Congratulations to these Piedmont Youth for making the Youth Mundial Team USA!
Congrats go to Micah Furr, Jennifer Orr, Jordan Irvin, Laura Orr, Cassie Oakes, Hannah Reid, Christina Minter, Brittain Williams, Jake Orr, Christopher Furr, and Team Coaching Member: Robbyn Young!

Youth Mundial Participants and Exhibitors at Asheville Show
Calling all Mundial Youth and Attendees of Asheville Show! As the Youth Mundial approaches we have an opportunity at the the upcoming Asheville show to gather together and help with fundraising. We have been asked as a team to sell raffle tickets for the 2 saddles (Piedmont members please be sure to purchase these raffle tickets. The saddles are beautiful!) and also to sell bracelets by Marcia Davis.We are also coordinating youth for hire services among our team members that would be available for washing horses, holding horses between classes, washing cars/horsetrailers,babysitting, pet sitting, tack cleaning, cleaning of stalls, etc. If you need help with any of these jobs or would like to sign up to donate you time, please contact me at donkeys8@prtcnet.com and/or there will be a sign up sheet for work needed at the show office. All proceeds will be going to the Youth Mundial.
Sincerely,
Cassie Oakes

More Youth Mundial News
Horses Needed for Participants! Many of you have received information about the Banco de Caballos or Horse Bank. We are expecting approximately 400 youth from seven countries and will need at least 160 horses available for the horse pool. This is a very important aspect of making sure this competition is the best ever. The Piedmont region is home to many outstanding horses and we are lucky enough to be close enough to the competition to make travel reasonable. Please read the attached letter and consider placing your horses in the pool and providing our riders and the visiting riders an opportunity to experience the quality of horses we have in the USA!

Fundraising opportunities for the Youth Mundial are also underway. Of course a production like this is costly and even though we are all pulled in many financial directions, please consider helping the youth in this way. There are stall sponsorships, sponsorship packages, and of course individual donations that are needed. We want to show others how we value the youth in our organization and realize they are the future of our breed. Our riders have been working very hard during the past year to make us proud. Let's show them how we support their hard work and dedication!

2006 Piedmont Futurity Update News
At the Piedmont Classic we also will hold the Piedmont Futurity in conjunction with the show. The Futurity has an annual payout in excess of $32,000. These proceeds come from several outside sources. The stallions determine the eligibility of the horses for the futurity. They have a one-time declaration fee that helps fund the Futurity. Winning foals also pay back money to the stallion owners. Other sources of financing the Futurity are from several of the above-named businesses, especially the feed company and the insurance company. Every one-year old, two-year old and four-year old offspring is eligible to show in the Futurity with payment of the appropriate entry fee. In the past years, there have been horses that have won the four-year old classes, but the riders did not know that they were riding an eligible horse, so they passed up a $1,000 prize because the owner had not entered them in the Futurity!

Click here for a 2006 nomination form showing the fees scheduled to increase this spring, or contact Robbie Davis, Futurity Chairperson, at 704-895-4071 or elporvenir@aol.com. If you need a list of available futurity stallions on this website or want to check if a sire is on the list, contact Robbie and she will let you know. If you have a foal you want to show, but the sire is not nominated, contact Robbie and she will try to get the stallion nominated. Take advantage of your chance to win additional money with your foals by nominating them to the Piedmont Futurity!

El Cardenal Farm's Fun Show & Clinic is June 2nd & 3rd in Mooresville, NC
El Cardenal Farm – Paso Fino Training Center Summer A/O/Youth Clinic and Fun Show
Topics will include: “Performing Your Best” and what the judges are looking for and how to achieve it with your horse. The clinician and judge is Rick Meyer, PFHA National Judge, Confepaso World Cup Judge, PFHA Trainer of the Year, and Clinician – Christy Meyer, PFHA National Champion Rider and National Champion Equitation Coach. There will be an official Youth Mundial Team USA Practice after the Fun Show with Team USA Coaches Christy Meyer and Robbyn Young.

Clinic schedule is: Friday June 2nd - 5:00pm continues Saturday June 3rd at 9:00am.

The Fun Show schedule is Saturday, June 3rd Starting at 12:00pm. Clinic Fee: $50.00 both days, $35.00 Saturday - Horses Welcome. Fun Show Entry Fee: $8.00 Per Class. Limited Stalls available - $10.00 per day. Call for reservations. Negative Coggins within one year required for all horses on show grounds. Helmets required for all riders 12 and under; optional for all riders. Show attire not required. This is a Double Pointed show for the Piedmont Open Show Program.

Location: El Cardenal Farm Paso Fino Training Center, 626 El Cardenal Farm Lane, Mooresville, NC 28115. Convenient to both I-85 and I-77 on NC Hwy 152. All proceeds benefit Ernie Irvan’s Race2Safety Foundation. For more information please contact Robbyn Young at (704) 778-2777 or email robbyncita@yahoo.com. Click here for class listing flyer.

Make Your Plans to Attend the Piedmont Classic Asheville Show June 21st-25th
The Show info pages and class listings are linked from the top of this page as jpg files.
Dwight Graber, Show Chair, writes that preparations are well under way once again for the 24th Annual Piedmont Classic Show in Asheville, NC The Piedmont Classic has been the feature regional show for the past several years and is the only USEF A-rated Show in the breed!

This year we want to say a special THANK YOU to all the people who help make the Piedmont Classic so successful. These caring people who benefit from our show include trainers, breeders, stallion owners, vendors, trailer managers and sales, automobile and truck dealers, motels, restaurants, judges and stewards, professional show managers, PFHA workers, farriers veterinarians, farmers, insurance agents, feed suppliers, tack suppliers, concessionaires and many more. These people have been instrumental in helping our show because we have depended on these outside sources rather than only the exhibitors. The show, therefore, has money to give away because we have been helped by these people who benefit from the Piedmont Classic.

Because of this help from these people, the Piedmont Classic is giving back to the exhibitors prize money in all riding classes, including Youth classes where the horse is judged. We are spending over $25,000 to offer the two best parties given at any show all year! Thursday evening will feature a street party under a tent with a dance band, food and drinks. Saturday night will be the legendary Dinner In The Dirt, featuring gourmet dining while being entertained by a spectacular display of the best Paso Fino stallions in the world!

At the Piedmont Classic we also will hold the Piedmont Futurity in conjunction with the show. The Futurity has an annual payout in excess of $32,000. These proceeds come from several outside sources. The stallions determine the eligibility of the horses for the futurity. They have a one-time declaration fee that helps fund the Futurity. Winning foals also pay back money to the stallion owners. Other sources of financing the Futurity are from several of the above-named businesses, especially the feed company and the insurance company. Every one-year old, two-year old and four-year old offspring is eligible to show in the Futurity with payment of the appropriate entry fee. In the past years, there have been horses that have won the four-year old classes, but the riders did not know that they were riding an eligible horse, so they passed up a $1,000 prize because the owner had not entered them in the Futurity! For information as to how you can enter your horse in the Piedmont Futurity, please call Robbie Davis (704) 895-4071.

Our goal is to provide the most pleasurable experience possible in exhibiting your horses, giving you the best competition possible with your Paso Fino horses and creating an environment where horse aficionados will want to buy your horses!

Please note that there is a correction to the published Piedmont Classic prize list for the 2nd show because there is not a Country Pleasure Class listed. This was just an error. We plan to put the 2nd Show’s Country Pleasure Class in on Friday.

Class sponsorships are needed: $50 per class or $100 for a championship. Please plan to join our mountain celebration June 21-25 and share with us at the 24th Annual Piedmont Classic horse show. See you in Asheville!

Piedmont Open Horse Show Program Raffle for Breeding to El Zafiro de Trillador
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to remind everybody about the raffle tickets for the Piedmont Open Horse Show Program. Ann Furr has GENEROUSLY donated a breeding to her beautiful stallion, El Zafiro de Trillador. The tickets are only $5 or a great value at 5 tickets for $20. Please let everyone know about this opportunity! The drawing will be held at the awards banquet at the end of the year and you DO NOT have to be present to win! This raffle will help support Piedmont's new Open Show Program. Tickets are available from Penny Rose, Karen Washburn, Lori West, Ann Furr and Jeanne Griggs. If you are or have shown in the Open or Fun shows, please get your points into Penny as soon as you can so she doesn't have everything coming in at once. Thanks to you all for helping to support our open show riders!
Jeanne Griggs

Fun Paso Fino Exhibition at Grade School
For their end of grade pep rally, students at Morgan Elementary in Gold Hill, NC were treated with a day of learning about horses. 10 stations were set up in the morning including a horseshoeing demo, miniature horses, grooming, care of horses, campfire songs, horseshoe throwing, lassoing demo and veterinary care of horses. Dr. Ann Furr took Magistrado de Ventura (Judge) to answer student's questions and talk about vet care. After lunch, a horseshow was held that included several different breeds. Micah Ann Furr rode Demitria de Dulce and her Mom rode Judge. What a thrill when Micah's first grade teacher, Mendy Benge took a spin on Judge, sharing a ride together with her pupil in front of the whole school, for a memory that Micah will never forget! Thank you, Judge and Demitria!
Ann Furr

PFHA Sandhills Trail Ride Report
"I had such a great time!" was the general sentiment of the riders and participants of PFHA's first Trail Riders weekend co-sponsored by Piedmont and Georgia PFHA and the PFHA Events Committee. Also, that great time included meeting all the people and making new friends and contacts! The Cooper Black Sandhills Park's recreational facility included a 24 stall horse barn, an air-conditioned clubhouse with attached kitchen, large sandy arena, and nice bathhouse on the campground. It was an ideal setting for a big group trail ride...Paso Fino riders came from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina; all the way from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

The weather was gorgeous for riding the beautiful gently rolling Sandhills State Park trails on our Paso Finos, despite the extra stormy weather and tornado warnings for those who arrived early on Friday evening! The trails were great for gaited horses and the riders did a lot of that….gait! The water crossing was especially fun for the riders and the horses loved the cool refreshment and bath.

The clinics were very informative to the attendees who now have useful information when ready to buy a new saddle on how to get a proper fit for your horse with a saddle. The saddle fitting clinics were instructed by Kester Tack's Riley Kester on Saturday and by Equine Physiotherapist, Vicky Toporek on Sunday. Stella Manburg-Wise discussed Competitive Trail Riding ins and outs and a new class "Gaited Dressage" that she had recently particpated in!

After a Saturday afternoon ride by some of the riders who needed to leave later in the evening, dinner was served -- a delicious baked lasagna dinner with tossed salad and bread. Yummy desserts topped all it off! Everyone introduced themselves and how they have been involved with Paso Finos and how long!

Sunday morning saw riders take off for an early morning ride at the crack of dawn! This was the 3rd outing for some of the riders for the weekend event. before Vicky Toporek arrived to give another clinic on saddle fitting and equine therapies and how they relate. After Vickie's clinic a field trial club also using the facilities invited our group into the club house for a wonderful rice and chicken meal for lunch. After lunch, everyone said their good byes and were all off in different directions on way to home.

Kudos also to Galapando TV who drove all the way from Homestead, Florida to video the trail ride and clinics for PFHA, including taping some Paso People interviews. Plan on seeing this event in the future on video and/or cable.

Riders included: Dave and Dixie Delozier, Bill Hewett and his fiance Judy Gale, Bill and Susan Masciangelo, Mike Previtte, Jeanne Griggs, Eddie Velazquez, Lori and Greg West, Lynn Gallup, Boyd and Su Russell, Milda Minter, Joe and Eileen Wilhelm, and Stella Manberg-Wise. Comments included: "Gotta say, it was my first time in this park, it was REALLY a WONDERFUL PARK! I think there's an Endurance ride there soon, that some Pasos are going on great trails for sure!" "We had a blast at the Sand Hills ride! What fun to meet new Paso Friends, and catch up with others! We met some really nice and interesting folks on the ride, affirming my belief that most Paso Fino folks are good eggs." "What great fun! I'll be back for next year's ride and bring friends to ride too!"
Lynn Gallup

The Paso Fino Celebration Piedmont Show is August 5th
Again this year, Piedmont and the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation have joined together to present this show. On Saturday, Aug 5, there will be a PFHA show with a full schedule of classes. It will be a PFHA DOUBLE POINTED show with Alice Page and Donald Schanche judging. On Sunday there will be a full schedule of classes only for Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses.

The NC State Fair Paso Fino Show is October 16th
News is the Walk-Corto Leadline class will not have a class entry fee for 2006. All particpants will receive a ribbon. There is no prize money or points given for this class. Disabled riders are welcome in this class!

This show is a DOUBLE POINTED USEF All-Breed PFHA Show with two judges. It is scheduled for Monday, October 16th. Money paybacks are given for the classes per judge. The NC State Fair Horse show has the judges confirmed by Show Manager, Glenn Petty to be Kelley Cox and Bobby Yunits. There will be two stewards this year, a USEF and a PFHA Steward for the show. A full page ad listing the NC State Fair Paso Fino classes and entry information is planned for the August issue of PFHW.

We look forward to this show growing each year with more quality horses, number of entries and enthusiastic exhibitors who love showing off their horses to a crowd of interested spectators, many of whom to not yet own a Paso Fino and would like to!

Piedmont Needs You to Volunteer!
Your special talents can be put to use as a Piedmont PFHA officer or board member. All regular offices: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as one Board member position will be up for grabs at the 2006 fall membership meeting. If you are willing to consider running to one of these positions, or for more information, contact Dr. Ann Furr at drfurr@alltel.net or call (704) 798-3460

Piedmont PFHA Stallion Breedings Available

This March 2006 listing includes name of stallion and minimal bid required:
Aleli de Lusitania $500
Charlie $500
Cielo del Rey $500
Cimarron $500
Cognac de Lusitania $500
Conde de La Cuarte $500
El Brujo de la Montana $500
El Chacal $500
El Turista $500
El Vicario LTD* $500
Fairways Feliciano $500
Gentil de la Vitrina $1,000
Golfista de La Luisa $500
Manuelo del Conde $500
Mercenario de la Vitrina $800
Nevado (For Youth Fund) $1,000
Notorio QC $500
Patrullero del Juncal $500
Pistolero de Calidad* $500
Premier de Chapiro* $500
Profeta II de Besilu $500
Rapido del Paso $500
Satelite de Providencia $1,000
Springtime Radiante $500
Tartaro de Besilu* $500
Testimonio de Besilu $500

Please make checks payable to Piedmont PFHA. Send to Piedmont Treasurer Lauri Pistolis. First check received reserves breeding. *two breedings available

 

Piedmont will have a 1/6 page black and white display ad in the Spring edition of The Gaited Horse magazine. There will also be a feature article on Paso Finos in this edition. Lori West is gathering up the Piedmont events to submit to online equine and regional Calendars of Events on their publications and websites. If you would like to help out at one of the shows in Marketing and Advertising, let the show manager know. We also look forward to hearing your marketing ideas for Paso Finos and Piedmont, you can contact your Piedmont officers and directors.

Piedmont Website Advertising
Got a Paso Fino for sale or a Piedmont Futurity Stallion to promote, now is the time to submit your Classified Ads for Piedmont's website. To include one photo in your ad is only $40 for Piedmont members for one entire year online on the world wide web. Piedmont classified ad pages are showing up in search engines, so get yours to be included. Currently there are a number of new ads that will be added very soon to the Sale Barn and Stallion Row web pages. Be sure your ads are included, so anyone on the web can find you easily! See the very affordable ad rates. Classified advertising helps to pay for the Piedmont website.

Promote Your Farm on The Internet
At Piedmont's website, on the 2006 Piedmont Paso Fino Farms Directory page, did you know that Piedmont Farm member may list their websites. If you would like to add a ACTIVE link to your website address OR email address, for the online directories, the cost is just $10 per each farm and $10 per each email link. As long as you renew your farm membership yearly, the ACTIVE link will stay in place without costing any more. People can click on your email or website direct without copying or pasting. If you have an email change later on, that can be corrected at no charge. If you have a regular Membership, you can add an ACTIVE email link from the Membership Directory page also. Cost is just $10. for an email link.
Send your check to Piedmont Treasurer, Lauri Pistolis with which links, and email the info to webmaster, Lynn Gallup designer@unbridledvisions.com.

Piedmont's Website Ranks High in the Top Search Engines
Have you got a Paso Fino horse to sell or a stallion at stud and need to get the word out to people who might be interested? Doing a search where www.piedmontpasofino.org would be ranked when typing in the key words: "paso fino horses NC" came up with excellent ranking results in the Internet's top search engines. MSN had it listed as 3rd on page 1, Google had it listed as 5th on page 1, and Altavista had it listed as 12th and still on page one. Considering Piedmont doesn't pay for any priority listings, these are exceptional results. Many surfers will not go past the first page in doing hits. Piedmont's website fell on the first page of these widely used search engines. Now is the time to get your Piedmont website classified ads in for the next month. The ads stay online for an entire year. Don't miss out on this Internet advertising opportunity. The rates are very cost competitive compared to other horse sites. See Piedmont's advertising page for rate information and submit your Internet ads. There are members and non-member rates.

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

The Salt Block Gazette new equine newspaper is now reaching over 40,000 equine owners a month across North Carolina, having recently expanded their distribution area to include the Charlotte and western regions of the state. Please feel free to submit articles, breed association news or area events free of charge to P.O. Box 1159 Richlands, NC 28574 or email us at thesaltblock@thesaltblockgazette.com. Reading about other equestrian's experiences and sharing our funny stories, hard knocks, and knowledge is what makes The Salt Block Gazette unique. We love to hear from you! For more info go to ww.saltblockgazette.com.

Piedmont Membership Directory available
If anyone needs a membership directory mailed directly, please let Milda know and one will be send to you. This is the new 2005-2006 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.

A Piedmont Youth Member can win a $500 US Savings Bond
In a program sponsored by Pinnacle Paso Finos, with the 2005 Piedmont Asheville Classic and running through Memorial Day 2006, a $500 US Savings Bond will be awarded to the Junior member who collects and turns in the most Southern States "Proof of Purchase" seals. So start clipping your Legends, Reliance & Triple Crown horse feed bags’ "Proof of Purchase" seals. An equal number of seals will be credited for each bulk feed slip turned in. Credit will be given by the actual number of seals or bulk tickets turned in (each 50lb feed equals 1 seal). Ask your friends, trainers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, anyone you know who feeds Southern States horse feed to their horses. Proceeds from this drive will be used to fund the Piedmont Futurity program.

Mail your "Proof of Purchase" seals to: Joe & Eileen Wilhem, PINNACLE PASO FINOS, 1285 Stony Ridge Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043. If you have any questions call (336) 325-3052 or email joes9245@aol.com.

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). If you have not renewed your 2006 membership, the November 2005 Password was your last one. There is a new Trail Ride Guest Membership category available for one trail ride at $10.00. The Piedmont website Membership page will be updated in the January update to include all members who have renewed, so renew or join now to be included. Joining as a Piedmont Farm membership includes being listed in Piedmont's online Farm Directory, Membership Directory, includes your website listing, entitles you to 3 votes, and include 1-2 adults.

Don't Forget the Free One Year Membership for First Time Paso Fino Buyers
For those PFHA members selling horses, remember to fill out the paperwork for any new buyers to get a free one-year individual membership in Piedmont (as well as nationals). Invite them to participate in any of our events, make them feel welcome in our association. Give us their name(s) so that we can send them a membership directory. Your involvement could make the difference as to whether they stay with us or drift away from the breed or association. Our association is here to help and support us all. Please stay involved and help keep Piedmont PFHA one of the most active regions in the country.

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!

Important Piedmont News Deadlines
Piedmont PFHA Web site Deadlines
The 25th of each month will be the tentative deadline for getting new information to the webmaster with a target date around the1st of each month for page updates to be online. Email information in MS Word or notepad format if attachment or within the email message to Lynn Gallup webmaster email . News and Event photos should be sized to 72-100 dpi before emailing.

Paso Fino Horse World Regional News and Deadlines
From Lori West... Do you, your child, or a friend, have an accomplishment with a Paso Fino that you would like to share with the rest of our members? Would your child enjoy seeing their photo and name in print? Did you enjoy a Piedmont event? How about taking the opportunity to encourage a new Paso Fino enthusiast publicly? Please send your news and photos to Lori West, and help make the Piedmont PFHA regional news column in PFHW interesting to read by all PFHA members. Your info and photo might also appear in the Saltblock Gazette.

Deadline for submission of news for the Piedmont article is the first day of each month. Digital photos may be emailed or sent on a disk. Traditional film photos can be scanned and emailed or send prints to me with a stamped, self addressed envelope for their return. Send news to: Lori West, 74 Gibbs Road, Leicester, NC 28748 or email to lorihwest@yahoo.com. Lori's phone/fax 828-683-1793.

Piedmont Password Deadlines
Email or send your Password news to Marcia Carrico, 305 Clayton Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028. Fax: 336-998-1111 or casacarrico@yadtel.net. The Password deadlines are the first day of the following months: January, March, May, July, September, November. The Password is issued bi-monthly and is mailed around the 10th of the stated months.

Piedmont PFHA Web site Advertising Rates
Ads run for one year and text info can be updated if horse is sold or price changes.

Text Only For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ads runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate); may be canceled if the horse is sold. Includes e-mail link and URL link - $25.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $35).

Text with One Photo For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ad runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate). Includes e-mail link and URL link - $40.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $60).

Text with 2 Photos For Sale Ad. Up to 50 words; Ad runs up to 1 year (Piedmont member rate). Includes e-mail link and URL link - $50.
(Non-Piedmont member rate - $75).

Photos for ads should be digitalized or scanned; size specifications should be 300 px by 300 px max. and 72-100 dpi. There will be an additional charge of $25 per each photo that needs scanning. Please contact Lynn Gallup or see the Advertising page for more info.

Farm and Membership Directory Email and/or Web site URL Links
Don't you want your web site and email address in the farm listing or membership listing to be just a click away? The link(s) will stay in place unless you don't renew you membership the following year.

• $10 for each Piedmont Member Directory email link
• $10 for each Piedmont Farm Directory email link
• $10 for each Piedmont Farm Directory web site URL link

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 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.
Many thanks, Milda Minter

---

Piedmont Trail Ride News

NEW Dupont State Forest Trail Ride is June 17th
This trail ride is in Dupont State forest which is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Brevard and Hendersonville, NC. Its’ 10,400 acres of forest feature four major waterfalls on the Little River and several on the Grassy Creek, including the spectacular 2200 acre tract in the center of the forest containing High Falls, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

There are 98 miles of clearly marked trails and the great majority of those are open for multiple use, giving DuPont one of the largest equestrian trail systems in the region. The trails are wide and well maintained. They reflect the mountainous region with ups and down but not difficult at a walking pace. Shoes for horses are recommended though not absolutely necessary. Current Coggins is required.

Riders will have the option of riding with a slow group or a faster group. Lunch will be provided for members. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite dessert (i.e. cookies, cake, etc) to share.

Riders should plan to arrive in time to be ready to ride by 10:00am. Parking will be at the Guion Farm Parking Lot off Sky Valley Road. Please contact Trail Hosts Randy & Kim Williams (864) 270-1599 so they will know how many are coming and be able to contact you in the event the ride is cancelled for some reason. For map, directions and Park information see: www.dupontforest.com. For those wishing to overnight camp, Sky Valley Camp Ground, Hendersonville, NC, has water and electric hookups, stalls, paddocks, etc. and has riding access to the Park. For contacts, rates, go to: www.skyvalleync.com.

NEW Moses H. Cone Park Trail Ride is July 15th
Wide carriage roads provide great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys in this 3,500 acre park. These trails form a variety of loops, connecting paths and backtracking trips through woods, highland meadows and around a lake. These are excellent trails for the novice horse and rider. Shoes are recommended and Current Coggins is required..

Parking for this trail ride will be at the Trout Lake Parking area, which is at the base of Rich Mountain. Riders should plan to arrive in time to be ready to ride at 10:00am. We hope to have enough riders to have three groups, a slow group up Rich Mountain, a moderate group riding to Flat Top Mountain and a fast group riding through the maze. For overnight stabling and camping contact Blowing Rock Equestrian Center, (828) 295-4700 or go to www.blockingrockequestrian.com

Hosts for this ride are Brian & Jill Smith (828) 268-0608, Email basVprop@bellsouth.net. Be sure to call and let them know you are coming so they know how many to plan for lunch and have a contact number in case the ride has to be cancelled.

Attention All Trail Riders ... Join the Piedmont Path Finders Program
Piedmont PFHA is proud to announce the start of our new riding rewards program called "Piedmont Pathfinders". It will be like the national PFHA Pasos For Pleasure program. The program name was selected by the BOD from a youth "name picking" contest. The winning name was submitted by Christina Minter. For a one time membership fee of $25 you will receive a T-shirt and log sheets to track your hours. Contact Ingrid Ruppalt, the chair of the new Piedmont Pathfinders program. Ingrid will keep track of log sheets. Her email is pasofan55@aol.com or phone is 803-548-2395. Download the Piedmont PathFinders Hours log in PDF format.

2006 Piedmont Trail Ride Events Scheduled
You must be a Piedmont Member or Trail Ride Member to participate AND make reservations with the Trail Host.

May 5-7: Sand Hills State Forest; Cheraw, SC. Host: Candace Link (336) 940-2936

June 17: Dupont State Forest; Brevard, NC. Host: Randy Williams (864) 270-1599

July 15: Moses Cone Memorial Park; Blowing Rock, NC. Host: Brian Smith (828) 268-0608

August 26: Biltmore Estate; Asheville, NC. Host: Lori West (828) 683-1793

October 21: Latta Plantation Park; Huntersville, NC. Host: Candace Link (336) 940-2936

The Blake-Cliff Trail Ride is April 29th near Maiden, NC
This ride is at Blake-Cliff Stables which is located in Catawba County and owned by George McKee. The farm lies on 425 acres of beautiful wooded pasture land. For the trail riding lovers, this is truly a paradise. Current coggins is required. The ride will start at 10:00am. Lunch will be served from 12:00-1:00pm. The rain date for this ride will be Sunday, April 30th.

Directions: Farm is located West of Mooresville. Take I-77 to Exit 36 (Rt. 150). Take Rt. 150 West, past Hwy 16, to East Maiden Road. Go North on East Maiden Rd and Blake Cliff Stables will be on your right.
Please make reservations for this ride by April 22nd. For more information call (704) 482-7330, or Jaime Sarmiento (828) 466-1502.

PFHA Trail Ride Weekend is May 6-7 at Sand Hills Forest State Park, Cheraw, SC
Join us for a special weekend of riding, clinics, a cookout and fun and game classes all geared towards the amateur and youth recreational riders and your Paso Fino Horses. Make plans to attend the weekend of May 6-7, 2006 for a co-sponsored Piedmont/Georgia/PFHA Events and A/O Committees Trail Ride at Sand Hills Forest State Park in Cheraw, SC. This trail riders event is sponsored by the PFHA Events and A/O Committees with Piedmont PFHA and Georgia PFHA also as regional co-sponsors. Sand Hills State Forest has hundreds of miles of trails and is suitable for even novice horses and youth riders. The PFHA Marketing Committee will also be on hand to video the ride and activities for future promotion. We hope to see you there!!

Dates: Saturday, and Sunday, May 6-7, 2006
Location: Sand Hills State Forest, 16218 Highway #1, Patrick, SC, 29584
Conveniently located near Interstates 20 and 95 in northern S.C.

Cost: $45 per adult rider, $20 per youth rider, includes ride permits, clinics, and meals Saturday and Sunday. Make checks payable to PFHA and mail to the national office. Sign-up deadline is April 28. After that date, fees are $55 adult and $30 youth if space is available (call 336-764-4785 after April 28 for availability).

Site Fees: Stalls, paddocks, RV spaces, and primitive camping are all available--please call Janelle at Sand Hills State Forest at 843-498-6478 to make your individual reservations at your cost.

Campsites with facilities: $12.00 per campsite per night
Primitive camping: $5.00 per campsite per night
Sugarloaf Mountain Campsites: Free
Horse stalls: $7.00 per day

Covering 46,000 acres of land and water, the Carolina Sandhills Wildlife Refuge refuge supports a wide variety of plants and animals. An auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation towers provide opportunities for environmental education, bird watching, and photography. If you are interested in wildlife, this place is definitely worth visiting. The adjacent Sand Hills State Forest has trails for hiking, off-road bicycling, and horseback riding. Sugar Loaf Mountain, a traditional gathering place for over a century, is maintained on Sand Hills State Forest as a family recreational area. http://www.state.sc.us/forest/refshill.htm.

All dirt roads within the state forest can be used as riding trails and are designated by TT (TRUCK TRAILS) and a number. Horses MUST stay on TRUCK TRAILS (existing roads) and designated HORSE TRAILS. Rules to follow: Do not tie horses to trees; use hitching posts, high picket line or trailer tie. When riding the Mountain Road, horses MUST be kept on the road except when obtaining water at the spillway's designated site. Horses may also be watered at the Mountain Pond near Area 9.

Equestrian group camping and a day use parking area are available within this 46,000 acre wildlife management area in Chesterfield and Darlington counties, near Patrick South Carolina. All dirt roads within the State Forest can beused as riding trails and are designated by TT (truck trails) and a number. Horses MUST stay on existing roads and designated horse trails. Do not tie horses to trees; use hitching posts, high picket line or trailer tie. When riding the Mountain Road, horses must be kept on the road except when obtaining water at the spillway's designated site. Horses may also be watered at the Mountain Pond near Area 9. There are RV hook-ups, camping sites, hotels nearby, a dining hall and horse corral pens for the weekend stay over are available within this 46,000 acre wildlife management area. The barn has a limited number of stalls which MUST be reserved in advance by each individual who wants to stall a horse.

Motels: For motel information or other information about the weekend, contact Milda at 336-764-4785 or by email at mpminter60@aol.com. For more information about Sand Hills State Forest, visit their website at www.state.sc.us/forest/refshills.htm.

Directions: Located on both sides of US #1, northeast of McBee, SC.
Take I-20 to exit #98 and go north on US #521 (Broad Street) 3.8 kilometers. Turn right onto US #1 (DeKalb Street) and go northeast 49.5 km. The main entrance to the wildlife refuge will be on the left. Continue down US #1, and you will be in the state forest.

Leatherwood Trail Ride is May 20, 2006
The North Carolina Horse Council is hosting its first ever trail ride with the help of Leatherwood Mountains. The ride will be held on May 20th in Ferguson, North Carolina, but participants are encouraged to come for the whole weekend and ride. There will be two self guided ribbon trail rides so that you can pick how long you want to be out and how experienced and in shape your horse is. For you die-hard riders, you can do both loops.

The price for the trail ride also includes a t-shirt, goody bag, ticket for door prizes, dinner and entertainment. Leatherwood offers a full facility with a round pen, large arena, barn with wash stalls, tack room and a nice restaurant with in walking distance of the barn. The accommodations include a wonderful camping area near a rushing creek or you can rent a secluded cabin with spectacular views and a hot tub. Day-drive in riders are also welcome.

The trail ride will start early Saturday morning and in the afternoon there will be live musical entertainment, so shopping and an educational presentation. Dinner will be served and then we will be giving out door prizes, perhaps playing a game and time to visit with our new and old found friends. There is a limit of 150 riders so get your applications in early! Not a rider? You can join in the fun by just signing up for dinner with the group!

Any money raised from the ride will go to equestrian trail projects in North Carolina. NCHC wants to use his trail ride to get to meet more of North Carolina’s trail users. Visit http://www.nchorsecouncil.com/trail_ride_2006.htm for more information, prices and registration form or Call Shannon Hoffman for more information.

This could be a great opportunity to have some Paso Finos participate in a non-breed specific organized trail ride. Any interest here? Contact Lori West at lorihwest@yahoo.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 2006 includes all our favorite places to ride, plus a few new and exciting additions. Our goal is to offer rides in different areas of our Region so that all our membership can participate. Suggestions for locations are always welcome, so if you have a favorite place you would like to see us ride, please let me know so it can be added to our Calendar. Your trail ride chairman and trail bosses are planning wonderful rides all around the region. Our attempt is to have one ride per month.

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

Trail Riding Buddies
If anyone would like to be a Riding Buddy, or if you want a Buddy to ride in a Park you are interested in exploring, please let us know! Remember to be courteous enough to give all these folks at least a day or two’s notice! If anyone else would like to volunteer to be a Riding Buddy, or if you want a Buddy to ride in a Park you are interested in exploring, please let me know so I can put the information in the Newsletter. Contact Marcia Carrico at (336) 998-1111 or casacarrico@yadtel.net.

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

Marcia Carrico has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to come to Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem and needs someone to ride with them. Call (336) 998-1111 or email her at casacarrico@yadtel.net.

Brian & Jill Smith have volunteered to be “Riding Buddies”, if anyone wants to come to Moses Cone Park in Blowing Rock, NC. Call (828) 268-0608 or email them at basvprop@bellsouth.net.

Valerie Fox has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy”, if anyone wants to ride at Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, NC and needs someone to ride with them. Call (704) 243-0113 or email her at vfox@alltel.net.

Candace Link has volunteered to be a “Riding Buddy” if anyone wants to come to Pilot Mt, Latta Park, New River Trail and Sand Hills State Forest and needs someone to ride with them. Call (336) 940-2936 or email her at pasolink@msn.com.

Ticket to Ride PFHA Program
The Ticket to Ride is completely free to participate in for PFHA members. Members will complete a "ticket", which can be downloaded from the PFHA website or requested by contacting PFHA. Once the ticket is complete it is returned to the PFHA to be eligible for drawings that will take place at the Grand National Championship Show. You do not have to be present to win. You must be a member of the PFHA at the time of all rides and at the time of the drawings.

A member can complete as many tickets as they wish. The more tickets a member completes the better their chances are for the drawing. The tickets will be held at the PFHA until time for the drawings. The ticket has five spaces to have completed before the ticket can be returned to the PFHA. Every time you participate in a PFHA sanctioned trail ride it will count for two rides. A non PFHA sanctioned ride is worth one ride. You may use organized trail rides (must have a Ride Manager and be advertised) or any other event you participate in with your registered Paso Fino. Backyard pleasure riding/exercising can not be used for the Ticket to Ride program. Have the ride manager initial the spaces and sign off on the back of the ticket.

---

All-Breed Open Horse Shows News and Events

NEW 2006 Piedmont Open Circuit Horse Show Program
Purpose: To get people to participate and show Paso Finos to others outside of our breed. Piedmont members must get shows approved ahead of time, added to a list and published to membership. The Password will have published a separate show calendar for these eligible Open Shows. Individuals will have to sign up for the program, with a fee of $10.00 per year. Click here to see and print off the Open Horse Show form. Jeanne Griggs will handle putting the forms together. These all-breed open horse shows are a good way to promote the breed and sell horses, and can help increase membership in PPFHA. The program will provide shows for beginners who do not feel qualified for Asheville or Clemson. Points will be awarded to the rider rather than horse. Horses must be registered and riders must be members of PPFHA. Points will be given for any class a horse competes in for the top six winners in adult classes and to the top six winners in youth classes. Contact Jeanne Griggs at jeannegriggs@bellsouth.net or call (864) 487-9565. The contact for recording and sending open show circuit point sheets to is Penny Rose, 16976 Justice Branch Road, Littleton, NC 27850, phone 252-586-7978.

Piedmont PFHA Open Horse Shows Listing eligible as of January 2006 [pdf file]

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

• Must be current PPFHA member
• Must pay $10 application fee
• Adults are 18 years & older
• Youth are 17 years & younger
• Horses must be PFHA registered
• Shows must be pre-approved by PPFHA

Points

• Awarded to the horse
• Awarded only to shows pre-approved at least 15 days in advance
• Be a simple total of individual class totals
• Accumulated from October through September each show year
• Given to any horse that gets a placement in any class [1st place - 6 points, 2nd place - 5 points, 3rd place - 4 points, 4th place - 3 points, 5th place - 2 points, 6th place - 1 point]

Awards

• Year end awards will be awarded to individuals with the top 6 highest point scores
• Given to adults 18 & older and youth 17 & under
• Given out at the Piedmont PFHA Annual Awards Banquet

Eligible Shows (fun shows are double points)

Heritage Farm Fun Show. April 1, 2006. Lexington, NC 336-764-4785 or email mpminter60@aol.com

Georgia PFHA Fun Show and Clinic. Saturday, April 8, 2006
Madison Ag. Center, Highway 441, Madison, Georgia. Contact: Ray Franklin 404-697-8082, 770-822-9757, 770-962-3317 or Arleen Klungle 770-266-7135.

Startown Stables Saddle Up for St. Judes Fun Show. May 20, 2006. 2137 Old Latter Rd., Newton, NC. Contact Alvaro Iriarte 828-465-1158 or info@mail.startownstables.com.

El Cardenal Fun Show. June 2 & 3, 2006. Mooresville, NC. Contact Robbyn Young
704-778-2777 or robbyncita@yahoo.com.

Spartanburg Horsemen’s Association, Camp Croft State Park, Spartanburg, SC. Third Saturday of the month February thru November. www.shahorseshows.com

East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit, Bob Martin Eastern NC Ag. Center, Williamston, NC. Dates: April 22-23, June 10-11, July 15-16, Sept 22-24: 2-Day All-Breed Fun Shows.
www.eastcoasthorses.com.

Etowah Riding Club. Turnpike Rd. Etowah, NC. Contact Tracie Mitchell 828-692-0096.

Annual Gaston County Fun Show, Biggerstaff Park, Dallas, NC. Last Saturday of April, June and August. Contact Zack Stoupe 704-477-8516 or Ann Furr 704-279-7414(H) or email drfurr@alltel.net.

Union County Saddle Club Open Horse Shows, East Sandy Ridge Rd., off Highway 207
Monroe, NC. Contact: Cindy Moser 704-291-0196 or Vicki Lawton 704-243-2126
www.unioncountysaddleclub.com. Dates: March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 21.

Lincoln County Horsemen's Association Open Horse Shows, Ponderosa Show Grounds
1392 Startowm Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Contact: Cindy Kincaid 704-747-7755
www.lincolncountyhorsemensassociation.org

Southern Horse Festival NC Championship Open Horse Show, Hunt Horse Complex, Raleigh, NC; www.southernhorsefestival.com

Johnston County Horse Show Series, Johnston County Livestock Arena, Smithfield, NC. Email for more info: sileeno@ipass.net

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 Jeanne Griggs.

Southern Horse Festival NC Championship Open Horse Show
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. Click here for a list of the Non-Trotting Classes or go to www.southernhorsefestival.com.

Spartanburg Horsemen’s Association All-Breed Horse Shows
The Spartanburg Horsemen’s Assoc is a non-profit all-breed organization that is having shows at Croft Park in Spartanburg, SC, shows. Paso Finos are welcome in EVERY class and each person is instructed to dress appropriate for their breed. More detailed information and class sheets can be found at www.shahorseshows.com or call Jeanne Griggs at (864)489-9397 (work) or (864)490-5339 (home) or email Jeanne Griggs.

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

The East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit offers Non-Trotting Classes just for Paso Finos and Peruvian Pasos. The other gaited breeds would enter in the Racking classes. Check out their web site for more info... East Coast Open Horse Show Circuit is held at the Bob Martin Eastern North Carolina Agricultural Center and offers year end awards. Contact info is Trish Andrews at 252-799-0334 or email sitrish123@earthlink.net.

Johnston County Horse Show Series
The Johnston County Horse Show Series offers a friendly and competitive atmosphere to riders of all ages and experience. The show is held at the Johnston County Livestock Arena in Smithfield, North Carolina starting at 9:00 am. A negative Coggins test is required and will be checked. Concessions are available at the show grounds. Cost per class is $7. Raindates for all shows are the following day on Sunday.

Classes offered are huntseat, western, english, trail, equitation & horsemanship, halter and several over fences classes. There are four age divisions Pee Wee (8 years and under), Youth (9-13 years), Junior (14-18 years) and Adult (19 and over). The show is approved for the Paint Alternative Competition (PAC), Arabian Horse Association Open Event Incentive Program (OEIP) and qualifies for North Carolina Quarter Horse Association, Appaloosa (ACAAP), Morgan Horse Association, Pinto Horse of America, American Donkey and Mule Association, Palomino Performance Program, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association Versatility Program, and the International Spotted Horse Registry Association Show Point Recognition. Membership is available for those who are interested in competing for year end awards. Contact Michele McLaughlin for more information 919-934-1344 or email sileeno@ipass.net .

Directions from Raleigh: Take I40 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.

---

PFHA News

NEW PFHA Pasos for Pleasure
I want to take the time to introduce myself to you all. My name is Tiffany L. Duncan. I joined the Paso Fino Horse Association, based in Plant City, FL in December 2005 and took on the position of Events Assistant. I am also the new liaison for the Pasos for Pleasure Program. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Phone (813)719-7777; Email: showaide@pfha.org.

I also want to inform all of our Pasos for Pleasure members that the May issue of Paso Fino Horse World is dedicated to the pleasure and trail riders of the Association. If you do not currently get the Paso Fino Horse World magazine be sure to order your subscription today.

NEW 2006 Pasos for Pleasure Program sponsors
Kester Farms Tack, Inc., Riley Kester, 3777 Mitchner Rd, Dearting, GA 30808; Ph: (706) 597-8457
Narrow Gate Tack, Kerry Scott, 180 Embley’s Gap Rd., Roseland, VA 22967; Ph: 800-446-7966
Stagecoach West, Rts. 5 & 20, Irving, NY 14081; Ph: 800-648-1121. www.stagecoachwest.com
Timberline Saddle Company, Rt. 1, Box 120-A, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744; Ph: (417) 846-2588
Saddle Up Tack & Supplies, Inc., 7818 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia, FL 33547; Ph: (813) 681-1600. www.saddleuptact.com
Casa Dosa Paso Fino Horses & Tack, Rt.1, Box 318-3, Cleveland, OH 74020; Ph: (918) 243-7896. www.developtech.com/casadosa
Don West – Have Saddle – Will Travel

PFHA Membership Dues Increase
Membership fees for PFHA changed as of January 1, 2006 and now includes a subscription to PFHWorld. Individual $55, Family $75, Junior 35.

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

PFHW has a New Publisher starting with the April 2006 Issue
The Paso Fino Horse Association is delighted to introduce to you Associated Publications Corporation (APC) of Bartow, Florida as the new publisher of the Paso Fino Horse World. The Paso Fino Horse World has been published by Southern Publishing Company of Meridian, Mississippi for sixteen years starting in July of 1990, nearly thirteen of those years have been on my watch. I have seen the magazine grow from just a few pages to an average of 120 pages per issue along with a marked improvement in the quality of the articles and print. Therefore, it is with real mixed emotions that I inform you the Paso Fino Horse World magazine will no longer be published by Southern Publishing. The Association has had a great run with Southern Publishing, starting with Ms. Thelma Thompson as Editor and Publisher followed by Ms. Tracy Thompson (Bourgeois), Mr. Jim Bourgeois as General Manager; more recently Mr. Pete Willis as Advertising Director and Ms. Stephanie Dunkin as Editor. These folks have gone the extra mile for the PFHA, growing and improving the Paso Fino Horse World magazine along the way. The Association owes them a great big THANK YOU for their hard work and dedication.

Starting with the April 2006 issue, ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS CORPORATION (APC) of 495 East Summerlin Street, Bartow, Florida 33830, phone: (863) 533-4114 will publish, edit and print the Paso Fino Horse World. APC is a very experienced and professional group which currently publishes three other monthly magazines. The PFHA has done business with Bartow Printing (APC’s parent organization) for over fifteen years and they have always produced quality work. Your new contact for advertisement in the Paso Fino Horse World, at APC, is Mr. Larry Jordan. Larry may be reached at the above phone or via e-mail at: ljordan@barpr.com . Please do not hesitate to call him. Ms. Stephanie Dunkin will remain as the Editor of the PFHW. She may be reached at (205) 283-6893 or e-mail: stephd@pasofinos.com.

This move was necessary to provide the membership with the best possible services at a fair and equitable cost. We have taken steps to minimize the effect of this transition. Again, Ms. Stephanie Dunkin will continue to edit the magazine and Mr. Larry Jordan will handle the advertisement. Also, if you have any questions or problems please do not hesitate to call the PFHA office at (813) 719-7777. I am confident you will see significant improvements in the PFHW, with increased articles and increased color content and, that APC and Mr. Larry Jordan will do everything in their powers to provide you with quality advertisements. If you have any questions or problems please do not hesitate to call the PFHA office at (813) 719-7777.
Sincerely,
C.J. Marcello, Jr.
PFHA Executive Director

Youth Mundial Update
The event will be held July 3rd through July 9 2006 in Kissimee, Florida. The actual dates of competition will be July 8 and 9 with many fun and educational events taking place during the week. The committee is busy planning and reminds everyone to look at the PFHA E-news for updates. There are clinics being planned and everyone who may be interested in participating will need to attend at least one of the clinics. Current Clinics on the schedule are: October 22 and 23, 2005 at the farm of Jaime Suarez.
For more info call Kathy Williams at 704-764-8253 or e-mail Chetola@aol.com.

Paso Finos on RFD-TV
See the Paso Fino videos on RFD-TV found on both DirecTV and Dish Networks. Check guide at www.rfdtv.com for programming information. DirecTV is on channel 379 and Dish Network on 9409.
The shows are currently available for purchase through the PFHA office on RVD only for $12.95 plus shipping. Call 813-719-7777 or email mbrsecy@pfha.org to order.

Support The PFHA Sponsors
Corporate sponsor dollars help support programs so that the burden is minimal to our members. Please support our sponsors whenever possible to ensure that they will continue their support in the future.

2006 PFHA Rule Book
The PFHA Rule Book is now available on the PFHA Web Site. The book can be downloaded and printed off any pages needed. The paper version of the new rulebook can be purchased from PFHA for $10.00.

Ordering DNA Kits
You can now order DNA kits when registering your Paso Fino horse. Simply check the box under Section 1 on the Registration Application and include the $55. for PFHA members or $110 for non-PFHA members.

The PFHA Sponsors are now listed on the PFHA/Links page on Piedmont's web site. When shopping, support the official PFHA sponsors! They support PFHA.

PFHA Ticket to Ride PFHA Program
The Ticket to Ride PFHA Program is a free program offered to PFHA members. Download the ticket from the PFHA website or or click here to get your ticket. Have the Ride Manager sign your ticket after each trail ride. Each PFHA sanctioned trail ride counts for two rides and non-PFHA sanctioned trail rides will be worth one ride. After attending five rides the ticket is sent to the Association office and you can start a new ticket. There is no limit to the number of tickets you submit to the PFHA. At the end of the year a drawing is held at the Grand National Championship Show. You do not have to be present to win and you must be a current member at the time of all rides and at the time of the drawing. Three tickets are drawn and prizes are awarded.

PFHA Paso Fino Videos for Sale

NEW Video Overstock Sale
The PFHA has an overstock of videos! For a limited time the following videos are on sale for $5.00 each, plus shipping or buy three and get the fourth one for free. To order contact Cori Clark at mbrsecy@pfha.org.

• Saddling for trail with Don West
• Basic Trimming of your horses hooves with Don West
• Spectrum Show/ basic training with Don West
• Smooth Trail on a Paso Fino
• 2003 Texas Equus America 2003
• Equine Affair in Columbus Ohio 2004
• 7th Annual Carriage of the Horse Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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.

2006 USEF Membership Renewals Available Online
Don't let your membership benefits lapse! In addition to being able to compete in more than 2,700 USEF-recognized competitions throughout the year, as a USEF member you receive:

Significant discounts from companies like John Deere, Dodge, Nextel and FedEx through the USEF Purchasing Program.

$1,000,000 personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties.

Travel discounts

Annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN magazine, the official publication of the Federation

And much more……(USEF Purchasing, Automatic Insurance and annual subscription to EQUESTRIAN provided to our Life, Platinum, Senior and Junior members)

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

PRINT your temporary United States Equestrian Federation 2006 membership cards.
Congratulations, You have just joined On Line! If you have questions please contact the United States Equestrian Federation Membership Department or, for Licensed Officials, the Licensed Officials Department at 859/258-2472.

---

North Carolina Horse Council News

For Equine Hurricane Awareness and Preparation Information
Go to on the web: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hurrican.htm.

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

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

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

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

---

Piedmont E-News: May 2006 | Apr. 2006 | Mar. 2006 | Feb. 2006 |
Jan. 2005 | Feb. 2005 | Mar. 2005 | April 2005 | May 2005 | June 2005 |

July 2005 | Aug. 2005 | Sept. 2005 | Oct. 2005 | Dec. 2005 | Jan.-June 2004 | July-Dec. 2004 | 2003

---