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American Collegiate Horsemen's Association

ACHA Newsletter Spring 2016

Samuels, Peter. Ready When You Are. 2014. Photograph. horseandstylemag.com. Web. 25 May, 2016.

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2016 ACHA National Convention

The American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association National Convention was hosted on March 10th, 11th, and 12th by Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The first evening of this year’s convention consisted of a meet and greet night with fun icebreakers including a tee shirt scramble and exchanging of ideas for innovation within local chapters. A star appearance was also made by Bullet, the equine mascot of the Spirit Rider Program of Oklahoma State University.

On Saturday, the second day of convention, convention participants toured local equine facilities including The Lazy E Ranch, the National Cowboy Museum, and the Stockyards where Representative Skye McNiel of the Oklahoma House of Representatives spoke about slaughter. The day ended with dinner and fun at Remington Park where ACHA sponsored one of the final races of the evening.

Sunday was spent on the grounds of Oklahoma State University where breakout speakers entertained the morning hours. Among these speakers were Dr. Rossyln Briggs, DVM, Dr. Dave Freeman, OSU State Extension Equine Specialist, and Executive Vice President/COO of the Pinto Horse Association, Darrell Bilke. Following an open floor for questions, two representatives from each local chapter participated in a delegate meeting while others heard from more equine professionals on topics ranging from in natural disaster/storm preparedness to equine genetics.

At the end of the evening, new ACHA national officers were voted in and ceremoniously took the seats of the previous officers at the head of the ballroom. After Sunday’s business was complete, there were games, door prizes, and activities for everyone. This gave everyone a final opportunity to bond with their fellow horsemen and create lasting relationships with other equestrian professionals. 2016-2017 ACHA Officers

President: Rochelle Traugott is a senior Animal Science major at Texas A&M University and is also working on her Equine Certificate. She received her Associates Degree in Biological Sciences from Alvin Community College. Rochelle is from Santa Fe, Texas and has been around horses her entire life. She graduated from riding the “community” horse to her very own when she was a freshman in high school and that is when horses became her life and true passion. Rochelle is the Secretary for her local TAMU Horseman’s Association and was a Representative for the preceding year. After graduation, she plans to further her passion in attending vet school and becoming a large animal veterinarian. [email protected]

Vice President: Amberlyanna Filbern is a Junior at Murray State University. She is currently Studying Animal Science with a concentration in food animal. Amberlyanna grew up in Yuma, Arizona always wanting to be involved with horses and the agriculture industry. Once the opportunity arrived when her family moved to TN she jumped at the chance to be involved. She started getting her experience volunteering at therapeutic riding facilities, horse rescues, and taking lessons locally. Every summer has consisted of a new learning experience from interning at rescues, riding camps, and barns. Horses have always held a place in her heart and have helped her grow as an individual. Currently she hopes to continue growing professionally in both the equine and agriculture industry. [email protected]

Secretary: Julie Warren is a senior at Murray State University majoring in animal health technology with a focus on pre–veterinary medicine. She has served as secretary for Murray State Horsemen's Association for two years. Julie is from Festus, Missouri where she grew up showing in both the American Paint and Quarter Horse Associations. She currently rides for Murray State University's IHSA stock team. After graduating, she plans on pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. [email protected] Treasurer: Lindsay Grose is a junior at West Virginia University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Equine Studies. She is from Columbus, Ohio where she grew up showing POA’s. Lindsay is emerging on her second year of being the treasurer of her chapter. She has helped care for WVU horses while working at the J.W. Ruby Research Farm and is also a tutor for WVU’s Athletic Department. Lindsay is a member of Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority and Pre-Vet Club at her university. Lindsay is often found hiking, kayaking, fishing, or swimming throughout the Wild and Wonderful state of West Virginia. After graduation she plans to attend veterinary school and pursue her dream of opening her own practice. [email protected]

Director of Communications: Mattie Willard is a junior at Texas A&M University. She is majoring in Animal Science and pursuing her Equine Certificate. She grew up showing Morgan Horses at a national level in . She grew up helping her grandparents breed, raise, and train Morgans on their family horse farm. Mattie serves the Texas A&M Horsemen’s Association as a representative and is a member of the Texas A&M Horse Judging Team. After graduation, she plans on continuing to pursue her passion for horses by entering the industry and establishing a lesson program to introduce new people to the industry. [email protected]

Representative: Paige Chamerlik is a junior at Murray State University. She is studying animal science with an emphasis in equine science and a minor in business management. She is currently serving as the Murray State chapter’s president. She is originally from Antioch, Illinois where she grew up riding pleasure horses and later moved onto the hunters and equitation rings. She currently competes for Murray’s IHSA hunt team. After graduation, Paige plans on working as a saddle or feed sales representative. [email protected]

2016 Advisors: Dr. Leatherwood of Sam Houston State University, and Dr. Walker of Louisiana State University Breed of the Month - The American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States and the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed association in the world with almost 3 million horses registered. Quarter Horses have a short, refined head and a strong, well-muscled body with a broad chest and powerful, rounded hindquarters. Their conformation makes them suitable to perform in , horse shows, racing, and as a working ranch horse. They come in a multitude of colors including sorrel, bay, black, brown, buckskin, palomino, gray, dun, red dun, grullo, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino, and cremello. Quarter Horses are separated into two main body types: the stock type and the hunter/ racing type. The stock type Quarter Horse is shorter, more compact, stocky and well-muscled, yet still agile. They are built in a fashion that allows them to perform in the western disciplines such as , , , and . These horses are known for their natural cattle sense which allows them to excel in events involving cattle. The hunter/racing type Quarter Horses more closely resemble a being taller with a smoother, longer muscle type. The name Quarter Horse was given to the breed based on their ability to sprint short distances such as a quarter mile at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Quarter Horses that compete in the hunter disciplines show long strides that require strong impulsion from the hindquarters. In order to perform successfully in these events, they must have longer, powerful legs and leaner yet still muscular hindquarters. To learn more about the American Quarter Horses, visit the American Quarter Horse Association website at www.aqua.com.

Article by Mattie Willard Triple Crown History

Once again, the season of big hats and bigger hearts has come to a close as the world buzzes over the victors of the Kentucky , the Preakness, and the . This year’s running of the Triple Crown races, the jewel of the industry, has presented three new champions: Nyquist, earning the blanket of roses at the , Exaggerator, taking the , and Creator, winning the Belmont Stakes by a nose. The running of these three races represents the most prestigious achievement in the racing industry, and is widely recognized and celebrated today.

While the annual Triple Crown races are cherished by sports fans around the world, its history may not be as well known as the historical champions it has produced. In 1950, the Thoroughbred Racing Association employed the famous French jewelry company Cartier to create a work of art to serve as the royal trophy. Cartier went above and beyond, truly creating a masterpiece. The original trophy was a three-sided vase, each side housing information from each of the three races.

After Cartier finished the piece of art, retroactive trophies were awarded to the first eight champions of the Triple Crown: Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, and Citation. Today, the trophy is a permanent fixture to the races. When it is not traveling on tour during the running of each race, it can be found on display at the in Louisville.

Reference: http://www.thetriplecrown.com/history

Article by Julie Warren

Horsemen of the Month

Once the school semester starts, we will recognize a Horsemen of the Month (every month) and we will be looking for nominations of members from all ACHA recognized organizations. Information on how to nominate a member of your club or organization will be provided in upcoming newsletters.

Becoming a Part of ACHA

If your club or horseman's association would like to become a part of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association, fill out the club membership form on our website and follow the instructions on the form. If you are not a part of a horsemen’s club, but would still like to be a part of ACHA, you can also register individually. We look forward to including new members!

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