Paso Fino Parade of Flags at the NC State Fair Horse Show
Updated March 5, 2008

From The President
I recently returned from our National Membership Convention with mixed feelings about the convention's accomplishments. A detailed report on the convention can be found in our Password newsletter (and below). Briefly, we finally passed a budget that will put PFHA on the road to a stronger financial future. We also addressed the judging problems expressed by many at our last national competition. Our shrinking membership numbers received a great deal of attention with, in my opinion, poor results.

Moving on to our year here in the Piedmont Region, we have a couple of clinics that should be of interest to our members. The first is being held on March 1st and 2nd at Chetola Farm with Wendy Murdoch as the clinician and on April 5th a clinic will be held at Ali and Paul Casey's farm, Flat Rock Farm. Learning more about Foal Management, our horses and improving our riding skill help us and our horses develop stronger bonds. Check out the details on these clinics further in the Password newsletter (and below).

Many of you are getting your horses ready for the upcoming show season. This year's "Carolina Classic" at Clemson will be held on April 26th and 27th. Brandy Laney is Co-Chairing this year's event with me. Brandy has some excellent ideas to improve this year's show, so make sure to add it to your schedule. Judges for this show will be: Kay Chiapetta, Robin Ratliff and Alice Page. We will also have a PPFHA membership meeting on Friday April 25th inside the arena. Dinner is on us, so come join us. Rita Magaha is busy planning the "Piedmont Classic" at Asheville. This is one of the best if not the best Paso Fino Shows in the country. I stopped counting the number of people that approached me at the National Convention expressing how much they enjoyed our Asheville Show. Put it on your calendar for June 26 thru 29. We have invested in computer programming to give our judges the ability to use Palm Pilots when transmitting their class placements. This will reduce the time spent under our old system and reduce the show from 5 days to 4 days. This will not only help reduce our show expenses, but will reduce the expenses of our exhibitors.

Last, but certainly not least, take advantage of the trail riding program Candice Link works very hard putting this together every year. Candice has selected trail riding venues at some of the best trail locations in the country. Check out this year's scheduled rides in this newsletter and on our web site.

Bill Kerns
greengaitfarm@yahoo.com

Upcoming 2008 Events

Piedmont PFHA's Wendy Murdoch Clinic is March 1st - 2nd
We’re kicking off the New Year by hosting internationally-recognized riding instructor, Wendy Murdoch (www.murdochmethod.com), for a 2-day clinic, open to all gaited breed horses. The clinic Simplify Your Riding ... For Gaited Horses will be held in the beautiful indoor facility at Chetola Farms in Monroe, NC March 1st and 2nd, 2008. Improve your horse's performance by developing aids that are easy, specific, efficient and invisible. Learn how your body position may be creating resistance in your horse. Become safer and more confident, while learning how to develop the trust and relaxation you need from your horse. Contact Kathy Williams at 704-764-8253 or chetola@aol.com for information. There is a limited number of horse and rider slots available, deposit required with reservation. A negative coggins is required at the start of the clinic. Cost is $350, which covers 9am to 5pm lecture and mounted instruction for the two day event. Stalls and RV slots are $20 per night. Auditor fee is $40 per day, reservations are encouraged. Open to all gaited horse breeds. Click for more info Clinic Flyer.

NCSU Horseman's Youth Day is March 8th
Join us at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine for a day of education and fun on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 9 AM - 4 PM. This full day of equine-oriented activities is designed to give kids and teens, ages 9 - 18, a hands-on look at anatomy, physiology, and veterinary care for horses. Participants will be grouped by age and will rotate throughout the school, visiting many different activity stations. Requests for participants to be in the same group are not able to be honored.

Planned activities include:

• A tour of the large animal hospital
• How to perform a physical exam on your horse (live horse activity)
• A look at equine anatomy in the vet school anatomy lab (skeletons, intestinal models, etc.)
• How to age your horse by his teeth
• Preventative medicine
• Basic lameness

Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as a goody bag. We will have additional signage up the day of the event to help with parking and going into the building. Cost is $50. For registration, please click here. There are 25 spots left as of 11 AM 1/16. We are only accepting payment via Paypal this year. Use jljones6@ncsu.edu as the ID, and please send me an email if you have any problems.

For more information, contact Katharine Holder at SCAAEP@yahoo.com

Piedmont has funds in the youth budget to pay for 1/2 the registration fee of Piedmont youth that want to go, but parents should make reservations and pay asap, save their receipts and they will be reimbursed later. This event is very popular and fills up fast, so I have emailed all the youth I know of, but maybe there is someone else out there that wants to go. http://clubs.ncsu.edu/equine/HYD.html

Piedmont has funds in the youth budget to pay for 1/2 the registration fee of Piedmont youth that want to go, but parents should make reservations and pay asap, save their receipts and they will be reimbursed later. This event is very popular and fills up fast, so I have emailed all the youth I know of, but maybe there is someone else out there that wants to go.

Dr. Ann Furr, DVM
Youth Committee Chair

Piedmont's Spring Training Clinic Update
The annual Piedmont Spring Training Clinic has been postponed at this time. Plans are to reschedule this clinic for early June 2008. Contact Ali Casey at aliwcasey@aol.com or (919) 556-6610 for more info.

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.

Contact Brandy Laney at 864-969-4929 or clspasofino@prtcnet.com, or Bill Kerns at 828-859-5456 or greengaitfarm@yahoo.com.

Brandy Laney
Bill Kerns
Carolina Classic Co-Show Chairs

The Piedmont Classic "Asheville" Show is June 26th - 29th
Plans for the Asheville Show are full steam ahead. Judges are being called for availability, staff positions are being filled and the class schedule is being re-worked for a four-day show. Our new electronic judging equipment is being programmed. Our show this year will move along much faster. We are borrowing the palm pilots from the Paso Fino Horse Association to use with the computer system given to us by USEF thru the computer grant program. The palm pilots will contain the entry numbers for each class. Once the judge has made his decision and is ready to place the class they will pull the entry number from a drop down box and place it in the placement box and then hit “send” and the information will appear on the computer screen in the announcer’s booth. They will immediately begin calling the placements. Gone are the lost minutes required for the ring master to call out placements over a walkie talkie. With the savings in time we feel we can comfortable complete the show in four days.

Piedmont Classic Show Theme Contest
Every year we come up with a “Theme” for the show. We design our ring and box seats decorations around the Theme. We use the artwork for Posters, Directory and advertising. My creative juices are just not flowing this year. So……..we are running a contest. Submit a Theme idea with some suggested artwork to Rita Magaha at ritamagaha1@alltel.net. The winner will receive a $200 gift certificate from Kester Farms Tack. Deadline for submitting your ideas will be February 29, 2008.

We need volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of any event. They are the ones who help the show run smoothly. Listed below are areas where we need volunteers. Check the list and pick an area that you can help out.

• Youth Flag Presentation - We need youth riders to carry the flags from the countries of origin.
• Stallion Service Auction – assist in setting up tables and volunteer for a time slot to be available for questions.
• Silent Auction – assist in collecting items from vendors, setting up tables, and at the close of the auction assist in distributing the items to successful bidders.
• Ribbon Presenters – we need volunteers for 4 – 6 hour shifts. This is a great vantage point for watching the horses perform.
• Hospitality Tent – the tent will be open from 6:30 – 9:30 am each morning. Are you an early riser? What a great opportunity to visit with fellow exhibitors. The show staff sets up the coffee pots and doughnuts all you have to do is extend the hospitality.
• Wine Glass Presentation – This class is fun for exhibitors and spectators. It shows our audience just how smooth our Paso Finos are. We had to cancel it last year due to lack of participation.
  
  I’m sure there will be other areas where volunteers can help. Just send your name to my e-mail address ritamagaha1@alltel.net and I’ll add you to our list.

Contact Rita Magaha at 864-457-2254 or ritamagaha1@alltel.net.

Rita Magaha
Asheville Show Chair

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

Horse Industry Referendum 2008 vote is March 5th
The Horse Industry Promotion Referendum for 2008 will occur on Wednesday March 5th. A favorable vote will authorize continuing a self-assessment of $2.00 per ton on commercial horse feed for three years to provide funds to promote the interests of the horse industry. Any person who purchases commercial horse feed upon which the assessment has been paid may receive a refund by making a written requests with proof of purchase to the North Carolina Horse Council within one year of purchase of the feed. Click here for more information.

2008 PFHA Hall of Fame Nominations due by March 10th
If you wish to nominate an individual or a horse to the Paso Fino Hall of Fame now is the time to do so. Please send your nomination to: Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. 101 N Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563-3311. Nomination for 2008 must be received by March 10, 2008 and should be limited to one typewritten page. Nomination of an individual or horse must be by a current association member. Visit www.pfha.org for more details about nomination criteria.

Calling all Trailriders!
US Senate Bill #2283 is a bill to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public land administered by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service, where there is a historical tradition of the use of such animals. As of late November, 2007 this bill is still going through committees in the Senate. It is important to contact your national Senators and Congressmen to ask them to support this bill, which will continue our rights to ride our horses in national parks or forestlands.

It is also important to vote "YES" on this website:
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN-2283.html#toc3

Copy and paste that address into your browser and when the site comes up the voting box will be on the right of your screen. Vote there AND you can also contact your elected national Senators and Representatives!! Don't delay, do this today, and preserve our right to ride!!!

Jan. 2008 PFHA Annual Membership Meeting Report
This meeting centered on a few very important topics. The first of which was the annual budget. A lively discussion was held on the Marketing and Advertising budget item. A request by this committee was made to fund the RFD TV contract to the tune of $100,000.00 and sign a contract through 2010. No member of this committee was in attendance at the convention, but there report was read by Robin Ratliff. Both pros and cons were discussed by the membership with a final resolution to discontinue funding this marketing effort. There were several other budgeted items in the marketing committee’s budget that were either eliminated or reduced by board vote. It was widely held that we need to tighten our spending until we are on a better financial footing and the expenses in this category could be added in future years when we can better afford them. The Farm Directory remained intact and expenditure to retain a part time marketing person (Al Berry) was approved.

The revised budget submitted included a reduction in the expense and revenue projection for the 2008 National Show. The budget now mirrors the actual revenue and expenses incurred for the 2007 National Show. The committee for the National show is working very hard to make improvements not only in the show but also in the profit margin. This year’s budget also reflects a reduction of almost 20% in the wages and benefits categories of our national staff. The Personnel Committee and our Executive Director believe we can accomplish our goals with the proposed staffing.

The budget for the Paso Fino Horse World received a great deal of attention. Mr. John Llewelyn was on hand and made a presentation on prospects for our magazine. He discussed his observations of the market place in publishing business at this time. He has observed a slow down in advertising expenditures not only in our industry but the advertising industry as a whole. He noted that we have had a steady decline in renewals by former advertisers and a slow down in obtaining new advertisers. He suggested a reduction to 7 publications this year. After a lengthy discussion the board asked him to come back to us with projected costs and revenue for both 7 issues and 6 issues. Supplementing these issues with a newsletter which would be sent out during the months that the PFHW was not published. This newsletter would give our regions an opportunity to advertise their shows at much reduced rate from the present cost of the magazine. He indicated he would provide us with a new estimate within a few weeks.

Other items that received lengthy discussion included the judging format for the 2008 National Show and the Personnel Committees Report. With regard to the judging issue, Bobby Yunits proposed the acceptance of the F1/F2 MOS system for the 2008 National Show with changes in the instructions to the judges. This committee received numerous complaints regarding the work-off format at the 2007 Nationals. Several alternatives were discussed; ultimately the board requested this committee to come back to the board with their suggestions as to the work-off format. The F1/F2 MOS format was approved by the board. The Personnel Committee, chaired by Edie, made an excellent presentation on a proposed Employee Manual. This manual lays out procedures for annual raises, employee evaluation, promotions and other employee related matters. The committee’s proposal was unanimously approved. The only other matter that received much discussion was from the National Show Committee. Gwyn Wright will be chairperson for this committee in 2008 and she is considering adding one day to the event to accommodate the youth. The show would start one day earlier with the youth classes being held on Saturday and Sunday at the beginning of the show and all Bella Forma classes held on Monday. This has not been finalized at this point but received positive remarks from most members.

That about wraps it up for the Annual Membership meeting report except for the voting on the constitutional amendments and proposed rule changes. Unfortunately the final tally on these items was not completed by the end of the meeting. As soon as I get the final tally I will get it on the e-new and our next newsletter.

Bill Kerns

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 Contact: Ingrid Ruppalt (803)548-2395 or Email: pasofan55@aol.com. Send in your $25 to join Piedmont’s Pathfinders program and get your T-shirt to start and a supply of forms to record your miles.

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
Robbie Davis, 18600 Shearer Rd., Davidson, NC 28036

Ingrid Ruppalt
Chairperson, Piedmont Pathfinders

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
http://www.dupontforest.com/  This ride is sponsor by Georgia and Piedmont Regions. Camping and Stalls available at Holly View Stables: http://www.dupontforest.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.

NCSU Horseman's Youth Day is March 8th
Join us at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine for a day of education and fun on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 9 AM - 4 PM. This full day of equine-oriented activities is designed to give kids and teens, ages 9 - 18, a hands-on look at anatomy, physiology, and veterinary care for horses. Participants will be grouped by age and will rotate throughout the school, visiting many different activity stations. Requests for participants to be in the same group are not able to be honored.

Planned activities include:

• A tour of the large animal hospital
• How to perform a physical exam on your horse (live horse activity)
• A look at equine anatomy in the vet school anatomy lab (skeletons, intestinal models, etc.)
• How to age your horse by his teeth
• Preventative medicine
• Basic lameness

Piedmont Open Circuit Horse Show Program

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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