Paso Fino Parade of Flags at the NC State Fair Horse Show
Updated April 30, 2008

From The President
Spring has arrived, the horses are shedding their winter coats, the grass is growing and the flowers are beginning to bloom. My favorite time of the year. The show season is right around the corner, starting with the Carolina Classic at Clemson. This year’s show is being held on April 26 & 27 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena at Clemson University. We are looking for an exciting show again this year. We will have a Stallion Exhibition on Saturday Night with an Exhibitor’s Dinner. Our Youth Group will have a flag presentation and Jerry Dotson, Futurity Chairperson, will have a presentation on our Futurity Program. Friday night we will have a membership meeting in the arena with Pizza and drinks for all. Included in this newsletter is the show program and general show information. Put it on your calendar and get your reservations in today.

Rita MaGaha is working hard on this year’s Asheville Show to be held on June 26, 27, 28 & 29. We have cut it down to a four day show this year, which will cut down on the expense to our exhibitors and the show itself. This is a very large event and it requires a lot of membership assistance. If you give us a hand, even for a few hours during the event, please give Rita a call and volunteer your services. It will be greatly appreciated.

The Wendy Murdoch Clinic was a great success. All the participants left the clinic with new found information and knowledge about their horses and riding skills. Take advantage of the clinics offered by your Piedmont Region, the feedback we get from our participants is always extremely favorable. You’re missing a great opportunity if you miss attending one of our clinics. Big thanks to Kathy Williams of Chetola Farms and Dr. Ann Furr for their hard work in putting this clinic together.

Our Spring Trail Ride Calendar is out and Candace Link has put together a great list of sites for this year’s rides, including: Sand Hills State Forest in Cheraw, SC on April 19th, DuPont State Forest, Brevard, NC on May 31st, and Latta Park, Huntersville, NC on June 21st to name a few. Make sure you sign up in advance. A list of the Trail Rides and the Trail Host is included in this newsletter.

One last item before I let you go out and get on your horses and enjoy life, remember the classified sections of both this newsletter and on our web site. Advertising through these locations can help you and prospective buyers.

See you at Clemson,

Bill Kerns
greengaitfarm@yahoo.com

Upcoming 2008 Events

Heritage Farm 6th Annual Fun Show is April 12th
The sixth annual Heritage Farm Fun Show will be held on Saturday, April 12, 1008, at Heritage Farm in Lexington, NC. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Center United Methodist Church (Welcome, NC) Fellowship Hall Fund. Class entries are only $8 for regular classes and $10 for championships. There are some classes specifically for Paso Finos and many that are open to any breed or type of horse, English or western. Food will be available on the grounds but spectators should bring lawn chairs.

For Paso Fino owners, this is a good time to practice for the upcoming Clemson and Asheville shows. For those of you who are interested in learning more about the Paso Fino horse, there will be breeders, owners, and trainers available to answer all your questions, as well as a variety of sale horses to view.
For more information and show flyer, contact Milda Minter at 336-764-4785 or email mpminter@aol.com.

Piedmont Trail Ride: Sand Hills State Forest, Cheraw, SC is April 19th
The Sand Hill 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 last year by several members and is quickly becoming a favorite.

Camping is first class with full camper hookup, 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 reservation and they can be made online at: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/26716.aspx?print=1 click on Things to Do for equestrian facility info. Addition information regarding Sandhills State Forest Trails can be found at: http://www.state.sc.us/forest/cooper.htm. Full service overnight camping & stalls are available.

Riders should be saddled and ready to ride at 10:30 a.m. 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 H, 336 413-5204 C Email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

The Carolina Classic "Clemson" Show is April 26th - 27th
"Carolina Classic" Clemson General Show Info and Class Listing

A Great Place to Start the Show Season! Brandy Laney will be co-chairing the 2008 Clemson Show with Bill Kerns in 2008. Show Judges for Saturday are: Kay Chiappetta and Robin Ratliff; Sunday Judge is: Alice Page. There will be a Stallion Exhibition Saturday evening.

A mini clinic on human first aid will be conducted by Marianne Orr for the youth at the Carolina Classic in Clemson, SC. The time for the clinic will be posted at the arena. Attendees will put together their own first aid kit to carry with them on the trail or to shows. Take advantage of this valuable clinic.

Brandy Laney
clspasofino@prtcnet.com
Bill Kerns
greengaitfarm@yahoo.com
Carolina Classic Co-Show Chairs

"Family Fun Day at Fantasia" is May 3rd
You are cordially invited to join us at "Family Fun Day at Fantasia" on Saturday, May 3rd, 10 am until 3 pm. There will be Paso Fino exhibitions, pony rides, food & refreshments, hay rides, raffles for prizes, free gifts and much more! Donations are appreciated and all proceeds will benefit the ALS Association. Contact Lauri Pistolis at Fantasia Farms, Lancaster, SC at 704-619-5677 or email fantasiafarm@comporium.net.

Lauri Pistolis

The Piedmont Classic "Asheville" Show is June 26th - 29th
General Show Info | Class Listing (.xls files)
This year's theme is "Come Feel the Beat in 2008", the theme, and artwork were submitted by Alice Page and Nancy Crumley. Our show this year will be "Electric" and exciting.

Our judges are as follows: Thursday and Friday - Carlos Tobon and Willman Rodriguez; Saturday and Sunday - Rick Shafer and Guillermo Iglesias with Rick being the Futurity Judge.

Ann Furr is our Class Sponsorship Chairman and she will be contacting each of you to see which class you would lke to sponsor. All class sponsors are published in the program so this requires that the class
sponsorship fee be paid prior to printing. If you have not paid for your class sponsorship prior to our submission of the program to the printer your name will not be printed. Please support our show with your
sponsorship. Payment deadline: June 1, 2008.

Robbie Davis and Ali Casey are working on the Farm Sponsorship and Stallion Service Auction. If you are interested in a Farm Sponsorship, please contact Robbie or Ali. Stalls in Barn A & B are assigned according to the sponsorship level that the farms select and by the order that these sponsorships are placed with Robbie. Don't wait until the last minute to select your sponsorship because your stalls may be gone. We are getting calls already from folks outside of the area looking for information becasue they are planning to come to the show.

TheAsheville Prize List and Class Schedule will be posted on the Piedmont and PFHA web site. On the PFHA web site you may electronically complete your class entries and they will then forward the form to our Show Sectretary. Payment and copies of the appropriate forms will have to be mailed under separate cover.

Rita Magaha
Asheville Show Chair
ritamagaha1@alltel.net.

The NC State Fair Horse Paso Fino "Raleigh" Show is October 20th
New for 2008 will be the Trail Obstacle class moving to the outside arena. Trail is the first class after the lunch break, and this will give the trail class exhibitors a chance to practice the obstacles ahead of time. It will also have the main arena available for schooling during the lunch break. The Pleasure Driving class was removed from the schedule due to lack of participation. The Wine Glass class will be moved to after the Performance Championship as then exhibitors will still be in "formal" attire for this fun class. The Wine Glass class will be the last class before the lunch break. There is usually a good spectator crowd at that time in the arena. Draft Horse classes will again be intermixed with the Paso Fino classes in the evening. The earlier move-in time of 4pm on Sunday which suited exhibitors better in 2007 will again be available. The Pole Bending "fun-sport" class was popular with exhibitors and spectators alike in 2007 will be held again, so let's see a few more Paso Finos in that class to make it even more exciting to watch!

Glenn Petty is the NC State Fair Show Manager. Flat Rock Farm's Ali and Paul Casey will be hosting their delicious Bar-B-Que to exhibitors on Sunday night again. Rick Shaffer and Derek Fernandez are the judges for the show. Fred Moretti is the PFHA steward. There will be a show flyer available this spring.

Contact Lynn Gallup for more info at (919)362-5966 or at info@gracewoodpasos.com.

Lynn Gallup
NC State Fair Local Show Chair

---

Wendy Murdoch Clinic Very Successful
March 1st and 2nd, 11 riders and several auditors got a real insight into improving their riding at the Wendy Murdoch Clinic at Chetola Farms in Monroe, NC. This was Wendy’s first all Paso Fino clinic and her feedback was very positive. Wendy was very impressed that the horses were so pleasant and riders so eager to learn. For two days, the group explored the body mechanics of both horse and rider, and made strides toward feeling more secure and confident in the saddle. As Wendy said often, “The horse gets a vote”, meaning we can judge if what we are doing as a rider produces the desired result in our horse.

Participants were of all skill levels, from riding a Paso Fino for the first time to a veteran trainer. Riders included: April Hughes, Ginger Karney, Beth Woodall, Bruce Woodall, Kathy Haywood, Ann Furr, Marjorie Nickel, Shannon Davis, Sandy Godenberg, Mimi Brailsford and Larry Whitesell. All expressed the wish that Piedmont would sponsor a Wendy Murdoch Clinic in the future.

Comments from the riders: Ginger wrote: “I was most impressed that the professional horse trainers and professional riders in the class were blossoming in their riding experiences just like I was”, from April: “That was just the most amazing thing I have ever attended and it has totally changed my whole way of riding”, Marjorie stated:“I am still smiling when I think about the clinic”, Sandy said: “I know this is going to help me become a better rider and will help my horse to be more relaxed under saddle.”

Thanks to Southern States, who donated lunch for the clinic and gave feed coupons to the attendees. You can read more about Wendy Murdoch at murdochmethod.com.

New Online Piedmont Directories
The online Piedmont Farm and Membership Directory pages have been updated this month. If you have renewed your membership for 2008, you are listed. Take advantage of adding a live email or website link, cost is only $10 per link and stays current as long as your membership stays active..

New Advertise in the 2008 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 2008 are the same as in 2006, 2007:
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 speedprint2@lexcominc.net 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, 2008.

New 2008 Piedmont Futurity Update
The Piedmont Futurity continues to grow. See the newly updated Futurity Stallion listing and a new June 2008 nomination form [.doc file]. Any offspring from a nominated stallion is eligible to enter the Futurity Classes and, once nominated, each horse can show until its eligibility is finished. Futurity classes are shown at Asheville, along with regular show classes during the Saturday/Sunday show. Remember, the deadline for 2008 is June 11th for horses to show in the current show year Futurity. Don’t miss this opportunity to win extra money at Asheville! If you have any questions, email Jerry Dotson jkdotson1@charter.net.

When making your breeding plans, consider these stallions whose offspring can show in the futurity and win money. Offspring of many of these stallions are also eligible to compete in the Breeders Sweepstakes at Nationals so you can have several chances to win additional prize money.

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 ~ $750
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 Program
The new year has started, 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. This program is on hold right now while a new chairperson is found. 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.

Download the Piedmont PathFinders Hours log in PDF format.

Rewards include:
50 hours - hat
100 - coffee mug
300 - cantle bag
400 - safety kit
500 - sweatshirt
1000 - jacket

A special prize will be awarded to the rider with the most hours at the end of each year. Membership is open only to Piedmont PFHA members. Double points will be awarded for any sanctioned trail ride regardless of group/breed. Signature of trail host required. To join, send $25 and T-shirt size to:

Piedmont Pathfinders c/o Robbie Davis, 18600 Shearer Rd., Davidson, NC 28036

Piedmont High Point Awards
Welcome to the 2008 show year! Robbyn Young is the 2008 Points Chair. If you have a question, please contact Robbyn at robbyncita@netzero.com. Good Luck to everyone and wishing you a successful, fun show season.

Here are the 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.

From The Trail

This year’s calendar is shaping up nicely. We have old favorites and some new adventures. We hope you will join us.

If you plan to participate in a Piedmont Ride you must be a Piedmont member and make reservations with the Trail Host. This is an insurance requirement for designated Piedmont Rides. 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 canceled due to weather or other reasons. If you are not a member you will be required to join before the ride.

Trail Etiquette: Be a courtesy trail rider, if your horse kicks, please tie a ribbon on 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 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 and allotted time and location. Coordinate with your 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 enjoy the opportunity to ride there.

We have some new and exciting places to ride this year. Hope to see you there. If you have any questions, suggestion or would like to be a trail volunteer to help with our trail rides, please contact me at (336)413-5204 or email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

Happy Trails!
Candace Link

Piedmont Trail Ride: Sand Hills State Forest, Cooper Black Recreation Area, Cheraw, SC is April 19th
The Sand Hill 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 last year by several members and is quickly becoming a favorite.

Camping is first class with full camper hookup, 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 reservation and they can be made online. click on Things to Do for equestrian facility info. Addition information regarding Sandhills State Forest Trails can be found at: http://www.state.sc.us/forest/cooper.htm. Full service overnight camping & stalls are available.

Riders should be saddled and ready to ride at 10:30 a.m. 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 H, 336 413-5204 C Email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

Piedmont Trail Ride: Dupont State Forest, Brevard, NC is May 31st
This ride is sponsor by Georgia and Piedmont Regions. Camping and Stalls available at Holly View Stables: http://www.holly-view.com (Note: This is the ONLY good place to stay with excellent access for rigs) Make your reservations early. Piedmont Trail Host: Candace Link, 336-940-2936 H, 336 413-5204 Cell. Email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

Piedmont Trail Ride: Latta Park, Huntersville, NC is June 21st
Click here for more info online.Trail Host: Candace Link, 336-940-2936 H, 336 413-5204 Cell. Email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

Piedmont Trail Ride: Cone Park, Blowing Rock, NC is July 12th
http://www.blowingrockequestrian.com/ For camping and stall info. Trail Host: Jill & Brian Smith, phone: 828-268-0608, Email: basvprop@bellsouth.net.

Piedmont Trail Ride: South Mountain, Connelly Springs, NC is August 9th
(Camping & stalls available) website: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/somo/home.html. Trail Host: Candace Link, 336-940-2936 H, 336 413-5204 Cell; Email: pasolink@yadtel.net.

Each trail host has 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.

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@yadtel.net.

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.

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.

Attention All Trail Riders ... Join the Piedmont Path Finders Program
Piedmont PFHA is proud to announce the a new riding rewards program called "Piedmont Pathfinders". It will be like the national PFHA Pasos For Pleasure program. 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. Click here for more info.

PFHA Ticket to Ride 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.

Online Horse Trail Directory
Check out the website called www.horsetraildirectory.com. It is a growing website where trail riders can critique trails and facilities all over the country.

Piedmont Membership

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.

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.

New for the new 2008 membership year 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.

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 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 Website 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 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.

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.

New Youth Clinic at 2008 Clemson Show
A mini clinic on human first aid will be conducted by Marianne Orr for the youth at the Carolina Classic in Clemson, SC. The time for the clinic will be posted at the arena. Attendees will put together their own first aid kit to carry with them on the trail or to shows. Take advantage of this valuable clinic.

Dr. Ann Furr, DVM
Youth Committee Chair

Piedmont Open Circuit Horse Show Program

New dates for Open Show at Biggerstaff Park in Dallas, NC, known as the Triple Challenge are April 12, June 7 and September 13. These are the same format as the usual ones with PASO FINO youth pleasure, country pleasure, pleasure mares/fillies; stallion/geldings and championship; performance mares/fillies, stallions/geldings; and performance championship, interspersed with western pleasure and racking horse and game classes. Shows start at 10 am with the english/hunter division. Paso classes start after lunch break. Contact: Ann R. Furr, DVM, phone: 704-798-3460 or drfurr@alltel.net.

New Event: June 21st Gaston County Horseman's Association Open Show.
Paso Fino pleasure and performance classes offered for youth and adults. All breed show. More info coming in the near future.

Piedmont Open Circuit 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.

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!

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.

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.

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
  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.

Economic Impact of the Equine Industry within North Carolina

The North Carolina Horse Council needs your help. In this past legislative session a bill was passed to
study the economic impact of the Equine Industry within North Carolina. The Council is fully endorsing
this effort and is seeking your Association’s endorsement as well. We believe that the expansion of
the equine industry would provide jobs, create alternatives to tobacco production, assist in creating new trails and maintaining the present ones, preserve farmland and open space, generate awareness and revenue for Equine Facility needs around the state and in general, make the legislature more aware of the importance of the equine industry to our state's financial welfare. We believe that this study will broadly improve the welfare of the State and its equine owners throughout the state. We thank you in advance for your particpation and hope that you will relay the importance of this study to your membership.

NCHC Grants for 2008
The North Carolina Horse Council will be issuing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for three categories of grants in 2008. The categories to be considered are Educational Grants, Trail and Community Grants and Health/Research Grants.

The first awards will be for Educational Grants. The maximum award in this category is $750. The RFP will be posted by the first of January and must be received by the NCHC by the end of January, 2008. The grants will be reviewed and evaluated in February. The Executive Committee will approve the final grant awards on the first Wednesday of March, 2008 and the successfull applicants will receive their award by March 31, 2008. The second round of competition will be for the Trails and Community Grants. The maximum award in this category is $1,500. This RFP will be posted in March (2008), reveiwed in April, approved at the Executive Committee meeting on the first Wednesday in May and awarded by May 31, 2008.

The final category will be our Health and Research Grants. The maximum award in this category will be $6000. The RFP will be posted in June, reveiwed in July, approved by the first Wednesday of August and awarded by August 31, 2008.

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