Values And Contradiction

We live in a world of contradiction. Whether you notice it or not, contradiction permeates our daily lives. It’s at home, at work, on the news, in the store, next door and across the street.

If You Can, Will You?

In the magazine business, time can be your worst enemy when it comes to distributing the news. Daily newspapers always have a jump on even twice-monthly periodicals like Quarter Horse News. We make up for the delay in printed material by offering immediate and up-to-date news via our website (quarterhorsenews.com) and our Facebook page (facebook.com/quarterhorsenews), or by sharing in-depth articles from our sister publication, the Amarillo Globe-News. Sometimes, however, the news just has bad timing. Like today.

Giving, And Saying, Thanks

As I write this, the North Texas area has been enjoying a much-needed, drought-fighting rain that is going on its third straight day. While there are a few detractors who moan and grumble about the overcast weather, most people have been expressing an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the downpour. They are giving thanks.

Step Outside The Bubble

I didn’t mean to do it. I wasn’t totally prepared, and it probably came out all wrong. I stood up and spoke at a committee meeting during the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. 

It was the Long Range Planning Committee – the individuals the NCHA counts on to “make recommendations with regard to the direction of NCHA for future growth and development and make recommendations regarding improvements to the structure of the NCHA as set forth in its Constitution and By-laws.”

What Is Acceptable?

On June 3, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) held a Town Hall meeting to discuss equine welfare. The three-hour meeting, available to view at usefnetwork.com, had a short, but powerful agenda. Two of the items centered around rule changes – one to institute mandatory reporting of horses that collapse at a USEF-licensed show for no apparent reason; and the other to prohibit injections within 12 hours of competition, with minor exceptions.

Now, just because cutting and reined cow horse aren’t USEF disciplines, like reining, doesn’t mean the rest of you shouldn’t pay attention, too. History has proven time and again that equestrian sports don’t operate in a bubble – what happens to one can, and will, eventually happen to us all. So listen up.

The Oblivion Curve

When I sit down to write this column, I usually take a few minutes to review the major events of the past two weeks. This time, there was a lot to think about, which means there was plenty to write about.

First, U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson denied the American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) motion for summary judgment in the cloning lawsuit, meaning the case is headed to trial. The judge also rejected the plaintiffs’ (Jason Abraham and Gregg Veneklasen) argument that AQHA attempted to monopolize the market by excluding cloned horses. The trial is expected to start this summer. The results could have far-reaching effects, not only for the AQHA, but all membership-based equine associations.

Common Knowledge?

In another life, I would have been a veterinarian. Ever since I was a horse-crazy little girl, I wanted to be a vet. It was a dream I kept through middle school, through high school and into my college years.

All-Industry Statistics

There are probably plenty of you out there who got started in the horse industry like I did – showing horses as a kid. Back in those days, horses were all-around horses. I had one horse and he did everything – halter, showmanship, English, Western, trail and I believe we even made one embarrassing attempt at reining. At 4-H shows, we even did the fun classes – the dollar bill class, the keyhole boot race, barrels, and egg and spoon. There was no performance halter, no ranch horse pleasure, no Select Amateur and no American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horseback Riding Progam.

Passionate About Pedigrees

The chorus to a popular Texas country song starts: “I say everybody’s crazy so what you need to do; You need to find somebody crazy like you.” While the song is referring to people falling in love, it can be equally true when it comes to finding friends.

All of us have idiosyncrasies and interests that might draw one person to us while prompting someone else to stay far away. When you find that person who understands your whims, thoughts and habits, it’s like meeting a kindred soul.

Finding Common Ground

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 AQHA Convention in Houston, Texas. This isn’t the first year I’ve been to the convention, but it is the first year I was able to stay for its entirety – from the opening comments to the closing remarks, and everything in between.