Missouri Fox Trotter Clinic - Jan 20-21, 2007

Mark your calendar for January 20-21, 2007. The Arizona Fox Trotter Association is sponsoring this important clinic. Renowned Fox Trotter trainers Lothar Rowe and Simone Guenther, of Miller Ranch, will conduct a hands-on seminar limited to 10 participants with their horses. Observers (auditors) are also welcome.

Cost is $150 per rider with horse. Auditors total $20 for the 2 days. Lunch is provided. Stabling is available for an additional fee.

Location is Miller Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information visit the AFTA website (http://www.azfoxtrotter.com/06-foxtrotclinic.htm). For reservations contact Clare Ross at 928-925-6596 before Dec 13, 2006. After Dec 13, call Lothar Rowe at 480-683-2104.

Gaited Horse Clinic - Scottsdale, Arizona

Bucky Sparks Clinic - January 13-14, 2007.
To be held at Miller Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona

Cost is $140 for the 2-day clinic. Clinic is limited to 12 riders and 24 auditors. Audit cost is $35 for both days or $20 for one day.

I am told that Bucky Sparks is a wonderful TWH trainer and generally an excellent trainer using all natural methods with no gimics or special equipment. He does a lot of work for FOSH and any money over cost will be donated to FOSH.

Bucky Sparks will also be in town for the December Equistar Horse Show (http://www.equistarshows.com/). You can read more about Bucky on the FOSH website (http://www.fosh.info/index.html).

If you are interested or have any questions please contact Lynn Tompkins at rtompkins22@cox.net or call 602-531-5248.

New Paso Fino Designs

New Paso Fino designs have been added to the A-Z Gaited Horses Online Store. In addition to our popular Paso Fino horse designs, we have added some new ones just in time for Christmas. Be sure to take a look at our two new color versions of our most popular design. Now in addition to the Bay and Buckskin horses you can choose from a liver colored Paso Fino horse with a flaxen mane and tail, and our fiery red chestnut Paso Fino horse.

Take a look at the new designs today.

Vets investigate 2 dozen Texas horse deaths

The Bryan-College Station Eagle > Local

TRAIL RIDING ARIZONA by Wynne Brown

AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) rider Wynne Brown has written "Trail Riding Arizona; A Guide to Fifty of the State's Best Trail Rides," just published by Globe Pequot Press. Many of the rides are good conditioning rides and all the trail in the bok have clear maps with distnaces, elevations, descriptions, water availability, along with some terrific photos. Cost is $14.95. This book is a great resource for southwest trail riders and anyone wishing to be. The book is available through Amazon and other bookstores.

Horse body parts found on Valley freeways

Horse body parts found on Valley freeways

2 New Peruvian Paso Horse Designs

We just launched two new Peruvian Paso Horse T-shirts designs. Take a look and make a visit to A-Z Gaited Horses Online Store to see all the apparel and gifts items available. These two designs are on a variety of apparel items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, women's and junior apparel, and youth apparel. We have also made available a number of gift and household items. You can shop for yourself or that special horse loving friend. Choose from mugs, wall tiles, keepsake boxes, tote and messenger bags, caps and hats, throw pillows and mousepads, and much more.

Take a look today and select your favorite items. Order with confidence in our secure shopping cart. If you prefer you can order by calling the toll free number shown on the website at A-Z Gaited Horses.

While shopping, visit A-Z Gaited Horses for all your gaited horse gift needs. We have merchandise for lovers of American Saddlebred horses, Paso Fino horses, Missouri Fox Trotting Horses, Mangalarga Marchador horses, and more. Visit today to see what's new.

New Horse Show with Gaited Horse classes

Coming on May 20, 2006, at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the new EquiStar Horse Show. The show will be held in one of the smaller covered arenas. Classes are included for Peruvian Pasos, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, and American Saddlebreds, in addition to other open and all-gaited classes.

Visit the EquiStar website for more information. The site has the class schedule and entry form for the May 20th show, along with other general information.

Mother's Day Is On Its Way

With Easter gone and Mother's Day on its way, we just launched a new design for horse lovers. Who can resist a precious little foal with a flowery gift? Our new design features a little foal bringing a gift to that special Mom. Visit the link to see the Mother's Day gifts available. There are ceramic tile coasters, tile Keepsake Boxes and Framed Wall Tiles. You can also choose from Mugs, Teddy Bears, T-shirts and Throw Pillows. Take a look at our one-of-a-kind equine based gifts.

We have also included gifts for grandmothers and Aunts. Our selection includes: World's Greatest Mom, World's Greatest Grandma, World's Greatest Memaw, World's Best Aunt and World's Greatest Nana.

Awsome Horse Artwork

Take a look at this site! It's not about gaited horses but will appeal to all horse lovers. The site features awsome artwork of life-sized horses made from driftwood. You'll be glad you visited the site. They are beautiful!

 

http://www.jansch.freeserve.co.uk/life-size.htm

Introducing our NEW "Horse Records" Book

This record keeping book provides ease of use and portability that make your horse records readily available at home or on the road. Just grab your “Horse Records” book and go! It’s perfect for emergency trips to the vet or for travel to shows, rides, etc. Your records are always right at your fingertips.

The wire-o binding permits your record book to fold back and lie flat when open, making it easy to use whether in your hands, on a table or supported by a clipboard. The horse record keeping book is 88 pages in a letter-sized 8.5” x 11” layout.

This horse book provides 3 of each record page making it easy to keep records on up to 3 horses, all in one convenient place. Each page has room for your horse’s name.

Pages are included for tracking:

• ownership


• contact information for trainers, veterinarians, previous owners, farriers, feed dealers


• expenses


• breeding and progeny


• feeding


• general notes


• dental care


• worming


• hoof care


• horse shows


• vaccinations


• training notes


• veterinary health


• bloodlines

The “Horse Records” book is available at a great introductory price of $14.99. Start keeping better records; order your book today!

Shop Tennessee Walking Horse

We're bringing it all together for you in one place. Our expanded Arizona Gaited Horses Online Store is not just featuring gaited horse designs for your shopping convenience; we're adding a whole new diminsion. You can now visit Arizona Gaited Horses Online Store and view our featured artists' designs along with links to pages for shopping for a particular gaited horse breed or type.

If you are an owner or admirer of the Tennessee Walking Horse and are looking for unique Tennessee Walker merchandise you need to visit our Shop Tennessee Walking Horse webpage.

Here you will find 20+ different Tennessee Walking Horse artistic designs by a variety of artists, all presented for side-by-side viewing. Refreshing the page will show you even more beautiful Tennessee Walking Horse designs and artwork. Each of the designs are available on an assortment of items such as t-shirts, mugs, gift items, household items, caps, and more. When you find a design you like, click on it to see the products available with that design.

Visit today and take advantage of our current sales offer!

April Merry-Go-Round Horse Show Cancelled

I just wanted to post a note regarding the April Merry Go Round Horse Show. The latest information I have says that this primarily gaited horse venue has been cancelled for April. I for one, as an Arizona gaited horse owner, am disappointed as I really look forward to these MGR shows. Please make note of this cancellation, particularly if you were planning on showing.

Attention Maricopa County Livestock Owners

This just came to my attention and is worth putting out to Maricopa County, Arizona horse owners...

 

 

"Keeping of Farm Animals in Rural Zoning Districts - If you own small acreage parcels in the unincorporated Maricopa County (this includes Laveen, Gilbert, Higley, Queen Creek areas and any surrounding unincorporated areas of Phoenix) and are not legally zoned by the county as agricultural/farm use, this will affect you."

 

"On March 8, 2006, 10:00 AM at 205 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, there will be an open county meeting regarding the "INTERPRETATION" of Chapter 2, Zoning Ordinance 501.2.4, for all of unincorporated Maricopa County R-43 land."

 

"Simply, the 'INTERPRETATION" could be defined in one of two ways:

1. That would NOT ALLOW the affected area property owners to keep livestock/farm animals including chickens, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, etc. Because it is an interpretation of a current zoning rule no one will be grandfathered retroactive back to 1969 (period of time when ordinance was put in place). All properties below the minimum acreage stated in the zoning rule will be affected and it can be enforced immediately upon approval.

OR

2. That the keeping of farm animals is considered a by-right use accessory to a single-family residence in the Rural zoning districts without any limitation on the number of animals (at least as per zoning requirements)."

 

 

Depending on the interpretation, this could affect life-style for many including families with children involved in 4-H and the Maricopa County Fair. It could ultimately affect the number of horses you keep for your family for recreational purposes.

 

Anyone interested in supporting the current ability to keep farm animals should contact the county supervisors in all districts by phone, in writing or email, deliver signed petitions to Darren Gerard, Deputy Director of Maricopa County and come to the meeting on March 8, 2006, 10:00 AM held at 205 W. Jefferson. Contact info: Maricopa County Zoning Code Enforcement 602-506-3694. darrengerard@mail.maricopa.gov, fbrock@mail.maricopa.gov, mwwilson@mail.maricopa.gov, akunasek@mail.maricopa.gov, dstapley@mail.maricopa.gov

 

 

Carousel Charity Horse Show change in Show Secretary

Carousel Charity Horse Show has a change in Show Secretary due to personal conflicts of the original secretary. Melanni Hershberger will be taking over as show secretary for the 2006 Carousel. Many of you will remember her from years past at Carousel Horse Show. She is very knowledgeable with several breeds and especially up on USEF rules. All fees will remain as printed in the prize list.

 

Please mail all show entries to:

Melanni Hershberger

Deer Mountain Arabians

13031 N. Miller Road

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-443-3372

 

All entries already mailed to Diane Nova will be sent to Melannie. If you have mailed your entry just in the past couple of days, contact Melanni to confirm that she has received it.

Cheney Shooting

It's totally off topic for gaited horses, but I just couldn't resist.

 

Cheney Shooting

 

A Weekend of fun

We just finished up the weekend with Mary Donald, approved horse show judge for a number of gaited breeds. We attended the Merry Go Round Horse Show on saturday 2/11/06, where Mary judged many of the gaited horse breeds, and in spite of the windy conditions had a great time. We came home with a ribbon or two, but just had fun showing with and against our Peruvian Paso horse show friends. We have some newcomers to the breed who took home some first place ribbons. We were excited for them and their success. We are looking forward to Carousel Charity Horse Show coming up in March, primarily for the chance to get out and show our horses and to have a few days with friends.

 

Congratulations to all exhibitors, the horse show committee, but particularly to the winners!

Mangalarga Marchador Classes Offered at 2006 Carousel Charity Horse Show

This year's Carousel Charity Horse Show has a new offering in classes. Carousel has added a division for the Mangalarga Marchador, a gaited horse breed originating in Brazil. Six classes for this beautiful and unique gaited horse are in the 2006 Carousel Charity Horse Show schedule. If you are interested in seeing this gorgeous horse, plan on coming to WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ, for the Carousel show on Friday morning and afternoon, March 17th, or Saturday afternoon, March 18th.

 

For more information, visit the DSHA website.

Horse Hands at the Phoenix Zoo!

Did you know that the Phoenix Zoo offers horsemanship classes to children ages 7-14 and to adults? The zoo offers a program called Horse Hands right on zoo grounds, where children and adults learn about animal observation, bonding, caregiving and basic horsemanship and riding skills. The program is designed to develop a caring relationship between participants and the horses. For children, the program consists of four levels, where each level guides the children to new skill levels. It is a great way for parents to permit their children to explore the world of horses without the need to commit to more than 4 weeks at a time. And gaited horse lovers, you'll be delighted to know that one of the horses used is a Tennessee Walking Horse with a wonderfully gentle disposition.

 

As a horse owner you may be frequently asked about giving lessons to children or beginning adults but may not have schooling horses or time available. The Horse Hands Program provides an excellent opportunity. If you are the parent or grandparent of a child asking for an chance to explore the world of horses and don't have a ready resource, you might wish to consider this program.

 

For more information, visit the zoo's website for information on the Horse Hands Program.

My Gaited Horse Has My Heart!

Take a look at the new t-shirts for horse lovers. The new My Horse Has My Heart line features a big red heart with the words, “my Horse has my heart”. The t-shirts and other apparel and gift items also feature the same design with, “my Horse-aholic has my heart”, “my Horse Show Hubby has my heart”, and more. Also available are Poop-er Scooper, Horse Addict, Gaited Horse, Mule and Gaited Mule. You will also find items sporting the design for Paso Fino, Classic Fino, Tennessee Walker, Plantation Horse and Lite Shod Horse.

Visit AZ Gaited Horses Online Store to shop for these new products. They make great year-round gifts and are perfect for Valentine’s Day, too!

February Merry-Go-Round Horse Show

Merry-Go-Round Horse Show has a new venue for it's February show. Empty Acres, the new Buckeye, Arizona, horse facility is the location of this show which features classes for American Saddlebred, Paso Fino, Peruvian Paso, Morgan, Arabian, Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Fox Trotter horse breeds. Also, the show offers Open division and Academy classes.

 

The shows dates are February 11-12, 2006. Saturday's schedule is filled with Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, Tennessee Walker, Fox Trotter, Mangalarga Marchador and all gaited classes. Also on Saturday there will be Academy, American Saddlebred, Morgan, Friesian and Open division classes. Sunday will feature Saddlebred, Morgan, Friesian, Academy, Equitation, and Open division classes.

 

For more information, call 480-221-6430.

Horse New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions straight from the horses' mouths! Show everyone how sharp your show, trail or pleasure horse is with our Horse New Year's Resolutions. Your horse's list of New Year's Resolutions include promises like:

• I will not walk faster on the way home than on the way out.
  
• I will not jump over imaginary objects when the whim stikes.
• I will not chase the ponies into the electric fence to see if it is on.
• I will not have an attitude problem. I won't! I won't! I won't!
• I will not bite my farrier's butt just because it is there.
• I will accept that not every carrot is for me -- well, maybe!

So whether you ride a gaited horse or not you are sure to get a chuckle from your horse's New Year's Resolutions.