If you’re looking for Horseback Riding Program participant Dee Ann Staley, good luck!

Dee Ann Staley and Touchdown Tattle

Saddle a good horse and head out to the Wayne National Forest of Ohio, and you might find Dee Ann Staley logging more hours and getting closer to her second 5,000-hour buckle with the AQHA Horseback Riding Program, in which you get rewarded for the time you spend horseback.

She also enjoys racking up hours during the thrill of competition. She shows in halter and barrel racing.

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Increase your enjoyment quotient and your bankroll.

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By C. Reid McLellan

My wife joined me in Southern California the last week of October to spend Breeders’ Cup weekend at Santa Anita for her birthday. We enjoyed two days of Championship Thoroughbred racing and then spent Saturday night at Los Alamitos to enjoy the Los Alamitos Championship and other American Quarter Horse racing.

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AQHA Corporate Partner Justin Boots offers 10 tips and tricks.

Women's AQHA Foundation Series

The weather’s getting cooler, so take advantage of the opportunity to head indoors and give your boots some much-needed TLC to keep them in good shape for the months ahead.

AQHA’s official western boot manufacturer Justin Boots asked its customers to submit their favorite tips for keeping their boots looking good and lasting long.

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Strategies for saving on your horse breeding bill.

1. Hunt for bargain stud fees

• Look for cheaper stud fees at the stallion service auctions many associations offer. These auctions can also be found with futurities or through your state affiliate. The stallion owners donate stud fees, and the money raised is usually used by the organization for added money at a future show. The best stallions go fast. For a list of stallion service auctions, check for advertisements in The American Quarter Horse Journal or click here.

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Routine wellness exams can prevent equine emergencies.

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The American Association of Equine Practitioners and Fort Dodge Animal Health partnered to create America’s Healthy Horse, a joint educational initiative designed to raise public awareness about the importance of seasonal wellness exams and professionally managed preventive care for every horse.

Certain kinds of colic, lameness, some foaling conditions and nearly all common equine diseases are examples of potential emergencies that could be prevented through twice a year wellness exams, routine vaccinations and year-round parasite control. Biannual wellness exams can reduce frightening and costly emergency calls – and help your horse live a longer, healthier life.

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What you need to know about the AQHA World Championship Show this month in Oklahoma City.

For 16 days in November, Oklahoma City’s horse population swells with the top competition from around the world converging to compete at the AQHA Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Championship Show. The competition takes place November 7-22 at State Fair Park.

The 2008 World Show entries have increased compared to 2007. This year, AQHA received 3,494 entries for the World Show, an increase of 191 over 2007 figures. Entries were received from 48 states, eight Canadian provinces, Brazil, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. With 2,154 horses slated to compete, the Oklahoma City economy will see a boost of more than $31.7 million from exhibitors and spectators.

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What to consider when looking for your “one and only” American Quarter Horse.

Illustration by Randee Fox

If you’re considering buying a horse, your options are unlimited.

But, in the age of information overload, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and let your emotions take control instead of making a sound purchasing decision on the right horse for your needs and wants.

Horse enthusiast Randee Fox provides the following tips to help you break through the clutter and find your “one and only” American Quarter horse.

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Novice western pleasure exhibitors can train themselves to pass.

Use cones to practice these passing tips at home.

By Larri Jo Starkey

In western pleasure, your horse should be a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to ride – no matter what your skill level.

All of your efforts should be aimed at making your horse look smooth.

AQHA Professional Horseman and judge Louis Hufnagel provides the following tips for novice western pleasure competitors.

• Read the rulebook. Any time you have a question about how your horse should look in the show ring, don’t depend on fads to tell you – look at the rulebook.

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This lightning-fast colt will headline on Challenge night.

By Richard Chamberlain

On Bank of America Challenge Championship night on November 8, great racing American Quarter Horses from all over the country will converge at Evangeline Downs in Louisiana to vie for top honors.

Sharing the race card on Challenge night will be the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders’ Association Futurity. The headliner is the lightning-fast colt Jet Black Patriot, who has won six of seven starts and earned $631,926. His only defeat came in the $2 million All American Futurity, where he battled Stolis Winner to the wire and lost by a half length.

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