Roy-El Morgans opened its door in the 1960′s. We have had numerous national and world champions. Due to the economy, we have to ‘thin the herd’ if you will. We have everything from prospects, to broodmares, and finished show horses. Eethree Supreme, Carlyle Command, ans some Noble Flair bloodlines to name a few. When you ask about Roy-El Morgans, you get the answer: true morgan horses, good tempermants and athletes. We have had world champions in western, hunt, classic and carriage. We have had high level dressage horses, jumpers, competative drivinging horses, park horses, in hand horses and english pleasure horses. Our horses excel as open, junior exhibitor, and amatuer horses. Give us a call and let a Roy-El horse make your dreams come true!

I used to know the mare Coventry Cartier (aka Sparkle) when she was at Dantree Farm.  I wanted to buy her at the Copper Beech sale in 2009 but my husband would’ve killed me if i had brought her home (especially with a foal by her side and back in foal) :P  I had heard through the grape vine that she sold to Playmor.  I hadn’t realised she was going through the Playmor Sale this year or I would’ve bid on her   Does anyone know who she sold to and for how much?  She was a very sweet mare and with that beautiful filly by her side then back in foal to Mizrahi I would have LOVED to buy her.  Any info would be appriciated

We have all been talking about the costs of showing and the effects of the economy. I was thinking that it would be helpful to get a list of some of the consignment shops we have in the states to make shopping a little less painful and horse shows a little more plausible! I am biased as I have been helping out a local consignment shop, but I know there are a lot of great ones out there! Here are a few to get started.

Shopcommotion.com

Wellsuitedapparel.com

www.midwestsaddleseatconsignment.com

http://www.thepatchworkpony.com/

and my favorite… blueribbonconsignment.com

They are currently listing a lot of beautiful stuff on E-bay including Carl Meyers suits, Chavez, Whitman, Walsh, Marsha, Saddleseat Connection, Final Touch, and Tailored Sportsman.  (The seller ID is ckfam)

Keep adding to the list and sell your used stuff you are no longer using!

I know that there was just a post a while ago about horse shows/the industry and the economy, but I would really like to bring this up again.  I just recently spectated at the Maine Morgan show in NH, and saw the same thing I’ve been seeing all season- LOW NUMBERS.  I know that when Maine Morgan was located in Maine it was very small show with low numbers and lower caliber entries, which is why it was moved to NH I believe.  Since the move, the show has seen an increase in participation and quality, but it seems with the economy it’s almost back to the level it was at when it was in Maine.  What I saw at Maine was more 1 and 2 horse classes than at any other show I’ve been to, I think.  There were many canceled classes due to no entries as well.  The quality of entries was overall lower than I am used to at Morgan circuit shows too.  It sometimes seemed that there would be a class with one horse whose quality was up to par, and then maybe 3 horses who were significantly lower in quality and turnout, so that one horse would dominate the class by default because its quality was so above and beyond the others- it wasn’t fair competition.

Normally when I go to a Morgan show to either ride or watch, ALL of the entries are like that one horse that dominated the class, or at least almost all.  So I’m not just talking about numbers, I’m talking about quality as well.  At some of these shows I’m seeing entries that are of the quality we’re used to, and then some that you might expect to see at the county fair.  Do not get me wrong, I’m not trying to belittle those entries- all I’m saying is that when they are showing at a breed show with a horse like that against one that has the quality to pin well at a regional competition, it’s not even fair, everything gets out of balance.  We’re getting entries with quality that is kind of uneven and across the board.  It also makes the whole show atmosphere feel different.  It does not feel exciting and competitive when we have more 1 horse classes than not, and horses that are better suited for fairs and open competition.  It’s not the turnout we’re all used to and it’s not the turnout that always had us coming back for more.

I’ve been keeping up with most of the results from Morgan shows not just in my area, but around the country as well, and the trend is the same- numbers are way down, scary down.  I showed at Connecticut Morgan and noticed that the jr. ex. hunter classes which we all know are normally HUGE, only consisted of something like 6 horses.  Interestingly, it seems that western classes are seeing an increase in numbers, or at least are holding steady. Anyone have an explanation for that??

Has anyone else noticed how skimpy the Morgan Connections have been? And there was a long period of time where there were no new issues.  It used to be that it came every single month- Winter or Summer.  And during show season there were sometimes 2 issues in a month.  Now we’re in the middle of show season and the issues are barely making 100 pages.  Why is this happening?  I’m guessing that there has been a major decrease in the number of people advertising and this is the reason.

Last year the numbers took a bit of a hit, although at some of the regional shows, especially New England, the numbers were still very strong.  But this year things seem to have taken a real nose dive and I just don’t know why exactly.  I’m interested to hear what you all think.  Is the economy solely responsible?  Can some of you share how it has changed your own life with Morgans?  I, personally, am still doing the same number of shows that I always have (about 4).  It is distressing and alarming to me that this has happened a bit suddenly.  It upsets me a lot because it really makes show season a lot less fun.  It’s actually kind of depressing.  So I want to hear everyone’s thoughts on this. Is anyone else worried like me? When do you think this is going to stop? Why do you think our industry is so down this year in particular??  I want my Morgan world back!! 

If there’s anything in particular you’d like to know about what’s going on at Penn-Ohio shout it out here. I do plan to do a more complete write-up, but probably not until I get home on Monday.

I’m having a great time so far and have met or re-met a lot of people I’ve had some sort of association with along the way. Above Level’s own Beth Wilber had an excellent Classic Pleasure class today, taking the blue in a field of 5.

I don’t know what the total horse count is, but I heard someone down the aisle talking about it once when I was meandering, apparently they hit 130 last year and without an official count are estimating a similar number for this year. No classes are packed to overflowing, but there have only been a few 1 or 2 horse classes and competition is strong.

I showed at Wheat State my first time this year! I thought it was an awsome show ( I’m sad it is over). My mom showed at wheat state when she was a kid. She did good and her hopes for our first show alone was that we might get a ribbon or 2. we got more than 2 ribbons we got 3 1st, 1 2nd, 2 3rd, 1 4th, 1 fith and 2 6th!!!!! I realy want to thank Cathy Grimes for judging.

See you next year wheat state!

Ok, so this is partly just a shameless plug. But, I have never been to OKC and am told I simply MUST go. Truth is, I’d love to. But I just haven’t yet been able to afford it. So, advertise on Above Level, help fill my coffers. OR, better yet, send some business my way. Need a website, or know someone who does? Get in touch with  Rae of Light, yeah, that’s me.  Check out the website for more information and work samples.  I’ve recently gotten back in touch with a few designer and developer friends from college so I have a broader base of expertise to pull from.  And this isn’t just for equine related sites, any small business or local group can benefit from having a website.  If I can keep busy enough for the next few months maybe you’ll see me walking around at OKC.  Would love to see you all there!

So, I’m thinking of getting an Above Level hat that I can wear around at horse shows so people know me. It’s maiden voyage will be at Penn-Ohio if I can get one fast enough. I can probably get a bulk discount if anyone else wants one. So if you want a hat, shirt, whatever, let me know. I won’t look to make a profit on it, just cover the cost and shipping if necessary. Comment here or email me if you’re interested. But make it quick, I’m hoping to get mine ordered within the next few days.

The prizelist is available for the

Penn Ohio Morgan Horse Show

July 2, 3, and 4, 2010 in Meadville, PA

Judge David Earehart

New this year:  Junior Hunter Championship, Double Jeopardy Carriage Driving, Hunter In Hand, Classic In Hand, and Western In Hand classes.

Also over $1000 added prize money for Penn Ohio Members. Make sure your membership is up to date!

Check out our discount package of 2 stalls and 3 classes for ONLY $75.00!!

Prizelist available at  www.pennohiomorgan.com  Scroll down to the bottom of the front page to download.

Any questions or concerns please contact Julie Schmidt at 814-332-0627

This is kind of a random question, but I’m wondering what you guys think about use of watermarked photo proofs on websites and online advertisements? I know sometimes folks will just use a proof as a digital version for a photo they’ve already ordered, but I assume this is often not the case. Personally, whenever I see this it seems unprofessional and tacky. There also seems to be a bit of a double standard with digital v print advertising. I imagine if someone tried to use a watermarked photo in an print ad, the publication wouldn’t allow it, so why is it “allowed” in digital ads? I guess there could also be the argument that a clearly watermarked photo just serves as an advertisement for the photographer anyway.

Most of my firmly held objections are for aesthetic reasons. But I’m curious what others think. Is this usually considered acceptable?