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Welcome to the "Piedmont e-Password"
Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association News

Piedmont Trivia Photo
Piedmont Trivia Photo
Do you recognize this judge and Piedmont horse?
(click above for answer at bottom of page)

Updated May 4, 2005

Carolina Classic Show -- Clemson, SC Show Information
Piedmont Classic Show -- Asheville, NC Show Information

Heritage Farm Fun Show -- Class Schedule
Startown Stables Fun Show -- Class Schedule

April 2005 Piedmont e-News
Member News | Notices | Trail Rides | Open Horse Shows | PFHA | USEF | NC Horse Council | Trivia Photo

Piedmont Member News

Welcome New Members
Rose Ann Harper-Howell, Mt Jackson, VA
G'Nell T.Gilstrap, Pickens, SC
Curt Abee, Vale, NC

President's Message
Spring is the time when all the Piedmont activities gear up. From now through November there will be plenty of opportunities for you to have fun with your horses and your friends in your favorite events. Your Piedmont leadership works very hard to provide these events, so please show your support and enthusiasm.

Don’t let these Piedmont opportunities pass you by to learn more about how to properly handle and present your horses in the show or trail environment. Our two Spring Fun Shows (Heritage Farm and Startown Stables) are coming up in April and are both benefits for worthy causes. The Clemson Show promises to be exciting this year, another clinic, non-point fun classes and a full schedule of regular point classes. We also have a Piedmont Membership Meeting at Clemson, so plan to be there if at all possible. The Meeting will be Saturday, April 16th at 6pm.

The meeting agenda is as follows:
1) Call to order, determination of members present
2) Minutes of November 2004 meeting
3) Treasurer’s Report
4) Show Committee Reports: Clemson, SC (April), Asheville, NC (June), Morristown Youth Show (July), N. Augusta, SC (August), NC State Fair in Raleigh, NC (October), and possibility of joint shows with other Regions.
5) Trail Ride Report
6) Futurity Report
7) High Point Awards Report
8) Fall Banquet Report & Discussion
9) PFHA Board - items to be voted on at the April PFHA BOD Meeting
10) Old Business
11) New Business
12) Adjournment

We are excited about the future of Piedmont PFHA and encourage you to offer suggestions and comments at any time. I will look forward to seeing you all this Spring.
Milda Minter, President

2005 Piedmont Directory
 The Piedmont Directory annual edition will again be printed before the Asheville Show and will serve as Show Program and Membership Directory. The Directory is handed out at all shows and events for the year, including the National Show, breed demos, and equine expos, thus a great exposure to non-Paso Fino owners. Take this opportunity to promote your farm and horses!

The deadline will be May 10, 2005 to have your artwork and ads turned in. Prices for ads are $175 for full page. $100 for half page, $65 for quarter page, and $35 for business card. There will be some cover ads available in color and also some inside pages in color if there is enough interest. You can contact the printer for ad specs if necessary: Gina at Lexington Speed Printing , phone: 336-248-6272, email: gina@lexingtonspeedprinting.com Send your artwork with payment made out to: Piedmont Futurity to Milda Minter, 1833 Perryman Road, Lexington, NC 27295.

Piedmont Stallion Service Auction
Piedmont PFHA still has several breedings to outstanding stallions that are available for purchase. These were donated by their owners at the Asheville 2004 show. Piedmont PFHA has the contracts so you can use these breedings immediately upon purchase. If you want to buy any of these, send a check made out to “Piedmont PFHA” for your stallion choice to Piedmont Treasurer, Lauri Pistolis. Be sure to include a note about which breeding you want to purchase. She can return the contract back to you.

Available stallions are:
Testimonio de Besilu
Tartaro de Besilu
El Turista
Triunfo
Satelite de Providencia
Charlie
El Brujo de la Montana
Conde de la Cuarte
Springtime Pisorte
Mercenaro de la Vitrina
Pistolero de Calidad
Golfista de la Luisa
Profeta II de Besilu
Premier
Gandhi de la Vitrina

If you are interested in breeding to any of these stallions, please contact Lauri Pistolis email fantasiafarms@direcway.com.

Heritage Farm Fun Show
The 3rd Annual Fun Show at Heritage Farm will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, in Lexington, NC. Classes are offered for Paso Finos along with many other “generic” gaited, English, Western, game and Conformation classes. Click here for the Heritage Farm Fun Show Class List.

Heritage Farm raffle gelding     Heritage Farm Raffle Gelding
At the Heritage Farm Fun Show, there will be a raffle of a 2 yr old red dun Paso Fino gelding,
El Destino de Greco, or “Desi”, for $5 per ticket, or 5 tickets for $20.

All proceeds will benefit the Center United Methodist Church Christian Fellowship Center. This show will be promoted to the public and a breed display will be set up. Entry fees are reasonable and show attire is not required. Our Judge will be Ms. Alice Page of Kingsport, TN. A Coggins Test dated 4/3/04 or later will be required for entry onto the farm. Please contact Charlie or Milda Minter (336) 764-4785, if you want a class schedule or can sponsor a class. Click here for more info on the show.

Carolina Classic -- Piedmont PFHA/USEF Show, Clemson, SC
Dates: April 15 - 17, 2005
Show Information
Show Class Schedule

The Carolina Classic is a double pointed show to be held on April 15, 16 & 17 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena at Clemson University. Our Judges for this year are Helen Frost for the Friday schedule, Javier Suarez and Mike Cumming for the Saturday and Sunday schedule. Helen Frost will be putting on a Show Clinic on Friday night. Exhibitors and their horses are welcome to participate. The Clinic will be preceded by a BBQ dinner. Saturday evening we will have a Pizza Party followed by our Piedmont PFHA membership meeting. The show schedule will have several novice classes for the beginning exhibitors. This event will be an excellent start for the show season for both the experienced and beginning riders and horses. We look forward to an excellent show.

At the Clemson show we will have a membership meeting Saturday after the show, which will be important for our national level exhibitors, because we will pick the judges for the 2005 National Show. If you want your opinion known, you must attend the meeting. We also will need to make some decisions about the Clemson show, because if it doesn't get good support this year, we may have to face the tough decision of canceling that show or trying to find another facility in a different part of our region. Your attendance at that show will speak volumes. We have planned a novice and amateur-owner friendly schedule, so this is your perfect opportunity to get ring time. Come Ride with Piedmont! If anyone has any questions regarding the Carolina Classic, please call Bill Kerns at (828) 883-5550.

Startown Amateur Owner Clinic
It is time to register for the Amateur Owner Clinic at Startown Stables held April 25-29, conducted by Alvaro Iriarte. This intensive week long Clinic will offer you insight and thought provoking concepts on working with your Paso Fino from the master trainer, Alvaro Iriarte. The clinic focuses on the needs of the Amateur Owner rider. There will be hands on sessions with your horse in addition to lectures that will offer the tools and understanding you need to bring out the best in yourself and in your horse. This year’s clinic will be followed immediately by the 6th Annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Charity Fun Show. This will give you the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your newly learned skills in the show arena. Space is limited. Contact Startown Stables at (828) 465-3322 for more information and registration or visit the web sitewww.startownstables.com.

St. Judes Charity Startown Fun Show
Startown Stables is hosting the 6th Annual Saddle Up for St. Jude’s Paso Fino Show & Gala on Saturday, April 30th. This year’s event will feature the Paso Fino Fun Show where participants can practice their showmanship and exhibit their horses to the general public. Check out the Silent Auction table - last year’s event offered gift certificates to restaurants, spas, gift baskets and collectibles. There will be fun for the entire family! Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets - Startown Stables once again has generously donated a Paso Fino Colt as the Grand Prize.
There are many opportunities for you to help! We need show sponsors, class sponsors, donations for the Silent Auction and much more! The participants in the show have the opportunity to be a “St. Jude Sponsored Rider” - each rider will collect pledges for their participation and be recognized for their special contribution. Last year Piedmont PFHA member, Pat Norman, was the highest sponsored rider, she said “it was easy to raise pledges, just ask everyone - they love to help St. Jude!” Click here for class schedule. Call Startown Stables for more information at (828) 465-3322 or check out www.startownstables.com.

Piedmont Trail Ride Clinic
Saturday, May 7, 2005 8am – 5pm
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, Tryon, NC

A Trail Riding clinic will be held on Saturday May 7th at FENCE in Tryon, North Carolina.
Trail safety, horse conditioning and care, horsemanship plus trail ride will be presented thru the format of the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) rules and judging. Instruction will be given on proper horse care before, during and after a lengthy trail ride. Trail safety and becoming a team with your horse will be discussed. There will be group and individual instruction. A five-mile trail course with usual trail hazards will be part of the clinic. Both the horse and rider will be judged on their performance with group discussion at the end. This clinic is for all individuals interested in trail riding whether for your own personal pleasure or those who are looking for a more challenging medium for them and their horse.

Pre-registration will be required due to the facility requiring the Release/Waiver form turned in to them prior to the beginning of the event. Entry Form, Release/Waiver form, copy of negative coggins and check must be received by May 1, 2005. Mail to Jeanne Griggs, 900 W. Buford St., Gaffney, S.C. 29341 For information and/or directions call Rita Magaha at 864-457-2255. The facility has stalls available for $15 per night, clean your own. Also on the facility they have three apartments; a one, two and three bedroom apartment. Rates start at $45 for the one bedroom. Call Melissa at FENCE, 828-859-9021 to reserve stalls or apartments.

Piedmont Trail Riding Clinic Agenda
  • Welcome and Introduction of Presenters
  • Review of day’s activities and materials handout
  • Presentation of horses in halter to the “Vet” judge
  • Horsemanship Skills
  • Tack horses, return to the staging area for discussion on tack and equipment, horses still in hand
  • Pulse and Respiration check area
  • Horsemanship skills, mounting the horses
  • Safety on the trail and getting started to ride
  • Ride the Trail course. The “buddy” system will be utilized and two riders will be sent out every minute. At the halfway point, stop, dismount and check horses pulse and respiration. Helpers will be at the staging area as well as mounting blocks.
  • Return to Start and take care of horses
  • Lunch
  • Bring horses back in hand in halter for horsemanship check and presentation to the judge
  • Wrap up – Discussion of how they each did, question and answer period

Directions to Trail Ride Clinic at FENCE, Tryon, NC

  • GO TO SC Exit #1 off of I-26, turn towards Ingles.
  • Go 1.3 miles and turn Right at the Land Mart convenience and gas station.
  • Go a short block and turn right.
  • Follow this road 1.5 miles until you enter NC, take first left on to Hunting Country Road.
  • You will see a sign for FENCE (If you cross over I-26 you have gone too far).
  • Go 1 mile to the parking lot. (Road doglegs to the right, continue on; you will pass a stall barn and show facilities, go under I-26, up the hill and turn left into Trailer Parking lot).

The NATRC organization promotes the following:
1. To stimulate greater interest in the breeding and use of good horses possessed of stamina and hardiness, and qualified to make good mounts for trail use.
2. To demonstrate the value of type and soundness in the proper selection of horses for competitive riding.
3. To learn and demonstrate the proper methods of training and conditioning horses for competitive riding.
4. To encourage good horsemanship as related to trail riding.
5. To demonstrate the best methods of caring for horses during and after long rides without the aid of artificial methods or stimulants

About Mary Britt, Trail Ride Clinician
Our presenter will be Mrs. Mary Britt who has been involved with horses since the ripe old age of 5-years. During the years from 5 thru 25 she showed many different breeds of horses in the smaller local horse shows successfully. In 1968 she was introduced to competitive trail riding and entered her first competition on a Walking Horse she owned at the time. In 1970 she managed her first competitive trail ride and was the second person east of the Mississippi River to manage a sanction NATRC ride in 1972. She got her horsemanship judge’s card in 1974. She has served on the NATRC regional board in many different capacities, has been a National director and managed many sanctioned rides, done clinics and has been an advisor for other managers since 1985.

Mary Britt has over 13,000 distance rider miles, has taken four different horses to multiple National Championships placing 2nd and 3rd in the Nation at different times with different horses and has competed many others successfully. She has bred, raised and trained all her own horses. Currently, she is retired from the Federal government and competing one of her own horses in distance riding both endurance and competitive trail events throughout the nation. She owns a Boarding facility, gives riding lessons and does a limited amount of training. Mary was also a certified Paso Fino judge for several years. She is married to Jack Britt who is the individual who introduced her to competitive trail riding. He has judged seven Paso Fino Nationals, competed in horse shows and distance rides. He placed one of the horses he bred, raised and trained Nationally and still loves fine horseflesh. He has volunteered his services at every ride they have attended in an effort to help keep the sport alive. Jack has volunteered to assist at our clinic.

Piedmont Classic -- Piedmont PFHA/USEF Show, Asheville, NC
Dates: June 15 - 19, 2005

The Piedmont Classic Asheville show should be even bigger than last year, with the 3rd annual "Dinner in the Dirt" and stallion exhibitions for Saturday evening. Prize money of over $95,000 will again be awarded in amounts to rival that of the PFHA Grand National Championship Show. Exhibitors are coming from all over the east and from as far away as Colorado, so let's show them what southern hospitality and friendly competition are all about! Come Ride with Piedmont in the beautiful Blue Ride Mountains of North Carolina. There are many tourist attractions in the Asheville area if your family wants to vacation at the same time.

The Piedmont Futurity at the Asheville Show continues to grow. See the Futurity Stallion listing and a nomination form. Any offspring from a nominated stallion is eligible to enter the Futurity Classes and, once nominated, each horse can show until its eligibility is finished. Futurity classes are shown at Asheville, along with regular show classes during the Saturday/Sunday show. Remember, the absolute deadline is June 1, 2005 for horses to show in the 2005 Futurity. Geldings have a chance to show every year from yearlings to 5yr olds. Don’t miss this opportunity to win extra money at Asheville! If you have any questions, call Milda Minter (336) 764-4785 or email mpminter60@aol.com.

Piedmont PFHA Youth Celebration Show, Morristown, TN
Dates: July 30- 31, 2005, Great Smoky Mtn. Expo Center
The purpose of this All-Youth Paso Fino Show is to highlight the great competition by our youth in all areas of the showring. There will be all the regular PFHA youth classes, plus youth championships in all 5 divisions (fino, performance, pleasure, equitation, and horsemanship). We will also have all the regular PFHA specialty classes (versatility, trail, etc), fun classes, and game classes. There are classes for seasoned competitors as well as first-time riders.
One of the highlights of this show will be a clinic on Saturday evening after the show to instruct our youth riders how to prepare for the Youth Mundial (World Cup Show) that will be held in the US in 2006. Judges Carlos Tobon and Carmen Micheletti will conduct a practice class and then a clinic and will answer any questions and give pointers on how to compete in the Mundial. Riders who went to the 2004 Youth Mundial in Puerto Rico will be in attendance to help as well. This is an excellent opportunity for all youth to learn how the Mundial classes are handled and to prepare early for 2006 competition.
Watch for the show bill in the Paso Fino Horse World starting in the May issue and in the April edition of the Piedmont E-News. Judges are Carlos Tobon and Carmen Micheletti on Saturday (separate judging and placements), with Betsy McHugh and Larry Whitesell on Sunday (separate judging and placements). The
Steward is Amanda David. Morristown, TN is between Kingsport/Bristol area and Knoxville off I-81. This will be a regular point "AP" show, not USEF sanctioned. For information or to volunteer time or sponsorships, contact Milda Minter at 336-764-4785 or mpminter60@aol.com. Thanks in advance for your support.

March 2005 Piedmont training clinic


Piedmont Spring Training Clinic Report
Piedmont's training clinic on March 12-13 was a huge success for those attending and getting to see old friends, and meet new ones! Hosted by Charles and Bonnie Minter of Minter's Paso Bravo in Lexington, NC. Galopando TV, a new PFHA corporate sponsor was videotaping the clinic, so expect to see that on their DVD subscription series and cable in the future. People brought horses from as far away as Tennessee and Pennsylvania. One gentleman I spoke to was from West Virginia. People also attended from Switzerland and of course us "local" Piedmont folks. Shaw Laney did a wonderful session on flexing the horse with groundwork and also under saddle. German Higuera and Juan Carlos Iriarte did more on bitting and flexing under saddle. Bill Minter discussed conformation and training for bellas formas, along with some "secret" show tips. Charlie Minter covered farrier work and Milda Minter instructed on horsemanship. People who brought horses all had individual riding/training lessons.
Lynn Gallup

Camp Croft State Park Trail Ride Report
A beautiful spring day was the background for the Piedmont Trail Ride at Camp Croft on March 26. The weather was perfect- warm with no wind. We were all surprised at the number of plants and trees already blooming. Of course the pre-"April Showers" had left some muddy places to navigate, but horses and riders all seemed glad to be out experiencing what makes this time of year so wonderful. After a couple of hours on the trail,and a "Yes, I do believe we passed that sign a few minutes ago!", we were back to the parking lot and picnic area for a lunch of chile, baked potato and homemade BROWNIES! Surprise "Goody" bags were handed out with treats for horses and riders, along with some great South Carolina stuff, including maps. Even prizes were drawn for. Riders enjoyed the challenging four hour ride through sand, over roots, and through mud. Lori West stated "Boy, was I glad I was on a Paso!"
A special thanks to Linda Wilson for the treats and prizes and Jeanne's family for a home cooked feast of chili! Trail Boss, Jeanne thanks everyone who came, especially Lori West and Bill and Judith Kerns who came all the way down the mountain to be with us. Thanks to Gerald and Karen Collins for their help leading us, and to Eddie Velazquez for getting some of us headed back in the right direction! (Trail Hint: DO NOT follow the blonde!)
Jeanne Griggs and Lori West
Piedmont Notices
2005 Piedmont Futurity Reminder
The Piedmont Futurity continues to grow. See the Futurity Stallion listing and a nomination form. Any offspring from a nominated stallion is eligible to enter the Futurity Classes and, once nominated, each horse can show until its eligibility is finished. Futurity classes are shown at Asheville, along with regular show classes during the Saturday/Sunday show. Remember, the absolute deadline is June 1, 2005 for horses to show in the 2005 Piedmont Futurity. Geldings have a chance to show every year from yearlings to 5yr olds. Don’t miss this opportunity to win extra money at Asheville! If you have any questions, call Milda Minter (336) 764-4785 or email mpminter60@aol.com.

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!

Piedmont Membership
There is a new printable size Piedmont membership form online you can use. 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). If you have not renewed your 2004 membership, you will not receive the Password edition. There is a new Trail Ride Guest Membership category available for one trail ride at $10.00.

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... Have you and your horse, your child or friend accomplished something you would like to see in print and share with the rest of our region? Did you have a great time at a Piedmont event, and would like to let others know what they missed? Would you like to encourage a new Paso Fino enthusiast publicly? If so, please send it to Lori West. I am asking each of you to help by providing news and photos.
Deadline for submission of news for the Piedmont article is the first day of each month. There is a 60 day print publishing deadline, so early submission is essential. Photos can be scanned and emailed at 300 dpi resolution, or send prints to me with a stamped, self addressed envelope for their return. Most digital cameras by default take shots at only 72 dpi, not very good for printing. Please adjust your cameras to take the highest quality photo possible. Send news to: Lori West, 74 Gibbs Road, Leicester, NC 28748 or email to lorihwest@yahoo.com. Lori's phone: 828-683-1793; Fax: 425-963-5074.

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
Southern States Feed Program
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 Milda Minter, by mailing or giving them to her at any Piedmont event. Thank you for taking the time to support the Futurity through this program.
Piedmont PFHA and Country Supply
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 PiedmontFuturity" 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 "PiedmontFuturity" 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.
Many thanks, Milda Minter

Piedmont Trail Ride News
Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference
The 2005 Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference is July 14-16 at the Radisson Hotel in High Point, NC. Anyone interested in trails should attend. More info can be found at: www.SoutheasternEquestrianTrails.com or www.nchorsecouncil.com.

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 2005 includes all our favorite places to ride, plust 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. We are putting together a clinic on trail safety, trail training, and competitive trail riding for later in the year.
For those that are new to our Association, we try to offer rides to accommodate the needs of all our riders. Trails are selected for location and terrain that is geared toward the gaited horse. To ensure the enjoyment of all the riders, Trail Hosts generally lead two groups, those that prefer a slower pace and one for those that prefer a faster pace. The main goal is to arrive for lunch at the same time to enjoy fellowship with other riders.
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 Ride Calendar
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.

The North American Trail Ride Conference National Convention and Awards Banquet will be held on February 5th, at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in Asheville, NC.
Contact: Kathy Brown 505-776-2575, equine@newmex.com.

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 web site 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.

All-Breed Open Horse Shows News

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. The dates for the 2005 shows are April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, and November 19. 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 show!
...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 NEW 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.

PFHA News

New PFHA DVD/Videos Now Available
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.

2005 PFHA Nationals Ribbon Presenters
Those who were Ribbon Presenters in 2004 had a wonderful time! If you are interested in being a Ribbon Presenter for the 2005 Nationals please let me know. One session per day is all I ask. Contact Marcia Carrico (336) 998-1111 or email casacarrico@yadtel.net .

Paso Finos on TV
See Paso Fino videos on RFD-TV found on both DirecTV and Dish Networks. Check guide at www.rfdtv.com for programming information. On DirecTV it is on channel 379 and Dish Network on 9409.

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.

PFHA Signs New Sponsor
The Paso Fino Horse Association is pleased to announce that Galopando TV Magazine has signed on as a new sponsor for 2005. The partnership will enhance the promotion of the Paso Fino as Galopando TV magazine works to educate, entertain and update, and also allows people to advertise and sell horses, farms, tack and other goods. To learn more about Galopando TV visit www.galopandotv.com.

2005 PFHA Rule Book
The PFHA Rule Book which becomes effective 9/1/04 is now available on the PFHA Web Site. he 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 2004 Paso Fino Stud Book is available on CD from PFHA. They are $65.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling, Florida residents add 7% sales tax. To order contact PFHA at 813-719-7777, or via email at mbrsecy@pfha.org or PFHA, 101 N. Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563.

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.

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 Video Sale
Sarah Holt is the new Assistant to the Marketing Director at PFHA. She announces this Paso Fino Horse Association video sale. Call 813.719.7777 to order. All videos $9.95 each, plus shipping. While supplies last. Buy 3, get one free, Buy 6 get two free.

These are all the videos that have been aired on RFD-TV; they are now on sale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USEF News

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

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

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

2005 USEF Membership Renewal Available Online
Don't let your membership benefits lapse! In addition to being able to compete in more than 2,700 USEF-recognized competitions throughout the year, as a USEF member you receive:

  • Significant discounts from companies like John Deere, Dodge, Nextel and FedEx through the USEF Purchasing Program.
  • $1,000,000 personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties.
  • Travel discounts
  • Annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN magazine, the official publication of the Federation
  • And much more……(USEF Purchasing, Automatic Insurance and annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN provided to our Life, Platinum, Senior and Junior members)

To Renew On Line: Go to https://www.usef.org/content/aua/userSystemArea.php or click here for printable form. If you don’t have a Authorized User Account (AUA), you can create one through this page with your membership number (USEF # ) and last name. After creating your account, click LOG IN to log in to your Authorized User Account. Select 2005 Membership Application/Renewal to renew your 2005 membership under the Member Forms. A Licensed Official must also indicate the license(s) he/she is renewing. After renewing your membership, a page will appear giving you verification of credit card approval. Please print this page for your records.

PRINT your temporary United States Equestrian Federation 2005 membership card.
Congratulations, You have just joined On Line! If you have questions please contact the United States Equestrian Federation Membership Department or, for Licensed Officials, the Licensed Officials Department at 859/258-2472.

North Carolina Horse Council News

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

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

To receive a permit, North Carolina horse owners must send proof of negative Coggins test and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection along with an application and a $5 processing fee for each animal to the NC State Veterinarian. Owners must also submit proof of permanent identification, which includes tattoos, brands, microchips or digital photos showing the left and right sides, as well as a frontal view, of the horse. The issued permit will be good for six months, unless the Coggins test expires beforehand. Owners will still be required to carry the Coggins information and original Health Certificate with them when they travel. Owners will also be required to travel with a microchip reader if the equine is identified by microchip.

The application and more information about the Permit can be downloaded at the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Veterinary Division website, www.ncagr.com/vet/ or by calling (919) 733-7601.

Piedmont Trivia Photo
The photo shows the Paso Fino filly Martha La Estrella, the IPFS/APF 1978 National Conformation 1978 Fillies owned by Piedmont member Alvaro Iriarte. This 1978 Paso Fino show was held in Raleigh, North Carolina at the State Fairgrounds in the Jim Graham Building. In the background, you can see former Paso Fino Nationals Judge --John "Jack" Britt. John Britt will be helping out his wife Mary Britt at the May 7th Piedmont Trail Riding Clinic in Tryon, NC. The IPFS "International Paso Fino Society" National Show was held on August 26, 1978 with over 100 entries from New York, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Florida and North Carolina.

Email your Piedmont trivia photo to piedmont e-trivia; be sure to include the answer.

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©Piedmont Paso Fino Horse Association, 2003-2005
Photos courtesy of Piedmont PFHA members
photos: PFHW: 6/1986, Lori West, Jeanne Griggs
Updated May 4, 2005
Published March 9, 2003
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