President's Message

Submitted by Dan Moriarty

Hello everyone,

Having been to the quarterly BOD meeting this past weekend and hearing from the state directors and division chairs, it appears the horse year is finally on a "roll". Every division has events going on now or scheduled shortly (a couple of games events have been canceled for weather, but I bet they'll get rescheduled).

The BOD meeting was well attended and we had some great discussions on various subjects. Watch for the minutes in the future Canter. One bit of info to pass on, as of the meeting our membership numbers for the year are at just over 1000. We're slightly behind last years numbers, however with some games people leaving at the end of the year and the late winter I'm confident we will start growing in numbers. Remember, those of you getting "new" members, that VIP table at convention could be yours, just for getting the most "new" members! As your Zone and club meetings come, please get your state, zone and division directors to pass news and info from the BOD to the members, also get those directors to bring your views and info back to the BOD.

Well it's time to get out there to the horse...

Until next time, Happy trails!
Dan

Important Dates

May 17th, 2008 at 10am MRC will be hosting a packing clinic with a potluck lunch. Points to count for youth merit!! This clinic is open to anyone who would like to attend and will be held at the Meridian Riding Club in Puyallup. Check their website for directions www.meridianridingclub.org.

Job Openings

Per the WSH Bylaws the WSH Secretary/Treasurer and the WSH Horse Show Division Director positions both must be renewed every 2 years. Applications/Resumes are now being accepted for the following two positions:

WSH Secretary/Treasurer

Job Description: Duties to include but are not limited to-processing memberships, handling all financial transactions of the organization, filing taxes, updating the website, publishing the monthly e-newsletter and hard copy Canter, answering phone calls, scheduling and preparing documentation for board meetings, promoting WSH by attending events throughout the State. Assist Convention Chair with coordinating the Annual WSH Convention. Preparing promotional materials, brochures and handouts.

Requirements: Must have excellent communication skills, be proficient in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher and Peachtree. Be able to work a variety of hours. Must have previous secretarial and finance experience. Must be self motivated and able to work with little or no supervision.

Salary: $1700
Hours: Vary

Submit your resume and cover letter to Jean Garcia at PO Box 1794, Orting, WA. 98360; or fax 253-872-6564 by August 31, 2008

Horse Show Division Director

Receives pay of $400.00 monthly, reimbursed for mileage and motel for attending recognized Horse Show clinics and meetings plus a $25.00 per diem.

Duties:

• Approves Horse Shows and collects all show fees
• Corrects prize lists
• Collects fees from exhibitors who sign-up for year-end awards and forwards paperwork to Points Keeper
• Provides Show Stewards with necessary supplies
• Attends all Board Meetings
• Organizes and facilitates Horse Show and Show Secretary clinics as needed
• Member of Awards Committee, Budget Committee, Merit Committee, and Rulebook Committee
• Prepares and presents financial statements for the Horse Show Division quarterly and annually at Convention
• Sends out all correspondence in regards to the Division
• Makes sure all Horse Show Division details regarding Convention are attended to (including preparing winners, notifying winners, presenting proposals to Convention and Canter)
• Reports and pays fees to the WSH Sec./Treasurer all wages, social security, etc., who will provide a 1099, using the WSH account numbers

Terms of Contract:

• The position of Horse Show Director will be for a 2-year term.

Submit your resume and cover letter to Gloria Marley at 181 Youngs Grade RD, Yakima, WA 98908 by August 31, 2008.

Competitive Trail Division

Submitted by Kathy Lewandowsky

Will spring ever get here! I can't believe we had 10 inches of snow at my house on April 19th. Gees! And of course, I'm late. Hopefully we will have more info next month.

So far we have 3 WSH CTRs scheduled for this year.

Shadow's Dance WSH/AHA CTR will be June 28-29th at Capitol Forest out of Fall Creek Campground. Open Division/AHA 20-30 miles, Novice 15-20 miles. Contact Andrea Hurn at 253-405-8659 or by e-mail at for more information.

I was approved to put on a WSH CTR at Pilchuck Tree Farm in Arlington, WA on July 12-13, 2008 on the Lake Armstrong tract. Open/AHA 30 miles on Saturday. Novice/CP 15 miles on Sunday. Contact Kathryn Lewandowsky at 425-737-4594 or for more info regarding this ride. It will be a benefit ride for the division.

Green Mountain CTR will be managed by Lynne Mahoney and is scheduled for Aug. 15, 16 & 17. It will be a tough mountainous ride near Bremerton, WA. They have an excellent campground. The trails are very challenging. So your novice horses/riders do need some trail experience. More details will be available later or contact Lynne at Lynne Mahoney, 360-769-8451 or

We are hoping to try and have some of our rides also sanctioned by the Arabian Horse Association this year in order for all you riders with Arabians to get your horses qualified for the Region V Championship CTR. It will be held in Kalispell, Montana again this year and is planned for Sept. 8, 2008. Hooves & Company, the club who puts on CTRs in Montana, are also planning a 1 day qualifying CTR for those Arabians wanting to qualify for a regional or national championship. It will be on May 23-24 at Herron Park in Kalispell, Montana. You can get more info about their rides at www.triarabian.org. In order to do this, we need to find a vet or 2 who is willing to be a vet judge for an AHA ride. If you know of any vet, equine or small animal, who would be interested in judging an AHA CTR for us to qualify for the Regional Championship ride please get me their contact information ASAP. Any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated.

Another exciting event this year will be the Rocky Mountain Challenge. It will include the Canadian National AHA CTR Championship. That event will be July 31-August 4th near Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For more information on this ride you can visit www.canadiannationals.org.

Also, stay tuned to the Canter and the WSH website for updated information regarding the ride calendar. The WSH website address is www.wshorsemen.com. There you can download information about competitive trail and our current rulebook which also has lots of information regarding conditioning and preparing for your first Competitive Trail Ride. I have also uploaded the ride calendar and ride information on regional and statewide list serves at , and also at the statewide 4-H Horse leaders yahoo groups site.

I am excited to tell everyone that I was recently remarried. So you get to learn another new name. Actually, it was a wonderful, small, family wedding at Westport, Washington. My mother who has been ill this last year with lung cancer was able to attend along with all our children and my one grandson. My father also made it despite breaking his ankle the week before so that was a challenge. Even though it was small with lots of wonderful memories, it was still hectic and I think I haven't quite recovered. I would like to thank all the CTR members for their past & continued support during my mom's illness this last year.

Hope to see you all soon at a ride or out on a trail. Later, Kathy & Nick (& Steve, but you probably won't find him out on a horse trail)

Check the WSH website under Divisions/Competitive Trail for a complete listing of all of the CTR Division 2008 Officers as well as all of the upcoming Competitive Trail Rides and Events.

Horse Show Division

Submitted by Dawn Spencer

We are now well into the horse show season. Exhibitors are still signing up for Year End Awards. That's great! We have many new and returning exhibitors. If you are a new exhibitor, welcome to the club. If you are returning, welcome back. A Horse Show is a wonderful way to enjoy a weekend with your friends, fellow competitors and their animals.

There are 2 categories of Shows. The "A" System shows which consist of Breed Shows (Quarter Horse Shows, Paint Horse Shows, Pinto Horse Shows, POA Horse Shows, Miniature Horse shows, etc. ) and "B" System shows which are the "recognized" Open Shows. If you sign up for Year End Awards in the "A" System Classes, you will receive a form to fill out and send in with your placings from each Breed Show. If you sign up for the "B" System shows which are the WSH approved shows, the show will send in your placings for you.

Remember that we have a ROM (Register of Merit) program which goes along with the WSH Year End Awards. If you sign up for Year End Awards on the State level, you can then sign up for the ROM program. These points can accumulate from year to year until you achieve the award that you have signed up for. Some of the awards that are available: Jackets, Horse Sheets and Custom made Belt Buckle. For more information on this program, you may contact Teri Blair at .

The YEA (Year End Award) Dual Benefit Horse Show will be held June 28 and 29 in Ellensburg (Indoor Arena). This show is sponsored by the YEA Club with the sole purpose of Benefitting Washington State Horsemen. All proceeds less start up fee for the next year go back into WSH and the Horse Show Division. Last year the proceeds of this Horse Show donated $1,000.00 towards the purchase of the Website for WSH, and $2,000.00 went to the Horse show Division for Awards. This is to keep the Sign up price down so more exhibitors can participate in the Year End Awards. The judges for this year's YEA Show will be Wendy Peterson and Peggy Splawn. There will also be a Silent Auction with the proceeds going toward the Youth Merit. If you wish to donate items for the Silent Auction please contact Christine Oliver-Hammond at . If you would like a Show Premium for the YEA Dual Benefit Horse show please contact Arlys McDonald at .

As you can see, there are many Horse Competitions in Washington State to attend:

• May 3 & 4
  Canal Zone Dual Benefit I
  Port Orchard
• May 3 & 4
  Springtime Open
  Pasco
• May 10 & 11
  Apple Blossom Spring Dual
  Wenatchee
• May 17
  PFEC Spring Shiver Dressage Show
  Post Falls Idaho
• May 18
  May Flowers Dressage
  Gig Harbor
• May 24 & 25
  Spokane Sport Horse Spring Dressage
  Spokane
• Mary 31 & June 1
  Canal Zone Dual Benefit II
  Port Orchard
• May 31 & June 1
  Knights of Santiago Open Dual
  Spokane
• June 7
  Spur of the Moment WSH/NEZ Dressage
  Deer Park
• June 7 & 8
  Appleatchee Riders Dressage Show
  Wenatchee
• June 7 & 8
  Poormans Super Series
  Olympia
• June 13-15
  Goldendale Quad
  Goldendale
• June 14
  Twin Willow Summer Dressage
  Spokane
• June 15
  Jolly June Dressage
  Port Orchard
• June 21
  Harder Memorial
  Milton-Freewater
• June 28 & 29
  YEA Dual Benefit
  Ellensburg

The complete information on the shows that are approved are on the www.wshorsemen.com website, under Horse Show Division. There are two ways to find the Show Premiums for these shows. You can find the contact person and request information for their show, or go to www.wshorsemen.com and get the information you need. Some of the show premiums are available on the website listed above.

If you have any questions concerning the Shows, Signing Up for year end awards, any part of the horse show division please feel free to contact me directly. Also, remember that you can always reach me on my cell phone 509-250-0605 if you don't reach me at the WSH HS Division 509-773-6557.

Have a wonderful Show Season this year & remember to make friends & memories! Good luck this year!

Games Division

Submitted by Melissa Stockman

Well I hope that you all have been able to get those horses rode by now. It has finally decided to look like spring around here (well maybe...we had snow again this morning on the ground). The sun this past weekend (which left me quite red) felt REALLY good. Due to snow, the East Side was not able to hold their first two shows as scheduled by the Valley Renegades and the North Country Riders. We're keeping our fingers crossed for better weather.

As mentioned before, WSHGD has a new format for the WSCS this year and it is going to be a great show!! The one thing we still need is for everyone to get out and find sponsors. Remember that every little bit helps so if you have some family or friends that just want to give small amounts, we have all different levels that they can help out with. Most of WSHGD previous sponsors have been contacted for continued support as well. Please send me lists of who you have contacted so that we are not bugging businesses that have already been contacted for this year.

REMINDER, get your officials card on-line ASAP. All you need is a current WSH membership and a copy of your existing official's card. E-mail and you will receive your test, it's easy and it covers all the new rule changes and important information you need to be an official. Have a great month hope to see you soon at a show - Melissa Stockman.

Washington State Championship Show

If you would like to serve on the WSCS Committee, please contact Melissa Stockman at or by phone at (509) 276-9862. Sponsorship forms are now available by contacting or for the Washington State Championship Show. We are working on a reward for WSHGD members that bring in a certain level / amount of sponsorships this year, more details to follow.

2008 Permanent Number Registration

Have you registered your permanent number for the 2007 / 2008 season? In order to re-register your permanent number (i.e. C215, R050, N021) please contact Terri Lowry at or (509) 292-8866. Riders in the Northeast Zone are asked to contact Sharon Kelsey at or (509) 276-6725 to obtain an "R" Number. Forms are currently available on the WSH website at www.wshorsemen.com. If you are in need of a new number, please contact your Zone Games Chair. All riders must register (or re-register) their numbers prior to competing.

WSHGD Brochures

WSH has been traveling and promoting all of the major divisions! Together, the WSH Office and the Games Division Officers have put together a beautiful brochure. If you would like to have a copy of the brochure to print and distribute to those that are interested in joining WSHGD, please e-mail and request a copy of the PDF document. It is a full-color document and very well done.

Judge's and Timer's Clinic

Timers and Judges - your cards have expired! A rule change was made for 2008 that allows the Judge's and Timer's Clinic to be given in an electronic form. This change allowed the WSHGD to save the rental money for the Ellensburg Clinic and allows all of our officials (and want to be officials) to save on gas. Currently, 26 WSH Members have requested tests. We will list each month the judges and timers that have successfully passed the test so that show committees may be apprised of the qualified officials in their areas.

The 2008 rulebook (full-page version) has been published on the WSH website at www.wshorsemen.com. Click on "Divisions" then "Games" then "Forms and Downloads" to access the full-page version. A smaller version (one that you can cut and place into your existing rulebooks) will also be available there shortly. If you are interested in becoming a timer or judge, here's what to do.

1. Join WSH.
2. Request a test by e-mailing with your WSH number and a scanned copy of your current judges or timers card (if you are currently a judge or timer).
3. After verifying your WSH membership status with the WSH Office, one of the Rules Committee Members will send your test via e-mail. There will be four different tests administered depending upon your current status as an official.
   1. Student Timer (for those just beginning the process of becoming an official). This test must be passed with a score of 100% to obtain a Student Timer's Card.
   2. Timer (for those 16 and over that currently have a First Timer's Card). This is a modified test that highlights rule changes that you will need to be aware of as well as focuses on areas of concern (i.e. arena sheet completion).
   3. Student Judge (for those 16 and over that currently have a First Timer's Card and desire to become a judge). This test must be passed with a score of 100% to obtain a Student Judge's Card.
   4. Judge (for those 16 and over that currently have a Judge's Card). This is a modified test that highlights rule changes that you will need to be aware of as well as focuses on areas of concern (i.e. course measurements).
    
4. Open completing the test, you may e-mail the test back to the Rules Committee or send it in. If you have problems with the e-mail version, we suggest that you print it off and send it in, or simply e-mail the answers (in correct order) to . The test will be corrected and if a score of 100% is reached, an official's card will be sent with further instruction for those needing to complete student work. You will hear from the Rules Committee within 4 days. If you do not, please send an e-mail (without test attached) letting us know that it was sent.

What if you do not have access to a computer or Adobe Acrobat (pdf)? Simply send a request to the Rules Committee Chair (Dale McLaughlin) at 7210 E Fairview Ave - Spokane Valley WA 99212-1526 along with a copy of your current WSH card and your 2007 WSHGD Judge or Timer card. We'll be happy to send out a printed copy of the test for you to complete.

JUDGES

(May also First Time, Second Time, Steward)
Cook, Hebron - Olympic Zone
Kelsey, Sharon - Northeast Zone
McLaughlin, Dale - Northeast Zone
McLaughlin, Jessie - Northeast Zone
Richmond, Dick - Olympic Zone
Richmond, Judy - Olympic Zone
Robb, Katrina - Olympic Zone
Stockman, Darrin - Northeast Zone
Stockman, Melissa - Northeast Zone

STUDENT JUDGES

(May also First Time or Second Time)
Knutson, Robin - Northeast Zone
Parnell, Richard - Northeast Zone

SECOND TIMER

McLaughlin, Emma - Northeast Zone
Stockman, Wyatt - Northeast Zone

We truly appreciate each of the individuals above taking the time to request, complete, and return their tests. The electronic version is working well and we're thrilled to be able to offer the "clinic" to officials all across the State. Thank you again WSHGD member for being so willing to try something new!

Newsletter

Sad News

Many of us have felt the sting of losing one of our beloved friends and companions. Recently, Randy and Jackie Little lost their stallion, Shoejet, to cancer. Shoejet was a winner of multiple WSHGD State Finals and Interstate Championships. Ladd and Deanna Tjoelker also had to put down Little Bar Britches (35 years of age). Many of you will remember Little Bar Britches as a past record holder, 3-time High Point Junior Horse, and Supreme Champion (1984). Our hearts go out to these families. Please know that their memories will continue on forever in our hearts.

Glad News

Cheryl (Trejbal) Beck is expecting a little girl! The due date is June and hopefully Cheryl will be able to catch the tail end of the season after baby arrives...congratulations!

Emma McLaughlin was the Inland Northwest Council's Adventure Level High Seller this year in Camp Fire selling 1,507 packages of candy...that's $7,535 worth of candy. Great job!

If you would like send anything in for publishing in the Games Division's Electronic Newsletter, please send it to on or before the 10th of each month.

2008 Show Approvals

Show Committees -

• Please be sure to send your show approval forms with payment to the WSHGD Secretary, Jessie McLaughlin.
• The cost of approving a show is $10.00 per day.
• New approval forms are available on the WSH website or you may contact Jessie McLaughlin at to obtain one.
• Don't forget that the forms must be received, along with payment, at least 30 days prior to the event for the best advertising of your dates.
• Forms should be mailed to WSHGD Show Approvals, c/o Jessie McLaughlin, 7210 E Fairview Ave, Spokane Valley WA 99212-1526.
• You will receive confirmation via mail / e-mail once your date has been approved.

The following shows have been approved for 2008.

• May 3-4: Valley Renegades (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• May 10-11: North Country Riders 1 (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• June 7-8: Valley Renegades (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• June 14-15: North Country Riders 1 (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• July 12-13: Valley Renegades (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• July 19-20: North Country Riders 2 (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• July 26-27: Cowgirl Up (Start Times 9:00 a.m. both days)
• September 6-7: Valley Renegades (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• September 20-21: North Country Riders 2 (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)
• October 11-12: North Country Riders 1 (Start Times 10:00 a.m. both days)

Cowgirl Up

Show Chair Jessie McLaughlin at or (509) 926-3642
Arena - Springdale Rodeo Arena (Springdale WA) / Reschedule if Rain
Event Order - B,TMS,CS,TB,KH,P,TP,F8,F,TF,TM3B,RR,KR,CH,RL

Information: Times Only, A B C D Bk LL at $1.75 per ride, 80% Jackpot (all events) at $5.00 per person per ride. Arena Fee is $3.00 per rider. Stalls are unavailable but tie-outs are allowed and a few catch pens are available. Camping is available. Definitely no hook-ups.

North Country Riders 1

Show Chair Melissa Stockman at or (509) 276-9862
Arena - Kleanne Farms (4771 Swenson Rd - Deer Park WA) / Reschedule if Rain
Event Order - KH,TM3B,F,TF,B,P,TP,F8,TB,TMS,CS,RR,KR,CH,RL

Information: Times Only, A B C D Bk LL at $1.75 per ride, 80% Jackpot (all events) at $5.00 per person per ride. Arena Fee is $3.00 per rider. Stalls are unavailable but tie-outs are allowed. Camping is limited. Definitely no hook-ups.

North Country Riders 2

Show Chair Melissa Stockman at or (509) 276-9862
Arena - Still TBD / Reschedule if Rain
Event Order - KH,TM3B,F,TF,B,P,TP,F8,TB,TMS,CS,RR,KR,CH,RL

Information: Times Only, A B C D Bk LL at $1.75 per ride, 80% Jackpot (all events) at $5.00 per person per ride. Arena Fee is $3.00 per rider. Stalls are unavailable but tie-outs are allowed. Camping is limited. Definitely no hook-ups.

Valley Renegades

Show Chair Terri Hutton at or (509) 892-6424
Arena - Deardorff's (5018 N Havana St - Spokane WA) / Reschedule if Rain
Event Order - F8,B,TB,P,TP,TM3B,F,TF,TMS,CS,KH,KR,RR,CH,RL

Information: Times Only, A B C D Bk LL at $1.75 per ride, 80% Jackpot (all events) at $5.00 per person per ride. Arena Fee is $3.00 per rider. Stalls are unavailable but tie-outs are allowed. Camping is still TBD. Definitely no hook-ups.

Trails and Pleasure Division

Submitted by Patti Seldal

Hello out there! I hope that you've been able to get some riding in with this wild weather that we've been having. I have been going to an indoor arena and getting some saddle time in this year. I've only been out a couple times to check out and ride trails. I have gotten clearance from the Department of Natural Resources that Tahuya and Green Mountain State Forests, numerous volunteers, clubs, individuals and DNR personnel and 183 miles of trails are back open for use. The December storm brought damage and flooding all over western Washington, so Donald Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands wants to extend his special appreciation to all of the volunteers.

The Department of Natural Resources sends out a 4 page front and back news letter with lots of great information and work party dates, so if you'd like to join in and volunteer this is the web site www.dnr.wa.gov the news letter is called DNR Recreation News. If you don't have a computer hit your local library and look it up on theirs! This nes letter is great because it covers all of the state. If you have a question about a certain area of DNR land this will fix you right up.

I believe that June 7th is National Trails Day, great day to celebrate our heritage of trails in the Northwest. So plan a group ride, work party or just go enjoy the day yourself!

The Washington State Trails Coalition will be having their 10th annual Trails Conference on October 3-4 at the Spokane Convention Center. They'll be having extended field trips on October 2nd and 5th, didn't say where they were going yet, but will let you know when I get the information. Ed Armstrong sent me to my first meeting with these people and I have been to several since. This is where all the agencies that we work with or govern the land that we use to ride on. Meet with all of the different user groups. So far only 2% of horsemen attend this conference, and we wonder why our voice is not heard. It would be well worth your time to go to the conference and here from everyone. Opened my eyes! I still tell about State Parks having underwater trails for divers, and how shocked I was to hear about that! I thought they just jumped in the water and went wherever!! Brings the bigger picture of use to focus. You can get more details and registration on line: www.washingtonstatetrailscoalition.org

The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RFCB) Non-highway and Off Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA ) (our gas tax $$) Program would like our comments on a proposal to adopt a way for evaluation teams to send a "do not fund" recommendation. To get more information on this visit www.rco.wa.gov You can call 360-902-3008 or 360-902-3626(fax) OR write 1111Washington Street P.O. Box 40917 Olympia, WA 98504-0917 Again the horsemen are only 2% of the voice that is heard for recreational users.

METHOW VALLEY CHAPTER OF BCH 24TH ANNUAL "SPRING TRAIL RIDE" will be on APRIL 25-27. Gary and I went over for this a few years ago, and it was a wonderful ride, and they BBQ'd steak for us for lunch! We had a great time at the camp fire and got to visit with Carol Wilcox (founder of Washington BCH) and Jim Murphy. It had been a long time since we'd seen either of them and it felt good to get caught up. The drive over was well worth it, good trails, good food, good friends, who could ask for more?

I hope with spring and (I know snow) just ahead I hope all of you have had your horse trailer in for its inspection. Metal needs to be checked out, tires, grease job and brakes checked, but most important make sure you have a good floor for your critter to stand on.

With that I'll close this note and wish you all, as our President of WSH says "Happy Trails"! Remember to "Take Only Memories" and "Leave Only Hoofprints"!

If you have any news for your area please be sure to send it my way. Thanks!

Membership Committee

Submitted by Karen Lunan

Washington State Quarter Horse Association partners up with Washington State Horsemen!

There are two parts to the program. The first part is the Year End Awards program for the highest pointing Quarter Horses in Halter, Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle. All WSH approved shows, specifically offering Quarter Horse Halter, Western Pleasure & hunter Under Saddle will count towards the WSQHA Year End Awards program. NOTE: Only the Quarter Horse classes & Championship Halter count towards this program.

The second part is there are twelve select shows that will be awarding the High Point Quarter Horse at that show with a buckle sponsored by Washington State Quarter Horse Association.

To be eligible for the awards program you must:

• Become a member of Washington State Quarter Horse Association
• Enroll the Quarter Horse you are showing in the program
• Provide a copy of the registration papers

Once enrolled, you will receive a copy of the Year End Awards program report. You are responsible for filling out the report and submitting it to the points keeper for your WSQHA year end awards tabulation. It is a simple form and can be faxed to 253-238-0216 or emailed to . Any questions can be directed to Karen at 253-208-3332 or to the email address . A complete description of the program can be found at www.wsqha2.netfirms.com.

To find a list of the Select Buckle shows click here. For a full list of WSH approved shows go to www.wshorsemen.com.

Youth Merit - Eastside Report

Submitted by Jessie McLaughlin

The sign ups are truly beginning to roll in as we speak! At this time, we'd like to welcome the following to the 2008 Youth Merit Program.

EAST SIDE: Kenzie Binkley, Angela Caryl, Aubrey Cunningham, Kalle Cyrus, Marrisa Dormaier, Mason Fitzhugh, Emily Graham, Connlee Gray, Mollee Gray, Ty Gray, Kelly Hamlin, Talon Hutton, Sarah Keith, Steven Keith, Kimberlee Lowry, Mary Jane Lowry, Sage Marinello, Connor McLaughlin, Emma McLaughlin, Brett Moriarty, Dillon Rising, Ellie Rising, Courtney Stockman, Wyatt Stockman, Rachel Sullivan, Daniel Timmons, Jesse Timmons, Cheyenne Valderrama, Melissa Welch, Kailila Wigen, Brook Wood, Haley Wood, Morgan Yetter

WEST SIDE: Nichole Bauer, MacKenzie Blair, Basia Bossinas, Zoe Burke, Kaiden Kammond, Hilary Harris, Kalah Hedlund, Shelby Hedlund, Callie Jones, Delanie Jones, Kaila Ludwig, Halley Luther, Kristine Marty, Travis McCortney, Brenna McIntyre, Erika Moe, Elizabeth Sanders, Jordeen Schmidt, Alyssa Seldal, Rachel Smith, and Amanda Wright.

We have received registration forms from all of the youth listed above. Remember, all youth (whether new to the program or returning) must complete a registration form and mail it to their Youth Merit Chair (East - Jessie McLaughlin or West - Patti Seldal). Go to www.wshorsemen.com and click on "Membership" and then "Forms and Downloads" to download a registration form. The workbooks are also available on the WSH website.

With our growth we are experiencing "growing pains". We are DESPERATELY in need of Zone Advisors from Cascade, Evergreen, North Central, Northwest Border, Olympic, Pacific, Prairie, South Central, and Southwest Border. If you are able to serve as the contact point for kids in your area, please let us know ASAP. We can easily provide a means of keeping track of points and suggestions for helping your kids prosper in this program, we just need some volunteers! Zone Presidents - we are asking for your help to appoint someone to this position as soon as possible. We would like to again thank Zone One Youth Merit for their wonderful work in fund raising for this year. They have done several projects already and are working very closely with their Zone and Clubs to help raise money for the 2008 Youth Merit Awards. We need approximately $2,000 to cover this year's awards and would welcome help from clubs, Zones, Youth Merit members, and, well...everyone! Each Zone with active Youth Merit kids are being asked to coordinate fundraisers this summer to assist in offsetting all of the wonderful awards the kids will be earning this year. Please e-mail Jessie McLaughlin at and let us know about your fundraisers (when, where, what, etc.) as well as how they were received.

This month we've got some good news and bad news to report. Sarah Keith who lives in Omak but competes in the Northeast Zone had a very large cyst (10-12 cm) located just outside her liver that had to be removed. The cyst was making her very ill. Thankfully, she was able to have the surgery on February 29 at Children's Hospital. Her mom stated that the surgery was very long. Apparently Sarah was born with the cyst but when she got the flu this winter, the cyst began to grow larger. She also stated that the doctors at Children's Hospital had never seen a cyst like this one so large. We're all wishing you a speedy recovery and hope that you'll be able to get back into the saddle again soon. On a happier note - we'd like to extend a "congratulations" to Emma McLaughlin of Northeast Zone. Emma recently was named the Adventure Program Level High Seller for the Inland Northwest Council of Camp Fire USA. She sold 1,507 packages of candy this year ($7,535) which beat her record of 1,414 packages last year. Way to go Emma!

Each issue of the Canter will feature some new questions that are not found in the workbooks. In order to receive credit, you must include the task number, question, and your answer on a sheet of paper and turn it into your Zone Youth Merit Advisor (or one of the State Co-Chairs if you do not have a Zone Advisor). We learned in March that there are eight competitive equestrian events recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (in English - the International Federation for Equestrian Sports). We've discussed vaulting and Paralympic Equestrian. Here are some questions dealing with Reining and when you're done researching the questions, please be sure to watch a FANTASTIC video clip of a reining exhibition at http://www.westfallhorsemanship.com/media/128do.wmv ...it's amazing!

• Task 18.08.13 (2 points) - Each reining pattern must include seven elements. Please name them.
• Task 18.08.14 (1 point) - How old must a senior exhibitor be to compete in reining competitions?
• Task 18.08.15 (1 point) - How old must a horse be to compete in reining competitions?
• Task 18.08.16 (1 point) - How did the standard reining maneuvers originate?
• Task 18.08.17 (1 point) - Freestyle reining provides an opportunity to use standard reining maneuvers in a creative fashion. What "element" is mandatory for a freestyle reining pattern?
• Task 18.08.18 (2 points) - Define "Young Rider", "Junior", and "Child".

The 2008 U.S. Savings Bond Speech Topic is "Horses of Foreign Origin". Youth Merit Members at this point level will be allowed to select any breed to write their essay on after receiving prior approval from one of the Youth Merit State Co-Chairs. Last year's topic was "Horse Power Today" and we'll be including one of the essays in the next few issues of the Canter. One of the 2007 U.S. Savings Bonds essays was written by Jesse Timmons (Zone One). Jesse is 13-years-old and attends 7th Grade at East Valley Central in Yakima. He is involved in Yakima County 4-H, plays soccer and basketball for his school, and attends Royal Rangers through his church. Jesse's speech was on "Competitive Trail Riding" and is included below.

"Competitive Trail Riding"

Trail riding is near and dear to my heart, or actually to my leg, because 3 years ago while out on the trail, I had a stick impale my upper thigh on my right leg. Thanks to some quick acting off duty nurses, that were members of Washington State Back Country Horsemen Yakima Chapter, I am here today to talk to you about Competitive Trail Riding. Competitive trail riding is an equestrian sport where riders cover a marked trail for a distance that is usually between 25 and 35 miles per day. Some rides are only one day long; others may run as long as three days.

Unlike endurance riding, factors other than speed are considered; horses may not come in under or over a certain time, and veterinary checks, rider behavior and other elements play a role in the placings. Each competitor is evaluated on factors that include physical condition of the horse, campsite, and horse management. Horsemanship also is considered, including how the rider handles the trail and how the horse is handled and presented to the judge and vet throughout the ride. The horse is graded on performance, manners, etc. "Pulse and respiration" stop checks monitor the horse's recovery ability. The judges also set up obstacles along the trail and the horse and rider are graded on how well they perform as a team. The goal of the competition is to encourage the partnership between horse and rider.

Things that you should be aware of before jump in for fun are, you need to be fit to ride - ride enough before you go on a trail ride so that you are fit enough to ride for a couple hours without feeling exhausted, sore, or uncomfortable. Know your own limitations and don't over exert yourself. Trail riding is supposed to be fun, not wear you out and make you miserable. Hurting is no fun. Ensure that you wear safe, comfortable clothing. Like new tack, don't wear brand new boots or shoes, or tight jeans the first time out. Murphy's luck will have it - you'll have to walk a nice long distance for some reason (horse throws a shoe, whatever) and you'll end up with blisters on your feet. Safety helmets are highly recommended. Not only do they protect your head if you should fall off, but for trail riding they are wonderful - you can skim under tree branches and not get scratched or have to worry about scraping your head. It's just good common sense to wear a safety helmet. I had a helmet on when I had my accident. Make sure you take drinking water for the ride. As with any other outdoor activity, you need to always avoid getting dehydrated. Carry along a water bottle or two - always. Be prepared - use a saddle bag to carry a rain poncho, small first aid kit, sunscreen, snacks (human & horse), and hoof pick. You never know when you might get stuck somewhere.

Once you've discovered the pleasure of trail riding in smaller doses, you might be interested in trying some longer rides, camping out with your horse, and maybe even a competitive trail ride. In the United States, competitive trail rides are sanctioned by the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC). Rides are usually held on Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management land, usually over mountainous terrain. Unlike trail riding, where riders usually walk, horses at competitive trail rides use all gaits, but especially the trot. Similar events exist around the world, though often with wide variations in rules and distances. In all cases, the most obvious difference between an endurance ride and a competitive trail ride is that the winner of an endurance ride is the first horse and rider to cross the finish line and pass a vet check, whereas competitive trail rides consider other factors and sometimes will penalize an animal that comes in under a set time.

Remember, all youth (whether new to the program or returning) must complete a registration form and mail it to their Youth Merit Chair (East - Jessie McLaughlin or West - Patti Seldal). Go to www.wshorsemen.com and click on "Committees" and then "Youth Merit" to download a registration form or to download one of the workbooks.

Youth Merit - Westside Report

Submitted by Patti Seldal

I recently met with our former Westside Director Pam Day, to find out that she suffered some major damage to her home and land in the December 3rd floods. Pam had to pull up all of her carpet and dispose of it, now she is caught up in the FEMA wait for help. Some kind neighbors are helping her to fix fencing for her horses but she told me of some big trenches that washed into her driveway that she has no way to repair. Pam, know that we appreciated all the years you served our Youth for Washington State Horsemen and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you rebuild.

We have 17 youth from age 6 to 17 signed up to participate so far this year. For me that is exciting! I'd like to urge each of your groups to help support Youth Merit with a fundraiser. A car wash, a bake sale, a fun day, whatever you can come up with would sure help us out. (you can get points for $$ too!) Jessica figures we'll need around $2000.00 to cover our awards this year. I know you can help us with this funding, so thank you in advance!!

The Youth Merit of Puget Sound Zone are also planning to have a silent auction at their Benefit Show in August so anyone who would like to donate towards that please contact Christine at 253-227-3138 or at .

Another Statewide Fundraiser for Youth Merit will be held at the YEA Benefit Show on June 28th and 29th. We are looking for donations for this so please let Christine know if you have something to donate. The more items the better. We are also looking for youth who can help man the table during that weekend so if you can help let us know.

Meridian Riding Club is hosting a packing clinic (counts for YM points) (task 8.7 under riding) May 17th 10am at the club grounds. The clinic is open to everyone and you can get driving directions from their web page. www.meridianridingclub.org

If your group is planning a Youth Merit Event please let us know and we'll get it in the Canter. Have fun with your learning!

Patti
Western Washington Youth Merit

Dressage Division Report

Submitted by Mary Brady

Upcoming Dressage Shows

2008 Dressage Shows in Eastern Washington and Idaho.
(See April Canter for Dressage Shows in Western WA)

May 17
PFEC Spring Shiver Dressage Show B
Post Falls Eques. Center, Post Falls, Idaho
Gena Loper, P.O. Bow 3555, Post Falls, ID 83877, 208-660-0955

May 24,25
13th Annual Spokane Sport Horse Spring Dressage A
Spokane Sport Horse Farm, Spokane
Mary Neal, 916 S. 21st Ave., Yakima 98902, 509-248-9145

June 7
Spur of the Moment WSH/NEZ Dressage Show B
27602 N.Monroe Rd, Deer Park
Judy Crowder, 20315 N. Yale Rd., Colbert 99005, 509-238-9430

June 7,8
Appleatchee Riders Dressage Show B
Circle St., Wenatchee
Suzanne Metcalf, 1293 Lower Sunnyslope Rd. Wenatchee 98801, 509-663-3635

June 14
Twin Willow Summer Dressage Show B
Twin Willows
Michelle Binder, 1713 E. Providence, Spokane 99207

July 5
PFEC Summer Sizzler Dressage Show B
Post Falls Eques. Center, Post Falls Idaho
Gena Loper, P.O. Box 3555, Post Falls, Id. 83877

July 19,20
7th Spokane Sport Horse Casual Qualifier 1&2 Dressage A
Spokane Sport Horse Farm, Spokane
Mary Neal, 916 S. 21st Ave., Yakima 98902, 509-248-9145

August 15-17
Annual Spokane Sport Horse Dressage Spectacular 1 &11 A
Spokane Sport Horse Farm, Spokane
Mary Neal, 916 S. 21st Ave., Yakima 98902, 509-248-9145

September 6
PFEC Fall Flurry Dressage Show B
Post Falls Eques. Center, Post Falls, Idaho
Gena Loper, P.O. Bow 3555, Post Falls, ID 83877, 208-660-0955

September 21
Twin Willow Fall Dressage Show B
Twin Willows
Michelle Binder, 1713 E.Providence, Spokane 99207, 509-290-4301

Horse Show Secretaries, Please send a copy of your Show to Mary Brady , Dressage Director for approval. 16641 Longmire Rd. S.E. Yelm, WA. 98597, 360-894-5855

Morgan Division Report

Submitted by Sondjia Edwards

Hey, remember the big round yellow thing in the sky the other day? And, remember, it was warm? Don't worry it's gonna come back, just gradually this year I guess. If you are busy enough playing with those woolie babies or getting your mares bred or jogging to get your horses in condition you won't feel this year's weather so much.

Get together with some friends and plan a great trail ride - it's more fun together. We are getting some younger students ready for their first shows - clothes, tack, horses, etc. Washington State Horsemen would like sponsors in order to present nice awards - ie., coolers, halters, etc. for year-end, along with those beautiful Morgan trophies. Contact me if you would like to help. Remember only three shows points give you year-end eligibility!

Are you participating in the Morgan Pathways Program? You could double your pleasure by doing some WSH trail rides as well.

Don't forget

Key Classic
Evergreen Equestrian Center, Monroe - May 8-11.

PNW Spring Show
Tacoma Unit #1, Spanaway - May 23-25.

Evergreen Zone Report

Submitted by Gina Dorcas

EVERGREEN ZONE BENEFIT SHOW

Date Change to Sunday June 1st ** Bridle Trails Arena, Kirkland WA. Officials are hired and Bridle Trails is secured! Vickie Millhouse has worked hard to make this another fun show! Check out www.evergreenzone.org for more information, to download show forms or contact an Evergreen Zone officer!!

To all the Washington State Horsemen, I would like to share an excerpt from our newsletter from our president Deb Lemeshko. This issue affects all of us...

"Some of you may have seen or heard the recent news reports of 15 malnourished, neglected horses that were seized by county authorities and taken to People Helping Horses at Black Raven Stables in Arlington. (See www.peoplehelpinghorses.com ) Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. The neglect and abandonment of animals is on the rise and is an increasing concern. All of us have horses that are fortunate to be loved, well fed and cared for. As members of the horse community who want to see all animals receive the same good care what can we do to assist animals who aren't as lucky?

First be aware - if you see animals (not just limited to horses) that appear to be underfed and/or neglected report it to the county humane society or animal control office. Do not go on someone else's private property yourself! If you are concerned that reporting could cause problems for you, with the person who owns the animals, call a local rescue organization & see if they will take a look at the animals and they can then report it.

Pick a local organization that interests you and help them help needy animals. You can help by donating money, volunteering your time, and by giving them supplies that they need for their work with animals. All of us have unused, extra horse stuff taking up space, if you aren't using it why not donate it to help some horses in need? Besides supporting your zone, please be concerned, active members of the horse community and do all you can to help horse rescue organizations. We can all contribute to our horse community. See you at the meetings and at the shows!"

Evergreen Zone members don't forget... meeting at Alfy's Pizza, May 1st 7:00 in Snohomish!

Northeast Zone Report

Submitted by Jole Birdsell

The record of 42 degrees for Spokane's coldest high temperature was set April 1893. That record stood for 115 years until April 20, 2008 when the thermometer rose to only 39 after a near-record low of 27. The Fat and Fuzzy Open Horse show went into the record books through a window of opportunity after a nearly being canceled by recurring bad weather. As it turned out this third annual Horse Show Division benefit was the biggest ever in spite of the weather. Judge Kathy Norton ruled attire rules relaxed in favor of warmth so long as the numbers were visible, and a good, if chilly, time was had by most. A few were forced to leave early to avoid hypothermia, but no classes were canceled. Athena Dunham's Jive 'n Java saved us with espressos (about 15 flavors), lattes, hot chili and other delightful goodies.

The weather should be better at Valley Mission for the 1st Annual Mustang Days June 7 & 8. Open to all BLM branded Mustangs. Saturday will be a clinic, followed by a show on Sunday. No experience required, all are welcome. For advance details, call Lea Williams at 509-244-9447 or 994-9829.

New Horses

Sarah Keith, up in Omak, has a new ride, a five year old Quarter Horse mare named Rise Above the Rest. The barn name she came with is "Sarah", but that will probably have to be changed to avoid confusion. Sarah's mom, Madeline Jenkins, says she is really, really, green. Has had some training, but only been off the home place a couple of times, so she has lots of new things to see. According to Madeline, "She is only about 15 hands, dark bay and cute (of course). She has had training but never shown, (but) has been ridden English and western." Sarah will be taking a few lessons to learn what buttons to push because she cues differently from Suds City, who has carried Sarah up from her Walk Trot days.

Sierras Rocky, also a Quarter Horse, has taken up residence with Crysti Gray's two youngest horse show riders. His job assignments are Walk Trot with Mollee Gray, and Leadline with little brother Ty.

Another Leadliner, Shanna Jacobsen also has a new horse. A 14 hand pony mare named Cowgirl. Shanna's small pony, Sally, will become the mount for her baby sister, Lacey Ellen in a few years.

Bob Williams and Lonnie Bitton are recovering from separate accidents. Lonnie lost a disagreement with a colt and was hospitalized with a pelvic fracture that required surgery at Sacred Heart after being transferred from Kootenai County Hospital. Bob had climbed on top of a round bale to cut the twine. He stepped back, caught his foot and fell. He ended up hanging upside down by the hay twine. Fortunately he had his cell phone and called Lea at the house to come and help him get down. Came out pretty sore, and walking with a cane for a few days, but no permanent damage.

Former Zone member Alice Fernau passed away April 8 after a long illness. She was 82. Alice and Walter were active for many years in the zone with the breeding and showing of some very fine Tennessee Walking Horses. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Walter Fernau, three sons, three daughters, and fifteen grandchildren.

Green Pastures

Many of our older members will remember Major Bucks, the big handsome Thoroughbred gelding who ruled the Hunter Seat Equitation and flat hunter classes about fifteen yeas ago. He was retired when his owner, Sheri Babb, went away to college, and later married. She is now working in research at WSU. Major lived with Sheri's folks, Dave and Kathy, until she and Ty were settled in Pullman, and she was able to have him with her. Sadly, he was put down in March after suffering what was probably a stroke, which left him unable to stand. He was 29 yeas old.

"RIDE FOR RESEARCH" June 20 - 21 - 22, 2008
Y'all Come!!

Lope On In

Princess Anna is one of our newest additions to the Jerry Prigge Memorial Finals Queens 2008 Competition.

Anna Barker is 11 years old, in the 6th grade and goes to Rochester Middle School. This is Anna's 2nd year of showing her Paint Mare "Dynamic Dancin" (aka "Daisy ") and her first year in WSH. Anna and Daisy make for a pretty perfect pair!!!

Princess Anna is an Honor Student in school and is also a member of the Thurston County 4-H. She is currently working towards participating in 4-H gaming this year with her other horse "Shiney Bling Bling" (Aka "Paris") a Quarter Horse Palomino mare.

Besides showing her horse, Princess Anna loves to be with her friends, practicing target shooting her gun, with her dad Steve, and best of all she loves doing dog agility with her little Corgi " Katie Sue". She also enjoys riding quads, both in the sand and in the mud! Princess Anna has many other animals besides her horses, to include cows, a pony, Munchkin the miniature donkey, a couple cats and a little black rabbit!

We all wish Princess Anna the best of luck in 2008!

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