Submitted by Dan Moriarty
Hello members,
Fall is in the air with rain and cooler weather showing up daily! As the games and horse show season have wound down for the year, I'm watching and wondering about our economy and the upcoming election. Like many of you, I also wonder what the future holds as we pursue our passion with horses. With fuel and food costs jumping around (mostly going up!), less is left over for our horse and other leisure activities. I hope for the best as we elect local, state and federal leaders who can and will get us back on a path to stability and prosperity.
Shortly, we will gather for our annual Convention, to share stories, views and mostly our passion for our horses and the future of WSH. I look forward to seeing many of you and your families to hear about what the past year has brought to you!
I am also excited to announce that Lisa Gardner was the winner of the Membership Drive Contest and will get to attend the banquet along with 7 of her friends free of charge. Way to go Lisa!!
Until next time, Happy trails
Dan
Bob Armstrong, the last of the 5 original founders of WSH passed away at his home on September 12th surrounded by his 5 children, Ed, Elaine, Marilee, Jim and Shannon.
His life was centered around horses and his family. He was instrumental in the founding of many horse organizations. He showed horses for over 30 years and judged horse shows statewide and internationally for 45 years. His first horse was bought by the "pound" for $2.00. Armstrong Ranch sold draft horses in the 1920's and early 1930's. When the draft horse business declined the Armstrong Ranch got into beef cattle. He married Pat Armstrong and they raised four children while running the ranch.
He did fox hunting at Woodbrook Hunt Club where he served as Master of Field Hounds at one point. In 1987, he was named Washington State Orienteering Rider of the Year. He also helped organize and was Wagon Master of the "Centennial Wagon Train of 89".
In his ninety four years, he led a rich and full life, surrounded by good horses and dogs, a large family and a host of friends who adored him. He maintained his sense of humor until the end when he bid us good bye and told us to go raise some hell and have a party on him. We hope that you will all join us for his Life Celebration at the Posse Hall in Littlerock, WA on October 5 at 1:00 p.m. to last all day. There will be much laughter and the telling of stories, just like he wanted it to be. Everyone is welcome. Call Eddie for directions at 360-352-5883.
Be sure to check the website for all the information on Convention. The registration forms are now available online by clicking on Convention on the home page. We are also still looking for nominations for the board positions that need to be filled and there is still space for vendors.
October 23rd is the last day to make your reservations to get the group rate. Call the Red Lion at 1-800-733-5466 and tell them that you are coming for the Washington State Horsemen Convention. Rooms are $80.95.
Submitted by Kathy Lewandowsky
Our season has officially ended on September 30th for the 2008 ride year. We did have 2 really great CTR's this year. Lot's of new competitors and the rides were fun, challenging and without any major catastrophes (Yea!). If you have some really great trails in your area and would like help in putting on a CTR next year, please just call. We will do all we can to assist you in the process.
We had 2 Washington horses attend the Region V AHA Championship Competitive Trail Ride. We qualified 3 horses for the ride this season, but unfortunately Phyllis's horse had an injury at a training ride and was not able to attend. It was a very challenging ride and Hooves & Company did a great job in managing the ride. For those over on the east side, if you want to try some great CTR's you can check out the Hooves & Company rides. They have been putting on CTR's for over 15 years. They really put on a very nice ride, although there are a few differences in how they do Competitive Trail than we do. Make sure you get a copy of their rulebook in advance so you will have a chance to review their differences. I just found out that they have a website this year at www.hoovesandcompany.com. You can view their ride schedule there. Hopefully, they will put their rulebook on it soon.
OK, I've been really lax and forgot to get a place & time set for the Fall Meeting. The date is Sunday, October 12th. The fall meeting is where you will need to submit any proposed rule changes for 2009, turn in your rider fees for any open CTR's you attended and make any nominations for the Sportsmanship award and Junior Inspirational awards. I will get a message out as soon as a place and time is set or you can call me or e-mail me if you would like to attend.
A big thank you to all our riders and volunteers that attended the rides this year. It wouldn't have been possible without all of you. Hope to see you all at convention.
Later,
Kathy & Lily
(Sorry, I only have the results of our Washington riders)
Reserve Grand Champion & Top 5 and a half Arabian Championship- Kathryn Lewandowsky & Honeymoon Night Lily
3rd Place & Top 5 and a half Arabian Championship- Lynne Mahoney & SA Fair Dinkum
CTR Division Fall Meeting, Sunday, October 12, 2008- Place/time TBD
Please call for info - Kathryn Lewandowsky - 360-403-8471
Here are some other organizations where you can find out about CTR:
Washington is part of Region 1 for NATRC. Any NATRC ride can be used for WSH Year End CTR Awards
British Columbia Competitive Trail Ride Association
Any BCCTRA ride can be used to qualify for WSH Year End Awards
October 5 CTR Courtenay, BC
Karen Eigler 250-338-6874
This ride could be used for next year's year end awards.)
Submitted by Melissa Stockman
Well it seems like we were just wishing for the snow to finally go away so that we could ride and now it is fall with only a couple of shows left. I have to say that the Washington State Championship Show was probably the state show that I have had the most fun at. I have been thanked several times for having such a great show, but I want to thank everyone also! If it weren't for the great people there it would not have been as much fun. If you haven't checked out your pictures from the WSCS do so http://pixeldust.smugmug.com. There are some great ones! Now all that is left is the suspense of the outcome of the show and Convention. Of course the point totals have been sent out and I am patiently waiting to hear from all of you. We have proposals ready and they will be voted on at the Convention in Richland. We have made up a slide show to be running at Convention also. I am still in need of more pictures on cd's to add to the show. Well I look forward to seeing you at the last shows and/or Convention. Happy riding and if you have questions, please get a hold of me at or 509-276-9862
Melissa Stockman.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in Richland, please send any thoughts / suggestions on the Mission Statement / Vision to prior to November 10.
All of the page references are taken from the full size version found on the WSH website at www.wshorsemen.com under "Divisions" then "Games" then "Forms and Downloads". These proposed changes will be voted upon at the Saturday morning Games Division Meeting at Convention.
2008 Rulebook - I propose to ratify all rule changes / corrections made to the 2008 rulebook (noted in blue print) as currently found at www.wshorsemen.com.
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 3 under "Membership in W.S.H." - I propose to rewrite the paragraph to read, "Riders must belong to W.S.H. prior to competing to receive awards, classifications, and records. Members may join individually or as a family either through a 100% W.S.H. Club, affiliated W.S.H. club, or by sending the dues directly to the W.S.H. office and joining as a non-club member. In order for times to count, a member may pay their W.S.H. dues and submit a completed application to show management prior to riding at a show. Show management must then contact the W.S.H. office to obtain a temporary membership number and send the dues to the W.S.H. office within 48 hours of show completion."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 4 under "Rules Committee Purpose" #3 - I propose to rewrite to read, "To set up and conduct the Judge's and Timer's clinic(s) each year (live or electronic)."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 6 under "Section 2 (Dress / Attire)" - I propose to rewrite to read, "Riders to wear neat attire at shows other than the WSCS. Neat attire to be defined as western pants (no cut-offs, shorts, or sweats), shirt, and western boots or sports riding tennis shoes with heel. Riders are allowed to wear baseball caps and/or visors at all shows except the WSCS. At the WSCS, riders are to wear neat western attire to include western pants (no cut-offs, shorts, or sweats), western shirt (tucked in if not an over-blouse), and western boots or sports riding tennis shoes with heel. Riders may wear western hats at the WSCS, however hats are not required. A mandatory warning is required before a dress call is made and then the judge's call may not be protested. Arena officials are to be neatly dressed."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 6 under "Section 10 (Re-Rides)" - I propose to add the word "or" to the end of (b), and add (c) to read, "interference by an individual, i.e. arena crew member, spectator, etc. (to be determined by the judge)".
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 7 under "Section 13 (Fines)" - I propose to rewrite sentence #3 to read, "Show sponsor shall pay a $25.00 fine per show for arena sheets inadvertently not signed by the officials and no future shows will be permitted until fines are paid."
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 7 under "Section 16 (Rider's Responsibilities)" - I propose to change the third sentence to read, "If a protest is to be made, it must be made within 48 hours to the WSHGD Director and accompanied with a $25.00 deposit".
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 7 under "Section 18 (Contestant Numbers)" - I propose to delete this section and renumber 19, 20, and 21 accordingly. This section is covered in Disqualifications #14.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 8 under "Disqualifications #13" - I propose to rewrite the sentence to read, "Individual Events Only - Knock down of a stake, pole, or barrel. In flag race, failing to reset a knocked down container prior to exiting the course."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 12 under Flags "Event" - I propose to remove the last sentence from the first paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 12 under Flags "Event" - I propose to remove the last two sentences from the second paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 13 under Keyhole "Course" - I propose to change the first sentence to read, "A keyhole shall be marked accordingly to the diagram with white lime or a similar dry white substance."
Proposed by Emma and Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 13 under Keyhole "Event" - I propose to change first sentence to read, "Rider rides into the circle of the keyhole (all four feet must be inside the circle clearing the neck of the keyhole), turns horse and finishes."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 16 under Two Man Three Barrel Flags "Event" - I propose to delete the last sentence in the first paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 16 under Two Man Three Barrel Flags "Event" - I propose to delete "In all other events the ring crew will reset downed equipment" from the second paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 17 under Team Flags "Event" - I propose to delete the last sentence in the first paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 17 under Team Flags "Event" - I propose to delete the last sentence in the second paragraph.
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 21 - I propose to change the sixth sentence to read, "Leadline riders may not ride 2-Man and 4-Man team events with the exception of being the mounting rider in Cowhide, mounting rider in Rescue, and non-accompanied team member in Bareback Relay."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 21 - I propose to add a new sentence to the end of the paragraph addressing Leadline riders to read, "Leadline riders will be required to have access to controllable reins in the event of a loose horse situation."
Proposed by Sharon Kelsey.
Page 24 under Judge #3 - I propose to change first sentence to read, "Student judges will be allowed to use the WSHGD rulebook while taking the student judge's test and candidate must pass with a 100%."
Proposed by Dale McLaughlin.
Page 26 - I propose to delete section referring to Western Games Division Historian and propose that 7A recipients (new and repeat) be added to the WSHGD rulebook as of January 1, 2008.
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 29 Under Supreme Champion - I propose to change sentence reading "The maximum dollar allowance is $500.00" to "The maximum dollar allowance is $250.00".
Proposed by Darrin and Wyatt Stockman.
Page 30 under "Qualification" - I propose to change the paragraph to read, "Based on an average of five (5) best times for individual events and three (3) best times for 2-man and 4-man events from two (2) different arenas during the current season. For times ridden under a day number to be included in the 5-time (individual) and 3-time (team) year-end average, written notifications must be sent to the State Times Keeper and include the date, show, sponsor, class, and day number by July 15 of the current year. There will be one (1) run at Washington State Championship Show per event. Riders do not have to show WSH card prior to riding at the Washington State Championship Show.
Proposed by Linda Fonville. Note: If this passes, changes must also be made by the Rules Committee to Page 3 (2nd Paragraph under Contestant Numbers), and Page 10 (Rule #10).
Page 30 - I propose to add new paragraph at end of "Awards" Paragraph to read, "Point Calculation: Points will count as follows: 1st place-6 points, 2nd place-5 points, 3rd place-4 points, 4th place-3 points, 5th place-2 points, 6th place-1 points."
Proposed by Sharon Kelsey.
Page 31 - I propose to delete "Permanent Trophies" from Games Club of the Year.
Proposed by Sharon Kelsey.
Page 31 - I propose to delete "Permanent Plaques" from High Point Individual Event Leadline Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Buckaroo Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Junior Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Intermediate Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Senior A Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Senior B Games Horse, High Point Individual Event Super Senior A Games Horse, and High Point Individual Event Super Senior B Games Horse.
Proposed by Sharon Kelsey.
Page 31 - I propose to change point calculation systems for both Champion Individual Event Games Horse Award and High Point (age group) Individual Event Horse Awards to 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
Page 31 - I propose to change Champion All Around Games Horse Awards to read, "Silver headstall, breast collar, or saddle along with perpetual trophy."
Proposed by Jessie McLaughlin.
The Horse Show Division meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning of Convention. A complete list of all the proposed rule changes can be found on the website under Divisions/Horse Show/Forms and Downloads/HSD Rule Change Proposals 2009.
Remember to send in your miles tracking sheet to Patti Seldal at 22216 Connells Prairie RD, Buckley, WA 98321 by October 15th. Awards for Trails and Pleasure will be handed out during the Trails and Pleasure meeting at Convention. We hope that you can all attend. The meeting will be on Friday at 4:00 p.m.
The 2009 WASHET Judges Clinic will be held on December 13, 2008. Information and RSVP is or . There is no fee. We are asking each judge to download/read the rulebook from the website www.wahset.org. They will be demonstrating all patterns for 2009 season at this clinic and reviewing how they should be judged. Actual registration will be at the clinic. Clinic starts at noon. The address is 10401 Evergreen Valley RD SE Olympia, WA 98513.
All Washet judges are required to attend this clinic to remain on the WAHSET judge's roster. Senior WSH judges are eligible by attending this clinic to become a WAHSET judge.
Submitted by Mary Brady
Written by Mary Brady and reviewed and edited by Susan Conners
I recently participated in a clinic titled "Tai Chi for the Equestrian", taught by James Shaw. James works with the rider unmounted to discover and change imbalances and restrictions within the body that inhibit connection with the horse. Once the rider has the feel and understanding of the corrections, James then works with him/her mounted to bring this new understanding and awareness into the saddle. Results are dramatic.
Initially, James uses the ground movements to help achieve flexibility and lightness in the riders bodies. Keeping the weight over the ball of the foot rather than leaning back on the heels and walking applying these techniques allows hardness in the saddle to be changed to softness. Breathing techniques were used to help synchronize the rider with the horses thrust of movement.
Ground and mounted exercises gave the rider the experience of how the seat bones monitor the horse and receive information from the horse for the rider to act upon. Refinement of the aids included turning the shoulders to the inside of the circle to create weight changes in the seatbones, all of which created directional guidance for the horse rather than pulling on the reins.
These subtle core aids in the rider eliminate inhibition of the horse and apply to all gaits and movements especially upper level work.
James explained how the holding of the junction between the riders neck and head affected the horse's poll.
James Shaw presents clinics nationally and internationally. We are truly fortunate for the opportunity to participate in his work.
Clinics in the Northwest are hosted by Sue Conners of Yelm, WA. , or 360-894-3068 All are welcome.
Submitted by Mary Brady
The second annual Aspen Horse Trials was held June 13-15 in Yelm, WA. Over 230 horses participated in the event with many people on the waiting list. Just three years ago, Jonathan Elliott and his wife Suzy Pettman-Elliott, began transforming 240 acres of wooded, rolling terrain into an eventers dream; a cross-country course that incorporated the best elements of the courses the pair have ridden, from Kentucky Rolex to Burghley. Much of the land has been kept in forest, grasslands and natural wetlands.
The current cross-country course includes two major complexes: a water jump and a bank. Highlights include a ship with live evergreens serving as mast poles, a hand-carved whale tale, beautiful tabletops, and plenty of natural lumber.
The initial course was built in range from Novice to Preliminary levels. Trumain Cooper designed the intermediate course for this years events. Volunteers came from far and wide-students, parents, and students from Baywood and Briarwood Pony Clubs. Volunteers help to keep the sport affordable.
While the show season is winding down, the next year is just starting. At the next few months of Evergreen Zone meetings we need to implement rule changes, elect officers for next year, decide on year end awards & recruit more members for next year. The Zone needs all of its members and people who want to join for next year to get involved now. Please plan on attending our meetings for the discussion of rule changes and the rest of the meetings this year to select officers for 2009 and plot a direction for the zone. I look forward to seeing all of you at the meetings.
Submitted by Christine Oliver-Hammond
On September 7th, Meridian Riding Club held their annual Prize Ride at Buck Creek. I don't normally do much trail riding but a group of friends were going so I decided to go too. It was a great day. The members of Meridian Riding Club did an excellent job putting on such a nice event. The day was gorgeous, the prizes were great and they had a very good turn out. I encourage everyone to get out and support events like this that are being put on by the clubs in Washington State Horsemen.
Three-Show Series an Overwhelming Success! Zone One organized a Three Show Series this season. The first one was the Early Bird Open Dual Show, held in April at the Yakima State Fair Park in Yakima, WA (results reported in June Canter). The second one was the Goldendale Quad show held at the indoor arena in Goldendale, WA, June 13-15. For this show, managed by Dawn Spencer with Arlys McDonald as show secretary, there were 54 exhibitors, the weather was beautiful, and everyone had a fun time!! High Point winners for Goldendale appear in the next section (Golden Riders at Goldendale). The final show took place in Yakima at the State Fair Park on August 22-24. A TOTAL OF 76 RIDERS/HANDLERS PARTICIPATED IN THE WINE COUNTRY DUAL OPEN SHOW!!! We even had five Hunters and three Reiners!!!!! High Point winners for Wine Country received folding camp chairs with the award printed on them. The show series high point winners for English and Western Horse received rolling accessory carts. All other show series high point winners received zippered portfolio cases with the award printed on them. We thank all the exhibitors for their support, especially all of the young riders! We really appreciate your participation and hope you had fun at all three shows! Valley Riders are grateful for all the help and support for this show, including Nea Welch-Timmons (Header, Announcer, Awards, all other duties assigned); Larry Zable (Co-Show Manager as well as Show Secretary); Marti Zable (Ring Steward); Chris Kelley (Announcer and Co-Show Manager); Holly Ferguson (Photographer, Header, and all other duties assigned); Rose Kelley, Gloria Marley, Kindra Eliason, Daniel Timmons (last four were Ribbons/Awards people); Judith McGinnis and Kathy Norton (In Gate Managers); Bill Yeaman, Daniel Timmons, Diane Bitz-Richards, Judith McGinnis (Out Gate Managers); Christina Klein and Jackie Bales (Silent Auction, Raffle Sales, Ribbon People, and Mental Support Personnel); and all the other parents and friends who pitched in where needed. Our wonderful photographer from OMG Photography, Mr. Nathan Lake, took lots of great photos (website: http://omgphoto.smugmug.com). High point winners appear below (go to Section entitled We Raise Our Glasses to These Riders and Handlers). Overall series high point winners appear in the section below entitled Three Times a Charm! To be eligible for the series awards, riders/handlers had to attend all three shows. The Hunter-over-Fences classes were added to the Wine Country class list and a separate show called Jump into Wine Country was held Friday evening, August 22, with the same Hunter-over-Fences class list. Kathy Norton and Leslie Killpatrick judged the jumping on Friday evening and Sherri Williams and Leslie Killpatrick judged the Saturday morning (August 23) session. Liz Lawrence is much appreciated for her contributions as course designer. Volunteers for the Hunter-over-Fences classes included members of Yakima Valley OPRC and the Central Washington Hunter-Jumper Association; these clubs also provided the standards and poles for the jumps. It was wonderful to have such a good "pit crew" for those classes! To be eligible for the High Point Hunter-over-Fences award, the rider needed to attend both the Friday evening show and the Saturday morning session. The High Point Winner appears in the Wine Country High Point Winners list below.
(High Point Winners for Goldendale show)
13 & Under - Madison Brownlee
14-17 - Whitney Pittman
18-29 - Lacie Smith
30 and Over - Bonnie Schuchman
Novice/Green Horse - Joye Edison
English Horse - Melissa Welch
Western Horse - Bonnie Schuchman
Trail - Brent Moriarity
All-Around for the show - Bonnie Schuchman
(High Point Winners for Wine Country):
10 & Under Walk / Trot / Jog - Mikhayla Perez riding RC Pokadanse
13 & Under - Cheyenne Adams riding Same Difference
14-17 - Whitney Pittman riding Zippinonin
18-30 - Sondrea Garcia riding Quary
31-49 - Roby Harden riding Sun Dun Illusion
50 & Over - Sara Jenssen riding VP Mardi Gras
Junior Horse - Bonnie Schuchman riding Lord Scotty
Senior Horse - Roby Harden riding Sun Dun Illusion
English Horse - Roby Harden riding Sun Dun Illusion
Western Horse - Bonnie Schuchman riding Lord Scotty
Hunter over Fences - Jennifer McGinnis riding Slick Autumn Wind
Long Ears - Christina Klein handling/driving Dynamites Get Ear Dun
Overall Driver/Handler - Lori Phillips driving Deacon O'Taneum Hill
Overall Driving Equine - Molly Savelesky driving Thor O'Taneum Hill
(Three-Show Series High Point Winners):
Walk/Trot/Jog 10 & Under - Nicole Rasmussen riding Stylish Fashion
13 & Under - Kayla Hedlund riding Skips Golden Gift
14-17 - Whitney Pittman riding Zippinonin
18-30 - Sondrea Garcia riding Quary
31-49 - Bonnie Schuchman riding Justa Lil Red Rebel
50 & Over - Sara Jenssen riding VP Mardi Gras
Junior Horse - Bonnie Schuchman riding Lord Scotty
Senior Horse - Roby Harden riding Sun Dun Illusion
English Horse - Roby Harden riding Sun Dun Illusion
Western Horse - Bonnie Schuchman riding Justa Lil Red Rebel
Long Ears - Christina Klein handling Dynamites Get Ear Dun
Overall Driver/Handler - Tara Sandall driving Whiskers Lil Moose
Overall Driving Equine - Molly Savelesky driving Thor O'Taneum Hill
What Do We Do for an Encore? Well. . .get your 2009 calendars out and mark these dates for a two-show Wine Country series in the summer of '09!!
Spring in Wine Country Dual Open Horse Show
(Previously known as Early Bird Dual)
June 12-14, 2009 - Yakima State Fair Park
On Friday night we will have Hunter and Jumper Classes.
Wine Country Dual Open Horse Show
August 21-23, 2009 - Yakima State Fair Park
On Friday night we will have Hunter and Jumper Classes
Spring in Wine Country and Wine Country will be a two (2) show series; exhibitors will be required to attend both shows to go for the overall Series High Point Awards. Each show will have its own set of high point awards as per usual. Premiums will be available at WSH Convention 2008 in Tri-Cities (Pasco) in November, and then through email anytime after Convention.
The Year of the Donkey. Here is the update on Long Ears showing in Washington State Horsemen shows, particularly in Zone One. Christina Klein has taken Larry the donkey to several shows. There he was in the line up with the other horses in the showmanship and driving classes. And lo and behold, a lovely Western Pleasure mule showed up at the Wine Country Dual show!! Check it out--there are pictures of "her" on the OMG web site (Nathan Lake from OMG Photography was our photographer for the show). Zone One has added a Long Ears Perpetual Award to their Year End Awards.
Note Time and Date Change! Valley Riders usually meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at Magic's Pizza in Selah, WA. In October, the meeting will be on October 8, at 7 pm at Shari's Restaurant in Union Gap, because the State Fair is still going on during the first week of October. Our 2008 officers are: Nea Welch-Timmons, President; Kindra Eliason, Vice-President; Linda Pittner, Secretary; Christopher Kelley, Treasurer; Linda Spurlock, Points Keeper; Holly Ferguson, Canter Reporter; and Lori Phillips, Membership Person. Kathy Norton is Zone One Director to the State. Call 509-594-9799 for more information on Valley Riders.