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.

January 19-21, 2007 is the PFHA National Officers Election and Convention Meeting
Piedmont's Prseident Robbie Davis is also Piedmont’s BOD Delegate. She would like your input on how she should vote on your behalf. Please fill out the form included in this newsletter and mail it to her. She will represent each vote as it is voted. In the event you wish to send PFHA your vote please fill out the form in the PFHWorld and mail it to PFHA timely. Review the PFHA Committee reports at www.pfha.org if you chose to give feedback on proposals to be voted on like the Show Tax passed at the last PFHA BOD meeting.

Larry Whitesell Gaited Horsemanship Clinic is February 10th & 11th
Learn to get your gaited horse to: gait better, turn and stop, have speed control, solve problems, help with collection, and gait on a lighter rein. The clinician will be Larry Whitesell, and the clinic location will be at Chetola Farms in Monroe, NC. Contact Robbie Davis at 704-895-4071 or email elporvenir@aol.com. More info will be on this website next month and in the Password.

NC State’s Equine Medicine Symposium is Sunday, February 25th, 2007
Our 23rd Annual Equine Medicine Symposium will be held at the College in February. Sunday, February 25th is dedicated to educating horse owners. This is North Carolina’s ONLY purely equine health-focused educational program and it’s designed just for you.

You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the latest in horse health care, including:

• Developing an action plan for colic before it strikes
• Pain management for colic and lameness
• Eye problems: first aid and new treatments
• Body condition scoring
• Endocrine problems including Cushing’s Disease and metabolic disease
• The best nutrition for the specific needs of your horse

You’ll also learn about NCSU’s involvement in the development of new and exciting equine treatments. Throughout the day, various equine company representatives will be on hand with exhibits ready to discuss their products and services.

Visit for full details www.EquineMedicineSymposium.

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Piedmont PFHA BOD Meeting - December 12, 2006 Report
Tryon, NC

Present: Robbie Davis - President, Rita Magaha -Vice President, Bill Kerns - Treasurer, Robbyn Young - Secretary, Directors: Ann Furr, Shaw Laney, Lori West

The meeting began at 12:50pm with Bill Kerns briefly discussing the financial soundness of the region. He presented a profit and loss sheet, which outlined how Piedmont is operating in the negative. We have approximately $16,000 in the bank, and no money in our Money Market account. Bill suggested we look into changing banks, as one of our large expenses was bank charges. The BOD agreed to change banks. This time last year the association had $25,000 in its accounts.

The BOD agreed that the extra mailings of the Password helped to boost membership numbers, with many members rejoining from previous years other than 2006.

The Larry Whitesell Gaited Horse Clinic in February has ten riders already confirmed; we need five more for the clinic to make a profit.

Rita Magaha and Robbie Davis have been thoroughly going over the profit and loss sheets of the Asheville 2006 show, trying to decipher the shows financial status. For the next show the expenses must be more thoroughly broken down into accounting categories. The BOD began discussing ways to increase income and decrease expenses without sacrificing the quality of the show.

At the 2006 Asheville show raffle tickets were sold for the Silver Star trailer that is given out at the show. The money from the raffle tickets was given to the Piedmont Futurity. Rita suggested that we sell raffle tickets for the trailer at all Piedmont PFHA events. The BOD discussed the contract with Silver Star Trailers, we would like to give the trailer away to the winning ticket, without the winner having to be present to win. Robbie agreed to contact Dwight Graber concerning the contract and any stipulations that would prevent this type of give away. We did not decide where the proceeds from the raffle will go, either the show or to the futurity.

The Piedmont Futurity needs to come up with more ways to fundraise.

The BOD was called to vote to eliminate the two and three year old futurity classes, as the paybacks are not supported by the number of entries and nominations. Shaw Laney suggested changing the four year old riding classes into three year old riding classes. It was decided to remain as four year olds. He also suggested combining all sexes for the riding classes, thus giving bigger entries, more paybacks to the winner and less overall payouts, because the number of winners would be decreased by six. It would also add more prestige to the winner of the futurity classes. It was decided to combine the sexes and have a Pleasure Futurity, a Performance Futurity and a Fino Futurity and to highlight these classes Friday evening at the Asheville show. To have an entertaining evening we also added some championship classes. These championship classes will also combine the sexes and will be at no charge for the exhibitors. We will discontinue the two and three year old Bella Forma classes. The geldings futurity classes will be held in conjunction with the regular PFHA sanctioned classes, but will be awarded separately. Because there are little to no entries into the geldings classes, in order to make the payouts correspond with the entries, the money that is paid for declaration will be divided up evenly depending on the number of entries per class and particular division.

Robbie Davis called for a vote on the above changes to the Piedmont Futurity program, all approved.

There will be a letter sent out to the owners of all two and three year old horses that have already been nominated into the Futurity program, to let them know of these changes and how it will affect them. They will be given a free declaration into the four year old riding class.

Robbie will contact the owners of the stallions in the PFHA Stallion Service Auction, soliciting them to nominate their stallions to the Piedmont Futurity. It was decided that all stallion owners must pay the $1250 nomination fee, that breedings to be sold or traded will not be used as methods of payment.

Bill and Rita discussed our advertising in the Paso Fino Horse World Magazine. In 2006 we had excessive advertising in the magazine advertising Asheville, 27 pages and one cover. In order to save money, we will do one large show promotion ad in the May edition of PFHW and we will get the June cover and utilize the free inside page.

Dinner in the Dirt report's cost vs. income -- Rita discovered that it costs approximately $47.70 per person (guarantee 400). We had 218 ticket sales at $25.00 each for a total income of $5450. Rita suggested we raise the price of ticket sales to $35, but we must be careful to go get too cheap on the dinner and entertainment. The BOD all agreed that the dinner needed better food; we will contact the Moose Cafe and see what their specialty is. Lori West agreed to be the Asheville scout, and look for different caterers etc.

The BOD decided that we need to find a volunteer to do ring decorations as well as table decorations for the Dinner in the Dirt instead of delegating the decorating to Four Winds West and paying extra for it. Robbyn suggested contacting Kim Irvan for decorating ideas.

Because of the cost and lack of attendance from the exhibitors, the show committee will eliminate the free exhibitors party Friday night. Instead there will be a hospitality tent with free coffee and donuts each morning and Thursday and Friday night parties will be sponsored by farms. Shaw Laney and Robbyn Young agreed to co-host a party Thursday night Lori West volunteered to find a host for Friday evening. As a host of an exhibitors party the Asheville show committee will put the party information on all show flyers, on the national announcements in PFHW and a one page ad in the show directory. Shaw Laney all suggested that these farms receive prime stall locations so that the parties will be well attended. All agreed.

We will eliminate the free golf cart rental to farms who stall in the lower barns, as with the new walk through gates by the warm-up arena, it is easier for those exhibitors to reach the arena.

The Asheville show needs to be more supportive to the Piedmont members, and not cater so much to the out of region exhibitors. We must remember that this show is to highlight the Piedmont region horses and members.

We need to renegotiate the contract for shavings, right now Buddy O'Neil gets 100% of the profits from shavings sales, Piedmont receives nothing.

In years past, the show has paid for the expenses and hotel of the show farrier. We will now have one show farrier who will receive the prime farrier location and not have to pay the outdoor vendor fee of $300. All other farriers on the grounds must pay the vendor fee. Robbyn agreed to contact Oneal Garcia to be the official show farrier, outlining the changes.

Rita Magaha agreed to Co-Chair the Asheville show. Lori West agreed to be the Asheville liason, she will contact all Asheville area vendors, resources etcetera as needed.

Robbie reminded us of the importance of getting the exhibitors to fill out 1099 forms when they receive paybacks. No one was sure if these forms were signed at the 2006 Asheville show. Bill said that he would look into it.

At the 2006 Asheville show, the paybacks were as follows: First show: 9 Championship classes with $1000 purse each. Second show: 3 Bella Forma Championships with $1000 payback, 18 riding championships with $1000 payback each, 94 classes with $200 payback each.

Overall show High Point Gelding $2000 divided up as $1000 1st place, $600 2nd place and $400 3rd place. Best Exhibition at Dinner in the Dirt: $500 1st Place, $200 2nd Place. High Point Fino, Performance and Pleasure both Amateur Owner and Professional: $2000 each.

It was suggested to add a High Point Youth award, Rita Magaha reminded that youth cannot receive cash prizes, but suggested that the show committee solicit donations from the show vendors such as saddles, bridles, etcetera.

Ray Fajardo has agreed to help with farm sponsorships. Ann Furr has agreed to help with class sponsorships. Jerry Dotson has agreed to help with the Piedmont Futurity. The position to sell ads for the show directory needs to be filled. The filly donated by Alei Casey for the Piedmont Futurity will be sold by auction. Rita Magaha suggested to look into bidding out the artwork for the Asheville Show logo. Lori West mentioned a Piedmont member that specializes in graphic design.

The following judges and stewards will be contacted for the Piedmont shows -- Clemson: Bill Kerns will contact the officials immediately to get them contracted. Asheville: Robbyn Young will contact these officials immediately to get them contracted.

It was suggested ask Rick Meyer to do a Cowboy Mounted Shooting exhibition at one of the Piedmont shows in hopes of raising awareness of the Paso Fino versatility. It would be a real crowd pleaser.

Bill suggested that the entry fees for Clemson be raised, right now the Clemson show fees are the lowest in the area, by at least $10 per judge. There will be no charge for championships. It was also suggested we add a program for the novice riders Friday night prior to the show with classes and a clinic. Robbyn Young suggested we use a local trainer or judge that could perhaps volunteer their time for this.

Jim Sieffer from Cosmos Broadcasting has expressed interest in video production of Piedmont events. Shaw Laney agreed to contact him.

Shaw Laney will be offering a Piedmont training clinic at his farm on March 17 & 18 focusing on all realms of the show ring and training. We will look for volunteers to host different clinic topics such as showmanship, show ring etiquette, equitation et cetera. There will be a Piedmont Membership meeting on Saturday with the clinic. Sunday will be more hands on experience.

Robbyn Young will stay in contact with the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation, Inc concerning their show. Piedmont would like to have the show moved to Columbia, SC on March 31 and April 1.

Ann Furr has contacted Fort Dodge, who will be doing a brief discussion and donating lunch for the Larry Whitesell clinic. Ann stressed the importance of a good turnout and interest in Fort Dodge, so that we can look to them for future activities and sponsorships. Ann is in search for free giveaway items at the clinic. It was suggested she contact Jeanne Griggs, as she has past experience in finding these items.

Shaw Laney drew the winning ticket for the free breeding to El Zafiro de Trillador, donated by Ann Furr in support of the Piedmont Open Show Circuit awards. The winner was Wayne Washburn.

Bill Kerns reported that there are missing checks that were paid as membership dues at the Piedmont year end banquet. If they do not turn up, a letter will be sent to these members requesting a replacement check be sent.

Ann Furr suggested that the membership application be revamped and regulated. There are several different forms for membership. There needs to be only one form available in the Password, online or printed. Lori West agreed to redo the form.

Piedmont Pathfinders program outline in printed form does not follow the national program, this needs to be changed. Ingrid Ruppalt, program director stresses that the awards for the program are not cost effective.

Ann Furr has volunteered to head up a Piedmont Youth service project.

Dick Miller has donated $1000.00 for a Piedmont Youth scholarship. In past years Piedmont has matched these funds and two scholarships were awarded last year. Robbie Davis will contact Dick Miller to see if this is a perpetual donation and to see if a contract was written and signed. There needs to be criteria set up, and we must abide by Dick Millers expectations for the recipient. It was suggested that this scholarship be available only to Piedmont members. At this time Piedmont does not have the funds to match this donation.

The PFHA national office has sent a list of new members with their national designation listed as Piedmont. These new members have not yet joined the Piedmont PFHA. Rita Magaha has a letter that was sent to these types of members in the past. She will send a copy to Robbyn Young so that she can send letters to these perspective members.

Bill Kerns agreed to contact Lynn Gallup concerning the Piedmont PFHA website. There are many questions concerning the website and its costs. Bill will request a copy of the contract that Piedmont has with Lynn Gallup to up keep the website, and see if there is room to renegotiate. The website is an effective tool for the region, with a high hit count and high rank in the search engines. There is advertising available on the website, it must be determined how much this advertising runs and how often it is renewed.

Robbyn Young is looking into getting a not for profit mailing status for the Password.

Piedmont advertising dollars need to be spent on breed recognition, not inter-breed. We will look into advertising within regional equine publications such as Carolina Horse & Hounds, Stablemates, The Salt-Block Gazette and others.

The BOD agreed to run the Larry Whitesell Clinic advertisement again in the Salt-Block Gazette.

Robbie Davis announced that a member has agreed to help with the 2007 Piedmont Banquet. Because of the lack of Piedmont funds, the banquet will more than likely be held at a member's farm. Robbyn Young reminded of the importance of giving every Piedmont farm a fair chance to host the banquet. There will be a vote on a location at a later date.

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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

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

Piedmont Youth Report
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.

High School Seniors and College Freshmen, don't forget to apply for the PFHA Foundation Youth Scholarship. Piedmont region also has a scholarship available to a PIEDMONT member, but you still need to fill out the national form. Deadline is the end of May.

A great time was had by all at the Youth Beach Trail Ride hosted by the Orr family in Topsail Beach on Dec. 16th. With warm, beautiful weather, six horses and riders enjoyed a special privilege to ride down a virtually deserted beach. The view of the Pasos on the beach was absolutely breathtaking. The next day, the group moved on to Holly Shelter, a state preserve with wonderful trails. THANKS! to the Orr family for their gracious hospitiality, and for letting us stay at their motel.

I will be taking several youth to The NCSU Veterinary School's annual open house on March 31st. If you are interested in going, please let me know!
Dr. Ann Furr

In a program sponsored by Pinnacle Paso Finos, starting June 2006 and running through May 31, 2007, a $500 Savings Bond was offered to be awarded to the Youth member who collected and turned in the most “Proof of Purchase” seals from Southern States Legends, Reliance & Triple Crown horse feed bags and also from Nutrena’s ten varieties of feed. An equal number of seals will be credited for each bulk feed slip turned in.

Pinnacle Paso Finos is offering a $500 Savings Bond to the Youth who collects the most seals starting June 1, 2006 and running through May 31, 2007. Start collecting now! Proceeds from this drive will be used to fund the Piedmont Futurity Program. SEND YOUR SEALS MONTHLY to: Joe & Eileen Wilhem, Pinnacle Paso Finos, 1285 Stony Ridge Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043. If you have any questions call (336) 325-3052, joes9245@surry.net.

2007 NC State Fair Horse Show Report
The NC State Fair Paso Fino Show Advisory Committee members Ali Casey and Lynn Gallup met with the NC State Fair management on December 14th, 2006 in Raleigh to discuss and provide input for the 2007 show. 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

Piedmont PFHA BOD Annual Meeting Report - November 11, 2006
Charlotte, N.C.
President Milda Minter called the meeting to order. The minutes of the April 2006 meeting was approved as printed in the Password. Treasurer Lauri Pistolis gave the Treasurer's report: The current balance in all accounts is $22,616.56. The Asheville show lost money in 2006 and the Clemson Show made money. Lauri presented the proposed budget for 2007. It was discussed that the budget did not make provision to saving some money. The new Board will further review this budget and make an attempt to save some money. They will present a revised budget to the membership at a later date.

CLEMSON SHOW: Bill Kerns reported for the Clemson show. The 2007 dates are April 28 & 29.

ASHEVILLE SHOW: Dwight Graber, manager for the Asheville show has resigned due to his new position with the National Marketing Committee. He stated that he just did not have time for both activities. In his absence, President Elect Robbie Davis asked if there were any volunteers to take the position of manager. She received no volunteers. The expenses for this show will be very closely monitored in 2007 in an effort to make a profit.

PURE PUERTO RICAN ASSOCIATION SHOW: They are willing to host a show either in the spring or late summer in Columbia, S.C., Clemson, S.C. or North Augusta, S.C. if Piedmont will support the show with participation. A discussion was held as to what time of year and what location the members would prefer. By show of hands the majority preferred Clemson, S.C. in August. Robbyn Young said that she would be in touch with them to discuss the date and location of the show.

Jeanne Griggs gave a report on the new Open Show Circuit. She thanked the farms for the Fun Shows that were held this year. They were all well attended and very well organized. She requested that other farms hold Fun shows. She also requested some organizational and financial assistance from the association to the farms that hold the fun shows. The guidelines for the operation of the Open Competition High Point Program were presented to the membership. There was some discussion as to the ability of sending the show results after the show date. It was agreed that show info could be sent to the Points manager by no later than 10 days after the show date. It was also stated that the point's year would be October 1 thru September 30 each year. A motion was made by Kelly Ireland and seconded by Lori West that the association accept the guidelines as listed with the two changes. It was approved by the membership.

Robbie Davis gave the Futurity report. The futurity has in it's checking account $7357.04 and $10, 000 in a CD. This is up $15,423.27 over last year due to some Fund raising events such as the sale of the 2005 trailer sale and the embryo sale (Mandato x Diosa) and other activities. A discussion was held as to the economics of holding the two and three year old classes. Robbie has done an analysis and it is not feasible to continue to give these classes, because there is not enough financial support through the members nominating their offspring or stallions. Her recommendation is to delete the two and three year old classes. A final decision was not reached. The new board will have to further discuss and make a recommendation. Members were encouraged to nominate their offspring if they wanted to continue with the classes. Robbie did announce that fees will be increased for the 2007 year. She urged members to join prior to January 1, 2007 to take advantage of the lower fees.

Candace Link was not in attendance to give the Trail Ride report.

Milda Minter presented the Guidelines for High Point Awards. Some discussion was held. Kelly Ireland pointed out that it should be stated in the guidelines that to participate the members would have to be in good standing at the time that the show took place. This was added and then Kelly Ireland made a motion to accept the guidelines and Joe Wilheim seconded. Motion passed.

Ingrid Ruppalt gave the report on the Pathfinders activities. She showed the awards that are to be given out to the participants. Lori West inquired if she could submit her log that she completes for the National program instead of copying it over. Ingrid said that participants could use the National log for the Piedmont program.

Robbie Davis presented to the membership the information on a proposed training clinic to be held by Larry Whitesell at Kathy Williams's facility. Larry's fee is $2500 for the weekend and Kathy will charge $300 per day for the facility. It was stated that if they get 15 horse and rider attendees then the clinic would make money. The clinic is to be open to all breeds and horses can be brought to the clinic. Also individuals can audit the clinic for a small fee. A motion was made by Eileen Wilheim to have Piedmont sponsor the clinic and Charlie Minter seconded it. Motion passed.

Members indicated that they did want other clinics to be presented. Shaw Laney offered his old farm, which has a small ring and 25 stalls for the use to do a clinic.

Lynn Gallup was not present but Milda Minter gave her report on the Marketing committee. A listing of our Farm membership will be included in the Piedmont Full-page Color Ad in the Salt Box Gazette. A handout was passed out to the members present listing advertising opportunities available through the association such as Display advertising, Regional News, Website and Annual Piedmont Membership Directory. Dwight Graber is the National marketing Chairman and he is working towards getting more coverage on RFD-TV. Another goal is to get more Open Houses being done by our member Farms to better acquaint people with the Paso Fino Horse. Magazines that members could consider advertising are The Gaited Horse and Trail Rider.

Ann Furr gave the Youth Committee report for Kathy Williams. Nine youth members went to the Mundial in Florida in July. Thanks to everyone who donated time, money, horses etc. towards this event. Kathy Williams and her committee did a monumental job. Ann Furr will be the Youth chairman for 2007. Ann announced that on March 31, 2007 the Vet School will host an open house and she plans to take the youth on a field trip. February 24 will be an Equine Health Symposium. Ann is going to try to have a Youth Service Program. The Youth would sign up for Pathfinders, log their hours, get a sponsor to raise money, which will be donated to a Charity. Eileen and Joe Wilheim are donating a $500 savings bond once again for Youth who collect the most coupons off of Southern States feed June 1, thru May 31. Purina has a coupon program for their Nutrena feed also.

Milda Minter gave National Board Meeting report. C.J. Marcello was signed for a new three-year contract. A new fee has been introduced at the National level; each professional who wants to show will be required to pay a $100 annual fee and Amateur Owners will have to pay a $35 annual fee. These fees are in addition to annual dues and normal show fees. This was passed to increase the revenue of the National Association. Robin Ratliff, current President of the PFHA and candidate for re-election, and Ed Smith, candidate for Vice President, were present at the meeting and spoke to the group.

Ann Furr presented the Piedmont 2007 Slate of Officers. The Slate was as follows: Robbie Davis, President, Rita Magaha, Vice President, Bill Kerns, Treasurer, Robbyn Young, Secretary, and Lori West as a Three year director. Ann Furr made the motion that the slate be elected by acclimation and Ingrid Ruppalt seconded. Motion passed.

National Officer Elections will be held in January 2007. Ballots were passed out at the meeting and will also be available in the Password. Please fill one out and send it to Robbie Davis so that she can cast your vote at the National Board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned for dinner with the High Point Awards presentation following after dinner.

Piedmont Pathfinders Report
Congratulations to Ron Maury who rode the most hours this first year of the Pathfinders program. Ron will be receiving a Piedmont Paso Fino Jacket! Thanks to all the members who have supported us this 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

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.

Country Supply has donated $184.64 through their 5% payback program. Check prices and you will find that Country Supply is very competitive! Use the Country Care program and enter "piedmontfuturity" as the program where you want the money donated. Their web site address is www.horse.com.

This is money that can be in your pocket when you compete in Piedmont's Breeder's Futurity! We all want to see the program grow and you can help by supporting our sponsors. It does not cost you. Southern States and Country Supply are price competitive! Please, please consider supporting our sponsors and your Futurity program.

PFHA Top 10 Sire News
Ponderosa Coloso has finished in the number five position on the prestigious Top Ten Sire list for 2006. Team Coloso has rallied around this great stallion's offspring following his passing in December 2005 proving his legacy will continue for many years to come. Congratulations to Paul "Woody" Mercer, Bill Minter and all the members of Team Coloso on this accomplishment!

Special Personal Note

Best Wishes go to Bob Beech who had colon cancer surgery on March 21, 2006 after 2 months of pre-operational chemo and radiation treatments. He is recuperating after 4 months post/operation chemo treatments. On September 12, 2006 another operation completed the procedure. Thanks for your prayers.

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.

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 2006 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, Bill Kerns 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. MSN had it listed as 3rd on page 1, Google had it listed as 5th on page 1, and Altavista had it listed as 12th and still on page one. 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

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
Tiffany L. Duncan joined the Paso Fino Horse Association, based in Plant City, FL in December 2005 and took on the position of Events Assistant. I am also the new liaison for the Pasos for Pleasure Program. Feel free to contact me 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 Smooth