Amatuer Newsletter: November, December, January 2010
Amateur Newsletter
August September October 2009
Easy Apple Cider "Simple spiced Apple Cider! I used to buy the spices already mixed at the grocery store, and they stopped carrying it this year, so I just made my own. This is great for a shower or get together and the slow cooker keeps it warm, so guests can enjoy it through the night. When it's done, it's great mixed with spiced rum and/or a slice of orange! Leftover cider is great cold too!" PREP TIME 5 Min COOK TIME 1 Hr READY IN 1 Hr 5 Min DIRECTIONS Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread "This recipe was devised a long time ago by a mother who helped a group of first graders prepare a treat in class. There were enough ingredients for each child to lend a helping hand. Through the last 20 years, I enhanced and revised the recipe. Adults and children alike love it!" PREP TIME 15 Min COOK TIME 45 Min READY IN 1 Hr INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
Hi everyone. Hope you have all had a great summer and had great times with friends, family and your 4 legged buddies. It is hard to believe that Fall is almost here and it won’t be long until we are ordering new winter blankets and battening down the hatches getting ready of ol man winter. Fall has to be my favorite season here in Oregon, especially the crisp breezy days, with bright blue skies and big puffy clouds when we still have a hit of warmth in the air. If I could order the perfect day that would be it. There is nothing like riding and seeing that beautiful array of color surrounding us. Looking out on the hills with all the beautiful shades of gold, red and burgundy is so pretty. I love the harvest moons and wonderful sunsets and have seen some of the prettiest when riding at Bobbie’s barn where I keep my horse. There is no better way to end your day. The Indian summer days and smell of fireplaces heating up for the first time as the nights start to cool down. Nothing like a great ride, a beautiful sunset and huge harvest moon on the drive home. I hate for summer to end but as each season comes to a close we have a new one to look forward to. Sort of like life, riding and our favorite sport, showing horses. As each aspect of our lives comes to a close a new exciting one takes it place. This is the time to reflect on our accomplishments, learn from our mistakes and look forward to new goals just around the corner.
I am sure some of you are looking forward to our last two shows of the season! The September show sounds awesome!!! It may be one of the funnest (OK I know that is not a word but it fits for this event) shows we have ever had. Free clinics, along with a free corresponding novice class and a barn party to boot!!! WOW! Hope to see everyone attend and if you are not able to come and show try to come to audit our awesome clinicians and get together with old friends and make a few new. Don’t miss the party. If you are able to donate any of your time be sure and call Kerri and let her know as I hear that they are still looking for help. Let’s get together and make this a show NOT TO MISS!!! The show season is winding down but we still have some wonderful times ahead, add a few more points and go for that high point or qualifying points or whatever you’re aspiring to do. . Also remember the October show is going to be held in Eugene instead of Salem. Be sure to check it out and don’t miss your last chance to finish the year at your best.
How is everyone doing? I hear congratulations are in store for some of you that attended the Summer Classic and a great time was had by all. This is a list of our Amateur’s that WON!! We are so pleased and excited for you. Joanne sent me this information and it sounds like she and Reggi had a great time as well. Every one that attends the Oregon Classic show seems to have an awesome time so maybe those of us that have not attended in the past really need to consider it next year. I sure hope to…. SO our hats are off and Congratulations to all!!!
Oregon Member Circuit Awards
Amateur Newsletter
May, June, July 2009
Hi everyone! Well I am running a little behind schedule, so I apologies for this getting in a little late; May is almost over….. Life has been busy lately. Hope you are all having a great year and enjoying this beautiful warm weather and all that spring has to offer. Summer is just around the corner. Those of you that went to Red Bluff, I hope you had a great show and a wonderful time in Calif. We love our California neighbors and really enjoy them coming up to show with us and I am sure those that went, had a blast seeing old friends and making new ones. Many of you are looking forward to enjoying showing this summer and are anticipating a great time and tons of points at the Oregon Summer Classic. What a Show!!! A great time awaits you and hopefully tons of points and great prizes. We want to wish all that are planning on attending a wonderful show and an amazing time. Summer is also a time to add a class or refine your skills while anticipating showing our last two shows of the season in Eugene in Sept and Salem in Oct. Some of you may be traveling to other states to show while others are anticipating getting ready for the World shows that are fast approaching. Good Luck to everyone in all your endeavors and continue to strive to be the best you can be.
. Great Lessons are to be learned and often it’s from horses, that we lean the most!
Something exciting happened in the horse world that those of us that follow racing are thrilled to see. I always vote for an underdog and when a little 15.1 hand “gelding “named Mind That Bird, ended up winning the Kentucky Derby it brought some valuable lessons to mind. This colt was purchased as a yearling for less than most of us paid for our show horses at 9500.00. Then after winning a hand full of races, he sold as a 2 yr old for 400,000.00 to a couple of good Ol Quarter Horse boys and a Vet from New Mexico. Fast forward and he qualified to run for the roses with the royalty and best of the best of the 3 yr olds in the country and for that matter the world. Was he tallented? Yes but could he beat the million dollar plus colts from some of the most prestigious barns in the country? Sometimes a little magic, a lot of hard work and a big heart with a lot of try come together and make a once in a lifetime champion and a price tag doesn’t have much to do with it. Mind That Bird’s owners and trainer took him to the Derby because they were invited and they thought they may never have an opportunity to go play with the big boys again and as unlikely as it was they took the chance. Next thing you know that 50 to 1 shot made that group a BIG chunk of change and a place in the history books by winning the biggest race in the Sport of Kings. Was it a fluke? That little guy finished the Preakness one length behind the other magical moment the filly, Rachel Alexandra. WOW what a thrill. The 1st time in 85 yrs a girl beat the boys in that race. Calvin said she was and is the best horse he has ridden in his 30 yr career, as a jockey, not the best filly, the best horse. But the little guy showed his heart and try and that he was not a one hit wonder coming in just behind her and in front of the rest of the field. So….. If you are not sitting on a 100,000.00+ worth of show horse, remember the “Bird “and Rachel. Rachel is a beautiful, class act and no one told her because she happened to be female she could not run with the boys… and beat them. Mind that Bird may be small but sometimes great things come in small packages. No one told him as a yearling, he sold for a fraction of his peers but someone saw his potential and believed in him. Of course horses have no cognitive ability and self esteem is not based on what they were lead to believe about themselves. Wouldn’t it be great if the same were true of humans? Wouldn’t it be great if all it took was a series of events to fall into place and someone to beleive in you to make your dreams a reality? Chances are sometimes chances are worth taking and raw talent; hard work and a big heart can come together and make an unbeatable wining team. Good Luck to all that dream of the Congress or the World or even the Oregon Summer Classic. To the little guy or the princess waiting for her shot. GO FOR IT!!!!
OUR Prayers go out to Debbie Larson’s Family and Friends
Most of you are aware of the passing of our show secretary Debra Larson. She will be so missed by the Oregon Quarter Horse Association and the Amateur group. May she be at peace and God knows if there are horse shows in Heaven he got one of the best to help him. I for one know there would be no heaven without Horses…….may you sit in fields of wild flowers surrounded by the most wonderful of steeds and ride which ever you choose whenever you feel the need for wind in your face or a sweet nicker from one of the greats…..You will be greatly missed.
The Carolyn Rice Clinic was wonderful!
All that attended had a great time and came away with lots to work on. The weather was crazy as the wind and rain made it little nuts at times but we were all comfortable in the beautiful barn and surroundings of our President Scott so kindly donated for the occasion. Carolyn Rice was great and helped each of us work on things individually. She is a wonderful trainer and I for one learned a ton and found so many holes and things to work on. I would highly recommend her clinics to any one that has an opportunity to work with her. She was awesome!!
The April Wine and Cheese Social and basket sale was a great success!
The Tack Sale was awesome and we made some cash! Thank you to all the gave baskets and to the trainers that donated their time. People love the opportunity to work with you and you were all a big hit. The Wine as well as the fruit and cheese/meat trays were beautiful and everyone had a great time. We could not do the sale without all of you that participates and help. Donating or purchasing something helps the Amateur group to purchase year end awards and hopefully will allow them to do other things for our group.
This in from Joanne Rude, our president regarding the Wine and Cheese Social
The Wine & Cheese social was very successful this year. We had lots of generous donors & buyers! Please include a message in the newsletter that we want to especially thank all who contributed in anyway. Especially Drag N Fly Ranch, Mike Trumble, Pam Davini and Jennifer Carlson, these folks were responsible for the wonderful food & drinks! After all was said & done, we made $2,030.44. With the Wine & Cheese Social, Consignment sale and the Carolyn Rice Clinic, the amateurs are doing okay financially. Considering the state of the economy, I think we are extremely fortunate. Thank you to everyone.
Have a Wonderful time at the Summer Classic Show in Central Point!!!!Be sure and send me you news and to those that are going on vacation or just out enjoying the wonderful weather and our 4 legged buddies, have a great ride…..a great time and a wonderful summer!!!!
Happy trails and happy showing! Annett
Amateur Newsletter
March/April 2009
Hi all! Spring is in the air and for me; it is not coming soon enough. We may still see a few snow flurries but the daffodils are blooming and tulips starting to peek through the soil. Spring is such a refreshing, beautiful time. I love driving through the towns where you see so many flowering cherry and plum trees and such an array of color. As I write this they are predicting snow yet again, but the promise of spring and the beauty and quietness of the last winter white, make us appreciate each season and what it has to offer. We are so blessed to live here in Oregon. What gorgeous country. Having in-door arenas allows us year around riding, even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate but it sure is nice to see a little sunshine and makes the commute to the barn so pretty. Time to turn our clocks ahead and longer days in store make it so much nicer for riding after work. Hope to see all of you at the March and April shows. The Irish Classic is always a fun show and The April Spring Show has got some great things in store. Remember this is our annual basket auction and Wine and Cheese Amateur Social event so let’s all get our ideas flowing and bring your theme baskets to the April show. We are sure looking forward to a great time and some wonderful baskets. Looking forward to a seeing all of you there!
Jerri Buckwalter was voted the recipient of the 2008 Sportsmanship Award
I am proud to announce that Jeri Buckwalter was the amateur division recipient of our 2008 Sportsmanship award. Joanne our President just sent me an e-mail confirming that Jerry was voted 2008 Recipient to be given this prestigious award. She is a great gal who always has a very positive outlook on things and is always very helpful to others. I am thrilled for Jerry as I am honored to count her amongst my friends. Although we compete against each other in Showmanship, Jerri is always willing to help others and often we run patterns etc. together. Jerri was our featured Amateur last news letter. Jerri is passionate about showing and seems to have found a great match with her new horse “Joe”. We all want to congratulate our friend and fellow competitor and wish her many years of continued success. Good Luck with Joe Jerri, We all love you. A Big Congratulations!
“News Flash”
The amateur division will be putting on a clinic this spring with Carolyn Rice as the clinician. It will be held Saturday, May 2nd at Scot Greenwood’s place in Aumsville. Carolyn excels in developing the All Around individual. She has had many Top Ten youth & amateur riders in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Trail, Showmanship, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle. She has also won the AQHA World title in Jr. Trail. One of Carolyn’s current clients is Maggie McCrady. At the 2008 AQHA World Show, Maggie won the Western Horsemanship, was 4th in the Trail and 10th in Western Riding and ended up 5th in the Hi Pt standings for the All Around Amateur.
So, if you just need a Spring Tune up or would like some specialized help in preparing you and your horse for the show ring - come play with us! For more information please contact Joanne Rude (541) 345-4906.
Wine and Cheese Social
You are cordially invited to attend our annual Wine and Cheese Social event to be held on Saturday evening of our April show. Be sure to save your dollars and be ready to bid or bring a theme basket to donate to the Amateur group. This is traditionally our biggest fund raiser of the year and we need your help to make it as successful and fun as past years auctions. You can donate individually or get a group of your friends together to donate something. We have had some great ideas in the past so get creative. Doing it with friends makes it more cost effective and fun! Let’s make this year the best yet. Rumor has it we might have some awesome trainers donating a week-end or lessons. Any trainer out there that would like to participate we welcome you to join in. Or if you have a beautiful silver halter, headstall or? that you did not sell at our tack sale and you are willing to part with it, considerer donating in a basket and help a newcomer get started. Make your basket a fun Western theme or get creative and come up with something unique. We are all looking forward to bidding and bringing some great baskets. Even if you don’t buy or bring a basket, the food and wine are always awesome and all are welcome to attend but participating in our basket auction is half the fun. Come chat with old friends and make new friends and have great time bidding. See you there!
Be sure to join OQHA and the Amateur group at the April show if you have not done so!!!
Remember our rules state you must join by April in order for your points to count. Anyone still on the fence or that has not joined and meant to, be sure to join so you will be eligible for year-end awards.
Amateurs Helping Amateurs
Looking for ways to save money at the shows? One way is to travel together if several folks are from the same area. Sometimes sharing a ride and paying for gas etc. actually saves you money. Looking for a ride to a show and don’t know who to ask? Ask me to post something about the show you are wanting to attend and I will try to find someone heading that way. Thinking you could save money if you had someone to share a tack room with? Hey, we usually have 4 of us in a tack room and it sure is nice to join friends and it saves you money. Maybe you share with one person, but think the more the merrier as long as you have space for your stuff? Let me know and I can post something. Sharing hotel, tack and rides to the show is always fun and saves$. SO…. Any of you gals looking for someone to room with, or share rides or tack rooms I would be happy to help you find someone and publish your need or just start a list and will try to get people together. Better yet, invite someone new who not shown with us before to e-mail me. I would be happy to help them find a ride as well. We are all great ambassadors’ for our breed and love newcomers to join us so any one new, contact me and I can try to help you save a little by finding others willing to let you join them.
Bring of the News!
Following find the form we use to be a featured Amateur. Fill it out and email it to me so we can find out all about you and your horse and I would be happy to publish it in a future Newsletter. Also any new babies out there? Send me photos. We want to see what the stork brought you. Are you new to showing OQHA? Introduce yourself and tell us about your experience showing with us. We would love to meet you. Send me your forms and let’s make our newsletter full of fun, interesting information. Anyone planning a ride or get together, tell me so I can publish it! We are looking forward to spring weather so why not have a lunch and learn fun ride at your place. All you do is come up with a place to ride. Decide what you are going to practice and plan to have lunch at a local rest runt, brown bag or pot luck or have something at your home. I have been to several and they are always so much fun. Great for your horse and you actually can pick up things from your friends practicing together. Let me know about your fun ride and I would be happy to publish it for you.
Click here to download the questionaire.
It’s Your Turn to Shine in 2009
Thank you for answering these questions. If you have anything that you think would be interesting for us to know feel free to add it. If any of the questions are silly to you or you don’t want to answer, feel free to eliminate it. I appreciate your help and hope you enjoy telling us about your horse being a future featured amateur. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Thanks again! Annette
Happy Spring, Happy Trails and Happy Showing! Annette
Amateur Newsletter
February 2009
How are all of you doing? Ground hog day has come and gone and I voted for that hog to bring on the sunshine. Time will tell but I have a feeling that ol Man winter is going to show himself again before this is all over. I think we are in for 6 more weeks of winter. January was a busy month and February has also got lots of excitement in store for us as well. I was not able to attend the Awards Banquet but want to extend my Congratulations to all that won prizes and reaped the benefit of all your dedication and hard work. The January show was cold but I hear lots of fun for those that attended and the February show is going to be awesome. Our valentine sweet-heart show is always extremely well attended so lots of points to be had and tons of fun.
All you folks from far and wide including Washington, California and Idaho or where ever you reside, need to load up your trucks and trailers and head out for Eugene. Your Oregon Amateur group friends want to Welcome you back to our neck of the wood and extend our invitation to come add to the fun and show with us .We are all looking forward to seeing our friends from our neighboring states as well as each other. Also any new comers showing AQHA for the first time or anyone showing in Oregon for the first time , we want to extend a warm welcome and hope you find our group to be both helpful, friendly and most of all fun. We look forward to meeting you and hope your show experience in Oregon is great and you can’t wait to come back. This show is when we also have our 3rd Annual Amateur Tack sale! This sale has had an overwhelmingly positive response and has grown into a great fund raiser for the Amateur group. This is really a wonderful show with lots of great things in store! Bring your sweetheart and celebrate Valentines’ Day doing what you love most, showing your horse. See you there and have a great month.
The Amateur Spotlight
I am adding a new regular feature to our Newsletter this year called The Amateur Spotlight: I will have forms at the February show for you to fill out with questions to help you write your story and be a featured Amateur. This is your club and quarter horses are your lifestyle. The newsletter should have news of upcoming events but also be something we enjoy reading. I want to make it more fun and interesting. It’s great to let others that might be considering showing with us know what an awesome group of exhibitors we have amongst our Amateurs. Also it’s so fun to find out things about your friends and competitors, you might not have known, as well as the horses they love. Don’t be shy……We won’t to read about you! So fill out those forms and turn them in to me or e-mail them to kruses@peak.org.
This month our Featured Amateur is Jeri Buckwater!
IT’S YOUR TURN TO SHINE IN 2009
Hi, Jeri Buckwalter here. I don’t like talking about myself or in front of people as some of the amateurs know when I was involved with the Amateur Division a few years back. Thank goodness Annette asked some questions that I could answer.
I’ve always loved horses (it’s a girl thing, right), but in 1991 I thought it would be great to get a horse and give that experience to my two girls Sheila and Angela. From a Mom and Dad’s perspective keep them out of trouble, right. Our first horse was an Arabian/Quarter mix. Started with the 4-H program and learned very quickly that we liked the slower moving gaits. The girls dabbled in the open shows and then High School Equestrian (OHSET). By this time we had two quarter horses. I was the “horse show mom” as they say until I thought this looks like fun and started myself. I didn’t start showing quarter horse until 1996 with my mare Rita. This was in the old Albany arena at the time, it was quite the beginning. Soon I decided a gelding would be better to show and that’s when Zack came into the picture. As most of you know, I rode at least 10 years with my horse Zack, 17 hands and a tank of a body. I wish I could count the number of times someone asked me “How tall is he?” judges and participants alike. He was my gentle giant. Zack had a temperament that just went with the person riding him. Angela loved riding him English and so did Sheila, you could put an inexperienced person on him and he would take care of them (if they would get on him).
Zack was the horse that made me the showman that I am and will never forget him. We qualified for the Select World Show two years. We qualified in Showmanship (my favorite event) and went to the 2005 Select World Show and it was an experience I will never forget. Bobbie Barott was my travel partner and off to Texas we went. If you ever get the opportunity you must go. The second year Zack qualified but I did not take him but I went to support my best “horse show” friend, Bobbie. My most memorable time showing was when we were at the Region 1 Show in Idaho 2007. Sheila rode Zack in the Novice Am classes and I did the Select Showmanship class.
Sheila went into her showmanship class and won the class, I was so excited for her. Then I remembered I needed to get into the next class myself. I did win the showmanship class and it was just fantastic that we both received the buckles for Showmanship. I have that picture on my wall. Zack was pretty good at that class. Sheila went on and received the Reserve Champion Novice Armature for the show. 2008, we had to say goodbye to our partner of 14 years. We miss him and think of him all the time.
At the same time this sadness opened up the doors for my new horse, Joseph. I have been taking lessons from Bill Croft, Croft Training Stables, and he is the person who brought Joe and I together. Joe was in Bills’ barn a couple of years (his previous owner at the time was Betty Reed). I always liked him and thought then he was a nice quiet boy and maybe someday he might be mine. He’s been through a couple of other owners, but I have him now, who would have guessed. Not me that’s for sure. Bill and Saralee are great instructors for all ages – amateurs and youth alike. I try to work in one lesson per week and ride at least two times during the week. I keep Joe at my place in Boring and without an indoor arena sometimes that’s impossible (think of this past Christmas we had 2 feet of snow).
My most favorite event is Showmanship but I am truly an “All Around” rider. I love showmanship, horsemanship and trail. I am trying to expand Joe’s repertoire, slowly to include them all. We shall see what this year will bring. In February, 2009 I will have had Joe for 11 months. We’ve been working hard and our partnership is building stronger all the time. I’m sure there will be hopeful victories but also disappointments, but we will learn from each.
Joe is like the saying “quiet as a church mouse”. You don’t know he’s there most of the time, but in my barn you notice him right away - the bold bright colored sleazy gives him away. He gets the attention and I’m finding out he gets plenty. His stall is the first one in my barn and of course I always stop first and say hi.
The beginning of 2008 brought us sorrow but also brought us joy with the purchase of Joe. Joe and I have continued throughout this year to build our partnership and we put it to the test at Circuit this past summer. We didn’t win Select Amateur classes but with only four months together we were in the middle of 13 riders. This was our first victory and I am in hopes of more to come. I love going on road trips, Bobbie and I went to Pasco in May – my very first trip with Joe.
All last year was jammed full of FIRSTS, but none of it could happen without the support of my family and friends. My goal this year is to get our program together and try to qualify for the Select World Show for 2010 with Annette Kruse and Bobbie Barott right along with me -- ROAD TRIP !!
The 3rd Annual Amateur Tack Sale
Hi All,
I just wanted to remind everyone that our annual amateur "Consignment Sale" will be held next weekend at the February show! So....if you have show clothes, equipment, etc. that needs a new home - please bring it! All we ask is that items be tagged with price & name of consignor. The amateur group will be charging a 15% commission on all items sold. Last year this sale went over really well & was a great fundraiser for our group.
Also if any of you have a little bit of extra time & would like to work the sale. Please contact Mary Wahlert at (541) 741-2879.
Thanks !! Joanne
Amateur Fun Day at the Eugene Arena
A couple of weeks ago a group of friends called several other friends that live in Eugene and the surrounding areas and decided to get together and practice at the Eugene Horse Center. It was sort of an impromptu gathering and the result was 19 people, both youth and Amateur riders got together and had a great time. John and Sara Hammer and a group from their barn came and set up trail opsticals and did an awesome job with a great challenging pattern for all levels. It was very interesting to watch different levels of riders and horses work through each part of the course. Everyone had a blast and even watching was fun. This was a great experience for several young horses to get use to the arena and with so many out there it made it sort of feel like a show experience.
Jeri Buckwater, Mary Wahlert, Bobbie Barott and myself all went and had lunch at the Rodeo in town and had a wonderful time talking. All and all this was a great day and lots of fun. We would love to do it again. Anyone wanting to participate in another Fun day let me know as I would be happy to announce it and invite all that want to attend. Please note: Major said anyone using the arena must pay the 10.00 fee prior to riding. Also it is best if you call in advance and make arrangements so you know they don’t have anything planned for that week-end. Let’s get together and do this again.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with Jeanne (Missy) Shumway and her family
Missy was in a horse related accident last week end and was tragically kicked by a horse (not one of hers). She has had several surgeries to repair damage to her stomach and liver. Rachel Arbuckle spoke to Missy’s husband on Wed with the following update: I talked to Jeanne’s husband yesterday, She is at the Renown Medical Center in Reno Nevada, she is doing good, off the breathing tubes, bleeding has stopped, she has good color and is awake and talking. Their biggest concern now is that she doesn’t develop pneumonia, she has a little fluid in her lungs but they are keeping a close eye on her for that. He says don’t send flowers as she is in the ICU and can’t have them. But there has been a benefit account setup for her to help with medical bills, and that is at the Frontier Financial Credit Union located in the medical center. Missy is one of the nicest people and comes up from Reno to show with us and had planned on showing in Feb. We are all keeping her in our thoughts and prayers.
This is a quote I found in THE QUOTE GARDEN *Quotations about horses found on the web.
Where in this wide world can man find nobility without pride,
Friendship without envy,
Or beauty without vanity?
Here, where grace is served with muscle
And strength by gentleness confined
He serves without servility; he has fought without enmity.
There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent.
There is nothing so quick, nothing more patient.
~Ronald Duncan, "The Horse," 1954
Happy Trails and Happy Showing!
Annette
