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Q-TALK Q-TALK ARCHIVE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2005 Even great horsemen have bad days. Take AQHA Professional Horseman Bob Avila for example.
He and his mount, Light N Fine, entered the arena for the reining work last night, and turned in an honest performance; good enough for a 144.5. He was still in first, but now tied with Jon Roesser and Very Smart Remedy, who had the event’s highest score of 146.5. Then came the steer stopping. Roesser was before of Avila. He easily roped his steer and scored a 144.5. Avila and Light N Fine came in near the end of the draw. They quickly took off after the steer, but it stepped through Avila’s loop, which tightened on its hind legs. Avila got the loop off, readied his rope and had to chase down the steer again. He successfully caught it on his second try. But his score of 134 knocked his cumulative score down to 426.5, moving him down to sixth place. The top placer in the steer stopping was Russell Dilday and Miss Plain Plain with a 149.
The finals conclude this evening with the cow work. Check back tomorrow to find out who’s the newest World’s Greatest Horseman. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2005 The finals of the World’s Greatest Horseman started last night with the herd work. Robbie Boyce and Brother White (Smart Little Lena x White On Right by Doc Quixote) entered the first event of the finals with the top preliminary score of 586. Robbie Boyce and Brother White came into the herd work finals in the lead, but a slip in the dirt cost the pair as their steer slipped by them. They ended the evening with a 120. Brother White was able to pick himself up and keep Boyce in the saddle. They chose another steer, but the pair was obviously shaken, and the next one got away from them as well. They ended the evening with the lowest score of 120. Of the 10 finalists, Bob Avila and the 1999 stallion Light N Fine (Grays Starlight x Lenas Fine Freckle by Doc O’Lena) are setting in the top spot with a score of 148. They entered the finals in second place with a preliminary cumulative score of 582. After the herd work, here is how the line-up looks:
The finals continue tonight in Stephenville, Texas, with dry work and steer stopping. Check back with Q-Talk on Saturday and Sunday for results from the World’s Greatest Horseman and the National Reined Cow Horse Association World Championships. ACVIM Releases Strangles Guidelines The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine recently released its consensus statement on guidelines for treatment, control and prevention of strangles. Corinne Sweeney, D.V.M., professor of medicine and vice chair of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, was one of four veterinarians on the committee that assembled the guidelines. While the guidelines are comprehensive and cover many facets of strangles, "most interesting to horse owners would be the control of outbreaks—what to do when there's an outbreak in the barn," Sweeney said. The section details management efforts such as stopping movement of horses on and off the premises, maintenance of strangles-affected horses and clustering of cases on the premises according to diagnosis. Surveillance methods are described and hygiene and disinfection measures for people and equipment are outlined. In the epidemiology section, the authors highlight that strangles "may originate from outwardly healthy horses that are incubating the disease and go on to develop disease.” The authors explained that recovering horses might continue to harbor the organism for several weeks after clinical signs have disappeared, so those horses might be potential sources of infection for at least six weeks after clinical signs have resolved. "Their introduction to herds may be a source of new outbreaks, even in well-managed groups of horses," the authors wrote. Under the section on treatment, the authors discussed the myth that giving antibiotics in the face of strangles will cause "bastard strangles" (formation of abscesses in areas other than the head and neck). Some have proposed this happens because killing the organism could indirectly affect the development of immunity and thereby increase the risk of infection. "There's no experimental or clinical studies that suggest that," Sweeney said. The authors pointed out, however, "immediate treatment with antibiotics of horses that show the earliest clinical signs of fever could be an effective way of controlling strangles outbreaks in racing stables or riding barns, although the disadvantages of treatment should be weighed." The downside is because infection confers natural immunity, by treating the horse early, you've protected him from a full-blown case, but the next time strangles hits the barn, he won't have the advantage of natural protection. Sweeney said these guidelines are current, and will be updated as new research is published. For more on the guidelines, click here. NRHA Convention is Well-Attended The 2005 National Reining Horse Association Convention, which was earlier this month in New Orleans, proved to be one of the association’s most successful yet with more attendees than ever. The convention kicked off on February 9 with a golf tournament and a show management seminar given by Debbie Drinko, NRHA’s senior director of membership services. Reiners also attended a pre-purchase exam seminar and panel discussion with Joe Carter, D.V.M., J. Lane Easter, D.V.M., and Ed Squires, D.V.M., who went on to give an informative breeding/embryo transfer lecture and discussion. Reining enthusiasts let their voices be heard at the International Committee and United States Equestrian Federation meetings; Judges, Non Pro and Professional Forums; the Affiliate Congress; the Reining Horse Sports Foundation meeting; and the open board and general membership meeting. A well-attended owners committee meeting on February 12 laid the groundwork for the newly established group. The Annual Awards Banquet closed the convention on February 12. Various awards, such as the AQHA Leading NRHA Sire and Dam awards and AQHA Big Five Alliance Bonus Program awards were presented. NRHA’s Top-20 Professionals, who earned almost $2.7 million in 2004, received personalized jackets for their achievements, and the winners of the 2004 Mission Possible: NRHA Affiliate Membership Challenge were recognized. Rosanne Sternberg, who made numerous trips to the podium, received the inaugural NRHA Open Futurity Champion owners buckle. Tracy Lynch was taken by surprise when she was named NRHA Volunteer of the Year for her work with Rookie Day, which benefits the RHSF Crisis Fund. Closing out the banquet was the induction of AQHA Professional Horseman Clint Haverty into the NRHA Hall of Fame. Western States Horse Expo Wants Nominations for Hall of Fame Throughout the United States, there are millions of horse enthusiasts who work hard to improve the lives of horses, horse owners and horse lovers. Many go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire others and pass on their extraordinary talents. Created to recognize these individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the equine industry, the Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame Award was first presented to current AQHA President Frank “Scoop” Vessels in 2002. Since then, exceptional individuals like legendary trainer Ray Hunt and imprint training guru Robert Miller, D.V.M., have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 and 2004, respectively. But who will take it home in 2005? Nominations are now being accepted and equine devotees around the country will provide the candidates. Western States Horse Expo founder and creator, Miki Cohen, explains that the Hall of Fame Award was created in 2002 as a result of the many requests she had received since the expo first began in 1999. Since then, the response has been incredible. "We get a lot of nominations," Cohen said. "From veterinarians who perform life-saving procedures in the middle of the night to the little old lady down the street who has been giving free riding lessons for 30 years, we get them all." Thousands of nominations will pour in, but only one will walk away with the induction, which will take place on June 11 during the expo’s evening showcase in Sacramento, California. The winner will also receive an original work of art from the Equine Art Show at the expo. To nominate an individual or organization in the equine industry, visit the Western States Horse Expo website at www.horsexpo.com or call (800) 352-2411. All entries must be submitted in writing and should include contact info along with a detailed description of why the person nominated should receive the Hall of Fame Award. Entries may be mailed to Hall of Fame, c/o Western States Horse Expo, PO Box 517, Coloma, CA 95613; faxed to (530) 295-1404; or e-mailed to letters@horsexpo.com. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2005 The finalists for the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s World’s Greatest Horseman have been determined. Out of 35 contenders, those returning to the finals will be:
The competition started on Sunday in Stephenville, Texas, with prelims in herd and dry work. Oregon trainer and National Reining Horse Association Million-dollar Rider Todd Bergen took the top spot aboard Vaughn Zimmerman’s Oak Ill Be (Ill Be Smart x Gypsy Oak by Doc’s Oak) in the herd work, where they received a 148. AQHA Professional Horseman Todd Crawford and Sailing Smart (Smart Chic Olena x Sailing Doll by Topsail Cody) took the reining prelims with a 149.5. But Bergen’s 147, paired with his herd work score, left him in a prime position to make the World’s Greatest finals as he topped the field with a combined score of 295. On Tuesday, the steer stopping preliminaries ended with a four-way tie for first with Doug Williamson riding Doc At Night (Mr San Olen x Docs Hickory Nut by Doc’s Hickory) for D&S Quarter Horses; AQHA Professional Horseman and Team Wrangler member Robbie Schroeder on 2004 Superhorse contender Lena Spark (Shining Spark x Chelsea Lena by Smart Peppy Doc), owned by Claude Leach; Lance Shields riding PG Dry Fire (Playgun x The Dry Look by Dry Doc) for John Haynes; and Mark Luis riding Artistchic (Smart Chic Olena x San O Lenita by Tenino San), owned by Dann and Molly Russell. All received a 148. However, Bergen’s score of 146 still had him and Oak Ill Be as the top contenders. That all changed in the cow work. The pair’s go started off well, but as they ran their cow down the wall for the first turn, it slipped past them. The major fault was costly, causing them to score a 133, just 1 point shy of making it into the finals. However, the event continued to go well for Crawford and Sailing Smart, as they topped the field with a stunning 150, giving them a combined score of 576.5 The finals start tonight with Robbie Boyce and Brother White (Smart Little Lena x White On Right by Doc Quoxite) leading the pack with a combined score of 586. AQHA Professional Horseman Bob Avila and Light N Fine (Grays Starlight x Lenas Fine Freckle by Doc O’Lena) are second with a 582. The World’s Greatest Horseman will be named following the cow work finals Saturday night with the champion receiving a check for $30,000. For more on the event, as well as the NRCHA World Championship competition, click here. West Nile Virus Confirmed in California West Nile Disease has been confirmed in nearly a dozen dead birds found in Sonoma, Solano and other nearby counties in California, triggering a warning from Napa County officials that an outbreak of the sometimes but rarely deadly disease, carried by mosquitoes, could occur locally. The Napa Valley Register reports that as of Tuesday morning, no Napa County birds sent to state health officials for testing showed signs of West Nile, but Mosquito Abatement District director Wesley Maffei said he is worried. The infected birds were found at least two months earlier than the discoveries last year. "I am concerned what happened in Southern California last year might happen here," he said. "We're trying to minimize that from happening." Area horse owners are urged to vaccinate their horses. The vaccine has been found to be effective in helping to prevent horses from contracting the disease. “Vaccination can not only prevent illness, it can save a horse's life," said Dr. W. David Wilson, a professor of equine medicine and the director of Large Animal Clinic Programs at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC-Davis. Of a group of 163 horses last year in California that contracted WNV, only five of the horses were fully vaccinated. Of the horses that were not fully vaccinated, 47 percent died. Overall, about 42 percent of the 540 horses that contracted WNV in California last year died. In San Joaquin County, five out of the 19 horses that got WNV either died or were euthanized. Cutting Horses Earn Money Courtesy of AQHA Incentive Fund Enrolling horses in the AQHA Incentive Fund pays off. Once again prize money was awarded to horses in National Cutting Horse Association competition just for being enrolled in the AQHA Incentive Fund. American Quarter Horse Cat Ichi (Highbrow Cat x Laney Doc by Doc Quixote), owned by EE Ranches of Texas Inc., was recognized Sunday at the NCHA World Finals in Amarilo. Jo Ellard accepted the check for $1,250 on behalf of the ranch. Each year, AQHA awards horses for their performance in open and non-pro Alliance competition. The Big-5 Alliance Bonus Program was created in 2003 and awards the top money-earning AQHA Incentive Fund-nominated horses in NCHA non-pro and open competition as well as the National Reining Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, Palomino Horse Breeders of America and the National Snaffle Bit Association. A $5,000 purse is presented to each association, compliments of AQHA’s Incentive Fund, to be divided between the non-pro and the open winner. Fifty percent is given to the owner of the winning horse, and 50 percent goes to the owner of the horse’s sire. Cat Ichi, a 2000 sorrel American Quarter Horse stallion, has earned more than $238,000 in NCHA competition. He had a successful 2004 show season that included a third place finish at the Augusta Futurity and first at the Memphis Futurity. Ridden by Guy Woods, he also tied for second and third at the 2004 NCHA Superstakes and placed first at the NCHA Derby. This year’s non-pro winner was Playguns Star (Playgun x Docs Merry Minor by Doc O Dynamite), owned and shown by Tim Barry of Byron, Illinois. The 1998 bay mare has earned more than $115,000 in NCHA competition. For more information on the AQHA Incentive Fund, visit click here or call (806) 376-4811. Kentucky Horse Park to Present Healthy Horses Seminars The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners will conduct the first Healthy Horses series of seminars on responsible horse care on May 14. "The weeks preceding and following the Kentucky Derby bring national attention to Kentucky's horse industry, so it's a perfect time for everyone who is involved with horses to take a fresh look at the measures we're taking to keep these great animals healthy,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. Healthy Horses is primarily geared toward those who own or have stewardship over horses. Farm managers, backyard breeders, grooms, trainer, and those who currently own or anticipate owning horses will glean practical, cutting-edge information from the seminars. AAEP-member veterinarians will lead the seminars at the Kentucky Horse Park on topics essential to responsible horse care. "Healthy Horses complements and broadens the already-successful, existing owner-education programs currently hosted by the park and the AAEP independently," Nicholson said. The seminar is expected to fill quickly; so interested participants are encouraged to register soon. For more information, call (859) 259-4225. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2005 The Drug Compounding Task Force of the American Association of Equine Practitioners has released guidelines regarding the responsible use of compounded medications by veterinarians. Issues addressed in the guidelines include the negative effects on efficacy that can result from using products not held to the government's standards for compounding as well as the appropriate use of bulk drugs in the preparation of compounded medications. To view a copy of the guidelines, click here. AAEP is one of the first organizations to directly address the mounting ethical dilemmas and consequences related to illegal compounding. While drug compounding serves a legitimate and important purpose in animal health, manufacturers must abide by federal regulations in order to create a high-quality, safe product and encourage a fair marketplace for animal health products. Infectious Respiratory Diseases Discussed at Seminar Bonnie Rush, D.V.M., highlighted influenza, equine herpesvirus and strangles at a seminar on infectious respiratory diseases earlier this month in Lexington, Kentucky. Rush emphasized the importance of vaccinating against these diseases in this seminar, which was sponsored by AQHA Corporate Partner Fort Dodge Animal Health. "Influenza vaccines are more effective today than a decade ago," Rush said. "Strains of influenza in the vaccine are more relevant to the current strains of influenza in North America, and the vaccine adjuvants (additives that enhance immune response) are more effective." Challenge studies indicate that killed influenza vaccines offer protection against viral shedding, fever, weight loss and nasal discharge, said Rush, who is a professor and section head of equine internal medicine at Kansas State University. Marcella M. Reca of TheHorse.com writes “performance horses should be vaccinated every three to six months against the disease, while foals should begin a series of three influenza vaccines at nine months of age. If you are giving your horse a modified live influenza vaccine, it should be administered every six months. “Equine herpesviruses type-1 and -4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4, also known as rhinopneumonitis or equine herpesvirus) were discussed as the diseases capable of being carried by an individual horse for a period of time without showing clinical signs, with the virus being shed when the horse was stressed. The neurological strains occur sporadically and can devastate horse populations. "‘Several years go by where we don't see a case, then a disastrous outbreak occurs, such as at Findlay,’ said Rush, referring to an EHV-1 outbreak that killed 12 horses at the University of Findlay in February 2003.” Rush emphasized that competition horses and those traveling a lot should get EHV vaccinations every three months. She believes foals should begin a series of three vaccinations for EHV when they are three to four months old. “Strangles was the final respiratory disease discussed; both intramuscular and intranasal strangles vaccines are available. Horses that have had strangles in the past year or have been recently exposed to strangles should not be vaccinated. “Rush also spoke of a common situation for horse owners when a boarding stable requires horses to be vaccinated against strangles. "‘If you are going to board at a barn that requires all horses to be vaccinated against strangles, check your horse's titer (amount of antibodies in the blood) first. The vaccine is contraindicated if your horse's titer is greater than 1,600,’ she said. “If your horse has a high titer, then vaccinating your horse against strangles would not offer him any more immunity than he already has, and might result in purpura hemorrhagica (a condition associated with overzealous immune response to strangles that is characterized by extensive collections of fluid and blood in tissues beneath the skin, primarily on the head and legs). You should receive a waiver from your veterinarian saying there is no need to vaccinate your horse against strangles if the titer is already high.” Above all, Rush stressed the importance of preventing infectious respiratory diseases in horses by vaccinating them on a regular basis according to the AAEP Vaccination Guidelines, which can be found by clicking here. Smarty Jones to be a Daddy He may not be a Quarter Horse, but this news is still pretty noteworthy. Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones is going to be a dad. The Associated Press reports that a grade 3 stakes winner has become the first mare in foal to the 4-year-old stallion. The mare, Forest Heiress, is at Robert McNair's Stonerside Farm in Midway, Kentucky, but is being boarded for the time being at the Paris, Kentucky, nursery. Forest Heiresss was bred to Smarty Jones on Feb. 10. The pregnancy was confirmed Tuesday morning. She foaled a Mineshaft colt, her first foal, in late January. Smarty Jones will be limited to 110 mares, plus one Breeders Cup season as stipulated in the horse's syndicate agreement. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2005Yet, another sad passing. My Royal Lark, the 11-year-old son of AQHA Super Horse Rugged Lark, was euthanized due to complications from lymphoma the morning of February 16 at Lynn Palm’s Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, Florida. “Wills” was diagnosed with the rare cancer in September of 2004.
“Unfortunately, there were no options to treat Wills for this type of cancer,” said AQHA Professional Horseman Lynn Palm, who co-owned the stallion with Patricia Crang. “He did not know he was sick, and I was able to ride him every day until one month ago. He was happy, eating well, playing in his pasture and always showing his incredible charisma.” On February 15, the bay stallion showed signs of discomfort and no desire to eat. Palm made the decision the next day to euthanize him. Rugged Lark’s owner Carol Harris of Reddick, Florida, bred Wills, who was out of the thoroughbred Tails Of Hoffman by Restland Wind. Wills followed in the hoofprints of his sire, who passed away last fall, performing in bridleless musical exhibitions across the United States and winning the hearts of horse lovers everywhere. Palm said Wills’ performances honored the Rugged Lark legacy, and demonstrated the versatility, willingness and charisma of the American Quarter Horse trained with a foundation of dressage principles. Wills’ show ring successes were unprecedented with championships in three national equine associations. He was an incredible hunter, western performance horse and dressage horse. His AQHA show record lists 167.5 points in seven events, and he placed in the top-10 in working hunter and hunter hack at the 1999 and 2002 AQHA World Championship Shows. Wills earned championships in working hunter in United States Equestrian Federation competitions, AQHA championships in trail and western riding and numerous championships in United States Dressage Federation competitions. He also qualified for the 2004 USDF regionals in levels 1 and 2 but was unable to compete last October due to his illness. In fact, Wills claimed the grand champion first level horse title at USDF’s Southern Comfort Zada Cup at the Clarcona Equestrian Park in Orlando, Florida, amid a competitive field of Dutch Warmbloods, Hanoverians, Oldenburgs and Westfalens, breeds that have traditionally excelled at dressage. Palm and Wills also earned the event’s highest first level score of 68.571 percent. The pair have earned six USDF test scores above 60 percent. “At 11 years young, My Royal Lark was just beginning his career,” Palm wrote in her online letter about Wills’ passing. “His legacy will live on in his foals. He has a few wonderful babies on the ground, and there will be a limited number of foals to come, since we have frozen semen stored.” If you would like to drop Palm a note, you can e-mail her at generalinfo@lynnpalm.com. Canadian Uses Horse Sense to Help People Samara Cygman of Calgary Country recently profiled Barbra-Ann Lachance’s relationship riding and remedial training techniques. She writes that the Cochrane, Calagary, resident’s enthusiasm for horses is contagious. “People come to me wanting a better understanding of horses, even after having spent most of their lives with them,” Lachance told Cygman. “What they don’t expect are the changes that happen in their own personal lives through this experience. “They end up having a more spiritual outlook on life and, in the process, address issues such as anger management, low self-esteem, self-confidence and learning how to live in the present moment.” Lachance first studied human psychology in Quebec, before moving into horse psychology and behavior. She then began looking into the connections humans have with horses and how both can work together to form relationships and learn from each other. Lachance told Cygman “horses are so sensitive to their environment that they can be communicated with non-verbally, minus pulling, tugging, kicking and prodding. Founder of the ‘Relationship Riding’ technique, her philosophy is derived from the early European days when knights would ride their horses with a sword in one hand and a shield in another as their horses obeyed simple body signals. “’In Europe, between the 11th and 14th centuries, only young men with very distinctive, strong presence and an open-minded personality were chosen to become knights,’ Lachance said. ‘They knew that this type of work with horses would continually develop and strengthen their character. Noble caballeros rode their horses by the transmission of their thoughts. “’They knew that they could only go to war with horses who gave them both absolute obedience and absolute trust. They dominated their horses with the power of their personalities and with using a non-verbal language understood by horses.’ “During customized workshops and weekend retreats, Lachance uses her talents to bring people and horses together through feel, respect and honesty. “’Through understanding horse behavior and observing how we interact with them, we end up having a better understanding of who we are.’” CBS Makes Horse Owner’s Dream Come True CBS’s The Early Show on Monday helped a young girl with cerebral palsy achieve her dream of becoming a horse trainer. In a story posted on their Web site, Teresa Gaskill’s grandmother, Sharon Scutt of Russellville, Arkansas, tells how horseback riding is more than a hobby for Teresa. “In fact, it has taken her farther than anyone thought she'd go. ”She begins each day with her pride and joy: an 11-hundred pound gelding named Jazz. ”Mounting her horse is no easy task. Teresa wills herself into the saddle. As for staying put, once she's up there, well, that's a whole other matter. "Oh my gosh, I wouldn't have gotten back up on the horse, but she does it every time,” she said. Teresa told CBS that’s all part of riding horses. "When you love something as dearly as I do, you have got to get back on; you'd be crazy to give it up," she said. Learning of Teresa’s wish, Parelli surprised everyone with his gift. What a Horse Sale Ad Really Means The Equine Legal Solutions’ Web site has a fun little “Equine Translation Guide” that generates a lot of laughs but also might contain a kernel of truth. For example, the definition of “always in the ribbons” is: (1) As long as there are no more than six horses in the class. (2) The shows we attended gave away complimentary rosettes to everyone who entered. Another is “kid safe/kid broke,” which translates to “as long as your kid has a Velcro butt!” When it comes to “good home only,” the real meaning is “not really for sale unless you will pay twice what he is worth and sign a 10-page legal document allowing current owner to tuck in beddy-bye every night.” While “to loving home only” means “expensive” and “to show home only” means “very expensive.” If you get a chance, click on the link above. It will brighten your day. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2005The National Cutting Horse Association World Finals ended Sunday, but not before generating a little excitement in the non-pro race. Six-time and defending non-pro world champion Mary Jo Milner of Southlake, Texas, entered the finals on Thursday with an almost $10,000 lead over her nearest challenger, 1999 non-pro world champion Joe Howard Williamson of Archer City, Texas. But by Sunday, Williamson had whittled that lead down to less than $1,300. In the first go, Williamson tore up the arena with his 1995 gelding Squeaks My Alias (Squeak Toy x Haidalas by Haidas Little Pep), receiving the top score of 221 for the day and earnings of $5,805. Milner, riding her 1997 stallion Lethecatin (High Brow Cat x Colonels Daughter by Colonel Freckles), finished the first go with a 216.5, tied for 11th and earnings of $871. In the second go, Milner wasn’t as far behind Williamson but he still finished in the top spot with a score of 222 and earnings of $5,224. Milner was fourth with a 220.5 and earnings of $3,193. In the third go on Saturday, Williamson was out of first place for the first time, coming in third with a 221.5. He received $4,208. Milner was fifth with a 220, and her earnings were $2,322. In the final go on Sunday, Willamson once again finished on top with a 222. He earned $5,805. Thus, giving him more than enough to finish the year as the world champion. His year-end earnings totaled $108,596.60. On Sunday, Milner finished out of the money in a four-way tie for 23rd with a 211. Her year-end total was $101, 462.51, almost $50,000 more than the third place finisher 14-year-old McKenzie Mullins. The open world finals was also Thursday through Sunday with Flickacat (Highbrow Cat x Flickaretta by Beretta San) and Chubby Turner of Weatherford, Texas, easily capturing the title. The pair pretty much had a lock on the open world championship before arriving in Amarillo with almost $44,000 more than the leading challenger, Lizzys Gotta Player (Freckles Playboy x Lizzielena by Doc O’Lena). He was ridden during the year by Robert and Jay Mac Rust. The 1995 stallion wasn’t entered in the finals. Just because Flickacat had a huge lead on the competition didn’t mean he slacked off during the finals. He was the top horse in third first three go rounds with a 222 in the first go, a 221 in the second and a 225 in the third. He tied for 14th in the final go with a 215. Flickacat finished the year with earnings of $94,555.82. Travalena Times (Travalena x Bit of Sana by Peppy San) was the reserve world champion. He and his owner/rider David Costello of Exeter, California, came into the finals in 12th place with earnings of $19,249.41. However, the 1993 gelding cleaned up in the go-rounds. He finished behind Flickacat in the first go with a 220 and tied for first in the second go with a 221. In the third go, he finished third with a 223. But in the final go, he finished in the top spot with a 225. He finished the year with earnings of $42,485.41 Also, on Friday, the $10,000 novice/non-pro world champion was decided. Winning the finals was Traci Burgess of Perrin, Texas, and her 1998 mare La Femme Nikita (Choice Acres x Ima Gay Too by Gay Holly Bars). The pair scored a 218. After coming into the finals in 51st place, they finished the year in eighth with $13,449.87. The world champion was Marvin Marmande Jr. of Houma, Louisiana, and his 1991 mare Willys Tivio Dell (Doc N Willy x Jodel Tivio by Tivio Bar). The pair didn’t make it into the finals but ended the year on top with earnings of $36,502.65. For more information on the NCHA World Finals, click here. NRCHA Event Doubles in Size The Bayer Legend National Reined Cow Horse Association Celebration of Champions has more than doubled in size since its inaugural event last year. The growth comes both from the show expanding to include the World’s Greatest Horseman competition and from the growing entry numbers for the World Championship Show and Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Derby. More than 285 exhibitors from across the United States have qualified for the NRCHA World Championship Show, and there are more than 100 entries in the SRCHA Derby. Add another 35 entries in the World’s Greatest Horseman, and you get an idea of the magnitude of the eight-day event that began on Saturday at the Lone Star Arena in Stephenville, Texas. The Celebration of Champions combines the popular World's Greatest Horseman with the National Reined Cow Horse Association World Championship Show and Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Derby. All of the events run concurrently through Saturday, giving fans a chance to see every facet of reined cow horse competition – from snaffle bit to bridle – from limited non pro to the most elite of all-around competition. Reined cow horse competition is based on the traditional California training method of the vaqueros and highly trained cow horses are judged both in reined work and in cow work. In the World’s Greatest Horseman competition, those events are joined by herd work (cutting) and steer stopping. For the full line-up for this week's event, click here. Western-Style Events Part of Del Mar National Horse Show AQHA and National Reining Horse Association shows will play a major role at the 60th anniversary of the Del Mar National Horse Show April 21-24. “Western Week” not only features premier horse shows but also “Night of the Horse,” a spectacular equestrian showcase, Jack Russell terrier races and the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls. The Del Mar National Horse show continues through May 8 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Equestrian Center near San Diego. For more information on the three-week long horse show, click here. Canadians Consider Idea of Horse Registration Doug McIntyre of Calgary Country reports that Agriculture Canada and Equine Canada are bandying around an idea to register horses in Canada, thereby creating something of a national database. However, while some suggest it will work, Wild Rose MP Myron Thompson and others are panning the idea. “The facts are that most horse owners do not know about this proposal, nor are they members of Equine Canada,” Thompson told the House of Commons. “I am curious as to why (federal Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell) has committed $300,000 to this proposal.” Wayne Easter, Mitchell’s parliamentary secretary, told McIntyre the proposed program was “part and parcel of the minister’s commitment to ‘positive change for the industry and moving it forward.‘” “’If we are to continue programming for the industry, we need to work with the industry in terms of how it wants to move forward. That is exactly what the minister is doing in this regard.’ “What exactly the program, if and when it’s implemented, would mean to horse owners in terms of costs has yet to be publicly revealed. “’It’s all speculation right now,’ said Thompson the following day. ‘I got wind this was in the works. I don’t know what this program is going to look like but I do know this -- my question attracted some attention because Equine Canada is holding a press conference Saturday (Feb. 12).’ “The Ottawa-based organization has a mandate to advance equine and equestrian interests nationally, as well as supporting education and safety efforts. Included in its online mission statement is its declaration to be the national governing body for equestrian sport in Canada. “Yet as Thompson referred to in his House of Commons address, the equine aficionado contingent of his constituency is generally not part of the group’s membership – nor, in many cases, have they even heard of Equine Canada. “Considering the amount of paperwork already required for top show horses and Quarter Horses, for example, Thompson added a new registration program amounts to a case of overkill. “’There’s manifestation required by every province, including proper identification of the animal and the bill of sale. It seems what they want to do under the umbrella of the federal government is already being done.’”
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