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Unwanted Horse Coalition - National Survey

The problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, horse owners, rescue/retirement facilities, and other facilities using horses. The first step is an online survey — and everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is encouraged to respond at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.

With tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected and abandoned horses in the United States, some say the problem is a fast-growing epidemic. However, much remains unknown. Currently, there are few documented facts about the accurate number of unwanted horses, their age, sex, breed, recent use, value or what happens to them in the long run.

“Although there are numerous media reports and much anecdotal evidence of a growing problem with unwanted horses, there have been no studies or surveys done to attempt to document it,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council (AHC), the national association that represents all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C. The UHC operates with the AHC. “The downturn in the economy, rising costs of hay, the drought that has affected many parts of the United States, the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, and the closing of the nation’s slaughter facilities have all made the problem worse. But no one knows its magnitude. That’s why the first step toward a solution is to gather and examine the facts. The goal of this survey is to get the input, observations, opinions and suggestions from anyone and everyone involved with horses.”

The Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue will be instrumental in filling factual gaps with actual data on:
• Awareness of the unwanted horse problem and perceived trends in recent years
• Level of concern
• Factors contributing to the problem
• Direct and in-direct experience with the issue
• Actions taken by owners
• Expectations about responsibility and assistance
• Solutions

Phase I of the study is an online survey of people most affected by and involved with the issue of the unwanted horse. An independent research firm developed the questionnaire and is hosting the online survey site at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/. The firm will also tabulate and analyze responses, and provide a full report.

A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry, according to Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the UHC. “To ensure the broadest possible participation, we’re working to involve a variety of individuals, associations, state and local agencies, and equine-related companies to actively encourage their constituencies to take the survey and voice their opinions.”

The American Association of Equine Practitioners defines the term “unwanted horse” as, “Horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner’s expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them.” This definition, according to Lenz, is a starting point to discover what’s causing the problem and what can be done to correct it.

“Regardless of how horses reached this state, every owner—and the equine industry at large—has a responsibility to ensure that everything possible is done to guarantee the humane care and treatment of unwanted horses,” Lenz said. “Our message now is to please go to http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/, and provide us with feedback. Answers will be confidential. More important, this feedback will be invaluable in developing a strategy to solve the problem.”

The American Horse Council (AHC)
Founded in 1969, the American Horse Council was organized to represent the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. The AHC promotes and protects all horse breeds, disciplines and interests by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the equine industry. The AHC is member supported by approximately 160 organizations and 1,200 individuals representing every facet of the horse world, from owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and associations to horse shows, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC)
The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.

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Appaloosa Regional Club Blog

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce the launch of the Appaloosa Regional Club blog at www.appaloosaclubs.com! This exciting blog is a direct link to ApHC Regional Club news—you will always be up-to-date on deadlines, announcements and more. This interactive blog gives you the opportunity to check out photos, leave comments, chat with other ApHC Regional Club members and more. The Appaloosa Regional Club blog makes it easy for you to stay connected. Be sure to thank Saddlebrook Appaloosas, the generous sponsor of the Appaloosa Regional club! Visit www.appaloosaclubs.com today!

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Stallion Services Silent Auction

You have heard about the exciting 2008 Stallion Services Silent Auction! There are only FIVE of these great stallion breedings available for consideration…..we will have to close down bidding soon! Don’t miss your chance to breed to a great Appaloosa Stallion… REMEMBER: Foals resulting from breedings through this unique opportunity will be eligible for the World Championship Appaloosa Sale Incentive classes and compete for large payouts as two-year-olds!

Authentic Sonny is a 2003 Black & White Stallion. HYPP N/N. Two time National Champion Sire. (min bid of $375)

Impulsive Invitation by Impulsive Zipper out of The Invy of All. This stallion is the sire of Chocolate Invite, 2008 National NP & Youth Western and Open Western Slot winner! (min bid of $450)

Rather Inclusive is a 2004 stallion by “All Inclusive” . This stallion has earned multiple National & World Championships and Reserve Championships. (min bid of $500)

Skipa Maxi Treat is a 1992 palomino stallion. He has earned ApHC Supreme Ch, a Silver medallion winner, and is a National, World and ApHC Versatility Champion. He is the sire of multiple 2007 World Champion “Midnight Tango”. (min bid of $400)

State of the Art is a 1995 stallion by Sonny’s Andrew. This stallion has sired multiple National and World Champions, Supreme Ch’s, ApHC Club Ch’s, ApHC Versatility Ch’s, multiple Halter & Performance Superior Ch’s is a multiple Silver & Bronze Medallion sire and sired 2004 World’s Best Appaloosa. (min bid of $375)

View these outstanding Appaloosa stallions at http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/08W_StallionSilentAuctionAvailable.pdf

To submit your bid on a breeding to one of these fine Appaloosa stallions, please send your name, membership number, and all contact information to marketing@appaloosa.com. The first person to submit a minimum bid of half the published price or $500 automatically wins a breeding to their chosen stallion. This is your last opportunity, so submit your bid now!
For more information, contact Merida McClanahan, Director of Marketing, Appaloosa Horse Club at marketing@appaloosa.com or 208-882-5578 ext 235.

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Remember to Renew Your ApHC Annual Membership

It’s that time of year again—time to renew your ApHC membership! An ApHC membership now offers so much; you don’t want to miss any of these exciting member benefits, including Appaloosa Members Advantage Program, the Appaloosa Email service, monthly issue of the Appaloosa Journal, participation in ApHC-exclusive events and so much more. No other breed association offers so much to its membership!

While renewing your membership, don’t forget you can now Give the Gift of an ApHC Membership! Visit www.appaloosa.com for more information!

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Appaloosa Members Advantage Program

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the Appaloosa Members Advantage Program. Enrollment offers the opportunity to win prizes at ApHC-sponsored events, like the John Deere Gator awarded to Steve Springer of Mansfield, Texas at the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth, Texas!

ApHC members who become a part of the Appaloosa Members Advantage program are not only eligible for amazing prizes, but significant discounts for premium brands such as John Deere, UPS, Sherwin Williams, Toshiba, Office Depot, OfficeMax IMPRESS and Equine Travel Advantage. Thanks to the Appaloosa Members Advantage Program, you can save money not only at home, but in the office at well!

Most importantly, there is no charge for ApHC members to activate their Appaloosa Members Advantage! Who says you can’t get something for nothing?

To begin saving, ApHC members must contact Jen Evely at (888) 304-SPOT (7768) to activate your Appaloosa Members Advantage enrollment. Not a current ApHC member? Joining is easy! Visit www.appaloosa.com to become a member, then call the toll free number for the additional perks.
Don’t miss out on considerable discounts with major retailers; enroll in Appaloosa Members Advantage today!

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Appaloosa E-mail Service Now Available

ApHC members now have their very own Appaloosa Email address! This unique email community offers up-to-date ApHC notifications, an ApHC calendar, shared contacts, secure log-in and 1 GB of storage. The Appaloosa Email service has the familiar look of Microsoft Outlook, but is purely Appaloosa. It one of many ways to tell the world the Appaloosa is your breed of choice!
Each ApHC member has one FREE Appaloosa Email address, but if one Appaloosa Email is not enough, additional email service is available for $25 per address per year.

ApHC members can access their Appaloosa Email account by visiting www.appaloosaemail.com, using first and last name for user identification and their ApHC seven digit membership number as a temporary password.

For questions or concerns regarding the new Appaloosa Email, the ApHC is happy to provide quality customer support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday. Please contact the New Client Specialist 208-882-5578 ext. 235 or email support@appaloosaemail.com.

Remember this exciting service is only available to ApHC members, and no other equine association offers more! For more information on becoming a member and membership benefits, visit www.appaloosa.com or call the ApHC at 208-882-5578.

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Give the Gift of ApHC Membership

Searching for the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list? Give the Gift of an ApHC Membership this holiday season! The ApHC is offering a new and exciting way for you to spread your enthusiasm for the Appaloosa breed—gifting an ApHC membership! Recipients of a gifted membership receive all of the perks you already enjoy, including Appaloosa Email, a monthly issue of the Appaloosa Journal, the option to enroll in Appaloosa Members Advantage and more!

ApHC Memberships are also great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries…almost every celebratory event!
Every membership option is may be gifted—youth, family and even lifetime memberships! Visit www.appaloosa.com to purchase your gift memberships today!

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Regional Club and International Affiliate Reminders

The Appaloosa Horse Club would like to remind regional clubs and international affiliates of important 2009 deadlines that are just around the corner!

Exemplary Club award submissions must be received in the office no later than January 30. Make sure your club competes for this prestigious honor, and for the chance to win up to $700!
Annual reports must be in office no later than February 15. These reports are available on the ApHC Web site regional club page. Membership rosters must be in office by July 15. All submissions must be sent to ApHC headquarters.

The ApHC would like to remind that members that their local regional clubs can earn a $10 rebate* for each new ApHC adult membership** they acquire in 2009. The re-designed ApHC membership forms will include a location for each chartered regional club to write their club name and charter number so they can receive credit for the new ApHC adult membership** and it will list all of the great benefits and value of having an ApHC membership.

*Rebate monies will be paid to eligible chartered regional clubs at the end of the 2009 calendar year.
**new ApHC Adult membership definition: a person 18 years or older who has not had a membership with the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) with in the previous two years.

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Canadian Appaloosas welcome

Owners of Appaloosa registered with the ApHCC have until July 31, 2009 to register their Appaloosas with the ApHC. It’s simple!

To receive an ApHC Certificate of Registration, submit an application with a photocopy of the front and back of the ApHCC Certificate of Registration, four current color photographs of your horse clearly showing both sides and a complete front and rear view, and a $100 fee in U.S. funds.

ApHC registration classification and eligibility are subject to ApHC rules and regulations.
For additional information and forms, visit www.appaloosa.com or call 208-882-5578 ext. 300.

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Stamp of a champion

Show your pride in your Appaloosa by ordering the stamp of a champion! This distinctive enhancement is available only to National and World champions and/or National and World reserve champions according to ApHC records. The stamp of a champion makes an excellent gift.

To order, submit a properly completed application, along with your horse’s original certificate of registration and the $100 stamp of a champion fee to 2720 W. Pullman Road, Moscow, ID 83843. Applications are available at www.appaloosa.com.

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Attention Judges

To remain an active ApHC judge, all judges must send in their judges renewal fee and update their membership by January 1, 2009. Judges tests are due to the Judges Department by February 2, 2009, late tests may result in fines and/or suspension. For information on the requirements see Rule 500.F of the 2009 Official Handbook. Judges that are due to attend the Color Breed Council Judges Seminar can find more information and registration forms at www.colorbreedcouncil.com. The seminar will be held at the Biltmore in Oklahoma City January 24 – February 1, 2009

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2009 Slot Futurities

The Slot Futurities and Sweepstakes classes paid out over $85,500 in 2008. Be sure to get your piece of the pie and become a part of the fun in 2009. For more information about the Slot classes contact the Show Department at 208-882-5578 ext. 400.

Distance Program Ride Report Reminder

If your appaloosa is enrolled in the Distance Program and competes in endurance or competitive trail riding, the time period for submitting your 10-day ride report forms is flexible. However, all reports of mileage **must ** be received in the office by December 15, 2008, to be counted. The ride year officially ends November 30, so mileage for riding evens after that date will be placed on the 2009 ride year.

We Need Your Photos!

If you’ve taken photographs at ApHC trail or distance events, we’d love to see them! If we use our photo in promotional materials, including the **Journal**, your name will appear on the photo credit and you’ll be published!

Please send photographs in electronic format via e-mail to trailrides@appaloosa.com.

Trail Rides

If your Appaloosa is enrolled in the Distance Program and is ridden on ApHC-sponsored trial rides, he can earn mileage toward a 400-mile register of merit. A mileage log sheet, signed by the ride manager or trail coordinator, must be in the ApHC office by December 15, 2008, to quality. The chief scout’s signature from the Chief Joseph Trail Ride is also acceptable.

Trail Ride Application Deadlines

Dates for 2009 ApHC-sponsored trail rides are still in the works, but deadlines for applications will be set six weeks prior to each ride instead of four weeks. This will greatly enhance our ability to plan the rides and ensure that adequate services will be ready by ride time.