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Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 9 No 4

Gypsy Horse World

Vol 9 No 4photo by Gail Finger


Gypsy Horse WorldOfficial publication of the GHRA

1611 Old Reno Road Springtown, TX 76082(817) 677-4272

www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org*

EditorJan Easter [email protected]

Line EditorAngie Richardson [email protected]

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Masthead Art Allison Alvino and Ryan McGovern

[email protected]

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Contributing Photographers Allison Alvino - [email protected]

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Registrar Priscilla Cox [email protected]

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DirectorsRegion 1

George “Bud” Hartmann [email protected]

Region 2 Pam Barthel - [email protected]

Region 3 Open for election please contact office

Region 4 Jan Easter- [email protected]

Region 5 Election in Process

Region 6 Gail DeMarco - [email protected]

Region 7 Carol Smettem

[email protected]

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AdvertisingCover front $350Back cover $300Centerfold $500

Inside front or back cover $275Full page $200 1/2 page $100

Classified $35

The Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. is a tax-exempt, not for profit, educational organization, and IRS 501(c) (3). The inclusion of advertisements in Gypsy Horse World does not in any way imply endorsement or approval by GHRA of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or its services. The GHRA does not assume any liability or responsibility for the contents of any of the advertising for the quality of any products or services advertised. GHRA’s liability for errors or omissions in advertisements shall be limited to the cost of advertising space in an amount equal to the erroneous advertisement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, GHRA shall have no liability for and no credit shall be issued to Advertiser for errors that do not materially affect the value of the advertisement or where Advertiser is responsible for the error or omission. The advertisements and articles in this magazine are only the opinion of the author of the article or advertiser, not the opinion of the GHRA, Gypsy Horse World Magazine or the printer. Publishing of ads or articles does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.

From the EditorWe just keep making new strides in this industry! We held our first judges’ seminar in November and it was a rip-roaring success. The judges said it was the best seminar they’d ever attended. You can read more about the seminar on the Registry News page; I just want to convey to you how proud I was, not only of the judges’ dedication to their work, but also of their interest in the breed. Many begged to have a two-day seminar the next time, because they just want to learn more and more. They understood their responsibility to the breed and the importance of maintaining breed type. I see bright things in the future for Gypsy Horses.

We are inundated with paperwork; that is a good thing, but please be patient about your papers. Also understand that when you don’t send everything in correctly you’re holding up not only your paperwork but everyone else’s too. Your paperwork goes to the back of the line every time we have to ask for something that should have been included.

All Registry work is done by volunteers, and we are working as hard as we can in the time we have available. Why volunteer? When you consider the small number of Gypsy Horses in this country, there are not enough to maintain employees and keep the quality of service/benefits that we provide. Do the math and see how many horses of other breeds there are. On that note we would like to thank volunteer Sue Niesen for driving 6 hours (3 each way) to come in and help doing office work. Thank her next time you see her, too; she is dedicated to this breed and is willing to spend her own time and money to help in the office. We’d love to thank you by name here in the next issue!— Jan Easter

copyright RatCat Creative

Registry News ................................................................................................................. Page 4, 5Dr. Garfinkel’s Horse First Aid Kit ...................................................................................Page 5Region 4 Jan Easter .............................................................................................................Page 6Horse Homeopathy .............................................................................................................Page 8Mitch Robles, Artist ......................................................................................................... Page 10GHRyA .............................................................................................................................. Page 14Poster Contest Winner ................................................................................................... Page 16Show Preparation .....................................................................................................Pages 18, 19Judges and Advertisers Index ......................................................................................... Page 23

On the Cover: A Wizards Spell Winstons Marleigh A00000965 Yearling Filly

SummerHill Farms is a “boutique” breeding farm for top-of-the-line Gypsy Horses true to the classic bloodlines from cobs in England and Ireland. Raising and training horses to the highest standards is our passion and we spare no expense to achieve this goal. The beauty and temperament of the Gypsy Horse is truly amazing. We can think of no other profession that gives back more satisfaction than working with one of God’s finest creations. We welcome visitors to our horse ranch in Waukee, Iowa (a suburb of Des Moines), just one mile off Interstate 80. Bob or Sandy Brownsummerhillhorsefarms.net(515) 343-9993

Features

A Wizards Spell Worthingtons Becket A00000968A Wizards Spells Winstons Derbyshire A00000966

photo by Gail Finger


REGISTRY NEWSRegistry NewsRegional Director ElectionElection ballots are being sent out with this magazine to members in Region 5 — Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming — for director elections in that region.

GHRA Gypsy Horse World ShowThere will be three judges and their scores will be averaged to pick the World Champions in each class. The judges are Charlotte Hetier, Sarrecave, France; Roger Eitel, Athol, Idaho; and Karen Iversen, Lecanto, Florida. Roger apprenticed under Carol Smettem-Minson at the 2011 GHRA World Show, and Karen and Roger both attended the GHRA Judges’ Seminar.

GHRA Judges’ Seminar

The Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc., held its first judges-and-applicants seminar on November 12, 2011, in La Porte, Texas.

This seminar was conducted by Carol Smettem-Minson. Carol, who lives near the English village famous for its Gypsy Horse Fair, Appleby, is the President and founder of the Gypsy Cob Society, Ltd., in England; Patron of the Gypsy Cob Society, France; and recently vice president of GHRA. She has established the Gypsy Cob Society of France and is currently working on establishing the Gypsy Cob Society, Nederland, as well as in Switzerland. She is the inspector for all English Gypsy Horses entered into the studbook, those certified by the French Haras Nationaux for inspection for the French studbook, and for Cobs entered in several

other studbooks in the European Union.The morning started in the classroom. Each

judge was presented with a packet containing a GHRA Rulebook, a full-color judging information booklet, an explanation of our inspection program, inspection cards, pens and a clipboard. The booklet included Gypsy Horse breed standard, history of the Gypsy Horse, an article on breed standard versus breed type, and a breakdown of body part conformation with photos showing both correct and faulty conformation from head to tail set.

After Priscilla Cox and Jan Easter introduced themselves and Carol Smettem-Minson, each judge participating followed with a self-introduction and a brief synopsis of their judging experience and familiarity with Gypsy Horses.

We enjoyed a round-table discussion about the seminar’s purpose. And then we proceeded to review the GHRA Rulebook, concentrating on the judge’s responsibilities and judging criteria for classes. We also reviewed the judging booklet.

After a lunch break we moved to the arena. The judges were presented with three mature stallions, three immature stallions and three stallion foals, then three mature mares, three

immature mares and three filly foals. Horses were brought in individually and Carol went over each horse (on microphone), judging its type and conformation. Then the three horses in each age group were judged as a class, placing each horse first, second and third according to that judging.

Attending judges were encouraged to ask questions and touch the horses to feel everything, from flat bone to the texture of the feather.

Following a review of the GHRA inspection program, a horse was brought into the ring. Carol performed an inspection of the horse point by point for the group. Each judge was then presented with a horse to inspect with the inspection forms provided.

We met back in the classroom afterward and compared the participants’ scoring with Carol’s score sheet. Unbeknownst to the judges, we chose as our third judge for the 2012 GHRA World Show the one with the score closest to Carol’s.

This seminar was educational for everyone who attended. We all learned an enormous amount from the round-table discussion and the attending judges’ input during the day.

The judges were very complimentary of the seminar and many said that it was the best they had ever attended. I am including inserts with this magazine of some of the responses of the judges who attended. They all wanted the next seminar to run two days, so they could pick Carol’s brain for even more knowledge.

Judges attending were: Jenny Pierucki, Burr Oak, MI; Lynette Partridge-Schneider, Belleville, IL; Sandra Guy-Fox, East Leroy, MI; Carole Dunbar, Chicago, IL; Cindy Reich, Fort Collins, CO; Art Perry, Santa Inez, CA; Roger Eitel, Athol, ID; Margo Hepner-Hart, Hillsboro, OR; Helen Hogan, Fort Worth, TX; Karen Iversen, Lecanto, FL; and Bud Walsh, Berthoud, CO.

Special thanks go to the Schlenks of Aunique

In the classroom left to right: Carol Smettem-Minson, Sandra Guy Fox, Art

Perry, Helen Hogan, Cindy Reich.

In the classroom left to right: Margo Hepner-Hart, Jenny Pierucki, Karen Ivers-en, Roger Eitel, Jan Easter, Carol Smettem-

Minson, Lynette Partridge-Schneider.

In the classroom left to right: Art Perry, Helen Hogan, Cindy Reich, Carole Dunbar, Bud Walsh, center: Carol Smettem-Minson.

Judges reviewing horse as Carol is critiquing on loudspeaker.

Arena discussion of individual horse.


REGISTRY NEWS

Ranch for all their preparation and for providing the facility. Their thoughtful arrangement of the horses presented and all the work each of the handlers and preparers did made this seminar flow perfectly. Enough cannot be said to convey to you their dedication to the breed and their willingness to have their horses critiqued in such fine detail, and knowing the horses used were ineligible to be shown for 90 days after the seminar.

Thanks also to Carol Smettem-Minson for her untiring dedication to the breed and her drive to bring knowledge to everyone involved with the Gypsy Horse breed she loves so much.

Thank you to the judges attending. It is your devotion to this breed that will help us grow and keep our horses the fabulous animal we were all drawn to.

Photos submitted for the seminar by Helen Hogan, Roger Eitel and Jeanne Schlenk.

Annual Meeting and Rule Change ProposalIf you have a suggestion for a date for the Annual Meeting (to be held after April 15 of 2012) please submit it to your Regional Director or the GHRA office at [email protected]. Proposed rule changes must be postmarked by January 15th, 2012. Rule changes to be voted on by the membership before the next Annual Meeting must be sent out to the membership 90 days before the Annual Meeting.

Rule Change Proposal submitted, any rule changes must be voted on and approved by the membership before they go into effect:As generous hair, heavy feather and often double manes are INHERENT CHARACTERISTICS of the Gypsy Cob breed, any horse that has been excessively clipped (long bridle paths, chin and jaw hair removed, inside ear hair removed, eye whiskers and muzzle whiskers removed, body clipping except for trace clips for riding/working horses) may be penalized.— Submitted by Cindy Reich

Registration Fees: Remove the $10 registration fee for horse’s sending in their EU passports.

Judges at the seminar left to right: Cindy Reich, Lynette Partridge-Schneider, Carole Dunbar, Helen Hogan, Margo Hepner-Hart, Roger Eitel, Karen Iversen, Bud Walsh, Art Perry, Sandra Guy-Fox, Jenny Pierucki.

A Good IdeaEvery barn should have an emergency kit. We saw this in a weekly veterinary e-mail newsletter we receive and wanted to share it with you. Our thanks to the newsletter editor, who gave us permission to reprint the information and links.

Dr. Garfinkel’s Emergency Horse First Aid KitsAlready assembled containing a digital thermometer, stethoscope, latex gloves (5 pair), bandage scissor, vet wrap (2 rolls), furazone ointment, Telfa™ pads (4 ea.), roll gauze (2 rolls), Elastikon® roll, betadine scrub, sheet cotton and a Flambeau medical case. Flambeau medical cases are built to last, with extra thick walls for long-lasting durability and impact resistance. They’re used by EMS personnel, rescue, first responders, trainers, triage staff and other respected medical professionals around the globe. http://drgarfinkel.com/store/Horse-First-Aid-Kit.html


Austin Fun for New Gypsy Horse Owners

I wanted to give you some updates on the fun we have had with Lord Byron (A Wizard Spell Worthington’s Byron, A00000577) these past couple of months. We went to our first open show here in Austin, Texas, on November 6 and placed high in our classes. We have been trail riding, too — something Lord Byron has not done before, but enjoys very much!

This weekend our first parade was the Buda (Texas) Fest Christmas parade. We had fun and there were many curious people asking what breed he is!

We are not a breeding business. We are unique in the fact that we offer our Gypsy Horses for pony parties, parties, events, weddings, photo sessions and media. (The website is still under construction. I am trying to get photos uploaded, etc.) Our kick-off was November 1, 2011, and we are booked into January with promotional events and parties to get the business off the ground. Thanks again for all you do!

Cheryl BrockFeathered Grace Farmwww.featheredgracefarm.com

Region 4 Jan Easter

Parade of Lights in Fort Worth, TexasIn our 5th year participating in the Parade of Lights, the judges awarded our horse club, “Image Setter Gypsy Horse Club,” the Cowtown Spirit Award. We had 12 horses participate this year, in front of the largest crowd in the 29 years the Parade of Lights has been held. According to the parade director, this was the biggest, brightest and most successful parade to date; 100% of the reserved seating was sold out well in advance! The crowd loved the horses, and once again we got to hear, “Daddy, that’s what I want for Christmas!”

Participants were: Bree Bearden; Nancy and Steven Stokes; Jim and Dee Brown; Craig, Dana and Hannah Ross; Maclane and Jason Mays; Lori Williams; Karen Gurley; Elliot Holtzman; Caitie Bellinger; Megan Parks; Lynette Rowland; Laurel Burns; and Laura Towson, Craig and Di Ann Towson.

Laura Ann Towson and Image Setters Henry, A00000723, took the title of National Grand Champion, Youth Division at the GSHA Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky, this month. Henry, shown by Laura Ann, took the title of National Grand Champion Gelding. Not bad for 14-year-old Laura and 4-year-old Henry. They have an exciting future ahead of them.

Image Setters Jimbos Boy “JB”, A00000806, shown by owner Christina Fasching, took the title of Reserve 2-year-old Stallion, Reserve in Broken Color, 3rd in Born in the USA and 4th in Bred By Owner.

Di Ann TowsonImage Setter Ranchwww.imagesetterranch.com

Oklahoma State Fair and Texas Draft WinsIn the 2011 Oklahoma State Fair Gypsy Moon, B0000944, won Supreme Grand Champion. Aunique’s Inola, A00001069, took 1st place

Yearling Halter. Aunique’s Anoki, B0000898, placed 1st in 2- and 3-year-old Stallions. And in the Costume class it was all us: 1st, Aunique’s Coahoma, A00001071; 2nd, Aunique’s Inola; 3rd, Gypsy Moon; and in 4th place Blarney Stones Allure, B00001068.

We didn’t do too badly in the 2011 Texas Draft Horse Show, either: Aunique’s Ayita, B0000943, won Grand Champion Mare. Further, Aunique Ranch’s yearlings placed as follows in Trail in Hand: 1st, Aunique’s Ayita; 2nd Aunique’s Chepi, A00001095; 3rd, Aunique’s Kasa, B00001092; and 4th Blarney Stones My Sharona, A00001073.

Jeanne France SchlenkAunique Ranch Gypsy Horseswww.auniqueranch.com

Laura Ann Towson and Image Setters Henry at GSHA Nationals

Christina Fasching and Image Setters Jim-bos Boy at GSHA Nationals

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 9 No 4 advertisement

Homeopathy, a word coined in German stemming from Greek “like suffering,” is a treatment technique that uses an energy vibration, introduced though the oral intake of the homeopathic mixture. What’s nice about homeopathy is that it is cheap and yet very effective. The Queen of England, for instance, uses only a homeopathic vet for her horses, and if they need surgery, she makes sure that the surgeon is also a homeopathic doctor. Animals, especially horses, respond very well to homeopathy.

Although herbal medicine is not the same as homeopathy, I probably use about 20 – 25 plant-based main remedies for most conditions. These decoctions are specially prepared for homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are very dilute, and while the homeopathic remedy may be beneficial, the raw product may be harmful. By no means should any untrained layperson attempt to make any treatment from these plants.

There are currently about 3,300 homeopathic remedies and more are being discovered every year. Probably the main remedy that most people are familiar with is Arnica montana, made from the leopard’s bane or wolf ’s bane plant. Arnica is used extensively for any trauma to tissue, whether it is bruising, sprains, or swelling, or just as an alternative product in place of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory aids. Many plastic surgeons now advise patients to get and use Arnica before and after surgery. The help it provides in reducing bruising and swelling after a surgical procedure produces amazing results.

Horses respond very well to a higher potency formulation of Arnica; I use 200C and 1M potencies all the time.

Arnica is only one of my “Three Rs.” The other two “R”s are Ruta Graveolens and Rhus Toxicodendron.

Ruta Graveolens is from the rue plant and Rhus

Homeopathy

Homeopathy, a natural addition toany complementary or alternative medicaltreatment, is based on the premise that “likecures like.”

For instance, when we cut or peel mostonions, after a few minutes our eyes start towater and sting. Therefore, to relieve watery,itchy or burning eyes, the homeopathicAllium Cepa (Latin for “onion”) in a 6C dilution is used.

The notation “6C” in a homeopathic remedy means that a tiny portion of the onion is diluted 6 times to the 100th power. The mathematical dilution notations all relate to Roman numerals: V = five times, X = 10 times, C = 100 times, LM = 500 times, M = 1,000 times and so on.

There are even greater dilutions: CM (50,000) and MM(100,000). Their extreme dilution lets homeopathics safely complement other medications, nutritional supplements and/or herbs.

HORSE HOMEOPATHY - Diane DeMore, CN, BS, HomVet.

Toxicodendron is actually poison ivy. Both work noticeably well to treat joint pain, stifle injuries, pain from founder or laminitis, navicular issues and other ligament or tendon issues.

Homeopathy works very well for colic, also. There are several combination remedies that I use in a dropper form. For horses, 25 drops, every 5 – 10 minutes until the horse is up and moving. Usually it takes about four or five doses, administered in a 70ml syringe, squirted into the mouth, mixed with distilled water. I also use probiotics and bentonite clay in between, which gets things moving in the colon. Most colics can

I am available for home visits or small group teaching classes, inexpensively.

I currently have 6 horses and 1 pony, along with 2 large dogs.

Diane DeMore, CN, BS, HomVet.(817) 313-3797.Barn calls: $65.00.

advertisement

Administering Rhus Toxicodendron in a 200c dilution, for joint or muscle stiffness and signs of lameness.

Diane placing homeopathic pellets in the side of the mouth.

Diane using kinesiology to determine the energy and degree of function of various organs (kidney, liver, heart, lungs, etc.), digestive and emotional points.

be treated at home if you know what to do.

When you treat homeopathically, you can see results quickly, and your horse (or other animal) will thank you over and over again.


Mitchell Robles is highly regarded for his bold blend of abstract expressionism and contemporary Native American themes. His primitive and vibrant images are both a revelation and a celebration of his Chumash ancestry. “My paintings are my personal quest for my cultural and spiritual identity,” says this 11th-generation native of Santa Barbara, California. Since early childhood Robles was influenced by his artistic and musical family to channel his own creative energies into music and painting.

Growing up in both Santa Barbara, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, Robles found his true home in the solitude of the vast Arizona desert. As a young artist, his love of history and the outdoors led him to explore and photograph indigenous ruins and sacred sites in California and throughout the Western United States. It was through these explorations that he developed a deep sense of connection to his own ancient lineage and to the natural world.

Robles, a nationally recognized and accomplished full-time working artist, has exhibited in galleries throughout California, as well as in galleries in Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Park City and Jackson Hole. His art has been featured in Southwest Art Magazine, The Ritz-Carlton Magazine and textbooks published throughout the United States. Robles’ art has also appeared in several Sundance Film Festival documentaries, and in 1997 he was the featured artist for the American Library’s annual celebrity READ poster, “A Global Newspaper Rock.”

Global Green International invited Robles to participate in a celebrity auction fundraiser, at which Robles got to meet and converse with the host, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Robles was invited to create an original design

for the exhibition, “Pony Expressionism,” a Masterwork Series of The Trail of Painted Ponies Collection, at the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. His painting, “Echoes of the Past,” was the sole pony representing the part of the exhibition focusing on the horse in art history.

Collectors of Robles’ art reside throughout the United States and Europe; most recently Robles was commissioned to create a painting for a collector in Moscow. Robles never stops exploring new territory with his painting technique and colors, and his attention to detail imbues mystical rock art, brave war ponies and watchful ravens with life. — Text from www.mitchrobles.com , by Bo von Hohenlohe

Featured Artist - MITCH ROBLES - Contemporary Native American Equine Artist

MITCH ROBLES - Painted Ponies Echoes of the Past Master Works

In Mitch’s “Longhorn” series

left “Red Thunder”

right “Two Moons”

on 4’ x 6’ canvas


GHRyA Princess

My name is Shelbie Howell and I am 10 years old. I am writing about my horse, Princess (4C Passionate Golden Princess A00001107). Know-ing who her mother and father were, I just had to call dibs on her. After her birth, I decided to be fair and share her with my family. Princess is a palomino Gypsy Horse with a white streak down her nose and black circles around her eyes. She is a mixture of peace, beauty and wonder. All I have left to say is I am the proud owner of the best Gypsy Horse around.Please send all your youth photos and stories to our GHRyA Youth Chairman, Brenda Hearon, at [email protected]

The GHRyA “Babe” Scholarship is looking for our next recipient. This scholarship will be available for the 2012 – 2013 school year and will be awarded in May of 2012 to a high school senior.

The scholarship is awarded to youth based on background information and a 500-word essay discussing one of the following topics: The impact their association with GHRyA has made on their lives; their love of the Gypsy Horse breed; or how they plan to stay involved with Gypsy Horses. Priority will be given to youth planning to continue their education in an equine-related field.

Applications are now available from Brenda Hearon, GHRyA Director, or through the GHRA office. (Contact Brenda at [email protected] or the GHRA office at [email protected].)

To be considered for this scholarship, each applicant must meet the following criteria:• Applicant must be a current member of the Gypsy Horse Registry Youth Association AND a senior in high school• Applicant must complete a scholarship application including a 500- word essay (topics described above)• Applicant must have competed in a GHRA-approved Gypsy Horse Show• Applicant must be attending (or be registered to attend) an institute of higher education

Deadline: Scholarship application must be postmarked by March 1, 2012. Send completed application and essay to: Brenda Hearon, 2441 CR 1335, Blanchard, OK 73010.

Babe

Gypsy Horse Registry Youth AssociationDo You Qualify for the GHRyA “Babe” Scholarship?


POSTER CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

Marsha Gulick’s painting was selected by our Board from the entries shown here as the winner of our poster contest. Her painting will grace both the cover of the GHRA Gypsy Horse World Show catalog and the World Show poster, which will be available for purchase at the World Show as a GHRA fund raiser.

Marsha’s inspiration came when, surfing the Internet to learn about Gypsy Horses, she was awestruck by a photo of Sligo on

Winning painting by Marsha Gulick

also submitted by

Marsha Gulick

submitted by

Judge Helen Hogan

submitted by Sherri Cook

Deb Gak’s Website. That photo was taken by Silke Steegmann-Pierkes, the lady who purchased Sligo in Ireland when he was two. When she learned last year that Sligo had passed away, Marsha decided to paint him as a tribute to a great horse. Marsha has been painting seriously about five years, starting with her stallion, Leo. With a background in Graphic Design, she considers pet portraits a delightful way to use her skills.

Thank you, Marsha, for submitting your entries. Congratulations! Thank you also to Judge Helen Hogan and artist Sherri Cook for your wonderful submissions to our contest. It was a difficult choice for our Board, as you can tell.


Show Preparation from Home Training to the Show Ring

When you’re showing your horse in halter classes, your horse needs to be presented to his best advantage. The judge has only so much time to see your horse, so you need to present his or her best possible overall view.

Standing in line watching other exhibitors showing their horses standing perfect, paying close attention and responding to handlers’ cues, you can bet your competitors have worked many hours with their horses. They have put the time and effort into showing well. If you bring your horse out of the pas-ture to the show without any preparation, that fact will be obvious. And nobody will blame the horse!

Confidence Confers CalmWhen you handle your horse daily, it not only teaches the horse how to respond, but gives them confidence in you as their handler. Horses are herd animals and follow the leader they trust; they need to feel confident about what you are asking them to do, so they will know they are giving you what you want. They will be nervous, fidget and act out when they are not confident in you as a handler or when they are unsure of the situation.

If your horse is not sure that you will let it know what to do, then in an arena — un-der unfamiliar lighting with an audience, loudspeakers and all the other frightening situations of showing — it will act out. Daily practice and handling instills confidence and calm even in completely new surroundings.

Practice Makes PerfectTake the time each day to handle your horse in a complete show routine. From a square stance, ask him to walk for a distance and then trot the same distance farther, then back down to a walk. Now take him to a designated place and stop him and square him up. Ask him to stand for a good while to get him used to waiting for review.

If you have someone to help, ask your helper to walk around your horse as he stays stand-ing in the correct position. Have the person pretend to look at a horse in front of your horse and behind. This will teach your horse familiarity with what a judge will be doing in the arena.

Daily grooming also builds confidence. It helps a horse get used to being touched all over the body, which judges may do, and brushing their silky coat is its own reward. In breed classes in the arena a judge will ask to see the horse’s bite. This is not the time for you to find out your horse doesn’t like your

opening his mouth to show off his teeth. Practice every day opening his lips with the head perpendicular to the ground. Lifting a horse’s head to show the bite can sometimes make the bite appear off, as can pulling a horse’s head to his chest to get him to open his mouth. Practice opening his lips in a natural position, so your horse will not fight you in the ring.

If your horse stands crooked the judge will be judging a crooked horse. If he is unruly the judge will not be seeing the calm tempera-ment he expects to see in a Gypsy Horse. Entrants who don’t solve these problems with daily practice fail to give themselves and their horses the confidence needed to achieve their full potential.

Beauty and lineage can only go so far. Daily handling will help you show your horse to his best advantage — and boost both his and your confidence and ability considerably!

Now that you and your Gypsy Horse are partners and you are both ready to take part in showing, where do you go from there? Entering your first show can be daunting, but if you take some time to prepare yourself and your horse, things can go smoothly.

Grooming Your Gypsy Horse for ShowingClipping: Clipping the Gypsy Horse is a con-troversial practice, because beards, moustach-es, feather and full, luxurious manes and tails are breed characteristics of the Gypsy Horse. Any clipping you plan should be kept to a minimum, and thinning of manes and tails is unnecessary and unacceptable. In my opin-ion, for winter shows, clipping adds definition to your horse’s body shape and improves the overall presentation for the judge.

Remember the rule in the GHRA Rulebook, page 36, General Show Rules:(F) Clipping of horse’s coat for showing in winter to give the impression of a summer coat is permissible as long as no pink skin is visible under clipped portion of coat.

First of all, bathe your horse to get every part of him or her squeaky clean and remove stains from mane, tail and feather. Be sure and rub your horse down with a shine-en-hancing product (e.g., Show Sheen™) which will help the clippers glide smoothly for a more even clip.

Clip your horse at least 4 – 6 weeks before the show, so that the coat can grow out enough to show your horse’s true color and no pink skin is showing. This will give the look of a

summer coat.

You may clip a bridle path, the length of an ear, or create a single braid no more than 3” wide behind the ear, which tucks behind the rest of the mane. Any other braiding is not allowed except in English and/or Costume classes.

Give your horse another bath the day before or the day of the show and fluff the feather with clean shavings to help it dry. Chalking of feather is acceptable. Rub your horse down with shine-enhancing formula after he or she is dry, but avoid using this around the saddle area — as you don’t want saddle slippage!

Use the Proper Tack for Your DisciplineWestern: Use a complete leather bridle, West-ern saddle and saddle pad. Your outfit looks very put together if your reins, headstall and saddle are all one leather color. Dark colors on light horses and light colors on dark horses tend to draw more attention to them.

English: Use a hunt seat-type saddle and pad with an English bridle. Again, dark colors on light horses and light colors on dark horses tend to draw more attention to them.

Driving: Use show-type harness of the appro-priate color and type for your horse and rig. Clean and polish all the leathers. Clean your saddle and bridle thoroughly with saddle soap and condition them. Do this the day before you leave for the show.

Polish all the metal on the saddle and bridle with metal polish or polishing cloth so that it gleams — except the bit! (You don’t want to poison your horse.) Remember to buff off any excess polish, because any you miss will leave the metal looking dull.

Pack your tack in padded bags and load it into the truck or tack room portion of your horse trailer. This will keep your tack clean en route to the show.

Clothe Yourself Appropriately, Too!Western: Always wear an outfit that makes your horse stand out and coordinates with your saddle pad. This will add great style to your overall presentation. Acceptable clothing can be anything from a button- or snap-up western shirt, nice show pants, boots and a belt to more elaborate and expensive show clothes with rhinestones, etc. Faded blue jeans are not appropriate; if you wear jeans they should be new, clean and pressed. As long as your outfit complements you as well as your horse, it will be appropriate.


and water; folding chairs, hangers, boot pol-ish and number clip.

First Aid: Iodine-based antiseptic solution, triple antibiotic ointment, non-stick gauze pads, self-conforming gauze rolls, stretch bandaging tape, elastic adhesive tape, scissors, chemical ice pack, twitch, digital thermom-eter, etc.

Clean your truck and trailer. Make sure the trailer is free of any old manure and provide fresh shavings for your horse. Fill the truck’s tank with gas, if needed. Hook up the trailer and the truck the night before you leave. Make sure the chains and the hitch are secure. Check the lights of the trailer and make sure they all work properly. Load your gear the night before you leave for the show, too. Al-ways do a walk-around before you leave and after each road stop to check that your hitch, lights and horses are secure.

Show Time!Get there on time. Being early gives you and your horse time to relax and to visit with new and old friends. Traveling stresses most horses, and arriving the day before your classes allows them time settle in to the new environment. It also allows you to orient yourself to the facility.

Check in with the Show Secretary for stall assignments and show packet. Disinfect your horse’s stall and, while the disinfectant is dry-ing, unload your tack and equipment. Prepare bedding, unload your horse and provide him/her with fresh water and hay. Make sure your horse is comfortable and then review your show packet.

The following morning be sure and exercise your horse in the practice ring. Warm up before you begin practicing your patterns. Generally start at a walk and do a few large circles of walk, then trot and then, if you have time, a canter or a lope. Be sure to watch what direction or where others are going, and only

English Pleasure or Hunt Seat: You must wear breeches or jodhpurs of traditional shades (buff, gray, rust or canary) and a coat of con-servative color and material (tweed, melton or plaid). Your shirt should have a stock collar and pin; your hair must be neat and con-tained in a net or braid. Your boots should be highly shined and your gloves should match your boots. Helmets are required; dark blue, black or brown are recommended.

Driving: Wear an outfit appropriate to the rig you are driving. Lap robes may be used and should coordinate with your outfit.

Note: Once you decide on an outfit, try it on to make sure everything matches, fits, and is comfortable. You don’t want any surprises on show day!

Travel ChecklistDocuments: Copy of GHRA registration papers, Coggins test certification, health cer-tificate, copies of release waiver, proof of age (youth), show bill, rule book, your veterinar-ian’s contact information, a sign to hang on your stall with your horse’s name and your contact information, paper and pencils.

Horse Care: Feed and water buckets with clips for hanging in stall; hay net, grain, hay; Jell-O® or Kool-Aid®, if needed to flavor water, electrolyte paste or powder; manure fork and bucket or basket, barn broom, rake; horse blanket and hood, sheet or fly net; slinky, mane tamer, fly repellent, and shavings/stall bedding, if applicable.

Traveling: Travel blanket, shipping boots, tail wrap, halter and lead rope, stall sanitizer/dis-infectant, lock for tack stall.

Tack: Saddles, bridles, show halter and lead; cart, cart harness, saddle pad or blanket, girth or cinch; leg wraps, extra halter and lead rope, riding crop, buggy whip; sponges, cloths, saddle soap, metal polish and small bucket. Grooming: Hoof pick, rubber curry, dandy brush, body brush, rubber mitts, rub rags, sponges, sweat scraper, bucket, shampoo, detangler, shine enhancer, spray chalk, hose, cornstarch, baby oil, stain remover, electric and battery-operated clippers, comb, hair brush; yarn and needle for hunter, rubber bands, tape, scissors, tail wrap and hand wipes.

Rider: Coat or vest, pants, chaps, shirts, tie or pin, boots, spurs, gloves; hat, helmet, hair net, comb, brush, safety pins, mirror; rain gear and rubber shoes/boots; nutritious snacks

Judging * Stewarding * Lessons

Judges Cards:USEF-Morgan, ASPC/AMHR/ASPR

GHRA, GVHS, GHSAMichigan POAC * AHHA Wisconsin

Stewards Card:ASPC/AMHR/ASPR

Jenny M. Pierucki Burr Oak, MI 49030 Ph: 269-489-5500Cell: 269-625-1222 E-mail: [email protected]

go the speed the steward al-lows you to.

Study your patterns. Make sure that you only study the pattern of your next class. If you begin studying more than one pattern, you may get confused and mix your patterns up. If you have a problem with a pattern, speak to a fellow competitor. If they too are confused, be sure and

ask about it in the walk-through.

Practice your patterns. If you have time to practice your patterns, make sure you only study the first few patterns. Begin with read-ing the pattern, and imagine how the work-out would look. At home you would have practiced circles, backing, side-passing, gaits and changes of direction, so all you have to do is put them together.

Check your entries before you start grooming your horse or getting dressed. This will allow you to check for any changes to the program and you will get an idea of time remaining until your first and subsequent classes. Dress yourself for the appropriate classes.

Tack up your horse in the appropriate show gear. If it’s a Halter class, put your show halter on your horse and use the stable halter and a lead, over the show halter, to secure your horse in the holding area.

Do the same for English and Western, ensuring that you have enough time to do a warm-up and to do a gear safety check. Check your horse’s tack: Ensure that the saddle is on correctly and that all leather that is flat on horse is indeed flat. Run a hand flat along your horse’s side or face, making sure that the hair won’t pinch. When mounted, check your girth and stirrup length.

Grab your mini grooming bucket with dandy brush, mane/tail comb, wipes, etc., and head to the holding area a class or two (depend-ing on how many horses are in the previous classes) before yours. Be sure and dust off your pants and wipe your boots off to remove dust and barn filth. Listen for your class to be called by the gateman and follow his instruc-tions.

Good luck, but above all smile — and have a great time!

Show Preparation from Home Training to the Show Ring

GHRA JUDGES AND CONTACT INFORMATIONCalifornia Judy Kibler2054 Via Mariposa Unit A EastLaguna Woods, CA 92637(520) [email protected]

Arthur L. Perry §3215 Robles AvenueSanta Ynez, CA [email protected] (805) 688-0020(805) 689-5460 cell

Sami Scheuring139 Garden AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94903(415) 492-0460 [email protected]

Judy Wright12419 13th StreetYucaipa, CA 92399(909) [email protected]

ColoradoCindy Reich § 708 Oxford LaneFort Collins, CO 80525(970) [email protected]

Joyce Swanson1171 Ridge Oaks DriveCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) [email protected]

Bud Walsh §1020 Meadowlark Dr.Berthoud, CO 80513(970) 532-3856(970) 391-8672 [email protected]

Florida Janet Barber8580 SW 73rd AveOcala, FL 34476(352) [email protected]

Karen A. Iversen §P. O. Box 820, Lecanto, FL 34460(352) 628-9186 [email protected]

Illinois Carole E. Dunbar §2909 N. Sheridan Road Suite 1002Chicago, IL 60657(773) [email protected]

H. Lynette Partridge-Schneider §P. O. Box 24367Belleville IL 62223(618) [email protected]

Idaho Roger N. Eitel §26325 N. Warren RoadAthol, ID 83801(208) 546-5587 [email protected]

Maine Sherrye Johnson Trafton 38 Bridge RoadBrunswick, ME 04011(207) 443-4006 [email protected]

Michigan Sandra K. Guy-Fox §3347 B. Drive SouthEast Leroy, MI 49051(269) 979-1846(269) [email protected]

Jenny M. Pierucki §414 N. Fifth StreetBurr Oak, MI 49030(269) 489-5500 [email protected]

Missouri Leslie K. Connor 1810 S. Cleveland CourtJoplin, MO 64804(417) 483-2910 [email protected]

North Carolina Judith K. Warner 19 Chiles AvenueAsheville, NC 28803(828) 271-7960 [email protected]

OregonMargo Hepner-Hart §10556 NW 195th Ave.Hillsboro, OR 97124(503) 645-0400(503) [email protected]

TexasHelen M. Hogan §4915 Kennedale New Hope RoadFort Worth, TX 76140-7815(817) 313-4472 [email protected]

Margo Shallcross30824 Buck LaneBulverde, TX 78163(830) [email protected]

United KingdomCarol Smettem-Minson §Chywoon StudChurch Brough, Kirkby StephenCumbria CA17 4EJ(011) [email protected]

FranceCharlotte Hetier31350 SarrecaveFrance(011) [email protected]

§ — GHRA Seminar Attendee

To view the judges’ bios go to our Website, www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org.

Starting in 2013 all judges will be required to at-tend at least one GHRA judging seminar before their cards can be renewed or new cards can be issued.

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