Chronic pain and lameness resulting from osteoarthritis (OA) and other musculoskeletal conditions are the most common causes of poor quality of life in senior horses. Priorities for senior horse care include early intervention for health challenges (including OA) and making management changes as needed. This means honing your skills for recognizing pain in an animal […]
The 2024 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Eastern National Championship Show, Aug. 22–25, generated significant increases, according to organizers. Growth was recorded at 57 percent in total horses and 43 percent in entries over 2023 numbers. This year’s event took place at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, which will host the Eastern National […]
Some of the most talented 3-year-old American Quarter Horses will demonstrate their versatility at the AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge, held during the 2024 AQHA and Select World Championship Shows in Oklahoma City. Total purse for the event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, is anticipated to be $50,000, plus prizes again in 2024. […]
They laugh about it now but Gracie Robertson’s parents, Mark and Katie Robertson knew they were in trouble pretty much the first time she ever sat on a horse. Since they themselves showed American Paint Horse Association (APHA) as kids and actually met showing horses, they were careful not to push Gracie in that direction […]
Charging a commission for expertise and time to help buy or sell a horse is a common and accepted industry practice by trainers. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with paying a commission. It goes without saying that it takes a huge amount of effort to ensure that a horse is sold for the right price […]
An emerging area of equine law has been focused on the practice and licensing of equine sports therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. Performance show horses, much like top Olympic athletes, are susceptible to injuries and other conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. In order to treat and help horses maintain peak physical performance, some horse owners […]
Multiple Congress Champion and Reserve American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Champion producer Hot Diggity Joe was humanely euthanized on Friday in Ocala, Florida, following a brief battle with congestive heart failure. The 1998 sorrel stallion, sired by Blazing Hot and out of Jodie Fivette, was bred by and owned his entire life by Kerry […]
Competition in the pattern classes at top breed shows and futurities has improved so much in the past decade that course designers have had to add maneuvers and to the degree of difficulty just to keep up and make the classes challenging. Some of today’s Showmanship Horsemanship, Equitation, Trail and Ranch patterns can get extremely […]
When she was just a kid, growing up in rural Brill, Wisconsin, Ann Lapacinski was lucky to share a passion for horses and showing with her mother. “When I was in kindergarten I can remember getting picked up by my mom on our old horse Rusty who was a Quarter Horse/Welsh Pony cross and we […]
Western Pleasure. In terms of entries, it’s traditionally been one of the most popular classes at American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and other breed association events. Large purses and prestigious titles have traditionally drawn big numbers to the pen to be evaluated on quality of movement. The National Snaffle […]
If you are watching the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle or Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle Maturity at the National Snaffle Bit Association’s World Championship Futurity this month or at the Quarter Horse Congress, it will be easy to spot Amanda Smith. She will be the one with the big smile on her face, courtesy of her […]
We’ve all seen it – those competitors in a Showmanship class who “run funny.” Maybe they stick their behind out too far. Maybe they resemble a duck. Or maybe they are just running on their toes and their stride appears off. Many times, this is happening unfortunately because handlers simply don’t know the correct way […]
