner. "Ask the Expert" is managed by Carey Williams, M.S., Ph.D., Extension specialist in equine management at Cook College and Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension. Visitors generally get a personal answer within 24 to 48 hours, and then selected questions and answers are posted on the site. Other features of the site include informative equine fact sheets, an area devoted to frequently asked questions, details about special educational courses and activities that are available to the public, information about special events, links to other popular horse-related Web sites, bulletins about regulatory matters and other useful resources. FEI Task Force on Medication and Doping Meets Again The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Task Force on Medication and Doping met for a second time on February 2 in Paris, France. Chaired by Sven Holmberg of Sweden, the six-person task force was established in late 2004 to reassess policies necessary to eliminate abusive and illegal performance-enhancing drugs and to review the general medication control of horses. The task force discussed the possibility of new definitions of doping and medication control, especially the difference between medications used for the welfare of the horse that were still in the horse's system during competition and substances that were deliberately used to enhance performance. Philip O'Connor of Ireland, a member of the FEI Judicial Committee, explained the current judicial system and the need to ensure fairness and "due process" for all persons, regardless of the case. Possibilities to speed up the process were also discussed in detail and will be among a range of proposals that will be brought to the FEI General Assembly in April. The task force will have a final meeting in March. Their report will be sent to National Federations before presentation at the FEI General Assembly in London. Texas High School Rodeo Athletes Recognized for National Championship
On February 7, the Texas State Senate recognized the 2004 Texas High School Rodeo Association’s National Championship Team at the state capitol. Texas’ National Team traveled in July to Gillette, Wyoming, where they competed at the National High School Rodeo Finals. The Texas team went up against more than 1,500 contestants from 39 states, four Canadian Provinces and Australia. Members competed in a variety of rodeo events including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, goat tying and girls and boys cutting. Members from the National Team were introduced as State Sen. Chris Harris, R-District 9, read a resolution commending the team on their accomplishments. Several senators spoke on the resolution praising the team members and Texas High School Rodeo for preserving the state’s western heritage. The Texas High School Rodeo State Finals are the largest rodeo of any kind in the Lone Star State. During the week-long event, the top-10 contestants in each event from the 10 regions in Texas compete for the state championship and the chance to represent Texas at nationals. The top four contestants in each event will move on to compete at the 2005 National High School Finals Rodeo in July again in Gillette, Wyoming. The 2005 National Team will be determined in June at the Texas State Finals Rodeo in Abilene. The 2004 national team member were: Kelly Allen, Hillsboro; Jake Baker, Terrell; John Bankhead, Madisonville; Steve Bowen, Childress; Allison Bray, Fulshear; Ciara Brooks, Booker; Jake Brown, Stephenville; Kylee Burrus, Stephenville; DeWayne Byrd, Beaumont; Jake Caldwell, Crane; Jason Calkins, Glen Rose; Chelsey Callan, Roby; Nathan Carter, Santo; Justin Copp, Justin; Cole Davison, Fredericksburg; Ericka Delgado, Victoria; Tim Erickson, Guy; Clayton Foltyn, El Campo; Patrick Garrett, Edcouch; Chris Graham, Carthage; Casey Hartley, Fort Worth; Justin Hendrick, Needville; Cody Henley, Bryan; Hilary Hightower, Washington; Lacy Hollabaugh, Stephenville; Rachelle Holt, Gruver; Ty Houston, Seminole; Josh Hudson, Kaufman; Travis Isbell, Florence; Lorissa Jo Lide, Odessa, Brady Lindsay, Pearland; Colby Lovell, Madisonville; Kacy Martin, Devine; Chad Mask, Amarillo; Nathan Michalke, Sealy; Timber Moore, Ponder; Ashley Moreau, Needville; Jake McCabe, Silver; Seth Morgan, Azle; Cheyenne Motley, Van Alstyne; Jordon Peterson, Chilton; Shane Phillip, Washington; Shanna Roberts, Palmer; Tara Shepperd, Belton; Kristin Sherrill, Mansfield; Courtney Sokol, Brenham; Kasey Stanley, LaVernia; Kaycie Teague, Rankin; Dean Wadsworth, Ozona; Katherine Weeks, Artesia Wells; Clayton Williams, Carthage; Sarah Zybach, Briscoe. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005The World’s Greatest Horseman starts next week and the draws are already out on the National Reined Cow Horse Association Web site. Looks like a really tough event this year with 35 top-notch contestants. The list consists of many AQHA Professional Horsemen, including Bobby Lewis, Bob Avila, Benny Guitron, Todd Crawford, Robbie Schroeder and Al Dunning. There will also be some exciting horses to watch, including 2004 Superhorse contender Lena Spark, the sire of the 2004 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity winner Captain Nice and 1997 junior reining world champion Sailing Smart. The World’s Greatest Horseman coincides with the NRCHA World Championships in Stephenville, Texas, February 20-26. Michigan to Require Racehorses have EHV Vaccine Officials from Michigan's Office of Racing Commissioner are requiring all horses entering any of seven licensed pari-mutuel facilities in the state be vaccinated for equine herpesvirus (EHV), in an effort to keep the virus confined to Northville Downs, where it has been detected in four horses. Three of those horses had to be euthanatized because the neurologic form of EHV type-1 caused their condition to deteriorate. The fourth horse displayed respiratory signs of EHV and is recovering. Proof of an EHV vaccine within the prior six months is required for acceptance into the seven licensed tracks. While none of those facilities currently have live racing underway, horses live and train on the grounds. The cancellation of live racing at Northville Downs has been extended by Michigan Department of Agriculture officials and the ORC through March 1, as has a quarantine that was enacted earlier this month prohibiting any horse from leaving or entering Northville Downs. Simulcast wagering continues at the track. Racing and animal health officials have put provisions in place to monitor horses exposed to EHV for signs of illness, and they have enhanced biosecurity measures and made an effort to educate horse owners and handlers about EHV. The Shark Taking it Easy with his Quarter Horse Greg Norman turned 50 last week. But instead of clubs or a cart, the golfing legend’s family gave him a palomino Quarter Horse. In a story by Tim Rosaforte in Golf World, the Shark has no intentions of entering the Champions Tour, an over-50 golfing circuit, and is quite happy just riding around on his 12,000-acre ranch in Meeker, Colorado. "I told somebody the other night it's the happiest he's ever been," Norman’s wife, Laura, told Rosaforte. "He's been away from the tour, doing what he wants to do." Rosafort writes that “during his birthday celebration last week, Norman's focus was relaxation. He turned off his cell phone and didn't check his e-mail while at his Colorado spread, which is two hours from the nearest airport in Grand Junction. His guests included the families of fellow pros Steve Elkington and Scott McCarron and Australian friends who hadn't seen snow. They hunted mountain lions and eventually bagged one. “Norman recently sold his yacht to Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, took the capital gains and extended his property in Meeker by buying the adjoining Seven Lakes Lodge owned by leverage buyout specialist Henry Kravis. These are the kind of people he runs with, the kind of deals he has been cutting since leaving International Management Group in 1993. On March 9, Norman will host ‘Three Friends: One Goal,’ a benefit tournament with former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, co-chairs for the U.S. tsunami relief effort, at Medalist GC in Hobe Sound, Florida. Rosaforte writes that it was easier to get two ex-Presidents together than it has been getting Norman and Tim Finchem on the same page because of the bitterness that Norman feels towards the PGA Tour commissioner. Norman didn’t care for the way his concept of a world tour was received, rejected and reinvented a decade ago. "He can't ride a horse fast enough to catch me," Norman told Rosaforte of why he hasn’t met with Finchem. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005 Researchers are closing in on a genetic test for hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia, an inherited skin disease associated with American Quarter Horses. Symptoms of the disease include weeping skin, hematomas, wounds, sloughing skin, easily tented skin and scars. Researchers believe the disease is an autosomal recessive trait, which means that animals can be completely normal and produce affected offspring. The most effective method for controlling the disease is not to breed mares or stallions that carry the gene to other carriers. However, to this point, the only method to identify carriers is when a mare or stallion produces or sires an affected offspring or through pedigree analysis. A DNA test will allow breeders to reduce the incidence of the disease by identifying carriers prior to breeding. Through AQHA-sponsored research, principal investigator Danika Bannasch, D.V.M., Ph.D., and her team at the University of California at Davis, identified the equine chromosome where the DNA marker for HERDA resides in late 2004. By comparing the identified chromosome to similar locations on the canine and human genome, Bannasch hopes to identify the specific gene and marker for HERDA. For more on information HERDA and the latest research, click here. AQHA Approves Surpass Medication The American Quarter Horse Association approved for immediate use, Surpass, a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. The AQHA Executive Committee approved the medication during their January meeting to keep in line with the rules of the United States Equestrian Federation, which permitted therapeutic use of Surpass late last year. Surpass, chemical name diclofenac, is a topical cream used for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses’ hock, knee, fetlock and pastern joints. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medication must be administered according to recommendations to ensure compliance with maximum allowable plasma levels. In studies conducted to date, Surpass is proven as a useful anti-inflammatory therapy that is effective in managing clinical lameness. However, it is not a potent analgesic and would not be effective in masking pain. For more information on the new rule involving Surpass, click here. COX-2 Selective Drugs Considered Safe for Horses TheHorse.com reports today that although USDA cautions humans to limit use of COX-2 inhibitors, it isn’t necessary to apply the warnings to horses. The USDA recently issued a public health advisory recommending limited use of the drugs, which includes various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. The drugs may be linked with an increased risk of heart attack or strock. However, according to Anthony Blikslager, D.V.M., Ph.D., associate professor of equine surgery at North Carolina State University, these warnings don’t automatically apply to animals, including horses. "‘Horses rarely have heart attacks, for several reasons,’ Blikslager explained. ‘For starters, they have very few risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They don't smoke or have extremely sedentary lifestyles, and they typically don't eat unhealthy diets.’ “Blikslager said while it is possible for a horse to suffer a heart attack, it is very unusual. ‘When it happens," he said, ‘it is usually caused by the rupture of a heart valve or major artery after strenuous exercise, and it is seldom associated with the administration of a drug.’ “Currently, COX-2 selective drugs are not available on the equine veterinary market, although they are being used experimentally in horses in research settings. Blikslager and his team are working to develop a COX-2 drug that can be administered intravenously to equine patients. “Blikslager predicts that COX-2 selective agents will be available for clinical use in horses in the near future. ‘With the COX-2 inhibitors being pulled from the human drug market, this could be an excellent opportunity for horse owners,’ he said. ‘The horse might be the ideal candidate for this class of drug.’” 2004 Sun Circuit Fire Spurs Lawsuit No matter how small the show, make sure you have insurance. It can help keep you out of financial trouble if you get sued. Take for example, the recent lawsuit involving the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse show. Bill Bertolino of the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Arizona, writes that the Arizona Quarter Horse Association along with the Scottsdale, Arizona, and Rural/ Metro Fire Department have been sued for failing to identify fire hazards in 2004 at the popular horse show at West-World of Scottsdale. An overloaded extension cord caused a vendor tent to become engulfed in flames. The lawsuit, filed Jan. 25 by Hanover Insurance Co., lists these and a number of other groups as negligent for the blaze that destroyed a 12,000-squarefoot tent and threatened a plywood barn stabling 100 horses during the show. The insurance company sued on behalf of its client, On the Rail Clothing Co. and seeks $100,000 from each defendant. Ex-Bull Rider is now a Cutter The National Cutting Horse Association World Finals continues this week and the Amarillo Globe News has written several interesting stories about the event. Today’s article by Travis Harsch highlights Tracy Surtes, who grew up riding bulls but now trains cutting horses. "‘I rodeoed quite a bit when I was younger,’ Surtes said. ‘My mom and stepdad, though, they were really into cutting horses.’ “At the time, there just weren't many young people learning to sit a cutting horse. "‘There wasn't a lot of youth involvement (in cutting horses) back then,’ Surtes said, ‘It was usually the last thing at the Quarter Horse shows, and I was always just more interested in rodeo.’ Surtes is competing in the $10,000 novice finals on Tronas Chex, a 1999 gelding owned by William Grayson, and Stylish Page Boy, a 1996 gelding owned by Ellen Ganey. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005 It’s Valentine’s Day, and what better way to kick off this week’s Q-Talk than with a love story. At the 2004 World Show, I had the pleasure of meeting Bo Barker and Vicki Ballou of Emmetsburg, Iowa. The two had been dating for a number of years, and Bo decided it was time to pop the question. He thought what better place than the World Show, but instead of an engagement ring, he gave Vicki an “engagement roan,” a mare she had given up 15 years ago and had been looking for again ever since. “She has had dozen of horses, but always ‘Ruthie’ was at the top of her list of her most loved horses,” Bo told me. “She has always lamented having to sell her beloved Ruthie.” With help from his friends, responsive AQHA members and the AQHA staff, Bo surprised Vicki at the show with Ruthie, who was wearing a halter that was stitched with “Will You Marry Me? –Bo.” “It took her a bit to figure out what was going on,” said the couple’s friend Delbert Struve. “I had to turn the horse’s head for her to see,” Barker said. After the initial shock of Ruthie and the unusual proposal method, Vicki wiped another tears away and was able to get out a resound “yes.” I haven’t heard yet if the two have set a date but they both promised me that Ruthie would be invited. If you would like to read more about the “world class proposal,” you can find the story on Page 40 of the February 2005 Journal or click here. Cutting World Finals Underway The National Cutting Horse Association World Finals is in full swing in Amarillo. Five divisions have already been decided. Winning the $2,000 Limited Rider finals was Ty Moore of Madill, Oklahoma, aboard his 1998 mare Zack Be Quick (Zack T Wood x Dolly Playgirl by Freckles Playboy). He scored a 225. He came into the event at No. 45 and finished fourth in his division with total earnings of $9,897.57. Winning the division was Rhonda Benadum of Moorpark, California, and the 1996 gelding Catspurrs (High Brow Cat x Abigail Fletch by Jae Bar Fletch). Although she didn’t make it to the finals, she still finished on the top with total earnings of $14,692.37. Winning the $20,000 Non-Pro finals and division was Katie Costello of Exeter, California, aboard the 1993 gelding Travalena Times (Travalena x Bit Of Sana by Peppy San). Coming into the World Finals ranked as No. 1, Costello scored a 224 to take the finals and finished with total earnings of $16,550.33. Winning the $50,000 Amateur finals was Nicki Hiner of North Powder, Oregon, and the 1994 mare Lenas Miss N Christy (Miss N Cash x Little Touchalena by Smart Little Lena). Hiner, who scored a 224, came into the event at No. 38 and finished No. 17 with earnings totaling $9,808.47. Winning the division was Nancy Graham and her 1996 gelding Tys Twister DG (Freckles Fancy Twist x Tari Renee by Doc Tari). Graham made it into the finals and finished fourth with a score of 218. She came to the World Finals ranked No. 1 and finished with earnings totaling $41,511.30. Winning the Junior Youth finals and division was McKenzie Mullins of Gordon, Texas, aboard the 1993 gelding The Squeaker (Squeak Toy x Haidas Queen by Freckles Playboy). Mullins, who scored a 225, came into the finals in the No. 1 spot and finished the year with 487 points. Winning the Senior Youth finals was Courtney Sokol of Brenham, Texas, aboard her 1997 mare Miss Quixote Lena (Doc Olena Last x Quixotes Cowgirl by Doc Quixote). She scored a 220. Sokol came into the finals at No. 18 and finished in tenth place with 438 points. Winning the Senior Youth division was Denver Jo Williamson aboard Squeaks My Alias (Squeak Toy x Haidalias by Haidas Little Pep). She came into the event at No. 1 and finished tied for third in the finals with a score of 214. Her year-end total was 601. For more information on the World Finals click here or check back with Q-Talk. NSBA Clinic to Focus on Yearling Longe Line The National Snaffle Bit Association will focus on the yearling longe line horse in the first of a series of clinics open to all levels of exhibitors. The clinic is April 15. To be at Napier Farm in Greenfield, Indiana, the clinic of the Yearling Longe Line horse. AQHA Professional Horseman Jet Thompson will lead the clinic and focus on proper preparation and showing in yearling longe line. Individual slots are available for participants with their own horses as well as an open session. For more information or to participate, contact LeAnn Barnes to reserve their slot by April 1 at (260) 925-3027 or lbarnes43@hotmail.com. Thompson, who will be part of a training article on yearling longe line for the May 2005 Journal issue, has trained and shown numerous longe line champions. He and his wife, Denise, train all around horses for youth, amateur and open competition in all of the English and Western Horse divisions. He is an accredited NSBA judge and noted clinician.
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