The Voice of the Horse

Hello,

I am writing to let you know about an innovative and unique horse event that I believe you, your Pony Clubbers, and your other horse friends will be very interested in attending. “The Voice of the Horse” conference, being held at Iowa State University and via live, interactive webcast this June 30 and July 1, is the first horse event to explore the horse-human relationship. Internationally-known clinicians, trainers, and equine artists, as well as filmmakers, musicians and authors will present stories about their horse-human relationships. In addition to presentations, participants will be treated to an online art exhibit, a live “Horse Legends” concert by Michael Martin Murphey (“Wildfire”), and a special viewing of Robert Vavra’s new documentary on the wild Camargue horses of France, “Such is the Real Nature of Horses.” Conference attendees will collaborate in the final panel discussion by contributing their own stories for the presenters to consider before the panel convenes.

A key focus will be the impact of the horse-human relationship on training, showing, and riding in venues as diverse as backyards and wilderness trails to therapeutic sessions and show rings. The conference will also consider the impact of the horse-human relationship on human health and well-being by exploring interactions in which horses have befriended, healed and taught humans, and the ways these relationships have been expressed through art, music, and literature. Registration is only $35 for the all-inclusive online package and $379 for in-person attendance. Rates go up on June 1.

To learn more about the presenters and register for this unique and innovative conference, please visit the official website at http://www.thevoiceofthehorse.com . This conference is being presented by Tapestry Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that carries out original research on different ways of knowing, learning about, and responding to the natural world, and applies these ways of knowing to innovative education programs. You can learn more about Tapestry and its Horse-Human Relationship Program by visiting http://www.tapestryinstitute.org . All proceeds from the conference go to benefit Tapestry's research and education programs.

Thank you and please feel free to contact me about the conference or our Horse-Human Relationship Program.

Jo Belasco,
Esq.Director,
Horse-Human Relationship Program
Tapestry Institute
http://www.tapestryinstitute.org
http://www.thevoiceofthehorse.com

E-New From Nationals

The May issue of E-News from National is posted on the web site at http://www.ponyclub.org/nfn.php -- click on May. When our new database is in use, we will be able to send this publication to you directly. Until then, please let your members and parents know to visit the web site as there are updates on Festival, Annual Directory email changes, and information from the Member Services Department they will find helpful.

Thanks,

Mary Pierson
USPC Communications Director

Badminton

Pat Maykuth forwarded this to us, and I thought you might like to give it a try -- and then pass it on to your members who might be interested. It's a fence-by-fence 'virtual' ride around the Badminton cross-country course. This is the link to the site, and then you select the 'course' button on the top of the page.

http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/

Mary PiersonUSPC Communications Director

There's a copy of the event schedule http://www.rk3de.org/ for those of you interested in following the Rolex Three-Day Event competition in Lexington starting this Thursday. Last year one of the neatest features for those of us watching from home was a live web broadcast from the cross country course, with a former competitor and graduate A PCer, Cathy Weischhoff, giving awesome color commentary. Also you can hear lots of good interviews at www.talkingequine.com on that internet radio show. Really good people online, you'll learn a lot!

Electric Fans at KY Clarification

Hi all,

Here is the latest clarification on the electric fan issue at champs. Many people use fans at lots of other events so I think these safety concerns are worth remembering and the advice used at other events too. Wayne Quarles (USPC Activities Director) has confirmed the following comments posted on the CHMJ digest to be true.

Good morning everyone, After reading the messages relevant to the fans I decided to get some clarifications directly from the Horse Park. I just got off the phone with Sheila (facilities manager). I was a tad confused about the regulations because in the first paragraph they forbid two pronged appliances, but then they open it up to three pronged adapters.

Here is what she told me.The Fire Marshall/KHP STRONGLY PREFERS the fans that come with the grounded three prong polarized plug. They are safer.

The concern arises from cords getting pinched as stall doors open and close. When a pinch occurs, the smaller thinner cords will not trip the breakers and an electrical current can actually travel thru the metal parts of the stalls. Sheila said that you can tell when that is happening because the horses sense it and actually get upset in their stalls.

The two pronged plugs that have the wider flare on one prong are not permitted to be plugged in without a three prong adapter. They do not meet the fire code specifications.

IF you have an appliance that has a two pronged plug, it must be plugged into an OUTDOOR three prong grounded adapter or extension cord. ONLY OUTDOOR extension cords are permitted.

Again the KHP strongly recommends fans that are purchased with the three prong grounded plug intact, but will accept outdoor, three pronged grounded adapters and extension cords.

Sheila actually said they weren't worried about Pony Club participants since we already do such a good job of making sure our competitors are safe.

Clair Thunes, PhD.

Kentucky Horse Park Issues New Health and Equipment Guidelines for Exhibitors

Lexington, KY - With the 2007 Spring show season quickly approaching,the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) recently announced several changes which will affect those who wish to compete in upcoming competitions. These changes include updates to the equine health protocol, new regulations regarding electrical equipment, and the addition of a trailer grounds fee.

In response to the recent outbreaks of the Equine Herpes Virus and their concern over the continual health and safety of horses, the management of the KHP announced a specific health protocol to all exhibitors who plan to travel to the KHP for any events this year. The state of Kentucky requires that all horses entering the state provide a negative Coggins test within one year of entry as well as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection(Health Certificate) signed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of entry. Horses originating within the state of Kentucky are required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 150 days. Complete details on the health protocol are listed at www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

It is additionally recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) prior to entry and that the date of vaccination be noted on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. To facilitate the inspection process by Kentucky Department of Agriculture personnel, this paperwork must accompany the horses upon arrival and be available throughout their stay.

Another change that the KHP announced was to add new regulations regarding electrical equipment. In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the KHP will no longer allow any of the following in stalls,barns or tents: any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.); any 2 prong plug extension cords; light duty cords for indoor use; any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use; any adaptors without 3 prong connections and any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

New Kentucky Horse Park Rules

Please share these with your members coming to Festival Championships or Education this year.

NEW KENTUCKY HORSE PARK REGULATIONS

1. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the Kentucky Horse Park will no longer allow any of the following in stalls, barns or tents:

a) any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.)
b) any 2 prong plug extension cords
c) light duty cords for indoor use
d) any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use
e) any adaptors without 3 prong connections

Any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

2. NO ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV) ARE ALLOWED ON HORSE PARK GROUNDS.

3. GOLF CARTS
a) Exhibitors wishing to bring their private golf carts onto Kentucky Horse Park property must purchase a Golf Cart License. This license can be obtained at Devers Show Services for $25 per show or $50 for the season.
b) All drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.
c) Golf carts are strictly prohibited in any tourist areas of the park.
d) Golf carts must obey all traffic laws & posted speed limits.
e) Golf carts can be rented through Devers Show Services (859-233-9702).

National Office

The USPC Office will be closed on Friday, April 6 in observance of Good Friday. Regular office hours will resume Monday, April 9 at 8:30 AM EDT.

Visiting Instructor Programs

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that the deadline for your visiting instructor applications is coming up at the end of the month (April 30th). Please remember to get the forms off the forms section of the national website http://ponyclub.org/forms.php#V and send them in if you would like to take advantage of this great opportunity. The benefits of having an older, upper level member teach your younger members are immeasurable. And don't forget to remind your upper level members that their applications to be visiting instructors are also due on April 30th.

We hope you will take advantage of this wonderful program.

Lynn Miles
Instruction Services Director

Musical Freestyle

Hi Everyone,

There have been two new articles posted on the USPC Dressage website. http://www.dressage.ponyclub.org/Articles.htm#Wyatt1 For members who are working on their MusicalFreestyles for Championships there are two wonderful articles by Connie Wyatt, Dressage Committee Chair. They would be very helpful for anyone putting together a freestyle.

2007 Lendon Gray Dressage Festival

Hi Everyone,

The Declaration for the Lendon Gray Youth Dressage Festival is now posted on the USPC main website, http://ponyclub.org/specialopps.php and on the USPC Dressage website http://www.dressage.ponyclub.org/Opportunities.htm.Declarations are to be postmarked by June 15th, 2007. The 2007 Lendon Gray Youth Dressage Festival is from Monday to Wednesday August 20 - 22 on theHudson Show Grounds, Saugerties, NY. This is immediately after the Centerline USEF Dressage show and CDI (international show). They are also hosting the East Coast Pony Cup with divisions for adults and juniors at all levels. This will make it easy for competitors to get two shows in one trip.

The USPC plans to send one or two teams to Lendon Gray's Youth Dressage Festival this year. The plan is to send a team for the FEI Division as wellas a lower level team. More information can be found on the USPC Dressage website. For full particulars on the competition go towww.dressage4kids.com. While most of the cost of this competition will be the responsibility of the competitor, the Dressage Committee is doing fundraising to assist with entry fees and stabling costs.

To qualify for the USPC Team you will need to file a declaration of intent to compete as well as fulfilling the qualifying criteria. The Declaration must be filed by June 15th.

Gold Book

Posted from Mary Pierson, USPC Communications Director

Hi all,

The Gold Book is in the mail (inserted as usual into USPC News) and we've found that the phone number listed for Devers (hay, straw and shavings) has been changed since last Festival.Please make a correction in your Gold Book so the phone number reads 859-233-9702, and let the families of your members know in case they need to make arrangements for hay and bedding for early arrivals.

Cross Country Schooling Ride Times

9am

Training level

Elissa- Cricket

Kerry- Moe

12pm

Chicken Little

Kylie- Vickie

Mackenzie- Novice Orsa

Caden- Sunny

Sarah- Kaylee

Emily- Raven

Kim- Rainbow

2pm

Baby Novice

Katie- Chloe

Samantha- Ivanhoe

Melissa- Smokey

Kim- Lorenzo

Please make sure that you are on and walking around by your ride time. You must have your cross country vest on to ride.

2007 Non-Member Activity Release

Hi Everyone,

At the annual meeting in Portland we discussed the new insurance policy for 2007. One of the main topics was the Non-Member Activity Release. Any time you have an activity that you are inviting the public to ride at, you need to have them sign the Non-Member Activity Release form. I have posted this form on the webpage under "Forms". If you have specific questions, please email Kevin Shewmaker at Kevin.Shewmaker@hwins.com

Welcome

Hello Southwest Region!
I created this blog on our webpage so Pony Club topics can be discussed with out sending email. If any one has questions they need answered, lesson ideas, upcoming activities, etc. feel free to post here. Jill Jackson will be the moderator of the blog. If you have questions about the blog please email southwestpc@gmail.com .