From The President
First and foremost, don’t forget the Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association annual meeting on November 17th at the Holiday Inn Airport in Charlotte. The meeting starts at 3:00 PM with a social hour starting at 5:00 and dinner and awards beginning at 6:00. You will need to RSVP me at 828-859-5456 or email me at greengaitfarm@yahoo.com no later than November 10th. Hope to see at the meeting.

I just returned from the PFHA quarterly Board of Directors Meeting in Tampa. As many of you know PFHA has had a major turnover in administrative staff as well as some financial problems recently. I will bring the membership up to date on these matters at our annual meeting. I am confident the PFHA Board will take the necessary steps to get our national association back on the right track in the coming year.
From your PPFHA Board of Directors we hope to see you at our annual meeting, but if we miss you, we hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Bill Kerns

IMPORTANT MEETING NOTICE

Please mark November 17, 2007 on your calendar. The Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn Airport, 2707 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC. The festivities will start at 3:00 with our Annual Membership Meeting. We will be voting on several important issues including, changes to our by-laws, 2008 judges, and one Board of Director position. Dinner will follow the meeting. The Holiday Inn Airport is conveniently located at Exit 32 off I-85 in Charlotte. In an effort to make sure we have an accurate count of members attending, please R.S.V.P. to Bill Kerns at greengaitfarm@yahoo.com or call him at 828-859-5456 by November 10, 2007. We look forward to seeing you at this year ending event.

New for 2008 is the Piedmont E-newsletter. Please put your email address on your renewal form to receive the newsletter electronically by email. The new monthly Piedmont E-News started in September 2007. If you did not receive it, check your spam filter and allow email to be received from piedmontpfha@yahoo.com. Consider adding piedmontpfha@yahoo.com to your list of contacts. Please check that your current email is on record with Piedmont's secretary and on the website's membership directory page http://www.piedmontpasofino.org/pages/membership.html. For the newest Piedmont e-news format, be sure to have your email program allow graphics and images and "html" to be turned on. The format is in the introductory phase, and has been favorably received by members. Please note and check the “opt-out” of a printed snail mailed newsletter on the 2007-2008 renewal form, which will save our organization many hundreds of dollars per year.

For your vote to count, you must renew membership in Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association for 2007-2008. Piedmont membership renewals are now due. To continue receiving newsletters , to avoid missing notification of an upcoming Piedmont event, and for your vote for the Board of Director and By-Law changes to count, Please take a moment to complete and send your 2008 membership renewal form and check to Robbie Davis. Don’t be left out!

For the Board of Directors, we have one volunteer, Ali Casey. Ali has been involved in the Paso Fino breed since 1993 when she received her first Paso Fino horse as a present from her husband, Paul. Like so many of us, “you just cannot have just one Paso Fino.” Their Flat Rock Farm in Louisburg, NC houses many offspring from their two standing stallions and six well breed brood mares. Many of the offspring are presently, successfully showing, in the show ring. Ali has been on the advisory committee for the NC State Fair for the past several years and has worked with Lynn Gallup on the Paso Fino Division at the State Fair. They presently offer training, riding lessons and stallion service at their farm. Ali has been a successful Real Estate Broker in the North Carolina since 1977. She is also working to become a PFHA Steward. Ali looks forward to the opportunity to serve PPFHA as a Director.

During our membership meeting November 17th, 2007, we will vote on several items, including By-Law changes and the Board of Director’s positon. If you do not plan to attend the meeting, please make your votes heard by filling out the Absentee Ballot enclosed in this newsletter.

Download Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association Absentee Ballot.(doc file)

Please use this ballot if you are NOT attending the meeting on November 17th, 2007 in Charlotte, NC. For your ballot to be counted, please complete and return it to Joe Wilhem on or before November 10th, 2007. Send to: JOE WILHEM, 1285 STONY RIDGE RD., PINNACLE, NC 27043. Your ballot must be RECEIVED by this date in order to be counted. You must be a 2007 Piedmont PFHA member to cast a vote. All By-Law changes will go into effect immediately after voting at the meeting.

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Piedmont PFHA By-Laws with Proposed Changes
(Nov 17th 2007 Proposals noted in bold red print, deletions are crossed through.)

ARTICLE III (Membership, Dues, Privileges and Responsibilities)

Section 1. Membership. Any adult person interested in the objectives of the Piedmont PFHA is eligible for membership application. Membership applications shall be submitted in writing along with applicable dues to the Treasurer of Piedmont PFHA.

Section 2. Membership classifications. Piedmont PFHA membership classifications include

Individual membership - one (1) adult (at least eighteen (18) years of age). Individual memberships are entitled to one (1) vote.

Family membership - Up to two (2) adults and any children under the age of eighteen (18) living in the same household. Family memberships are entitled to one (1) vote for each designated adult.

Farm membership – an individual or family membership with a farm listing in Piedmont’s publications, with a designated adult agent. Farm memberships are entitled to three votes for the designated agent. However, a person who is a designated agent for a farm membership may concurrently hold an individual membership or be part of a family membership in which case the voting agent will be entitled to the applicable number of votes for each membership.

Trail ride membership- a one-time, single trail ride membership allowing non-Piedmont members as guests during Piedmont PFHA sponsored trail rides. Trail ride memberships are non-voting.
Section 3. Dues. Annually the Board shall set the annual dues for the ensuing membership term and shall present those dues to the membership at the annual meeting of the Association.

Dues shall be payable on the first day of October each year. Dues paid by members joining Piedmont between July 1 and September 30 shall apply for the upcoming membership year.

Section 4. Membership responsibilities. To be entitled to full Piedmont PFHA benefits one must be a member of Piedmont PFHA, maintain current Piedmont PFHA dues, maintain good standing with Piedmont PFHA, and not have designated a region other then Piedmont as one’s regional affiliation.

Members with regional affiliations other than Piedmont PFHA are entitled to all benefits with the exception of voting on national matters, voting in Piedmont PFHA elections, and holding office in Piedmont PFHA.

Membership is for a term of one year and must be renewed on a annual basis. Applicants must be free of outstanding debts to Piedmont before membership will be renewed. The Board of Directors reserves the rights to review, reject, revoke the application of any individual whose conduct is found to be contrary to or in violation of the Code of Ethics as detailed in the PFHA Constitution.

To remain in good standing with Piedmont PFHA, members must obey and be bound by the by- laws of Piedmont PFHA and the actions of the Board of Directors of Piedmont PFHA.

Section 5. Member Discipline. The Board of Directors may censure, suspend, or expel from Piedmont PFHA any member charged with acts of conduct detrimental to the Association and/or in violation of the Code of Ethics detailed in the PFHA constitution. Disciplinary action will be imposed after a due and proper hearing at which the accused is afforded an opportunity to be heard and defended on all charges.

ARTICLE V (Duties of Officers)

Section 1. Duties of the President. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall preside over all meetings of the PFHA. He/she shall appoint all Piedmont Committee Chairpersons and a parliamentarian with the advice and consent of officers and directors.

The President shall see that the by-laws, rules, and regulations of Piedmont PFHA are enforced.

The President shall serve as National Delegate or shall appoint a member of Piedmont PFHA to serve. Such an appointment, if made, is to be with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors. The National Delegate shall make a written report to the Board of Directors within 20 days of the National Association meeting. The National Delegate shall also be responsible for a written report to the general membership of Piedmont PFHA to be published in the first issue of the Piedmont Password to be printed following the national association meeting.

The President, for one year immediately after finishing their elected term, will also serve as an advisor to the Board of Directors, and attend meetings of the Board.

Section 2. Duties of the Vice-President. The Vice-President shall in the absence of the President or during incapacity of the President perform the duties and function of the President’s office. The Vice-President shall serve as a close assistant to the President.

Section 3. Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall record and maintain a record of the minutes of all meetings and proceedings of the Piedmont PFHA, conduct correspondence, and perform such other secretarial duties as may be required by the President or the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the membership roster.

Section 4. Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the fiscal officer of Piedmont PFHA and shall deposit all funds received in a designated banking institution in the name of Piedmont PFHA. The Treasurer shall maintain an accurate account of all finances and financial transactions and shall make all authorized disbursements.

The Treasurer shall insure that disbursements are made only through the official Piedmont checking account. Itemized vouchers shall support disbursements and the Treasurer shall maintain the vouchers. An annual audit of the files of the accounts and files of the Treasurer shall be made by a qualified person appointed by the President at the close of each fiscal year and the results of such audit shall be reported to the members at the next occurring annual meeting. Interim audits may also be made upon giving at least ten (10) days notice to the Treasurer.

Written reports of all receipts and disbursements and the financial status of Piedmont PFHA shall be made semi-annually. The first report shall be made at the first membership meeting following the close of the fiscal year.

No funds shall be withdrawn from the Association depository except by check signed by the President, Vice-President, or Treasurer, all of whom shall be bonded in the amount determined by the Board of Directors.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for all tax reports and returns as may be required by the State and Federal Governments.

ARTICLE VIII (Elections)

Section 1. The President, within a reasonable time after the annual meeting, shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of three (3) Piedmont voting members in good standing, none of whom are officers of the Association. The responsibility of this committee will be to actively solicit and encourage qualified candidates and make as well as receive nominations (preferably at least two (2) nominees per office) for offices the ensuing term. The nomination committee must ascertain that each person nominated is willing and able to perform the duties of the office (prior written or verbal approval of the candidate must be obtained), and the committee shall publish to the membership the list of Candidates for each office thirty (30) days prior to the election at the Annual Meeting. Nominations for officers and directors of the Association shall be received by the Committee Chair by certified mail. In addition, Nominations for any office may be made by any member in good standing from the floor at the annual meeting, or by email, or by letter to the President of the Association. A nominating committee member will voluntarily resign from the Nominating Committee if he or she is nominated for an office of the Association. The Nominating Committee shall remain in force until its recommendations are presented to the Presiding Officer at the Annual Membership Meeting.

Section 2. Eligibility for Office. No person shall be eligible to serve as an officer of Piedmont PFHA unless such person has been an active member in good standing with Piedmont PFHA for at least twelve (12) months prior to the date of nomination. No person shall hold more than one (1) elective office in the Piedmont PFHA at one time.

Section 3. Election Procedures. Members who are unable to attend the annual meeting may vote by absentee ballot that will be sent along with an official return envelope.

ARTICLE IX (Committees)

Section 1. Appointments. The President, upon taking office, shall within a reasonable time thereafter, appoint the chairpersons and members of standing committees and any special committees that he/she deems requisite for the ensuing year. The chairpersons of all committees shall submit to the Board of Directors their respective programs for considerations and appropriate actions.

Section 2. Definition. A standing committee shall be any group created by the membership through the by-laws upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors whose purpose is to plan and implement projects and programs of the Piedmont PFHA. All plans of implementation must have the prior approval of the Board of Directors of Piedmont PFHA.

Section 3. Standing Committees. Standing committees of Piedmont PFHA shall include but not be limited to: Activities, Clinics, Trail, Points, Futurity, Banquet, Password, Nominating, Directory, Membership, Youth, and Marketing, Show. The Board may create and empower other committees, general or special, as needed.

Section 4. Fiscal matters. Any monies collected by a standing committee or special committee in the implementation of its approved projects must be accounted for and submitted to the Piedmont Treasurer. The Piedmont Treasurer shall make all disbursements. No committee shall establish a separate bank account for receiving and disbursing funds unless approved by the Board of Directors. All written records shall be submitted to the Secretary of Piedmont PFHA.

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Upcoming Events

All Pinto Paso Fino "The Color Carnival" Show is November 10th -11th
The first ever all pinto Paso Fino show will be held this weekend November 10-11 in Archdale, NC, at the Triad Livestock Arena, a short distance from High Point and Greensboro. With over 50 classes and 3 major riding divisions--Family Pleasure, Show Pleasure, and Park Pleasure--and a full complement of halter classes, the show promises to be fun and interesting. The judge is Rick Shaffer from Somerset, PA. We also have clinics scheduled throughout the weekend, hosted by PFHA judges. There will be a number of sales horses available for viewing in all age and price categories.

New riders and owners will feel comfortable competing in our fun environment with novice classes, halter classes for amateur handlers, in-hand trail, and clinics designed to help riders know better how to show. We also have clinics on gait and conformation for those wishing to learn more about the breed in general, and color genetics clinics for those wishing to learn about pintos and other color possibilities.

Weekend schedule:
Saturday 9:00 am--clinic on halter showing
Saturday 10:00--halter classes start
Saturday noon--sales presentations
Saturday 12:30--clinic on riding classes
Saturday 1:30 pm--riding classes start
Saturday 6pm or at end of afternoon classes--dinner break
Saturday 6:30 pm--gait and conformation clinic
Sunday 8:30 am--cowboy church
Sunday 9:00 am--color genetics clinic
Sunday 10:00 am--sales presentations
Sunday 11:00 am--remainder of show and championships (should be done by 2:00 pm at latest)

Directions: from I-40 in Greensboro, NC, area, take I-85 south to exit #111, which is Hwy 311. Take Hwy 311 south (east) for 3 miles, turn left on Cedar Square Road, go 1 mile to facility on left. Or from Charlotte area take I-85 North to exit #111, turn right onto Hwy 311 south (east), proceed as above.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information, email mpminter60@aol.com or lotsaspots@yadtel.net. We hope to see you there!

Milda Minter and Denise Ireland

Gracewood Farm's Annual Open House is November 11th
The Annual Gracewood Farm Open House is planned for November 11th in New Hill, NC. The "Come Ride ACadillac" Paso Fino test rides and special events are planned. The Open House will start at 1 pm and run through 4:00 pm. For more info, contact Lynn Gallup at 919-362-5966 or info@gracewoodpasos.com.

Cleveland Christmas Parade is December 1st
A horse friendly Christmas parade is Dec. 1st at 2 PM in the town of Cleveland, NC which is on Hwy 70, between Salisbury and Statesville. Members Andy and Jesse Hinson are our Piedmont member hosts for the event and it is definitely a fun way for your and your horse to get the holiday spirit! The parade is about a mile long and many different breeds are represented along with all the other usual parade entries. Prizes are given for the best Christmas decorated horse. Please let me know by November 15th as I have to turn in a list of participants, if you would like to come.
Dr. Ann Furr
drfurr@alltel.net

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Piedmont Youth Activities

NEW Along with funnel cakes and fireworks, Piedmont Youth members enjoyed a successful show at the NC Fair. On Sunday nite, Ashley and Brett Aldred, Micah Furr, and new members Grayson and Bailey Hicks learned how to measure their horse's height and weight and received free weight tapes courtesy of Meredith Mills of Southern States. Grayson Hicks showed her horse in her very first Paso Fino show and another new member, Price Teachey (5 1/2 yrs old) showed in his first show in the leadline class.

Jennifer Orr took first place in the country pleasure class and also placed third in the trail class on her horse. Micah and Jennifer participated in the first pole bending class, which the crowd and their horses really enjoyed! After a full day of showing, the youth also presented the flags at the opening of the evening ceremony. Participating were Jennifer and Laura Orr, Ashley and Brett Aldred and Micah Furr. A reporter from the Raleigh News and Observer photographed the children with their flags, and those photos can be viewed on their website, http://www.newsobserver.com/156/index.html?naoLink=6.
Dr.Ann Furr

Calling all Piedmont Youth to sign up for Piedmont Pathfinders! Once you do, you will be eligible to start earning $ for our Youth Service Project this year, the Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horseback Riding, just by logging your riding hours. Grown-ups, we'll be calling on YOU to sponsor the Youth, so you'll be helping out, too.
Dr. Ann Furr

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Piedmont Notices

NEW Juan Carlos Iriarte Update
Hello everyone. We wanted to give you an update on what has been going on and also thank you for all the calls and cards we have received. We found out yesterday that Juan is not in remission. The doctors have started him on a chemotherapy pill today called Sprycel. The good news is that we are not having to run to the hospital and hopefully he will be able to tolerate this pill and have favorable results with it. We also found out that there is a potential donor currently on the bone marrow registry. The doctors are working on the financial side of the transplant and are trying to qualify him for a protocol with the National Institute of Cancer. This continues to be a battle for us and your continued support and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you. Get well cards can be sent to Juan Carlos Iriarte, 2071 Sigmon Dairy Road, Newton, NC 28658.
Juan and Lisa

NEW Fall 2007 PFHA Board of Directors Meeting Report
The Fall PFHA Board of Directors meeting was held on October 26 & 27, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Sabal Park, Tampa, FL. The meeting was chaired by Robin Ratliff with a quorum of delegates present. The proposed PFHA budget consumed a large portion of the meeting time. In brief it has been projected that the association will experience a net loss of approximately $242,000 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. Major issues contributing to this loss include, over projection of revenue for 2007, a net loss of over $100,000 due to the Paso Fino Horse World contract and increases in administration costs. The association has a net worth at this point in time of approximately $600,000. The proposed budget for 2008 is still a work in progress. The delegates voted to have the finance committee resubmit a balanced budget, at which time a vote will be submitted by email for or against the proposed budget. The Board of Directors and the regional delegates recognize the severity of the financial situation and a concerted effort is being put in place to put the association back on sound financial footing.

Another major topic was the resolution of hiring a new Executive Director for PFHA. The Board of Directors and the regional delegates voted in favor of hiring Mary Emmons as the new Executive Director. As many of you know, Mary has been a long time employee of the association and has been acting Executive Director for the past couple of months. Mary has been in charge of the registration department for PFHA. Mary has excellent rapport with the staff and the membership at large. Mary is stepping in at a difficult time, but she welcomes the challenge and looks forward to working with the BOD in moving the association toward a stronger future.

Reports were submitted by all the various committees within the association with little to no lengthy discussion. The Rules Committee presented the various rule changes proposed for vote at the Annual Membership Convention in Puerto Rico in January, 2008. I will propose at our annual meeting that a committee be formed to review these rule changes and submit a report to your BOD for final vote.
In closing, it was my opinion that the meeting was well run, with excellent input by the regional delegates. I believe the actions taken will be beneficial to the association and its members.
Bill Kerns

NEW 2007 NC State Fair Horse Paso Fino Show Report
The Paso Fino Show at the NC State Fair for 2007 saw sixty (10 less than 2006) Paso Finos exhibited. The new "fun sport" Pole Bending class saw 3 entries with fast times. Thank you Flat Rock Farm for hosting the Bar-B-Que dinner again for exhibitors on Sunday night. The NC State Fair Horse Show Advisory Committee usually meets in December or January to start planning for the new year's show. If you are a State fair exhibitor, comments are welcome on 2008 judge selection, class schedule, etc., email to Lynn Gallup or Ali Casey.

Piedmont Classic Stallion Auction
These stallions breedings are available from the 2007 Piedmont Stallion Auction.
The minimum bid required is listed along with the stallion name and owner's name.

Caton de Ropa ~ Michael Hingle ~ $500
El Zafiro de Trillador ~ Dr Ann Furr ~ $750
Espartano de Prometido ~ Arleen Klungle ~ $500
Filarmonico de United ~ Seminole Wind Farm ~ $600
Legionario Arroyo Maraca ~ Tony & Carmen Micheletti ~ $500
Mercurio Centallas ~ Brenda Sparks ~ $500
Prestigio de 4 Aces ~ Peter Adrian ~ $500
Rapido del Paso ~ Rick & Janice Meyer ~ $500
Resorte de Zorro Rojo ~ Lew Haines ~ $500
Springtime Radiante ~ United Paso Fino Show Horses ~ $750
Veneno de la Clara ~ El Tomaria Farm ~ $625

Please contact Robbie Davis at (704) 895-4071 or email: ElPorvenir@aol.com with your bid. Bid is closed as soon as payment is received. Make checks payable to: PPFHA Mail to: Robbie Davis, 18600 Shearer Rd., Davidson, NC 28036.

Piedmont Pathfinder's Report
Summer is over, so keep logging all those hours you ride and send them in to Ingrid monthly.
If you haven’t joined, or for more information on the Pathfinders riding rewards program Contact: Ingrid Ruppalt (803)548-2395 or Email: pasofan55@aol.com. Send in your $25 to join Piedmont’s Pathfinders program and get your T-shirt to start and a supply of forms to record your miles.

Futurity Southern States Sponsor
Southern States has donated $1,032.75 to the Futurity this year alone! Please collect the your proof of purchase seals monthly and mail to: Joe & Eileen Wilhem, 1285 Stony Ridge Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043.

Piedmont High Points Report
Welcome to the 2008 show year! We hope to provide the high point standings in the newsletter after each eligible show. If you participated at the North Carolina State Fair and were a current member of Piedmont PFHA, look for your point standings (spreadsheet file) in the Password. If you are not listed, please contact Denise Ireland at pintopaso@hughes.net or call at (336) 998-0751. Good Luck, and I hope everyone has a successful, fun show season in 2008!

First Time Buyer Membership Notices
There is a FREE one year membership for First Time Paso Fino Buyers when the horse is bought from a current Piedmont member.. When selling horses remember to fill out the paperwork for any new buyers to get a free one year individual membership in PIEDMONT as well as PFHA. There is a separate form for Piedmont and PFHA. The Piedmont form is the regular membership form. The PFHA form can be downloaded from www.pfha.org and must be sent to PFHA with the original registration papers to transfer the horse to the new member.

Invite them to participate in any of our events, make them feel welcome in our association. Give us their name(s) so that we can send them a membership directory. Your involvement could make the difference as to whether they stay with us or drift away from the breed or association. Our association is here to help and support us all. Please stay involved and help keep Piedmont PFHA one of the most active regions in the country.

2008 Piedmont Open Horse Show Program
Don’t miss this opportunity to show Paso Finos to the public! You will improve your skills and those of your horse, without the pressure of PFHA shows, all the while making new friends and having lots of fun! It is hard to believe that the show season is already in full swing, but its not too late to join the Open Show Program. Sign up now for the Open Show Points Program. There is an application in this Newsletter. All you have to do is fill out the information sheet and send $10.00 to: Penny Rose, 16976 Justice Branch Road, Littleton, NC 27850, or contact her (252)586-7978, penny.rose@piaofnc.com.

You can find shows in your area by checking the Piedmont website’s calender of events. If you know of a show you would like to add to the list, just fill out the show approval form and send it to Penny Rose. You will receive points for any and all classes you place in at approved shows. Please send your Open Show reports in to Penny Rose as soon as you complete them, so she can keep on top of recording those points!

Points tracking forms and other information are on the Piedmont website in the newsletter section. This year get your Regional High Point recognition. If you need additional information contact Jeanne Griggs, 900 W. Buford St., Gaffney, SC 29341 (864)487-9565 or email Jeanne Griggs jeannegriggs@bellsouth.net.
Jeanne Griggs

Join Piedmont PFHA
There is a new printable size Piedmont membership form online you can print and mail. Remember a person buying a Paso Fino horse from a Piedmont member can give the buyer a free annual Piedmont membership, along with a PFHA membership (need free new membership form from PFHA). 2008 dues are now due! Ride Guest Membership category available for one trail ride at $10.00. The Piedmont website Membership page will be updated in the January update to include all members who have renewed, so renew or join now to be included. Joining as a Piedmont Farm membership includes being listed in Piedmont's online Farm Directory, Membership Directory, includes your website listing, entitles you to 3 votes, and include 1-2 adults.

Piedmont Membership Directory available
If anyone needs a membership directory mailed directly, please let Milda know and one will be send to you. This is the directory that was handed out at the Piedmont Classic show in Asheville. It has the latest member listing and farm directory, plus officer information. It is also a valuable tool for new members or prospective buyers to see how active our region is. Call Milda Minter (336) 764-4785 or email mpminter60@aol.com.

Piedmont Pathfinders
Thanks to all the members who have supported us. Keep logging all those hours you trail ride OFF your farm premises (whether a sanctioned Trail Ride or just for fun) and turning them in to me. Join the Pathfinders program and get your T-shirt to start and a supply of forms to record your miles. Contact: Ingrid Ruppalt (803) 548-2395 or email pasofan55@aol.com.
Ingrid Ruppalt
Chairperson, Piedmont Pathfinders

Important Piedmont News and Deadlines

Piedmont PFHA Website and E-news Deadlines
The 25th of each month will be the tentative deadline for getting new information to the webmaster with a target date around the1st of each month for page updates to be online. Email information in MS Word or text, or notepad format if attachment or within the email message to Lynn Gallup webmaster email . News and Event photos should be sized to 72-100 dpi before emailing.

Paso Fino Horse World Regional News and Deadlines
From Lori West... Do you, your child, or a friend, have an accomplishment with a Paso Fino that you would like to share with the rest of our members? Would your child enjoy seeing their photo and name in print? Did you enjoy a Piedmont event? How about taking the opportunity to encourage a new Paso Fino enthusiast publicly? Please send your news and photos to Lori West, and help make the Piedmont PFHA regional news column in PFHW interesting to read by all PFHA members. Your info and photo might also appear in the Saltblock Gazette.

Deadline for submission of news for the Piedmont article is the first day of each month. Send news to: Lori West, 74 Gibbs Road, Leicester, NC 28748 or email to lorihwest@yahoo.com. Lori's phone/fax 828-683-1793.

Piedmont Password Deadlines
Email or send your Password news to Martha Wishon, 4110 Williams Rd., Lewisville, NC 27023
phone: 336-945-3885 or email rbpasofino@aol.com. The Password deadlines are the first day of the following months: January, March, May, July, September, November. The Password is issued bi-monthly and is mailed around the 10th of the stated months.

Piedmont PFHA Web site Advertising Rates
Ads run for one year and text info can be updated if horse is sold or price changes.

Text Only For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ads runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate); may be canceled if the horse is sold. Includes e-mail link and URL link - $25.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $35).

Text with One Photo For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ad runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate). Includes e-mail link and URL link - $40.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $60).

Text with 2 Photos For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ad runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate). Includes e-mail link and URL link - $50.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $75).

Photos for ads should be digitalized or scanned; size specifications should be 300 px by 300 px max. and 72-100 dpi. There will be an additional charge of $25 per each photo that needs scanning. Please see the Advertising page for more info.

Farm and Membership Directory Email and/or Web site URL Links
Don't you want your web site and email address in the farm listing or membership listing to be just a click away? The link(s) will stay in place unless you don't renew you membership the following year.

• $10 for each Piedmont Member Directory email link
• $10 for each Piedmont Farm Directory email link
• $10 for each Piedmont Farm Directory web site URL link

Piedmont PFHA Guidelines for High Point Awards

1) High point awards will be tallied for all PFHA recognized classes for each show year, from September 1 to August 31.

2) Any PFHA point show which is sponsored in full or in part by Piedmont PFHA will count towards high point tallies for that year.

3) Points will be counted based on official PFHA guidelines for each show and class, as per the PFHA rulebook. Championship points count in addition to any points earned in the corresponding regular (qualifying) class.

4) Only horses owned by Piedmont members (current members at time of each show) will be considered for Piedmont high point awards. All owners of a horse must be Piedmont members in order for that horse to be eligible for high point awards. Members do not have to live within the geographical territory of the region and do not have to have their national voting affiliation with Piedmont in order to compete for high point awards.

5) Should a class not have a Piedmont-owned horse which has won points in a given show year, a high point for that class will not be awarded for that year.

6) For youth and costume class awards, points will accumulate for each rider in each class regardless of the horse(s) ridden by the youth or costume rider. All youth and costume riders must be Piedmont members but their horses may be owned by a non-Piedmont member (in which case those horses cannot compete for any horse category awards).

7) If points are withheld from a class or show by the national PFHA because of incomplete requirements, improper class, or ineligible rider, (or for any other reason), those points will also be withheld from counting towards Piedmont high point awards.

8) In addition to the individual class high point awards, awards will be given for the following overall categories:
High Point Filly, Colt, Stallion, Mare, Gelding
High Point Sub-Junior and Junior Youth Riders

9) High point trophies will be awarded at the annual membership meeting and banquet in the fall of each year after the appropriate show year has ended.

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Piedmont Business Sponsors

Southern States Feed Program - Piedmont Futurity Sponsor
Southern States still gives Piedmont money back on every feed bag coupon that is sent in and for bulk deliveries, which supports the Piedmont Futurity. If you feed "bag" feed, please take the time to clip the coupon (in dotted lines) off the back of each bag. Piedmont gets $.25 for Legends or Equitech bag and $.10 for every Reliance bag coupon submitted. Piedmont also gets credit for 50 lb. for bulk deliveries, so save the pink weight slip.

All coupons and weight tickets can be turned in any time to Joe & Eileen Wilhem, 1285 Stony Ridge Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043. Thank you for taking the time to support the Futurity through this program.

Piedmont PFHA and Country Supply - Piedmont Futurity Sponsor
Recently I was ordering supplies from Country Supply online and discovered that they have a "donation program" called Country Care, which donates a portion of a customer's payment to a non-profit group of the customer's choosing. So, I signed up the Piedmont Futurity as the non-profit group we can contribute to. We will get up to 5% of purchases back (excluding dewormers and shipping costs), much like a Discover Card gives cash back.

In order to participate, all you have to do is make an order with www.countrysupply.com and after you put in your credit card information, you will see a box for "Country Care Code." In this box you should type Piedmont Futurity" written without a space between words. Country Supply will tally our corresponding purchases and send us a check monthly to benefit the futurity program.

Any of you who have shopped through Country Supply probably know that their prices on grooming supplies, barn tools and supplies, and horse care items are the best around. Please consider using them if possible and remember to type "Piedmont Futurity" as your Country Care Code. Pass this along to any of your friends who shop for horse supplies and ask them to help us out by shopping at Country Supply.

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Piedmont Marketing

Piedmont Website Advertising
Got a Paso Fino for sale or a Piedmont Futurity Stallion to promote, now is the time to submit your Classified Ads for Piedmont's website. To include one photo in your ad is only $40 for Piedmont members for one entire year online on the world wide web. Piedmont classified ad pages are showing up in search engines, so get yours to be included. Currently there are a number of new ads that will be added very soon to the Sale Barn and Stallion Row web pages. Be sure your ads are included, so anyone on the web can find you easily! See the very affordable ad rates. Classified advertising helps to pay for the Piedmont website.

Promote Your Farm on The Internet
At Piedmont's website, on the 2007 Piedmont Paso Fino Farms Directory page, did you know that Piedmont Farm member may list their websites. If you would like to add a ACTIVE link to your website address OR email address, for the online directories, the cost is just $10 per each farm and $10 per each email link. As long as you renew your farm membership yearly, the ACTIVE link will stay in place without costing any more. People can click on your email or website direct without copying or pasting. If you have an email change later on, that can be corrected at no charge. If you have a regular Membership, you can add an ACTIVE email link from the Membership Directory page also. Cost is just $10. for an email link.
Send your check to Piedmont Treasurer, Robbie Davis, 18600 Shearer Rd., Davidson, NC 28036 with which links, and email the info to webmaster, Lynn Gallup.

Piedmont's Website Ranks High in the Top Search Engines
Have you got a Paso Fino horse to sell or a stallion at stud and need to get the word out to people who might be interested? Doing a search where www.piedmontpasofino.org would be ranked when typing in the key words: "paso fino horses NC" came up with excellent ranking results in the Internet's top search engines. Google had it listed as #1 on page 1. Considering Piedmont doesn't pay for any priority listings, these are exceptional results. Many surfers will not go past the first page in doing hits. Piedmont's website fell on the first page of these widely used search engines. Now is the time to get your Piedmont website classified ads in for the next month. The ads stay online for an entire year. Don't miss out on this Internet advertising opportunity. The rates are very cost competitive compared to other horse sites. See Piedmont's advertising page for rate information and submit your Internet ads. There are members and non-member rates.

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Piedmont Trail Ride News

NEW S.C. Public Workshops State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
From the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
The public is invited to attend one of the five public workshops to be held around the State in the coming weeks to receive public input for the 2008 update of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This five-year plan is being developed by the Matheny-Burns Group for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The SCORP is the State's official outdoor recreation plan and serves as a guide and information source for various federal, state, and local governmental agencies as well as organizations in the private sector involved in recreation and natural resources planning and development. The SCORP also guides distribution of South Carolina's share of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and several other state and federal recreation grants. The workshop will summarize statewide outdoor recreation information and provide an opportunity for organizations and individuals to express issues and concerns about outdoor recreation opportunities and resources. Ideas generated in the workshops will be included in the SCORP, which is slated for completion in the Spring of 2008.

If you cannot attend a workshop but would like to submit information regarding outdoor recreation issues or concerns, please send the information to scorp@scprt.com or mail to SCPRT-RPE, 1205 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC 29201 by November 21, 2007. For more information, contact the Recreation, Planning & Engineering Office of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, 803-734-0173.

2008 Piedmont Trail Rides
Come ride with Piedmont in 2008! We are looking forward to adding some new locations and rotating back into the mix some from the previous years, such as Latta and Croft Park. Under consideration for new rides is South Mountain, which offers excellent but hilly trails, picnic and camping facilities. There has also been interest in adding a beach ride. As trail coordinator, I continually look for and check out new places to ride.

On the September Sandhills trail ride, we met up with Piedmont members John & Joanne Thurow, who are avid trail riders. They host a website called www.horsetraildirectory.com which is a growing website where trail riders can critique trails and facilities all over the country. Check it out!

If you have suggestions for a ride or would be willing to serve as a Ride Host for a specific ride in your area where you know the trails, please contact me: Candace Link, Trail Ride Coordinator, (336) 940-2936 or Email: pasolink@msn.com

Attention All Trail Riders ... Join the Piedmont Path Finders Program
Piedmont PFHA is proud to announce the start of our new riding rewards program called "Piedmont Pathfinders". It will be like the national PFHA Pasos For Pleasure program. The program name was selected by the BOD from a youth "name picking" contest. The winning name was submitted by Christina Minter. For a one time membership fee of $25 you will receive a T-shirt and log sheets to track your hours. Contact Ingrid Ruppalt, the chair of the new Piedmont Pathfinders program. Ingrid will keep track of log sheets. Her email is pasofan55@aol.com or phone is 803-548-2395. Download the Piedmont PathFinders Hours log in PDF format.

Piedmont Trail Ride Requirements
You must be a Piedmont member or Trail Ride Member, and contact the Trail Ride Host prior to Trail Ride deadline to participate.

PFHA Trail Ride Calendar
The Trail Ride Calendar for 2007 includes all our favorite places to ride, plus a few new and exciting additions. Our goal is to offer rides in different areas of our Region so that all our membership can participate. Suggestions for locations are always welcome, so if you have a favorite place you would like to see us ride, please let me know so it can be added to our Calendar. Your trail ride chairman and trail bosses are planning wonderful rides all around the region. Our attempt is to have one ride per month.

The Trail Hosts listed on the Calendar of Events have graciously accepted the responsibility for leading rides at locations they often ride. If you plan to participate in that ride, you will need to contact the Host so they can obtain a head count for the ride and food. Some rides are in locations where food is not nearby and will require you to pack a lunch. If the ride requires a packed lunch, your Trail Host will inform you to bring your lunch, a dish for potluck, or tell you food is provided.

If you plan to participate in a Piedmont Ride you must be a Piedmont member. Membership is an insurance requirement for designated Piedmont Rides. For non-members and/or members that may have guests that want to come ride, we do offer a one-time Trail Ride Membership for $10.00 per person You must contact the host with your name(s) of the people riding and a telephone number where you can be reached. Your Trail Host will need this information to verify your membership and so you can be contacted in the event the ride has to be cancelled due to weather or other reasons.

Trail Etiquette
Be a courteous trail rider. If you horse kicks, please tie a red ribbon its tail so others will know to stay clear. If you are riding a stallion, please ride in front of the group so as not to annoy mares. Do not run up on horses from behind trying to catch up or take off in front without warning those around you first. Pay attention to your Trail Host instructions! Remember, you are there to make sure everyone has a good safe ride.

Ideas for Trail Ride Involvement
If you know the trails at the host location, offer to help your Trail Host lead a group. Often we have those that prefer to go slow or are on a young horse and prefer a smaller group. Also, if we have more than 10 horses, it is nice to split into smaller groups to ride and meet back at an allotted time and location. Coordinate with you Host to help lead a group.

Offer to help with food: Not everyone rides or prefers to ride as long as the trail may be. If you are a short-ride person, or a non-rider who has tagged along to enjoy the day, ask your host what you can do while the others are riding, volunteer to set up tables, pick up ice, drinks and food.

Things you need to bring: Lawn chairs. Shovel and/or poop-scooper. Leave no trace at all facilities so we may continue to ride there.

We have some new and exciting places to ride this year. Hope to see you there. Happy Trails!
Candace Link, Trail Ride Coordinator, (336) 940-2936 pasolink@msn.com.

Trail Riding Buddies
If anyone would like to be a Riding Buddy, or if you want a Buddy to ride in a Park you are interested in exploring, please let us know! Remember to be courteous enough to give all these folks at least a day or two’s notice! If anyone else would like to volunteer to be a Riding Buddy, or if you want a Buddy to ride in a Park you are interested in exploring, please let me know so I can put the information in the Newsletter. Contact Marcia Carrico at (336) 998-1111 or casacarrico@yadtel.net.

Marcia Carrico has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to come to Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem and needs someone to ride with them. Call (336) 998-1111 or email her at casacarrico@yadtel.net.

Brian & Jill Smith have volunteered to be “Riding Buddies”, if anyone wants to come to Moses Cone Park in Blowing Rock, NC. Call (828) 268-0608 or email them at basvprop@bellsouth.net.

Valerie Fox has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to ride at Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, NC and needs someone to ride with them. Call (704) 243-0113 or email her at vfox@alltel.net.

Candace Link has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy” if anyone wants to come to Pilot Mt, Latta Park, New River Trail and Sand Hills State Forest and needs someone to ride with them. Call (336) 940-2936 or email her at pasolink@msn.com.

Ticket to Ride PFHA Program
The Ticket to Ride is completely free to participate in for PFHA members. Members will complete a "ticket", which can be downloaded from the PFHA website or requested by contacting PFHA. Once the ticket is complete it is returned to the PFHA to be eligible for drawings that will take place at the Grand National Championship Show. You do not have to be present to win. You must be a member of the PFHA at the time of all rides and at the time of the drawings.

A member can complete as many tickets as they wish. The more tickets a member completes the better their chances are for the drawing. The tickets will be held at the PFHA until time for the drawings. The ticket has five spaces to have completed before the ticket can be returned to the PFHA. Every time you participate in a PFHA sanctioned trail ride it will count for two rides. A non PFHA sanctioned ride is worth one ride. You may use organized trail rides (must have a Ride Manager and be advertised) or any other event you participate in with your registered Paso Fino. Backyard pleasure riding/exercising can not be used for the Ticket to Ride program. Have the ride manager initial the spaces and sign off on the back of the ticket.

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All-Breed Open Horse Shows News and Events

2008 Piedmont Open Circuit Horse Show Program
Purpose: To get people to participate and show Paso Finos to others outside of our breed. Piedmont members must get shows approved ahead of time, added to a list and published to membership. The Password will have published a separate show calendar for these eligible Open Shows. Individuals will have to sign up for the program, with a fee of $10.00 per year. Click here to see and print off the Open Horse Show form. Jeanne Griggs will handle putting the forms together.

These all-breed open horse shows are a good way to promote the breed and sell horses, and can help increase membership in PPFHA. The program will provide shows for beginners who do not feel qualified for Asheville or Clemson. Points will be awarded to the rider rather than horse. Horses must be registered and riders must be members of PPFHA. Points will be given for any class a horse competes in for the top six winners in adult classes and to the top six winners in youth classes. Contact Jeanne Griggs at jeannegriggs@bellsouth.net or call (864) 487-9565. The contact for recording and sending open show circuit point sheets to is Penny Rose, 16976 Justice Branch Road, Littleton, NC 27850, phone 252-586-7978.

Piedmont PFHA Open Horse Shows Program Application Form [pdf file]

Piedmont PFHA Open Horse Shows Program Member Form [doc file]

Piedmont PFHA Open Horse Shows Program Points Worksheet [pdf file]

Piedmont PFHA Open Horse Show Program Eligibility

o Riders must be current members of Piedmont PFHA and must be members during each show which is counted towards high point tabulations
o Riders must pay a yearly fee (if any) determined by Piedmont PFHA
o Adults are 18 years old and over
o Youth are 17 years old and under
o Professionals are 18 years old and defined as pro per PFHA rulebook
o Horses must be PFHA registered
o Shows must be approved by Piedmont PFHA (before or within 10 days after show)
o It is the responsibility of each rider to turn in his/her class/show placement sheet to the Open Competition award program manager for tabulation

Points

o Points will be awarded to the rider, regardless of which Paso Fino is ridden
o Points will only be awarded for shows approved by Piedmont PFHA (before or within 10 days after show)
o Points will be a simple total of individual class scores
o Points will accumulate from September 1 through August 31 for each competition year
o Points will be given for any class a rider has been placed in, whether an open class or an all-Paso Fino class (includes equitation, trail, versatility, pleasure, rail, etc)
o Points will not be awarded for any show or class which awards regular points from the national association (those horses compete in the regular Piedmont high point system)
o Points will be awarded as follows:
First place = 6 pts, 2nd = 5 pts, 3rd = 4 pts, 4th = 3pts, 5th = 2 pts, 6th = 1 pt
Championship points will count double
Paso Fino Fun shows hosted by Piedmont PFHA members will count double

Awards

o Year end high point awards will be given to the individuals with the top six point scores for the competition year
o Awards will be given in three categories: Adult, Youth, and Professional
o Awards will be given out at the annual Piedmont PFHA Awards Banquet

Eligible Shows (fun shows are double points)

Southern Horse Festival
Hunt Horse Complex, Raleigh, NC -- Gaited Horse Classes on Sunday
First weekend in December
Sammy Jenkins: (919) 201-3606; www.southernhorsefestival.com

Heritage Farm Fun Show
Lexington, North Carolina
Milda Minter: (336) 764-4785; mpminter60@aol.com

Spartanburg Horseman’s Association
Camp Croft State Park, Spartanburg, SC 29302 -- 2 Paso Fino Classes + Open Classes
3rd Saturday every month - February thru November
Website: www.shahorseshows.com

Gaston County Horseman’s Association
Biggerstaff Park, Dallas, NC
Last Saturday in April, June and August
Dr. Ann Furr: (704) 279-7414; drfurr@alltel.net

East Coast Open Show Circuit
Eastern Agricultural Center, Williamston, NC-- 2-Day All-Breed Fun Shows
2007 Dates to be announced
Website: www.eastcoasthorses.com

Etowah Riding Club
Turnpike Road, Etowah, NC
Tracie Mitchell (828) 692-0096

Union County Saddle Club Open Horse Shows
East Sandy Ridge Rd, Off Highway 207, Monroe, NC
Cindy Moser (704) 291-0196 or Vicki Lawton (704) 243-2126 www.unioncountysaddleclub.com

Lincoln County Horsemen’s Association
Ponderosa Show Grounds, Lincolnton, NC Contact Cindy Kincaid: (704) 747-7755 or email divineequinestables@yahoo.com. www.lincolncountyhorsemensassociation.org

Jeanne Griggs will be gathering info on Open Horse Show Schedules in the Piedmont region to promote Paso Finos amongst other breeds of horse owners. If you have an Open All-Breed Horse Show/Circuit you would like to be included, contact Jeanne Griggs at (864)489-9397 work or (864)490-5339 home or email jeannegriggs@bellsouth.net.

Southern Horse Festival NC Championship Open Horse Show is in December
There will be an Open Horse Show to be held at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, NC during the Southern Horse Festival. There are classes offered for gaited horses. For a list of the Non-Trotting Classes go to www.southernhorsefestival.com.

Spartanburg Horsemen’s Association All-Breed Horse Shows
The Spartanburg Horsemen’s Assoc is a non-profit all-breed organization that is having shows at Croft Park in Spartanburg, SC, shows. Paso Finos are welcome in EVERY class and each person is instructed to dress appropriate for their breed. More detailed information and class sheets can be found at www.shahorseshows.com or call Jeanne Griggs at (864)489-9397 (work) or (864)490-5339 (home) or email Jeanne Griggs.

The East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit offers Non-Trotting Classes just for Paso Finos and Peruvian Pasos. The other gaited breeds would enter in the Racking classes. Check out their web site for more info... East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit is held at the Bob Martin Eastern North Carolina Agricultural Center and offers year end awards. Contact info is Trish Andrews at 252-799-0334 or email sitrish123@earthlink.net.

Johnston County Horse Show Series
The Johnston County Horse Show Series offers a friendly and competitive atmosphere to riders of all ages and experience. The show is held at the Johnston County Livestock Arena in Smithfield, North Carolina starting at 9:00 am. A negative Coggins test is required and will be checked. Concessions are available at the show grounds. Cost per class is $7. Raindates for all shows are the following day on Sunday. Membership is available for those who are interested in competing for year end awards. Contact Michele McLaughlin for more information 919-934-1344 or email sileeno@ipass.net .

Directions from Raleigh: Take I-40 east to exit 319 McGees Xroads and turn left onton Highway 210. Go approx. 9 miles and turn left at sign that says Livestock Arena. About ¼ mile the show arena will be on right

Directions from Fayetteville – Take I-95 North to Highway 40 West going towards Raleigh. Take exit 319 McGees Xroads and turn right on to Highway 210. Go approx. 9 miles and turn left at sign that says Livestock Arena. About ¼ mile the show arena will be on right.

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PFHA News

Paso Fino Farms RFD-TV National Advertising Commercials
There are new shows airing which include several shows about Piedmont events (Asheville show, Biltmore ride, and other activities--see the recent PFHA E-news for the list of shows for July and August). The cost for advertising is $2,000 per month which includes all 16 shows for that month, for a cost of only $125 per 30-second commercial. There are three different programs available for sponsor-ship on RFD-TV. Select from a one, three or six month agreement. Reach an audience of more than 9 million each week for as little at $112.50 per commercial spot.

The advertiser has to supply the video for the commercials and the PFHA puts the shows together and then sends them to RFD intact for each week's shows. Dwight says that the PFHA office is getting "swamped" by requests after the RFD shows with far more inquiries about the breed from TV shows than through all other advertising media combined.

Don't Wait! Spots are selling fast. Please contact Al Berry at the PFHA office (813)719-7777 or Dwight Graber (352)568-8803 if you are interested in this exciting advertising opportunity.

PFHA Pasos for Pleasure
To contact for the Pasos for Pleasure Program with any questions you may have: phone (813)719-7777; Email: showaide@pfha.org. I also want to inform all of our Pasos for Pleasure members that the May issue of Paso Fino Horse World is dedicated to the pleasure and trail riders of the Association. If you do not currently get the Paso Fino Horse World magazine be sure to order your subscription today.

PFHA Membership Dues Increase
Membership fees for PFHA changed as of January 1, 2006 and now includes a subscription to PFH World. Individual $55, Family $75, Junior $35.

Paso Finos on RFD-TV
See the Paso Fino videos on RFD-TV found on both DirecTV and Dish Networks. Check guide at www.rfdtv.com for programming information. DirecTV is on channel 379 and Dish Network on 9409.
The shows are currently available for purchase through the PFHA office on RVD only for $12.95 plus shipping. Call 813-719-7777 or email mbrsecy@pfha.org to order.

Support The PFHA Sponsors
Corporate sponsor dollars help support programs so that the burden is minimal to our members. Please support our sponsors whenever possible to ensure that they will continue their support in the future.

Ordering DNA Kits
You can now order DNA kits when registering your Paso Fino horse. Simply check the box under Section 1 on the Registration Application and include the $55. for PFHA members or $110 for non-PFHA members.

The PFHA Sponsors are now listed on the PFHA/Links page on Piedmont's web site. When shopping, support the official PFHA sponsors! They support PFHA.

PFHA Ticket to Ride PFHA Program
The Ticket to Ride PFHA Program is a free program offered to PFHA members. Download the ticket from the PFHA website or or click here to get your ticket. Have the Ride Manager sign your ticket after each trail ride. Each PFHA sanctioned trail ride counts for two rides and non-PFHA sanctioned trail rides will be worth one ride. After attending five rides the ticket is sent to the Association office and you can start a new ticket. There is no limit to the number of tickets you submit to the PFHA. At the end of the year a drawing is held at the Grand National Championship Show. You do not have to be present to win and you must be a current member at the time of all rides and at the time of the drawing. Three tickets are drawn and prizes are awarded.

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USEF News

2008 USEF Membership Renewals Available Online
Don't let your membership benefits lapse! In addition to being able to compete in more than 2,700 USEF-recognized competitions throughout the year, as a USEF member you receive:

* Significant discounts from companies like John Deere, Dodge, Nextel and FedEx through the USEF Purchasing Program.

* $1,000,000 personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties.

* Travel discounts

* Annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN magazine, the official publication of the Federation

* And much more……(USEF Purchasing, Automatic Insurance and annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN provided to our Life, Platinum, Senior and Junior members)

To Renew On Line: Go to https://www.usef.org/content/aua/userSystemArea.php or click here for printable form. If you don’t have a Authorized User Account (AUA), you can create one through this page with your membership number (USEF # ) and last name. After creating your account, click LOG IN to log in to your Authorized User Account. Select 2008 Membership Application/Renewal to renew your 2008 membership under the Member Forms. A Licensed Official must also indicate the license(s) he/she is renewing. After renewing your membership, a page will appear giving you verification of credit card approval. Please print this page for your records.

PRINT your temporary United States Equestrian Federation 2008 membership cards.
Congratulations, You have just joined On Line! If you have questions please contact the United States Equestrian Federation Membership Department or, for Licensed Officials, the Licensed Officials Department at 859/258-2472.

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North Carolina Horse Council News

RALEIGH – N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is asking horse owners in North Carolina to watch for symptoms of a highly contagious equine disease following the positive diagnosis of a horse in Virginia. Dr. David Marshall, North Carolina’s state veterinarian, said there are no known cases in North Carolina. There also have been no known movements of horses from the affected facilities into the state. Marshall advised all N.C. horse owners to increase their disease awareness and biosecurity measures as precautions.

EHV-1 primarily affects the respiratory system of horses, but can also cause severe neurological disease and death. Symptoms include fever, coughing, nasal discharge and loss of balance. The virus is transmitted through body fluids and does not affect humans. Horses suspected of being sick should be isolated and examined by a veterinarian immediately. Concerned horse owners should contact their private veterinarian or call the Veterinary Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (919) 733-7601. Additional information is available on the department’s Web site, http://www.ncagr.com, under the “Disease Alert” link.

For Equine Hurricane Awareness and Preparation Information
Go to on the web: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/ansci/extension/horse/hurricane.htm.

Horse Health Awareness. Protect your horse from diseases like Rabies (spread by wild animals, vaccinate once a year); Sleeping Sickness/EEE (spread by mosquitoes, vaccinate twice a year); West Nile Virus (spread by mosquitoes, vaccinate twice a year).

Interstate Health Permit
Horse owners who frequently travel out of state with their animals for horse shows and festivals can take advantage of a new agreement between the Southern states that will eliminate the need to obtain monthly animal Health Certificates. The agreement between Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia will allow horse owners to apply for an Equine Event Permit that will be good for up to six months in any of the listed states. Some states had reciprocal agreements in the past, but this is the first agreement of its kind in the South.

To receive a permit, North Carolina horse owners must send proof of negative Coggins test and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection along with an application and a $5 processing fee for each animal to the NC State Veterinarian. Owners must also submit proof of permanent identification, which includes tattoos, brands, microchips or digital photos showing the left and right sides, as well as a frontal view, of the horse. The issued permit will be good for six months, unless the Coggins test expires beforehand. Owners will still be required to carry the Coggins information and original Health Certificate with them when they travel. Owners will also be required to travel with a microchip reader if the equine is identified by microchip.
The application and more information about the Permit can be downloaded at the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Veterinary Division website, www.ncagr.com/vet/ or by calling (919) 733-7601.

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