American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association

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Newsletter - February 2017

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Our Mission: To unify collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service, and national affiliations. ! 2017 Convention Just two months away, National Convention is just around the corner! This will be Murray State University’s first year to host convention. The local officers of Murray State University Horsemen’s Association along with the national officers have been working hard to construct a unique experience for attendees of this year’s convention. We look forward to seeing new faces as well as returning schools! Among the many things to look forward to this year, on the first day of convention, each attendee will have their choice of what they would like to experience. There will be three tracks to choose from, each offering a different theme of a breed. Track one will be the , track two will be the , and track three will be the . Depending on which track attendees choose, they will be taken to places that are specifically focused on that breed. For example, the Thoroughbred track will make a stop at Keenland Race Track, the Sport Horse track will have a stop at Spy Coast Farm, and the American Saddlebred track will stop at Sunrise Stables. Once registered, attendees will receive a survey asking which track they would be most interested in going on, and arrangements will be made on a first come, first serve basis - a great reason to get registered early! All tracks will end at the Kentucky Horse Park where coordinators have arranged for events to remain open later than their usual business hours so that attendees will have the opportunity to fully experience the Kentucky Horse Park. Along with the usual fares such as the International Museum of the Horse, working horse farm including various breeds, and the American Saddlebred Museum and gift shop, the Kentucky Spring Premier Classic Saddlebred Show will be going on in the beautiful Alltech Arena. Attendees will have their choice of wandering through either museum, watching the American Saddlebred show, or going shopping. For further information on the Kentucky Horse Park and a complete list of events, please visit their website. To register for ACHA and National Convention, simply visit our website, fill out the forms, and send them in! We look forward to having you with us and hope that you will benefit greatly from your experiences with ACHA as well as National Convention, as many young equestrians come together to share knowledge and partnership through education, leadership, and national affiliations. Intercollegiate Association Since 1967, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association has afforded college students the opportunity to compete in both hunter and western disciplines without the requirement of owning their own horse. IHSA is known for its structure of competition which allows students to compete on a team and individually. It has given credit to equestrianism as more than a hobby, but a recognized collegiate sport, comparable to other athletic institutions. IHSA is a dream come true for students who are passionate about , sharpening their skills as an equestrian, and furthering their equine education. This is especially true for Murray State University sophomore, Rachel Lawrence. Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, Rachel grew up showing horses at local horse shows and is now a member of the Murray State Stock Team. Every student has their own reasons that they choose to ride, and Rachel’s is particularly touching. When asked why she chose to ride with her collegiate equestrian team, Rachel gave me her full story: “When I was nine, my mom purchased me my first horse named Dollie, a thoroughbred, and we kept her at a large boarding facility in Owensboro. The owner of the facility, Tonea Scarbrough, was in her 20's and attended Murray State University and was on the Rodeo Team. While boarding there, Tonea quickly became a huge role model for me through lessons, advice and just being around the barn. Ever since I met her, it was my mine and my mom’s dream for me to attend MSU and be on the Equestrian Team. My mom passed away on August 14, 2015, the Friday before I was supposed to move into college my freshman year. I decided to sit that fall semester out to take care of things. Throughout the semester that I sat out, I was in a constant battle of whether or not to go to college. I decided to come to MSU just to be on the equestrian team and to follow my mom’s dream for me. This team, even though I'm new, means the world to me. Although I don't know all the members very well, they're family to me whether they know it or not. They have helped me accomplish my mom’s dream which means the absolute world to me. I would do anything for my team or team members. I admire our coaches so incredibly much, and I try to absorb everything they teach me. I'm so proud to make my mom’s dream come to life.” In IHSA, each rider at a show will randomly draw a horse to ride for their class. The idea behind this is that each competitor will need to rely only on their skills as a horseman to guide their horse (that they likely have little experience with, if any) around the arena. Whether they are doing a pattern, a jump course, or rail work they must do their best to understand the horse and communicate through body language to work together with the animal. For an equestrian, there is no feeling that compares to the joy of hearing your name called in the placings at the end of your class. It is in that moment that the hard work and time spent has paid off. “I feel so incredibly blessed and overwhelmed with happiness when I do well in a class,” stated Rachel when asked why she loves what she does. “I am so truly blessed to be a part of an incredible sport; not everyone has the opportunities that I have been lucky enough to experience.” From a small organization created by 18-year-old sophomore of Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey), Bob Cacchione, IHSA has grown to a non-profit organization that now includes more than 9000 riders. IHSA shows are divided into levels that include all levels of ability so that every rider may have the chance to compete. The association gives to its riders through education, networking, and teamwork. Through IHSA, team members are able to broaden their equine educations and prepare themselves to achieve their various equestrian- related aspirations, both in and out of the arena.

Reference: Intercollegiate Horse Show Association

Article by: Julie Warren

Breed of the Month: American Saddlebred The American Saddlebred originated in the and is descended from riding horses bred during the American Revolution. Their ancestors include breeds such as the , Canadian Pacer, Morgan, and Thoroughbred. They were often used to carry officers during the American Civil War. The American Saddlebred breed association was established in the United States in 1891 and since then theses horses have become increasingly more popular. Today, Saddlebreds can be found all over the country as well as across the world including Great Britain, Australia, continental Europe, and southern Africa. Saddlebreds are known for their commanding presence and stylish quality in addition to their spirited, but gentle personalities. Some Saddlebreds are bred and trained to perform a four- beat called the slow gait and the much faster rack. These horses also show animated motion and a high headset that is characteristic of the discipline that these horses are almost exclusively shown in. This animated movement is a result of their conformation and athletic ability; not a consequence of soring practices. Saddlebreds are mainly known for their performance in the show ring and are sometimes called the “peacock of the horse world”. American Saddlebreds are most often ridden in a saddle seat saddle or flat saddle and a double bridle. Although they are most commonly seen in the saddle seat style tack, Saddlebred shows also offer classes. American Saddlebreds show under saddle as well as in harness and their primary divisions are Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park and Pleasure. If you have an interest in the American Saddlebred, you have the option to explore this part of the horse industry at the ACHA National Convention in Kentucky by requesting the American Saddlebred track option when you register!

For more about the American Saddlebred: www.asha.net

Article by: Mattie Willard