Arabian Horse Association Newsletter
May 2016
In This Issue
AHA Video Corner
Want to make a tasty, refreshing treat for you, your horse or dog!
How to Make Electrolyte Popsicles
How to Make Electrolyte Popsicles

What's The Buzz
Read the monthly dish in the Arabian horse industry.

Channing Tatum adopted a rescue horse and we lost our minds. The horse might not be an Purebred Arabian horse but we are guessing he probably has Arabian horse in his bloodline somewhere since the Arabian horse is considered the foundation breed for most other horse breeds!


AHA Corporate Partners & Sponsors
Sponsorship Webpage

Corporate Partners





Corporate Sponsors











Dates & Deadlines
May 13 - 14, 2016
Executive Committee Meeting
Aurora, CO

June 1, 2016
Club Nominations For Board-Elected Positions Due

June 7, 2016
Youth National Entries Due

June 28, 2016
Canadian National Entries Due

June 30, 2016
Final Club Membership Count To Annual Convention Due

July 1, 2016
Performance Futurity/Maturity Nominations

July 23-30, 2016
Youth Nationals
Oklahoma City, OK

August 1, 2016
Performance Futurity/Maturity Nominations

August 2, 2016
Sport Horse National Entries Due

August 5-6, 2016
Board of Directors Meeting
Aurora, CO

August 14-20, 2016
Convention Resolutions Submission Deadline

August 14-20, 2016
Canadian Nationals

For a full list of dates and deadlines click here
Employee Spotlight
Every month, the AHA Insider showcases one of our employees. We want to give our readers an insight as to who works for AHA and what they do for the association. 

Cristina Miranda
I have been with AHA since September 2014. I work in the Human Resource Department as the HR Administrative Assistant. I assist in filing, compliance, payroll and benefits. 
 
When away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a huge football fan - Go Broncos! I have three younger sisters and one younger brother.  Currently, I am attending the University of Colorado Denver pursuing a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Human Resource Management.  



The month of the Arabian horse is here! What are you planning on doing to promote the Arabian horse breed?The Arabian Horse Association is CHALLENGING YOU to get involved in an outreach event that showcases and brings awareness to the Arabian horse breed. If you, your club or you and a group of Arabian horse enthusiasts need outreach ideas, take a look at our Marketing Toolkit. Make sure to use #ArabianHorseMonth so we can see what you are up to for the Arabian horse month!

Need more inspiration? AHA staff members are jumping on board to educate the public about the Arabian horse during the month of May by participating in some creative events. 
  • Volunteering at a local children's hospital and introducing the Arabian horse through fun activities to the kids and their parents. There will also be a real life Arabian horse jockey for the kids to take pictures with!


One of the activities AHA did for Arabian Horse Month was to help bring awareness to homeless horses in the Denver area. The Arabian Horse Association Team raised over $900 for the Furry Scurry Fundraiser & Walk. All proceeds were donated to help homeless equines at the Equine Harmony Center.  
Have you ever wondered about judge's
evaluation forms? AHA encourages the show committee to use both the positive and negative input sections of the form. This will help an individual to become a more well-rounded judge. To learn more about the evaluation form, or other useful judges or stewards material, visit the Judges and Stewards page

Also, don't forget to stay up on what is going on. Read the Commissioner's letter regarding USEF Hearing Committee ruling. 

 


The Discovery Farm Mystic Rose Arabians from Eads, TN will be showcased in our upcoming Issue 3 of Modern Arabian Horse magazine! Make sure to grab your issue to read what they have been up to.

If you would like to share what your Discovery Farm is doing to share the breed, have a fun story or would like to know more about the program, email [email protected] or visit www.arabianhorses.org/discoveryfarms


AHA is proud to announce Awards Recognition Concepts is now the official sponsor of the Frequent Rider Program! Starting May 2016, NEW milestone awards will be given out to program participants who log hours. Milestone awards are given out for logging riding or driving hours, ranging from 25 hours to 10,000 hours. To view the new awards or learn more about the program, visit www.arabianhorses.org/frp
 
Show Season has Begun

Renew your membership now to avoid the last minute show rush. Click here to log in as a member to process your renewal. If your membership has lapsed select this option to update your expired membership today.

Register Your Foal Today and Save

Vesty Mare and foal
We would like to remind those of you that have unregistered foals to submit your registration application as soon as possible to obtain the lowest registration fees. You can also go to our registration homepage to answer questions and print off registration forms. Click here for Purebred registration fees or for Half/Anglo Arabian fees click here. Contact Registry Services with any questions at 303-696-4500. 


You can fax your application to 303-696-4599 or email to [email protected]. Should you have any questions or concerns while completing the application, please call a Registry Service Representative at 303-696-4500. 

Give your horse the opportunity it deserves to establish its rightful heritage. 

Looking for Qualifier T-Shirt Sponsors

Interested in finding a way to support the youth this year? Become a Youth Nationals Qualifier T-Shirt Sponsor starting at only $250! All proceeds go back to the youth and your name gets added to the Qualifier T-shirts received by every exhibitor at Youth Nationals. For more  information, click here. Also, don't forget to check out other youth sponsorship opportunities too.

The AHYA Raffle is Back

This year, AHYA will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a Dever Golf Car, donated in part by Dever Golf Car Sales & Rentals. The raffle item is made for 'on the farm' endurance and grit, and 'at the show' comfort and style. The 2016 EzGo Valor Limited Edition Cargo Golf Car includes:

  • A black exterior
  • 45" top/roof and seats
  • Head and tail lights
  • 4' lift kit with 23' all-terrain tires & 12' aluminum wheels
  • Front seats and a black, steel cargo bed with lift gate
  • Fold down windshield and horn
  • Drawbar and 2' hitch and ball
  • 13.5 horsepower Kawasaki engine
  • Black steel front brush guard
  • 1 yr warranty
You can purchase your raffle ticket for this utility vehicle for just $50 by emailing AHYA. Hurry before they are sold out! Only 400 tickets will be sold. AHYA would like to thank Dever Golf Car Sales & Rentals for their sponsorship and support of Arabian horse youth!
All ticket sales directly support AHYA.

National Events Updates

Youth Nationals
  • Youth Nationals will be back in Oklahoma City, July 23-30. Make your plans now! Visit the Youth Nationals website for more details.
  • All youth can attend the Youth Convention. Youth can vote that are members by the June 1 deadline.
  • The entry deadline is Tuesday, June 7. For additional entry deadline information, please review the Omnibus.
  • Patronships are due! The Youth National Show Commission is looking for jacket/buckles class sponsors. If you are interested or would like to become a sponsor, the sponsorship form can be found online by clicking here.
  • VIP Camping spots are limited. Reserve your spot NOW by sending in your reservation form.
  • Golf cars can be rented online by clicking here. The last day to reserve a golf car online is July 1.
  • Stall mats are available through Rent-A-Stall Mat. Click here to order your mats today.
  • Port-A-Cool Units are available for rental. Click here to rent your's now. No personal air conditioners will be allowed.
  • The Exhibitor Welcome/Progressive Barn Parties will be held Saturday, July 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Make your plans early to participate by clicking here.
  • Youth nationals questions can be directed to Susan Laessig at [email protected] or 303-696-4588.
Canadian Nationals
  • Canadian Nationals is August 14-20! Get your entries done online now before June 28. 
  • Check out all the new reining and walk/trot classes that Canadian Nationals has to offer this year.
  • Don't forget to send in your RV Reservation Form now. Spots will be first come, first serve.
  • Keep track of travel restrictions that could affect your travel to Canadian Nationals. Updates will be posted here
Sport Horse Nationals
  • Sport Horse Nationals is on the west coast rotation this year. The event will be held in Nampa, ID from September 21-25. For more information, click here.
  • The entry deadline is Tuesday, August 2. For additional entry deadline information, please review the Omnibus. Remember, you can now enter online.
  • All stalling will be handled through the Idaho Horse Park. Call Sally Tondu-Miller at 208-442-3335 or reserve your stalls online at www.fordidahohorsepark.com and click on reservations. 
  • Elite Sponsors are due by Friday, August 5. A golf car is included in the sponsorship, the form can be found here.
  • GTI Golf Cars will accept reservations until Tuesday, September 12. Please make your plans now if you would like a golf car.
  • Any questions regarding Youth Nationals can be directed to Susan Laessig at [email protected] or 303-696-4588. 
Distance Nationals
  • There are still sponsorship opportunities available for the 2016 Distance Nationals. Claim your spot now!
  • Don't miss the inaugural year of the multi-breed National Championship Distance Ride as we partner with the Appaloosa Horse Club September 22-25. 

U.S. Nationals

  • U.S. Nationals will be held October 21-29 with entries closing August 31. 
  • New classes and prizes will be offered in 2016! Take a look at all the new updates by clicking here
Make Your Hotel Reservations for Convention

The official Convention hotel is the Marriott Denver Tech Center. Room rates are $129 USD plus applicable taxes and rooms will be booked on a first come, first serve basis. Room rates are guaranteed until Wednesday, October 15. However, if our block is sold out prior to October 15, rooms will be guaranteed on a space available basis only. All meetings will be held at the Marriott Denver Tech Center:

4900 S. Syracuse Street
Denver, CO  80237
303.779.1100

The hotel will honor room rates 3-days prior and 3-days post Convention dates for those of you looking to turn this into a family vacation.

IMPORTANT: All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. No charges will be made to this card until check-in. If you book your room far in advance and you decide not to attend, please cancel your rooms within 30 days of arrival.

To make reservations at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, click here.  This is AHA's special discount link and will have locked in room rates.  You may also call 1.800.228.9290.  Be sure to tell the representative that you are with the Arabian Horse Association Convention.

Performance Futurity/Maturity/Derby Class Information

New for 2016! 
  • Open Reining Derby - for 6 to 8 year old Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horses, may also compete in the corresponding Open Reining class at U.S. Nationals.
  • Combined Arabian/Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Trail class
  • Cutting Futurity - horses to be shown in a snaffle or hackamore and may be show one or two-handed, with no penalties for reining or second hand on the reins.
 
The enrollment deadline for the U.S. Performance Futurity/Maturity is June 1, 2016.  In order to avoid late fees, the entry can be paid in full ($630 per class, $1,030 for Reining or Cutting) or the first payment ($230, $430 for Reining and Cutting) must be postmarked/electronic transaction dated prior to June 1, 2016 in order to avoid late fees.  If you choose the payment option, the second payment must be submitted prior to July 1, 2016 and the third payment must be submitted prior to August 1, 2016 (postmarked/electronic transaction dated to the AHA office).  Payments postmarked/electronic transaction dated after the first of each month will be assessed late fees.
 
National Performance Futurity/Maturity/Derby Enrollment Forms  can be downloaded from the AHA website or refer to the 2016 Omnibus.

USDF All Breed Awards

The USDF All-Breeds Award program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of different breeds in dressage. The Arabian Horse Association awards accomplishments in Training Level through Prix St. Georges in Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider and Vintage Cup. Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses must be enrolled in to the program through the AHA and must be Lifetime declared through the USDF by August 1of the award year.

To make sure your horse is correctly enrolled into the program, call the AHA Competitions Department at (303) 696-4500 Option 4.

A Road Map to Qualifying

Look for the Qualifications 101 on the AHA web site that includes general rules, qualifying from AHA recognized shows, qualifications from all breed open shows, Equitation qualifications, Leveling rules and various helpful charts.


Yearlings Qualifications Explained

The yearling classes at Canadian, Sport Horse and U.S. Nationals are once again restricted to Breeding Entries only.  There are no additional qualifications needed for Canadian and Sport Horse National in these classes other than the yearling must be a Sweepstakes nominated Breeding Entry.
 
Qualifications are required for the Sweepstakes Yearling classes at U.S. Nationals.  In order to be qualified, a yearling must receive a Regional Top Ten ribbon in a Yearling Breeders Sweepstakes class.  Horses must be sweepstakes nominated as a Breeding Entry to show in this regional class.
 
The Yearling Sweepstakes classes at the National level will pay a full Top Ten regardless of the number of yearlings competing.  Yearlings may only compete in the Breeders Sweepstakes Yearling classes at Nationals, cross entry into Open, or Amateur/Amateur Owner to Handle classes is not permitted.

New! ABS AAOTR Jackpot Classes Offered at U.S. Nationals

Owning a Breeding Entry has become more rewarding.  Starting this year the Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes Program is offering six (6) new classes;
 
  • ABS Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
  • ABS HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
  • ABS Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
  • ABS HA/AA Hunter Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
  • ABS Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
  • ABS HA/AA Western Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
 
$15,000 in Sweepstakes funds is available for each class and each participant will pay in $500 towards the ABS jackpot class.   The Champion will be awarded 20%, Reserve Champion 10% and the remaining Top Ten will receive 8.7%.  All placings within the Top Ten will be paid regardless of the number of entries.  Any Jackpot prize money not distributed shall be equally divided among all placings.  Sweepstakes prize money not awarded will be retained in the Sweepstakes principal fund.

ABS Young Horse Dressage Opportunity Class Offered at Sport Horse Nationals

Starting at the 2016 Sport Horse Nationals, Breeding Entries can vie for a portion of the $15,000 allotted in Sweepstakes prize money.  This class will be open to Sweepstakes and non-Sweepstakes horses four and five years of age. Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians will compete together riding the USEF Dressage Test for 4-Year-Old Horses (current edition). Refer to the rules in the 2016 Omnibus or the rules in COMP 707 of the current AHA Handbook for more information or call the AHA Competitions Department at (303) 696-4500 Option 4.


Who Will be the 2016 Ambassador?

Do you know of a special horse that is an outstanding ambassador for the Arabian breed? Nominate him or her for the 2016 Ambassador Award! AHA is taking nominations to recognize the Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian who shows exceptional achievement in representing the Arabian Horse community to the general public. Eligible horses will have earned unique accomplishments that showcase the versatile Arabian horse above and beyond the show ring. Nominations are due September 1st to the AHA Office, and the Awards Committee will select the Ambassador at the 2016 Convention. For further information on the nomination requirements, visit the AHA website or call the Competitions Department at (303) 696-4500 Option 4.

Members Tales
The Arabian Horse That Took to the Rodeo Road

The Arabian horse is known for its versatility and ability to steal our hearts. One woman learned exactly that after buying a horse to go in her pasture and later decided to go rodeo on her.

Story by K.S. (Grant) Parker:

I bought Aggie when she was 4 months old.  She was actually bought to stand in the pasture and look pretty. Oh how far we have come from that purpose.  When she was about a year old, my Quarter Horse mare tested positive for EIA. This was before a positive test would cause you to be quarantined. I had Aggie tested every month until she was 2 years old.  She became good at loading and unloading into a trailer at that time but I no longer had a horse to ride and I thought she was too young. I had been climbing all over her but never actually sitting on her. She carried a saddle like she had been born with it. Her first time to be ridden was when some friends had came over and we were one horse short for our a short trail ride. Aggie became my mount. I had her snugged up to another horse that was at the back of our group.  Before the end of the ride, she was at the front of the pack like an old seasoned mount. She led the group and even crossed an old wooden bridge.  We spent many years trail riding.  But she wasn't just a trail horse, I competed at playdays, local shows, roping events and barrel races.
 
Aggie has been such a big part of my life. For example, the first argument I had with my first husband was over Aggie. My daughter was 2 years old then and thought all horses were Aggies and didn't realize she had to be mindful around other horses. When my current husband married me, I reminded him that I had Aggie in my life longer than any man except my brothers and father and she would be chosen before him if I was ever told I would have to choose between  Aggie or him.
 
I never planned on ever roping off her but I went to a practice with my ex-husband and got a taste of it and liked it. While at the first practice, I was just going to push steers up for them to be roped. Aggie seemed to really enjoy chasing the steers. Later that day when I got home, I decided that since my horse loved chasing the cattle, I would have to learn to rope, thus began our journey.
 
When I started to rope off of Aggie, a friend of mine asked if he could rope off her. Aggie was particular with who she allowed to ride her, but she like this guy so I told him it would be ok. She backed in to the box just fine with him, He nodded his head to let the steer go, swung his rope a couple times and missed. Aggie didn't like the fact that he missed so she did something about it. She didn't like to be made to look bad so she left him in the dirt and proceeded to run the steer on into the catch pen. That was the last time I let any adult ride her other than me. 

Aggie has been the smartest horse I have ever ridden. During the time I was competing in barrel-racing and making a lot of competitions, she showed how smart she was. I would start loading my trailer and truck and she would start getting ready herself.  I had a spot that I would warm her up where I would lounge her.  When I was getting ready she was loping circles.  My friend pulled in and asked me how long she had been training herself.  I didn't understand what she was asking until I saw Aggie loping circles, changing directions, and doing figure 8's.

During her competition years, I have won money, buckles, blankets, feed, and tack. Even now, in her retirement, She gets mad when I put another horse into "her" trailer and drive off. She will pout, ignore me and generally let me know that she was not pleased with  me not taking her.  
Aggie is still spunky in her old age.
 
My husband has already told me he knows that when it is time to let Aggie go, I will be lost for weeks or more. Right now, I am trying to get a horse ready to be her replacement, but no matter how good this horse is, she can never replace that awesome mare I call Aggie. I plan on spending time every day with the most amazing partner I could have ever hoped for, my beautiful, spirited Aggie.
 

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
-Winston Churchill

If you or another AHA member has a story that you would like to share in the AHA Insider, please email Mikayla Boge at [email protected] with the subject line: Member's Tale Story. 


Members Tales - Bonus Story!
An Arabian Horse That Gave a Double Surprise

One Arabian horse owner received the shock of a lifetime when she walked into her mare's stall.

Story by Jennifer Wilson:

It was a normal morning on June 18, 2015. I woke up on the first day of summer break for teachers and wandered out to feed the horses, rubbing my very pregnant belly. I was looking forward to a bit of a break before our purebred mare, PA A-Magic Moment (x Odyssey SC) blessed us with a foal (filly, hopefully!) by the Palestinian National Champion Magnum Chall son, Majd Alrabi. I almost fainted when I saw the two golden cherubs nestled in the straw. Mona had been sonogrammed and confirmed with a single embryo. The vet later discovered that these miracles developed in the same placenta and on the same side of the uterus. Although later DNA tests showed they are not identical, these boys are uncannily similar in markings. I named them Majus ZF and Majician ZF; my mother dubbed them "The BOGO Colts".  The nickname stuck.
 
They were very vibrant and vital for the first two days. They became instantly so popular that I set up a Facebook fan page which quickly gathered thousands of followers. On their third morning, it was evident their health was fading.  They were racked with diarrhea and very dehydrated. By that evening, we knew that it wasn't a case for probiotics and supplements for a weak digestive system. So, super pregnant, I loaded them up at 10 p.m. and proceeded to drive to New Bolton in the old farm truck, in the middle of a horrible thunderstorm. About twenty-five miles into my already nerve-wracking journey, the motor went out for my windshield wipers. I don't know how we made it, but over two hours later, we pulled in. Tests revealed a bacterial blood infection that had passed to them from the dam. She had previously birthed three healthy foals and they had no answers from where this bacteria could have originated. It was easily treated for Mona and the boys slowly recovered.

By their return 10 days later, they were glittering again in health. As we had just moved and had not yet set up a "proper" barn and were looking at the need to plant and fence in about 13 more acres of pasture, the next challenge was how to ensure they remained together; they were simply too incredible to separate. Originally, I had no plans for retaining Mona's foal, but anyone in today's market understands how difficult it can be to sell a colt. Try selling two colts to the same person! By January, I knew that in order for them to stay together, they would have to remain with us. And besides, how could I sell miracles? So, I wrote a novel based on their epic journey. Written like a good fiction, it is actually a true story. Titled "A Heart Full of Hope", it will be available on Amazon in late May. It is a story of faith, hope and courage. It dares readers to live their dreams, no matter how out of reach they may seem. It is my continuing hope that these colts put our breed in the positive public spotlight for years to come.

"Twice as much to love, two blessings from above."

If you or another AHA member has a story that you would like to share in the AHA Insider, please email Mikayla Boge at [email protected] with the subject line: Member's Tale Story. 


Come out to the Colorado Horse Park !

The Arabian Horse Association will be partnering with the Colorado Horse Park on Saturday, June 25! If you've never checked out the Horse Park - be sure to attend this cool event and then come back on the 25th for the Arabian demonstration! 


Arabian Horse Association | 10805 E. Bethany Drive | Aurora | CO | 80014