From The Piedmont President
To most of our membership my first "President's Message" will come as a surprise. Due to the resignation of Robbie Davis as President, your Board held an emergency meeting to resolve this situation. Rita Magaha as Vice President indicated she would be unable to handle the Presidents duties and chair the Asheville Show. Our By-Laws authorize the acting President to appoint individuals to fill the terms of vacant positions. Robbie Davis agreed to take over as the Association Treasurer and I agreed to assume the duties of the President. I was very pleased that Robbie agreed to remain on the Board and assume the Treasurers duties. I will give our Association my best efforts as your President. I am fortunate to have the support of hard working and dedicated Board of Directors.

The recent Larry Whitesell Clinic at Kathy William's Chetola Farms was a great success and the upcoming clinic to be held at Shaw Laney's Cedar Lane Stables on March 17th and 18th is filling up fast. Your Board is looking at more events like these throughout the year. The Carolina Classic at Clemson is around the corner and we expect another excellent kick-off to our show season with this event. Rita Magaha has the Asheville Show planning well under way. This event is second only to the Nationals in its size, quality of horses, and overall programing.

I do have one request of our membership, please consider Volunteering your time and expertise to your association. We have a very aggressive schedule of activities for our members and the only way we can continue to offer these activities is through your assistance. Contact any of your Board members for information on how you can help us keep the Piedmont Region as the best region in the country.
On be halve of your Officers and Board members, thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at one or all of our upcoming events.
Bill Kerns

To the Piedmont PFHA members:
After much searching, thought and prayer, I have resigned as president of the Association for personal reasons. I appreciate all the support given to me in the short time I was in service. I will still be involved and volunteering where ever I can.
Sincerely,
Robbie Davis

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Piedmont PFHA Membership Meeting is March 17th
Cedar Lane Farm, Enoree, SC
The first meeting of the 2007 year will be at Cedar Lane Farm in Enoree, SC at 1 pm. This is Shaw and Brandy Laney's farm. There will be an open house on Friday before the clinic on Saturday and Sunday. The clinic will be taught by Piedmont trainers and you know that we have the BEST! The meeting will be held at 1 pm after a lunch being sponsored by Livestock Mutual, Penny Rose, of Littleton, NC. If you plan to come for lunch, please contact Shaw at (864) 969-4929 Come make a weekend of FUN!

Piedmont Spring Training Clinic is March 17th - 18th
Cedar Lane Stable in Enoree, SC is hosting a Spring Paso Fino Training Clinic on March 17th-18th. Get tuned up for the 2007 show season with several top Piedmont trainers. Topics include gaiting problems, flexibilty, equitation, farrier work, Cantering, Showing the Bellas Formas horse. We will start around 10 am each morning and have seminars with Pat and Cese Figueroa, Bill Minter, Robbyn Young, Joey Burnett, and Shaw Laney. Lunch will be provided on Saturday by Penny Rose Livestock Insurance. Also, Shaw will be donating a breeding to Sinbad de Sol Reye to be given away on Saturday. Everyone present at the clinic has a chance to win.

Piedmont members for the weekend fee is Adults - $50; Adults Daily -$30 & Youth - $10; Additional $35 w/horse. Non-members Adults - $60/$40; Youth - $15; additional $45 with horse. Limited to 10 horses. RSVP by March 5th to Shaw Laney; 864-969-4929 or 864-706-8030. Motel: Comfort Inn 864-833-5558. Lunch provided on Saturday by Penny Rose of Livestock Mutual. See flyer in the Jan/Feb. 2007 Password.

Heritage Farm Fun Show is April 14th
The fifth annual Heritage Farm Fun Show will be held at Heritage Farm in Lexington, NC, on Saturday, April 14. We will have a full schedule of classes for Paso Fino owners, including some "color" classes, novice/amateur/youth classes, and many open classes which any breed horse can enter. This will be a great warm-up show since it is two weeks before the Piedmont Clemson show.

We will be raffling a black two-year-old gelding named Villano de Herencia, a son of 2006 National Champion Pleasure Stallion Asesino de Herencia. Tickets are available for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.
Class sponsorships are available at $25 per class. Entry fees are $10 per class. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Center United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall fund. Look for the class schedule in the March issue of the Password. We hope to see you there!!
Milda Minter

Sand Hills State Forest Piedmont Trail Ride is April 21st
This ride will be held Saturday, April 21st. It is the same location where the National Events Committee trail ride co-sponsored by Piedmont and Georgia Region was held last year. The Sand Hills State Park and Cooper Black Recreation Area offers some of the best camping facilities and horse trails on the East Coast. The trails do not require shoes to ride, are well groomed and wide enough to ride side-by-side. They offer enough diversity to not be boring, with hills, water and wildlife. This location was also ridden privately by several members last fall and is quickly becoming a favorite.

Camping is first class with full camper hookups, 24 stall barn, corral panels or picket lines along with two bath houses. They also have an ice machine on the premises! You must have reservations for stalls, corrals and campsites. See the following website for information regarding this. SAND HILLS STATE FOREST
TRAIL RIDE
This ride will be held Saturday, April 21st. It is the same location where the National Events Committee trail ride co-sponsored by Piedmont and Georgia Region was held last year. The Sand Hills State Park and Cooper Black Recreation Area offers some of the best camping facilities and horse trails on the East Coast. The trails do not require shoes to ride, are well groomed and wide enough to ride side-by-side. They offer enough diversity to not be boring, with hills, water and wildlife. This location was also ridden privately by several members last fall and is quickly becoming a favorite.

Camping is first class with full camper hookups, 24 stall barn, corral panels or picket lines along with two bath houses. They also have an ice machine on the premises! You must have reservations for stalls, corrals and campsites. See the following website for information regarding this. http://www.state.sc.us/forest/cooper.htm or try http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/26716.aspx?print=1 Click on "Things To Do" for Equestrian facility information and reservations.
Riders should be saddled and ready to ride at 10:30am sharp. Due to the remote location, you will need to pack your own lunch or snack to eat on the trail. If you plan to join this trail ride, or need additional information, contact Trail Host: Candace Link. (336) 940-2936/home, (336) 413-5204/cell or email pasolink@msn.com.

The Carolina Classic is April 28th-29th in Clemson, SC
The Carolina Classic Show Flyer info is now available online. Bill Kerns is the Show Chairperson. Nancy Moffitt and Mike Cummings are the Saturday Judges, and Rick Meyer is the Sunday Judge. Janice Meyer is the Show Secretary, Lynne Ridgeway will be the Show Steward and Debbie Struther will be our Announcer. As in the past, the show will be held at the Ed Garrison Arena at Clemson University. This is an excellent facility and a wonderful place to kick off your show season. We will have Novice classes for those of you who are just starting in the show ring and of course all our regular classes for those looking to obtain points for Nationals. The show is a double pointed USEF event, which gives you a great opportunity to get your points for Nationals early in the season. We are working on the details for an exhibition on Friday night.

Click here for Show officials, hotels and map. Click here for Class Listing and Schedule. The flyers are downloadable as MS Word documents. For more show information, contact Bill Kerns or call 828-859-0406.

Blake-Cliff Stables Piedmont Trail Ride is May 5th
This ride is on Saturday, May 5th at Blake-Cliff Stables which is located in Catawba County and owned by George McKee. The farm lies on 425 acres of beautiful wooded pasture land. For the trail riding lovers, this is truly a paradise. Current Coggins is required. The ride will start at 10:00am. Lunch will be served from 12:00-1:00pm. The rain date for this ride will be Sunday, May 6.

The farm is located West of Mooresville, NC Take I-77 to Exit 36 (Rt. 150). Take Rt. 150 West, past Highway 16, to East Maiden Road. Go North on East Maiden Road and Blake-Cliff Stables will be on your right. Please make reservations for this ride by April 28. For more information call Jaime Sarmiento (704) 483-7330, Farm (828) 446-1502 Cell.

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Piedmont PFHA BOD Meeting Report
February 25, 2007, Gaffney, SC. Present: Robbie Davis - President, Rita Magaha - Vice President, Bill Kerns - Treasurer, Robbyn Young - Secretary, Directors – Ann Furr, Shaw Laney, and Lori West.

Discussion began with the resignation of President Robbie Davis, resignation was accepted by the Board of Directors. Vice President Rita Magaha cannot fill the position of President due to her duties as Show Manager of the 2007 Piedmont Classic. Motion moved by Rita Magaha to appoint Bill Kerns as President of Piedmont PFHA. Motion passed. Motion moved by Rita Magaha to appoint Robbie Davis to fill the vacant position of Piedmont PFHA Treasurer. Motion passed.

Note: Jerry Dotson will take over as Futurity Chair.

Membership Report by Robbyn Young: currently 157 memberships. 79 members from 2006 have not rejoined for 2007, these members will be contacted by email, if available, and invited to rejoin. Motion moved by Robbie Davis to develop and utilize a new member packet for new PFHA members with Piedmont listed as their designated region. Packet will include a free 1 year individual membership, a Piedmont Password and information regarding our association and activities. Free memberships will expire at the normal show year end, regardless of date of membership. Motion Passed. Robbie Davis will develop the membership packets. Membership Clarification by Lori West- Clarification of Farm Membership Category: Lori will write a By-Law clarification concerning Commercial Membership Category, which will be used as a non-voting business support membership.

Whitesell Clinic Report by Ann Furr: The clinic had a total of 19 horses and riders, with 40 auditors. 5 of these horse and riders combinations were non-Paso horses. Casa Dosa tack was present to sell Paso Fino tack. A representative from Fort Dodge gave a presentation on Equine Vaccinations and worming and sponsored the Saturday lunch. A representative from Southern States gave a presentation of Equne Nutrition and sponsored the Saturday evening fish fry.

March Piedmont Training Clinic by Shaw Laney: Shaw announced that there are 29 confirmed participants for the clinic with 8 horses. There will be a Piedmont membership meeting at 1:00pm on Saturday. Clinic presenters will be Pat and Cese Figueroa on Flexing, Bill Minter on Bella Forma, Robbyn Young on Equitation and Joey Burnett on teaching the lope. Livestock Mutual will provide the Saturday lunch.

Show Reports: Clemson Show by Bill Kerns- Bill suggested finding an understudy for the position of Show Manager. Asheville Show by Rita Magaha- Motion moved by Bill Kerns to support Rita in changing the Dinner In the Dirt exhibition to a Saturday Night Extravaganza. Motion Passed.

Other Business: Motion moved by Robbie Davis to credit Ron Papizan $700 towards the purchase of another stallion breeding in the stallion breeding auction due to the death of Ponderosa Coloso. Ron Papizan had purchased the breeding through the aucion in 2005. Motion Passed.

Respectively Submitted,
Robbyn Young
Piedmont PFHA Secretary

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Get Well Wishes
We wish Judy Gale a speedy and a healthy, thorough recovery. Many Piedmont members met Judy and her husband Bill Hewett on 2006 Piedmont trail rides in the Sandhills and at Biltmore.

Advertise in the 2007 Piedmont Membership Directory
The annual Piedmont PFHA membership directory will be published with the Asheville show program in June. The directory is available for a full year at all Piedmont events or any event where the horses are involved, such as expos, fun shows, open houses, clinics and the National Show. The exposure for this publication is wide-spread and certainly gives advertisers more coverage than a normal show program. For 2007, we are offering color pages in addition to the normal black and white ads and the color covers.

Advertising rates for 2007 are the same as in 2006:
Back cover (color) - $750.
Inside covers (front and back color) - $600.
Inside full color page in color - $450.
Inside full page in black and white - $175.
Other black and white ads are:
Half page - $100.
Quarter Page - $75
Business Card - $40
For a specification sheet or additional questions, contact gina@lexingtonspeedprinting.com or call Gina at (336) 248-6272. For ad reservations contact Milda Minter at (336) 764-4785 or by email at mpminter60@aol.com. DEADLINE for ads for the directory is May 10, 2007.

2007 Piedmont Asheville Show Report
Dates: June 20 – 24, 2007
Work on the Asheville show is progressing. The prize list and Sponsor packages will be ready for the April edition of the Piedmont Web Site News. The show will prove to be an exciting, well attended event this year. Watch for more news to come.

The theme for the show will be “The 25th Annual Piedmont Classic Paso Fino Horse Show” celebrating the Timeless Elegance and Classic Beauty of the Paso Fino Horse which is equally at home on the trail or in the show ring. The Paso Fino Horse only gets better with time.

The judges for the show will be Karen Cabic and Angela Ochoa on Wed. – Fri. and Ed Smith and Dr. Miguel Pastrana on Fri. – Sun. We are expecting over 500 horses this year. Wednesday night will be our Exhibtors Barn Party with classes on Thursday, and Friday night and our infamous “Dinner in the Dirt" on Saturday night. Friday night’s classes will include three non-pointed special classes. One will be a Performance Texas Hold’em class. This will be a LARGE sweepstakes class. We will be publishing more informtaion on the class procedures and purse in publications to come out in the future. If you have a good performance horse make plans to participate and share in the large purse.
Rita Magaha
Show Chairperson

Piedmont PFHA Stallion Breedings Available
March 2007

The following breedings are available for you to purchase for your 2007 breeding program! Many great stallions are available.

Stallion - Minimum Bid
Aleli de Lusitania - $500
Concierto del 8 - $500
222 - $1,000
El Vicario LTD - $500
Mercenario de La Vitrina - $750
Panorama II del 8 - $750
Picasso de Fe - $500
Rapido del Paso - $750
Testimonio de Besilu - $500
El Triunfo - $500
Cognac de Lusitania - $500
Aladino del Juncal - $500
Mr. Toto - $500
Rainbow's Excaliber - $500
Mujeriego del Conde - $500
El Libro La Rosa - $500
Dulcero La Ya Ya - $500

First check received wins the breeding! If you would like to bid on one of these stallions, please send a check made payable to PPFHA and mail to: Robbie Davis,

2007 Piedmont Futurity Report
Despite fund raising efforts such as the generous embryo donation from Dwight and Marla Graber, sale of 2005 Silver Star trailer and the trailer raffle, the Futurity is still unable to support the additional classes added in 2002. The classes added were 2 year old Bella Forma Geldings and the 3 year old Bella Forma Colts, Fillies and Geldings classes.

The participation in the Futurity has not increased enough to continue to payout in these classes. The Board had to make a tough decision to drop these classes from the Futurity program. We trust that you will support the decisions being made to continue to move us to sound financial footing.

The owners of three year old horses that are currently nominated will receive a free declaration fee in 2008 for their horses when they show as a 4 year old. This is the $50 fee paid when the horse is declared to show in a Futurity class.

2007 Piedmont Youth Report
Program with Southern States and Nutrena
In a program sponsored by Pinnacle Paso Finos, owned by Joe and Eileen Wilhem, a $500 Savings Bond will be awarded to the youth who collects and turns in the most Southern States 'Proof of Purchase' seals from Legends, Reliance and Triple Crown horse feed bags and Nutrena's ten varieties of feed. An equal number of seals will be credited for each bulk feed slip turned in. The program runs from June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007.

Don't have a youth collecting seals from you?? Sponsor a youth!! Send your seals and specify a youth you would like to support. If you have any questions, please call (336) 325-3052 or email: joes9245@surry.net
Send Your Seals Monthly to: Joe and Eileen Wihem, 1285 Stony Ridge Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043.

Piedmont Youth Beach Ride
The December 16, 2007 Piedmont Youth Beach Ride at Topsail Beach, NC was fabulous. On Saturday morning Ann, Chris, and Micah Furr arrived to Topsail and met up with the Orr's at their farm. We proceeded over to the beach, unloaded the horses and gear, and hit the sand. We rode south on the oceans edge around the point of Topsail Beach for about 3 miles. The hoses were excited, and we did everything from walk to gallop though the whitewash and sand. It took a little encouragement, but after a while we had all the horses readily splashing into the oncoming waves.

The weather was absolutely beautiful, and although the water was a bit chilly, we were riding in T-shirts thanks to temperatures in the mid 70's with lots of sunshine. Once we got around the point of the island, we were able to take the horses to different sandbars through water that was up to their bellies...some of us got really wet! We ended up riding for about 3 hours before the setting sun brought us back to the trailers for the evening.

On Sunday, after breakfast, we loaded up to drive about 10 minutes away to ride in the Holly Shelter Game Preserve. There is no hunting on Sunday, so we had the entire 17,000 acres to ourselves! The weather was again gorgeous, and we rode an absolutely beautiful five-mile loop back to the trailers. It was a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to doing it again next year!

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.

There will be a special mini-clinic will be held for the Youth at Clemson from 7-8:30 on Friday night before the show in the arena. Youth of all ages should plan to bring their horses to practice the trail obstacles. Parents and youth, please let me know if you want to participate. Refreshments afterwards.
Dr. Furr

Gaited Horse Clinic Report
Sponsored by the Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association
Dates: February 10th and 11th 2007
Nineteen horse and riders gathered together at Chetola Farms, in Monroe, N.C. to participate in a gaited horse clinic given by Larry Whitesell of Cooksville, Tenn. In addition, there were approximately 40 auditors in attendance who came to listen and learn about such topics as classical groundwork, collection, control, suppleness, improving riding skills, and communication with your horse. Although the majority of horses were Pasos, there were also Tennessee Walkers and Rocky Mountain Horses in attendance. It was great to get together with riders from other breeds and network about the similarities and differences between the horses. What a great marketing opportunity for us share our Paso Fino breed with others.

Along with the great information shared during the clinic, we were fortunate to have Fort Dodge representative Brandon Tucker on hand to talk about disease process and prevention. Fort Dodge also sponsored our great lunch and provided door prizes which were given away throughout the weekend. Friday night’s “Fish Fry in the Dirt” was sponsored by Southern States representative Meredith Mills. Meredith spoke on the issues involving nutrition for our horses. Meredith also provided some great door prizes as did many others. Doug Ford from Casa Dosa tack was also present to provide answers to questions, discuss and demonstrate proper saddle fit, and to provide tack. The weekend turned out to be a huge success and many positive comments were made by both participants and auditors. Plans are being made for some informal “mini clinics” to reinforce the information presented by Larry and for another clinic to be held some time later in the year.

2007 Piedmont High Points Report
Welcome to the 2007 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 2007!

Piedmont PFHA 2007 dues reminder
2007 dues are past due now if you have not renewed. 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). Ride Guest Membership category available for one trail ride at $10.00. 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.

Membership Notices
There is a FREE one year membership for First Time Paso Fino Buyers. 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.

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2007 Piedmont Trail Ride Report
Come ride with Piedmont in 2007! 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

2007 Piedmont Open Horse Show Report
Just a reminder to get your applications or renewals sent in for the 2007 Open Show season! You can print an application form from the newletter section of the Piedmont website, or contact : Penny Rose 16976 Justice Branch Road Littleton, NC 27850 email - prose@livestockmutual.com phone - 252 586-7978; fax - 252 586-0665. If you need information about a show check the Piedmont website below and the calender of events or contact: Jeanne Griggs, phone - 864 487-9565.

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!
Thanks to all the members who participated this past year.

See the updated rules for our open and fun competition high point program in the Password newsletter. If you have a show you would like to get approved, contact the program chairman so we can get the information into the newsletter and the calendar of events. Showing in these shows is one of the best ways to promote our Paso Finos to the public and other horse owners!

The Open Show program for 2007 has already begun with regular and double pointed fun shows running through November. Please don't miss this economical opportunity to show our breed to the public, improve your skills and those of your horse, all while making new friends and having lots of fun! If you need additional information, please contact Jeanne Griggs jeannegriggs@bellsouth.net
Jeanne Griggs

South Carolina Horse Council Report
The South Carolina Horse Council held its annual meeting and horse exposition at the Circle M Ranch outside of Greenville, SC. Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association had a booth at this well-attended event, manned graciously by Bill and Judith Kerns. Shaw Laney and Cassie Oakes showed two beautiful Paso's in the parade of breeds, earning the loudest applause of the day.

2007 Pure Puerto Rican Association Piedmont Show Report
The PPRPFHA will host a Piedmont pointed show in Columbia, SC on Saturday August 4th at the SC State Fairgrounds. There will be two PFHA judges for the show. The show class schedule will be the same as the Clemson show classes for April 2007. Contact Ann Gilpatrick, phone 803-643-7034 or email
gilpatricka@bellsouth.net.

2007 NC State Fair Horse Show Report
The Paso Fino Show will be on Monday, October 15th, and will include three new classes: Classic Fino Youth Open, and two "fun sport" non-pointed classes to show spectators how versatile and smooth Paso Finos can be: Paso Fino Wine Glass and Paso Fino Pole Bending. Ali and Paul Casey of FlatRock Farm has graciously agreed to host a Bar-B-Que dinner again for exhibitors on the night before. Exhibitors will have a 2 hour earlier arrival time if they desire at 4 pm. The fair will place full page show ads in August and September PFHW. Other issues addressed were loud speakers in the barn area, the parade of flags - whether Piedmont or the fair would supply the flags and which ones, and judges' names submission for consideration. The Draft horse classes will be intermixed with the Paso Finos Monday night, same as in 2006. That seem to be a good mix and both breeds attracted spectators. See you and your Paso Finos at the Fair in October 2007!
Lynn Gallup

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). 2007 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.

Don't Forget the Free One Year Membership for First Time Paso Fino Buyers
For those PFHA members 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 nationals). 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.

Piedmont Futurity News
The Futurity fee increase is effective January 1, 2007. See the current stallion listing. A new form for the 2006-2007 year has been added. Contact Robbie Davis. Support Our Futurity Sponsors! Southern States has donated $1032.75 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. Let's see if we can double that amount in 2007.

Piedmont Pathfinders
Thanks to all the members who have supported us in the 2006 inaugural year. 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 Deadlines
Piedmont PFHA Web site 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 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. Digital photos may be emailed or sent on a disk. Traditional film photos can be scanned and emailed or send prints to me with a stamped, self addressed envelope for their return. 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 Marcia Carrico, 305 Clayton Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028. Fax: 336-998-1111 or casacarrico@yadtel.net. 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 contact Lynn Gallup or 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.

Piedmont Business Sponsors

Support the Piedmont Classic - Asheville Show Trailer Sponsor
One of the major sponsors for the Asheville Show - The Piedmont Classic, is Southern Star Trailers of Brunswick, GA. We will have a trailer drawing for our Region for the next 9 years, thanks to the generosity of Larry Herrington, owner/manager. The trailers are all the Silver Star brand, offering top features and safety for your horses, plus ease of handling and light weight. If you are looking for a new trailer of any size or type, contact Larry at (912) 261-8484 and wee what he can do for you! Visit online at www.silver-star-trailers.com.

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.

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 designer@unbridledvisions.com.

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.

Piedmont Activities now available on DVD
The Piedmont Clinic at Minter's Rancho Paso Bravo (April 2005) and the "Dinner in the Dirt" at the 2005 Asheville show are available on DVD from Galopando TV, $40.00 each. For ordering information, or for other advertising opportunities, call 1-877-PASO-DVD, or visit GalopandoTV on the web www.galopandotv.com.

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 new 2006-2007 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.

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Piedmont Trail Ride News

The North Carolina Horse Council Trail Ride is Saturday, May 19th, 2007 and the Super Trail Horse Challenge is Sunday May 20th, 2007 at Leatherwood Mountains in Ferguson, NC. Proceeds to benefit the equestrian trail projects in North Carolina. Ride Includes: Long or Short Ride at your own pace, Dinner, Entertainment, Door Prizes, T-shirt & Goody Bag. (Limit of 150 riders) – Come ride for the whole weekend! Super Trail Horse Challenge: compete & test your horse & horsemanship skills on a fun filled trail course with safe man made & natural obstacles. Winner receives a belt buckle!

For cabin, camping, stall rental or primitive camping contact: Leatherwood Mountains (336) 973-5044 or visit www.leatherwoodmountains.com. For more information visit www.nchorsecouncil.com or contact Shannon Hoffman (919) 854-1990.

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.

PFHA Trail Rides
If you know of any trail rides your region is sponsoring, tell your region you want them submitted to the PFHA. If they are submitted to the PFHA they will be listed on the web site, in the magazine, on E-News and in Association information packets for FREE. That means more people will attend and if you would like to participate in other trail programs provided by the PFHA (Ticket to Ride, Pleasure Trail, Endurance Trail, Competitive Trail) you can use these rides as sanctioned trail rides.

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.

Llyn Shook has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to come to DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC and needs someone to ride with them. Call (828) 884-246 or email her at llynbill@citcom.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

2007 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
March 31, 2007
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
2007 Dates to be announced
Tracie Mitchell (828) 692-0096

Union County Saddle Club Open Horse Shows
East Sandy Ridge Rd, Off Highway 207, Monroe, NC
2007 Dates to be announced
Cindy Moser (704) 291-0196 or Vicki Lawton (704) 243-2126; www.unioncountysaddleclub.com

Lincoln County Horsemen’s Association
Ponderosa Show Grounds, Lincolnton, NC
2007 Show schedule:
3/11/07 - Fuzzy Fun Open Horse Show @ 11am. Rain date 3/12/07 @ 12pm.
4/14/07 - Open Horse Show @ 11am. Rain date 4/15/07 @ 12pm.
5/12/07 - Open Horse Show @ 11am. Rain date 5/13/07 @ 12pm.
6/9/07 - Open Horse Show @ 11am. Rain date 6/10/07 @ 12pm.
8/11/07 - Open Horse Show @ 11am. Rain date 8/12/07 @ 12pm.
9/8/07 - Annual Horse Show @ 11am.

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.

Last year we had Pasos shown in the Cross Rails class, a couple of the English Equitation classes (a few first places there by the way!), Pole Bending and Barrel Racing. However, classes 19 and 21 (which are Saddle seat classes) are the two that are predominantly, some months exclusively Paso Fino now! It really is a great show for beginners, students, as a "dress rehearsal" show for young or green horses, or a fun and inexpensive way to show in a very relaxed, family atmosphere! We hope to see lots of Piedmont Paso Finos at the next how! ...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.

Classes offered are huntseat, western, english, trail, equitation & horsemanship, halter and several over fences classes. There are four age divisions Pee Wee (8 years and under), Youth (9-13 years), Junior (14-18 years) and Adult (19 and over). The show is approved for the Paint Alternative Competition (PAC), Arabian Horse Association Open Event Incentive Program (OEIP) and qualifies for North Carolina Quarter Horse Association, Appaloosa (ACAAP), Morgan Horse Association, Pinto Horse of America, American Donkey and Mule Association, Palomino Performance Program, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association Versatility Program, and the International Spotted Horse Registry Association Show Point Recognition. 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

The new version of the PFHA rule book, which goes into effect Friday, September 1, 2006, is now posted on the PFHA Website: www.pfha.org. Printed version will be mailed to the PFHA Board members with a Board of Director Handbook, Judges and Stewards, as well as, to all those members that purchased copies in 2004. The revisions are still out for translation into Spanish.

The Events Department has the addendum pages for the Rule book effective September 1st, 2006. Please make sure you change out the pages when you receive them if you have the printed rulebook. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Cori Clark
PFHA Events Manager

The Paso Fino TV Series
Promote your Paso Fino farm or ranch to a national audience in the TV series being produced for the new HorseTV Channel, a new 14 hour, 100% equine channel spreading rapidly throughout the U.S. on cable and satellite. The 7 Episode series, produced by the award winning production and marketing company HorseFlicks will feature just 7 Paso Fino farms and ranches in North America. Already shot and completed, Oak Island Farm in Alabama presents the excellence of their program in Fino, Performance and Pleasure disciplines. Also, shooting has been completed on Feather Hills Paso Finos in Pennsylvania, where the owners Gordon and Brenda Hall demonstrate the excellence and suitability for the Paso Fino in endurance riding and competitive trail competitions.

Don’t miss your opportunity to promote your horses and program to a national TV audience. There is a small production fee to cover the costs of producing each episode; however all of the national TV and Internet Broadcast placement and airings are free to each participant. The series will be carried by internet broadcast, making each person’s episode available globally to anyone with an Internet connection. If you are interested in promoting your passion for the Paso Fino to a national audience in your own TV episode, contact John May at HorseFlicks at 940-594-0000.

PFHA Pasos for Pleasure
Haley Frier is the PFHA Events Assistant. She is the liaison for the Pasos for Pleasure Program. Feel free to contact her with any questions you may have. I look forward to working with each and every one of you. 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 PFHWorld. Individual $55, Family $75, Junior 35.

PFHA Registration Note
Please do not send hairs for the DNA kits to the PFHA office. A DNA kit will be mailed to you and you MUST send the hairs in the DNA kit to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in Davis, CA.

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.

2007 PFHA Rule Book
The PFHA Rule Book is now available on the PFHA Web Site. The book can be downloaded and printed off any pages needed. The paper version of the new rulebook can be purchased from PFHA for $10.00.

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.

PFHA Paso Fino Videos for Sale

A new DVD, titled “Competitor's at the 2004 Grand Nationals,” features scenes from the 2004 Grand National Show and highlights the "Geldings for Gold" program along with National Show competitors. This program is available only on DVD and is $12.95 plus shipping. Contact mbrsecy@pfha.org to order.

2004 Paso Fino Grand National Championship Show: 53 minute program including highlights of the competition and festivities.
Youth Participation at the 2004 PFHA Nationals: 27 minute program features the Parade of Flags, Trail Ride and other Youth activities.
Basics of Trimming Your Horses Hooves with Don West.
Videos are $9.95 plus shipping. Please contact the PFHA at 813-719-7777 or via email mbrsecy@pfha.org to order.

PFHA Paso Fino Videos for Sale
PFHA announces this Paso Fino Horse Association video sale. Call 813.719.7777 to order. All videos $9.95 each, plus shipping. While supplies last. Buy 3, get one free, Buy 6 get two free. These are all the videos that have been aired on RFD-TV; they are now on sale.

The Grand National Shows listed below are approximately 50 minutes
in length, and feature interviews, and championship competition
1 - 2000 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
2 - 2001 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
3 - 2002 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______
4 - 2003 Paso Fino Grand Nationals ______

5 - EQUINE AFFAIRE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 2004 ______
Great Lakes PFHA Regions breed demos and interviews
Scenes from the 2003 Paso Fino auction in Perry, GA

6 TEXAS AMERICA WITH JOHN LYONS ______
High lights of the Paso Fino’s participation in this event,
plus the Texcelentes drill team performance

7 - 1999 MUNDIAL WORLD CUP ______
Pasos in competition from the US and many South American Countries

8 - PASO PARTICIPATION IN THE CARRIAGE OF THE HORSE SHOW
Features Stardust drill team. Lots of carriages and ______
a tour through the Horse Carriage Museum in central Florida

9 - CHAMPIONS IN PERRY/BEHIND THE SCENES 2001 ______
This video captures the action both in and out of the ring. Find out
what it takes to put on a show of this size. Interviews with youth riders
and horse owners. A look at the colorful stall decorations, exhibitor
booths and costume class competition.

10 - PASOS ON THE ROAD ______
Highlights of Equine Affaire, Piedmont Classic, and Spectrum Shows

11 - SMOOTHEST RIDE ______
Explains Fino, Corto, Largo and aspects of owning a Paso Fino
Original Smoothest ride video

12 - SMOOTHEST RIDE EVER ______
Similar to #11 but has various trail ride scenes with Mary Ann Kennedy
singing the Paso Fino song.

13 - VERSATILITY OF THE PASO FINO ______
Shows Paso Fino’s team penning, beach and trail riding, Extravaganza
show in Ocala, Florida, explanation of the Paso Fino gait, John Lyons
Interview.

14 - DON WEST CLINIC (back ordered till 6/30/04) ______
22-minute session of Don teaching basic Paso Fino horsemanship
Includes short clip of the Spectrum Paso show in Tampa, Florida

15 - SMOOTH TRAILS ON A PASO FINO ______
Various trail rides from the great northwest to beach riding in Florida

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USEF News

USEF Safe Rule Changes at Recognized Competitions
Lexington, KY - Consistent with one of the primary missions of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is to ensure the safety and welfare of both horses and riders, two important rule changes were approved at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in Louisville, Kentucky on January 16th, 2005. These changes should significantly contribute to safety at recognized USEF competitions. They involve the operation of motorized vehicles on horse show grounds by minors and the standards for safety helmets to be used in jumping competitions.

The first change was to rule GR301.5.a. The Board voted that beginning April 1st, 2005 minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside, will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle on the grounds of a recognized competition. This includes, but is not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters and farm utility vehicles. Penalties may include exclusion of the child, parents, guardians, and/or trainers from the competition grounds for the remainder of the competition and charges being filed against any of these individuals in accordance with Chapter VI. (Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance equipment for people with disabilities are exempt.)

The second rule change unanimously passed by the Board was GR318 which pertains to the use of approved safety helmets by everyone, juniors and seniors, competing over fences.
The Paso Fino Horse Association requested that the Board add to this rule that approved helmets be worn in all Paso Fino classes requiring jumping, and by all sub-juniors (exhibitors under 12 years of age) at all times when riding on the competition grounds of a Paso Fino show. The Board approved this addition.

2007 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 2005 Membership Application/Renewal to renew your 2005 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 2006 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

North Carolina Horse Council Trail Ride is Saturday, May 19th, 2007 and the Super Trail Horse Challenge is Sunday May 20th, 2007 at Leatherwood Mountains in Ferguson, NC. Proceeds to benefit the equestrian trail projects in North Carolina. Ride Includes: Long or Short Ride at your own pace, Dinner, Entertainment, Door Prizes, T-shirt & Goody Bag. (Limit of 150 riders) – Come ride for the whole weekend! Super Trail Horse Challenge: compete & test your horse & horsemanship skills on a fun filled trail course with safe man made & natural obstacles. Winner receives a belt buckle!

For cabin, camping, stall rental or primitive camping contact: Leatherwood Mountains (336) 973-5044 or visit www.leatherwoodmountains.com. For more information visit www.nchorsecouncil.com or contact Shannon Hoffman (919) 854-1990.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 23, 2007
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/an_sci/extension/horse/hurrican.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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