Trail trial competition enhances the bond you have with your American Quarter Horse.

The Recreational Riding report will help you get involved in trail trials.

By Kristin Syverson

It’s hard to pick just what makes the American Quarter Horse so special. Certainly, though, the ability to enjoy these horses in such a variety of different ways is close to the top of the list.

Trail trials are yet another – increasingly popular – way to enjoy your Quarter Horse. So popular in fact, that AQHA will have trail trial clinics at QuarterFest. In addition to the clinics and practice time, QuarterFest goers will be able to get their feet wet in an actual trail trial competition.

We last mentioned trail trials when we wrote about 5,000-hour Horseback Riding Program award winner Debra Smith. Many of her hours were garnered through participation in competitions put on by the California State Horsemen’s Association. Read the rest of this entry »

It just seems right for America’s Horse to salute the efforts of America’s soldiers.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 5: Wounded Warrior Tribute to Armed Forces

As of today, there are only five days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

There’s no denying it: QuarterFest is a horse crazy kid’s paradise!

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 6: Kids Activity Center

With the activity center in full swing all three days, you’ll never have to worry about your kids being bored at QuarterFest!

Kids of all ages can test-drive an American Quarter Horse, participate in a number of hands-on equine-related activities and games, and learn how to be more “green” in their horse-related behavior in the Breyer Kids Corral.

Throughout the day, kids will have a chance to indulge their horse crazy side when they sit in a saddle, learn the horse parts and markings, go on a scavenger hunt, paint a Breyer Horse or participate in the Breyer Horse Show.

Other special activities will also take place at the Breyer Kids Corral. Check out the QuarterFest schedule for more details.

As of today, there are only six days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

An AQHA Corporate Partner veterinarian tells you what to consider before breeding your mare.

The decision to breed your mare requires some thought and reflection. There are several questions that must be answered: What kind of foal do I hope to produce? Is my mare a good broodmare candidate? What type of care will she need before she is bred?

Dr. Thomas R. Lenz of AQHA Corporate Partner Fort Dodge Animal Health offers some pointers:

• Mares should be bred after the age of 3 and can be bred well into their 20s. A mare’s reproductive efficiency decreases significantly after the age of 12, especially mares that have never been bred. Read the rest of this entry »

Saddle up for beautiful views on the QuarterFest Trail Ride.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 7: The QuarterFest Trail Ride

On May 2, join AQHA for the QuarterFest Trail Ride through the beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, Tennessee. The ride will take most of the day and a team of local park experts will share the history and sights of the area.

The park contains 900 acres that are used for intensive recreation. An additional 8,100 acres are operated by the Parks Division as a natural area and by the Forestry Division as a State Forest.The park offers 12.5 miles of marked trails for horseback riding.

Hundreds of miles of forestry fire trails are also available for exploring. Just think of all the hours you could log in AQHA’s Horseback Riding Program! A current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses entering the park.

As of today, there are only seven days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

QuarterFest just might inspire you to go backcountry camping with your horse.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 8: Backcountry Camping with Bo Winslow

Bo Winslow, a clinic instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Association, will teach the skills you need for a backcountry camping trip.

Below are some of the topics he will discuss:

• Preparing for the trip: cover the rules and regulations of the camping/packing area you are visiting.

• Packing for the trip: learn and try your hand at using the double diamond hitch and the box hitch, two very basic hitches used by many packers in the industry.

• Selecting a horse: discuss the conformation you are looking for in your pack and riding animals.

• Selecting a campsite: learn what to look for in a campsite, low-impact guidelines, fire building in tough conditions, setting up and taking down camp with the least amount of impact.

• Cooking in a Dutch-oven: learn to prepare biscuits and cobbler using a Dutch oven.

As of today, there are only eight (8) days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast! 

The benefits of adding a photo to your American Quarter Horse’s registration certificate.

Since the introduction of AQHA’s new registration certificate, submitting photos of your horse has been an ever-increasing inquiry at AQHA. It was brought to my attention today that many aren’t aware of the procedure behind the photo certificate. Keep reading, and I’ll let you know your options.

AQHA Customer Service Rep Kayla Randall

Read the rest of this entry »

Advice from the American Farriers Association takes the stress out of selecting a farrier for your horse.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Just about every horseman knows the expression “no hoof, no horse.” With that in mind, we “nailed down” (slight pun intended) Certified Journeyman Farrier R.T. Goodrich on some farrier-finding facts.

Q: I’m a new horse owner and new to town. How can I find a quality farrier?

A: I’m a firm believer in the American Farriers Association’s certification system. It’s easy to understand the different levels of certification, which can be verified on the Web site www.americanfarriers.org or by calling AFA. Read the rest of this entry »

The Dedicated Conservation Area at QuarterFest will have you seeing green!

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 9: AQHA’s Dedicated Conservation Area

It’s important to consider the impact we have on the environment everyday, but since today is Earth Day, we thought it was especially important to celebrate the great conservation spirit of QuarterFest.

AQHA is putting its money where its mouth is and will be kicking off its new conservation division May 1 -3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Land preservation is the responsible thing to do, but as a horse enthusiast, it’s also in your best interest. There simply is no way to ensure access for trail riding unless you take over as a steward of the land. Get involved with AQHA’s STEP program to protect access for you and future generations.

Upholding the traditions of horse ownership and enjoyment in America, and educating horsemen on building, preserving and behaving properly on trails is critical to our breed and members. The conservation section will give our members the industry leadership expected from AQHA in this crucial area.

As of today, there are only nine (9) days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

Unwind after a busy horse show season with the AQHA and Dude Ranchers’ of America QuarterFest Extravaganza vacation giveaway.

You could win a chance to relax the day and night away at a dude ranch, but even if you don't, beautiful views like this can be yours at the AQHA photo store.

From AQHA’s QuarterFest, with contributions from Kristin Syverson

We’re not a bit surprised if your summer plans include a busy lineup of horse shows. But let’s face it, everyone deserves some time for pure relaxation. Chances are, those hard-working horses of yours won’t mind loafing around in their stalls for a few days.

You just might want to make room in your summer schedule for a relaxation-only trip complete with beautiful natural surroundings, plus a horse or two.

Attend the QuarterFest Extravaganza May 1 and 2 for a chance win a trip to a Dude Ranchers’ of America dude ranch in Arizona or Colorado. Read the rest of this entry »

The QuarterFest Countdown starts off with a little “bling” and a lot of fun.

Do you know what today is? It’s a very special occasion, actually. Today marks the beginning of the QuarterFest Countdown! To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a special feature with the “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest.” We hope you’ll count down with us!

Number 10: The QuarterFest Fashion Show

Be a "haute cowgirl" at the QuarterFest Fashion Show.

The QuarterFest Fashion Show is your chance to see all the latest Western wear and take some home for yourself after you shop ’til you drop!

Sponsored by AQHA Corporate Partners Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths and Justin, the fashion show will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

Come to QuarterFest and see fashionable collections from Wrangler including all of their celebrity signature lines, like those from George Strait, Tracy Byrd, Craig Morgan, Trent Willmon and Ashton Shepherd. Justin Boots is bringing the footwear which will range from comfortable to classy and hip to classic.

Montana Silversmiths – AQHA’s official provider of bling – will top off every outfit worn with its gorgeous watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and belt buckles.

Plus, we’ve thrown out the CD background music and are bringing in up-and-coming country music artist Emily Riesen to provide the tunes for this Wild West duds showcase.

For more information to satisfy your craving for the latest in western fashion, check out hautecowgirl.com. As a bonus, they’ll have coverage of the QuarterFest Fashion Show.

Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN. But hurry, tickets are going fast!

In summer 2006, I was traveling around North Texas picking up stories for the Journal.

John Hoyt during his Journal interview the summer of 2006. (Journal photo)

This area is a treasure trove for us with its concentration of trainers, breeders and exhibitors.

One story I was to get was at Pete Kyle’s place in Whitesboro. It was on John Hoyt, whom Pete had recently invited to move to a house on his place. I’d heard John was one of the founders of the Arizona Sun Country Circuit and was held in high regard by the horse community.

Curious about the assignment, I asked my reining trainer, Dean Latimer, whether he had heard of John.

“Yes,” he said, looking at me like I was dim-witted. “Hasn’t everyone?”

“Well, no,” I admitted sheepishly. “I haven’t.”

“He’s probably one of the greatest horsemen ever,” Dean told me. “Many trainers today have him to thank.” Read the rest of this entry »