The following are the entry closing dates for the June shows.  Some are still blank and I will fill them in when the dates become available to me.  Also, sorry I was late with these. Some of the shows close entries on May 1.  I will be sure to get July up a little earlier.

June

Connecticut Morgan, West Springfield, MA (6/4-6/7/2008)
Entry closing date:  May 1, 2008

Prairie State Classic Morgan, Madison, WI (6/6-6/8/2008)
Entry closing date: May 1, 2008

Wheat State Morgan, Hutchinson, KS (6/12-6/15/2008)
Entry closing date: May 15, 2008

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I want to give you all an update of how Above Level is doing.  I couldn’t be happier with the stats that I saw this AM.  We have been up and running only since early January and already we have had over 21,000 hits to the site!  I am always amazed when I look at those numbers.  We are still international, with viewers from all over Asia, Africa, Canada and the UK.  In addition we have 140 users registered and highest number of page views on one day was a 778 (I love looking at that number!). 

 Once again, I can’t thank you folks enough!  Show season…here we come…

 (editor’s note: the 21,000 doesn’t include my visits to the site; it counts only outside visits.  As much time as I am on here it would be more like 40,000 if it counted me! -BEB)

I know most of the good saddleseat custom tailors, but need to find a reasonably priced place for western chaps….know of any good places?

Anyone deal with Rod’s before? They look like they might have some nice custom chap options…

Would also love to hear what preferences you all have…I’m leaning toward scalloped edges, and thats all I know lol. What material do you prefer?

Here are some tips from an experienced show secretary for getting in and out of the show office quickly and efficiently.

1.  Make sure that your USEF and AMHA memberships are current before the show season starts and include copies with your entry blank.  USEF membership is required of all participants (owner, exhibitor, trainer, longeur) except leadline and walk-trot exhibitors, in USEF-rated shows.  GR901.9  AMHA membership is required of all participants except leadline and walk-trot exhibitors in the Regional shows and Grand National.  (See Regional Show Requirements #16. )

2.  Include a copy of your horse’s registration papers and any required health papers (Coggins, rabies, vet certificate) with your entry blank.  Regional show offices are subject to spot-checks of registration papers.  Even if the show secretary is your very best friend in the whole wide world, her job is on the line if (s)he allows you to participate without having a copy of your horse’s registration on file.

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…I had the life of my dog!

Justawyn’s Ides of March

(aka Jules, aka Poo-Poo)

I am planning on getting some “Show Dogs” pics over the summer. Dogs are just about as prevalent as horses (and many are pretty darn cute!) Maybe we can turn it into some sort of a fun contest.

Does anyone out there know if the results for the Mason Dixon Classic or the Colorado Classic are posted anywhere?  Or, do you know who I can contact to get them.  I have emailed a couple of people but haven’t gotten a response yet.

I was wondering if there are people that ever considered becoming a show judge.  Comment on this post as to why or why not.  If you already are just answer “Yes” and tell us why you decided to become one.

I posed the following question to our Judges Panel.  Here are the responses of Judges 2 and 3:

Question:

1) What is the hardest thing about judging (hardest thing about judging the horses and the hardest thing about judging your colleagues)?

Answer Judge 2

The hardest thing for me regarding judging horses is placing the middle section.  Usually, the top place horses and the bottom place themselves.  I believe that in say a 6 horse class, the 3rd-5th places deserve fair assessment and in my mind, I really work hard to place them appropriately and fairly. 

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Anybody out there do any showing this weekend?  Let’s hear how you did!  Post any reports you have from the rail or back in the barns.   We, who had to stay home, would love to hear what was happening.

 Also if you have any good restaurant, or hotel tips from the area post them in that catagory for those who may be traveling there later this summer.

The following are the up to date results for the UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premier show.  For more information about this show go to HorseShowCentral.com

Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle–Novice Rider
 1  Colors of War (Jennifer Ehrlich, rider; Jennifer Ehrlich, owner)
 2 Beam Time (Susan Huettner, rider;  Juris Morgans LLC, owner)
 3 Merriehill Wish Me Well (Emily Lloyd, rider; Emily Lloyd, owner)
 4 IMA Class Action (Tamra Lynch, rider; Tamra Lynch, owner)

Morgan Pleasure Driving–Junior Exhibitor
 1 Lookaway’s Hot Ticket (Monique Dube, rider; Pauline Richard Dube, owner)

Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle–Jr/Novice Horse
 1 LSF Nevermoretal (Beth Ann Grella, rider; Beth /David Grella, owner)
 2 National Treasure (Nicole Simard, rider; M/M Paul Simard Simard, owner)
 3 WWS Last One Standing (Kim Bernier, rider; Kim Bernier, owner)

Morgan Western Pleasure–Open
 1 FCF Montego Bay (Judy Nason, rider; Joanne Kieger, owner)
 2 Bogalusa (Christine Nava, rider; Fred & Christine Nava, owner)
 3 Wellspring Immortal Star (Carrie Layte, rider; Suzanne Haselkorn, owner)
 4 Raintree Treasure (Dottie Brittingham, rider; Debra Becroft, owner)
 5 Acadia’s Secret Promise (Richard Gold, rider; Sandy Wooding, owner)

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