The USEF rule book states that there must be at least a 16″ difference is hand position in the western discipline. At OKC, and several other shows, I have noticed that several amateurs and pros alike, keep their hands at a much closer distance. Why are they not penalized? Some are even world champions. I have even noticed the use of two hands! Refer to some photos on Howie’s page or even in the Connection. Anyone else noticed improper hand position?

In the recent posts regarding the new AMHA Logo and How Do We Create More Breed Interest, a thread of discussion regarding how to bring new folks in the breed started. Right now the Morgan publications (ie The Morgan Connection, Morgan Horse, Saddle Horse Report…) all are geared toward and read by those individuals that already own and/or show Morgan horses. Bringing new people into the wonderful world of Morgan Horses is going to be something that will have to be done out of the mainstream Morgan world.

Because many people of all walks of life (and countries for that matter) search the Internet for horse information, there is a possibility that non-Morgan owners could end up here, at AboveLevel.com. My husband came up with the idea of setting off a section of the new Forums to be dedicated to Marketing with one topic being “Why I Chose Morgans” (or why they chose me, as the case may be!!) or something of that nature. It would give people the opportunity to write why they became a Morgan horse enthusiast and maybe even tell some heartwarming or funny stories about the horses they have owned or known. I can then pick some of them and cross post them on the front blog page so that more people will have the opportunity to see how wonderful this breed is.

I will alert you when we get that set up which will probably be in the next couple of days. Be thinking about how you got involved and why you find this breed so irresistible. 

In addition to these stories, please feel free to start topics of other marketing ideas.  Maybe if we can consolidate everybody’s ideas we can be a positive influence in helping the Morgan breed’s popularity.

Hello,

Can anyone give me some advice on purchasing a saddle?  I am looking for an english cutback saddle that is good for training and showing.  I’ve heard the Shively saddles are great but was wondering if anyone could recommend other brands that are not so expensive.  Has anyone ever polled trainers on their favorite saddles?

Thank you!