AHAA Amateur Committee

March for Babies April 17, 2010

2010-04-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

We had four riders again this year. Thanks again to Betty and Callie, Donna and Smokie, Lois and Rosie, and first time parade rider Peggy and Gracie. Thanks to Tam and Amy for being ground crew, scooping poop and helping keep everyone safe. It's a long 4 miles.
Mary Lou present the charity check for $24,000 to March for Babies. She also thanked them for all their help with volunteers for the Scottsdale show.
Time for a summer break after our Fun Show on May 15th. Busy year.

2010-04-21T19:01:00.002-07:00

It was a great day and a great turn out for our April Trail Ride, over 30 riders. Check out the slide show.

Betty Rimsza says. . .

Hi All!

Just wanted to thank ya'all for coming to the 2010 AHAA Amateur Committee Trail Ride!

Special thanks to Mary Lou Houge who came early and set up the nice breakfast goodies, made sure we got the release signed and hung out for lunch to arrive.

Thanks to Russ for hanging out too!

Hip...Hip...HoooRay!!! To Frank at Creations in Cuisine for driving all the way to McDowell Mountain Regional Park with our lunch! He was "Johnny on the spot" right there at 12:00 noon.

Thanks to our riders who lead each group out on the trail.

And thanks to Pat Diaz who took this fabulous photo of Callie and I in the field of flowers.

Hope to see all of you at our next ride!

2010-04-13T11:14:00.004-07:00

Fun Show
Everyone is welcome to come and play in the Equidome.
Show and warm up arenas are shaded.
Where: WestWorld – Equidome (16601 N Pima Road)
When: May 15th - 5:00 PM (sign-up starts at 4:00pm)
Why: Cause we want to have FUN!
Who: Anyone and Everyone. All Breeds
Contact: AHAA at 480-515-1500 or AHAA-AC@cox.net
Presented by AHAA Amateur Committee

Photo Contest Winners 2010

2010-02-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for everyone's participation this year.

Judged – Champion, Reserve and Top Ten
                 Name                  Caption                        Category
Champion Patti Morabito, Best Friends Forever, Horse and Buddy
RC           CD Harbridge, ?como se llama?, What a Clown
TT-3       Karen L Heeb, A mother's love . . Welcome to this world., Beautiful Arabians
TT-4      CD Harbridge, Got Elk?, Foaling Around
TT-5     Donna Shelatree, There's a whole new world!, Foaling Around
TT-6     Nancy Stanga, Horse Whispering, Horse and Buddy
TT-7     Maia Chaney, Santa's Helper, Horse and Buddy
TT-9    Pam Silvis, No Caption, Beautiful Arabians
TT-10    Amanda Eisenfeld, No Caption, Horse and Buddy

People's Choice -- Champion, Reserve and Top Ten
Name Caption Category
Champion  Amanda Eisenfeld, No Caption, Horse and Buddy
RC           Patti Morabito, Nature's Beauty, Beautiful Arabians
TT-3      Maggie Paul, Listen Shorty, do you REALLY want to mess with me?, What a Clown
TT-4 Troy Murrel, Not Again Mom!, What a Clown
TT-5 Karen L Heeb, A mother's love . . Welcome to this , Beautiful Arabians
T-6 CD Harbridge, ?como se llama?, What a Clown
TT-7 Merrick Miller, No Caption, Beautiful Arabians
TT-8 Barbara Himes, Hey! Where's Mom?, Foaling Around
TT-9 Troy Murrel, Free at Heart, Foaling Around
TT-10 Patti Morabito, Best Friends Forever, Horse and Buddy

Beautiful Arabian
Plc Name                Caption
1 Karen L Heeb, A mother's love . . Welcome to this world.
2 Pam Silvis , No Caption
3 Carol Spangler, Beautiful Reflection
4 Troy Murrel, No Caption
5 CD Harbridge, Behold!
6 Donna Shelatree ' Almost a Fantasy

Foaling Around – Everyone Loves a Baby
PLC Name              Caption
1 Donna Shelatree, There's a whole new world!
2 CD Harbridge, Got Elk?
3 Robin Cheeks, Curiosity
4 Kelly Bowman, Eight hours old!
5 Karen L Heeb, OK, What have I gotten myself into?
6 Troy Murrel, Free at Heart

Horse and Buddy
PLC Name           Caption
1 Patti Morabito, Best Friends Forever
2 Gene Clark, I love you man!
3 Nancy Stanga, Horse Whispering
4 Amanda Eisenfeld, No Caption
5 CD Harbridge, Gossip
6 Maia Chaney, Santa's Helper

What a Clown!!
PLC Name Caption
1 CD Harbridge, ?como se llama?
2 Maia Chaney, Snow Angel
3 Karen L Heeb, I can make that face, too!
4 Donna Shelatree , Dodge Ball or Dodge Horse?
5 Troy Murrel, Not Again Mom!
6 Jarien Pretorius Hey, that's my banana!

It's all over. .

2010-02-28T09:48:00.005-07:00

     The 55th Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is over. I finally got the last things unload from the truck into the garage. I just have to finish putting everything away. It is amazing how much stuff, not forgetting the people, it takes to do everything the Amateur Committee does during the show. A huge thanks and pat on the back to everyone who pitched in day after day to make our activities a success!!! THANK YOU!!
     Meet a Horse was a huge success this year. A young woman who had her picture taken with Clancy 5 years ago came back to see him again. Meet a Horse is a fixture now at the show. I hope Clancy and Rosie can keep up the good work. We averaged 80 pictures a day. We some how manage do it in one hour. Thanks to Joe and Tempe Camera for providing us the means to give free photos.
     Barn Tours were huge. A low of forty people on Wednesday to over 200 on the final Saturday. The education area with posters and breed information we arranged in the stalls was a big hit. Having one location took much of the work and angst in getting barns to tour away, a huge relief for Bobbi and me.
     Unfortunately, I understand that several board members were less than happy with the arrangement even though we started talking about it with them in August. Several members felt it gave Bill Flood some kind of marketing advantage. What a mess!
     It is really regrettable when the focus is lost on what we can do to promote the horse we love to what the show can do to promote your business. Bill, Darcy and Brandon got nothing from the tours except the inconvenience of trying to show and move horses through 100 people or more on a daily basis as they leave to show horses, or work them. I know they train my horses and I show with them.    I was one of them moving through the crowd, with Bolero, going off to show.
     The crowds loved seeing a "real" barn in action. So, thanks Bill, Darcy and Brandon. I am so sorry it has cause so much controversy. Good show despite the turmoil.
       It will be interesting to see how the Barn Tours evolve in the future.

     Onward. . . .

Let the games begin. . . . Scottsdale 2010 #55

2010-02-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am leaving shortly to go to WestWorld to start setting up the Education area of the Amateur Committee Behind the Scenes Tour Barn. This is a first for the Amateur Committee. Wish us luck. Please, come by the back of Barn J -Bill Flood's barn- and check us out.

SCOTTSDALE PHOTO CONTEST 2010

2010-01-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

The deadline is fast approaching. Get your photos in by February 5th. Follow the link for rules and entry forms. Photo Contest Rules and Entry Forms

I have posted some hints below. Take a look at the slide show from past years. I have to say that not all the judged winners were the People Choice winners. It is a side of the contest we added last year.

HINTS for success from past photo contests

2010-01-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

Hints from watching the judging and talking to the judges.
1. Captions DO matter. It helps "get the point" across of the picture. Emphasis.
2. Correct presentation, i.e. mounting is an asset. Poorly mounted, not mounted and the wrong size get shuffled to the bottom of the pile.3. In focus pictures (yes, it's true) always receive the judges attention.
4. If submitting a picture printed on an inkjet make sure that it isn’t streaked, or grainy.
5. Is okay to "photoshop" your entry, but know what you are doing. The pros can tell when a picture has been tweaked and done badly. So, even if the composition is good, and the the other elements mentioned above; zap, to the bottom of the pile.
Categories:
“Foaling Around –Everybody Loves a Baby!,” --Looking for adorable baby pictures.
“What a Clown!, Funny horse moments."-- No tongues, please! You would be surprised how many of those pictures we have received.
“Beautiful Arabians” --A photo image that captures the grace and beauty of the Arabian. It can be a horse in motion, or standing.
“Horse and Buddy.” --That magic moment either between horse and other animal, horse and human.

55th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

2010-01-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

35 five days and counting until the show starts. Keep checking the blog, or subscribe. I am going to try and keep this really updated with news.

Friday at Fall Festival

2009-11-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Friday night at Fall Festival was fabulous. . . and it was halter. There was an showmanship class that put some of the pizzaz back into watching handlers show. All very proper. Exhibitor party was fun, and very casual. It was held next to where Sweet Things is located. There were lots of youth activities, and the fun classes. Very nice.

Fall Festival - Set Up

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Have the "Hut" up. Many thanks to Carol, Bobbie and Mary Lou for getting it done.

Looks like there are about 150 horses at the show. Not bad for the weekend after Nationals. It will be interesting to see how the judging works with two judges/two show concept. I am trying to imagine how they award two sets of ribbons. I'll keep you posted, and hopefully have some pictures for you tonight.

Fall Festival Update

2009-11-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

We have been successful in selling the class sponsorships. Thanks to everyone who pitched in and sold. Thanks to those of you who bought them! Only two of the Reining classes and two of the dressage sponsorships were sold. Not sure why, but it happens every year. Too bad.

Friday night of Fall Festival is the Exhibitor Party and AHAA member party. Come on down.

Saturday is Meet a Horse, Barn Tours, and the Liberty Charity Challenge. Fun busy day. Brings the kids down to meet Rosie and Clancy and have a picture taken with them.

FALL FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIPS

2009-10-28T06:32:00.001-07:00

Selling the sponsorships is a major fund raiser for the Amateur Committee. It is one of the reasons we are able to sponsor the charity challenge and provide the prize money to the charities. Sponsorship sales are slow this year. Our usual leader for this was unable to coordinate it for us so we aren't getting the job done. Please take time to 1) sell a sponsorship to someone, or 2) sponsor a class or classes yourself. Follow the link to the form and send it in with a check, or call 480-515-1500 and do a sponsorship over the phone and request to be billed, or use a credit card. Please help us out! Thanks.

AC Poker Ride at Rio Estancia

2009-10-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

OK!! Our first ever Halloween Poker Ride held at Rio Estancia October 24th was a BIG success. It contained the elements of a regular poker ride with having to complete an obstacle to earn your card. There were nine obstacle so if you completed them all you had a better chance for a winning hand. There was a prize for the high hand as well as the best costume. The costume prize was decided by high card draw. It was just a great day. Low key and well organized thanks to mary Lou.

We had twelve riders. There was plenty of help on the ground. The weather was perfect, and the food and beverages afterwards were very tasty.

I'll let the pictures tell the story. Thanks to EVERYONE who came and participated. I am looking forward to riding next time.

HO HO HO Trail Ride December 12

2009-10-18T16:19:00.005-07:00

The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona’s Amateur Committee is hosting it’s Annual Ho Ho Ho Trail Ride. It is Saturday, December 12, 2009 at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Be saddled and ready to ride out at 10:00 AM. The ride is approximately two hours.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park is located in the northeast valley on the eastern side of the McDowell Mountain range. For a map of how to get there follow the link. We have reserved Ramadas 1 and 2 at the main trailhead. As you enter the park there is a volunteer at the gate. The volunteer will give you a map of the park and directions. There is a park entry fee of $6.00.

Plan on arriving by at least 9:30 AM to give yourself time to saddle up. If you are a little hungry there will be coffee, orange juice and breakfast snacks available.

We like to split into groups of riders with similar riding styles. So if you like to mosey down the trail at a walk or trot and canter up the wash there is the right pace for everyone. We ride out promptly at 10:00 AM.

After the ride the AHAA Amateur Committee hosts a great B.B.Q. lunch. Yep!!! It is a FREE LUNCH!!! Please RSVP so we have plenty of grub. Send us an email at ahaa-ac@cox.net , or contact the AHAA office at 480-515-1500

You don't have to ride an Arabian horse to come. Just come on out for a good day of horses and fun. Hope to see you there

Passing of a friend

2009-10-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

We would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to Bob Battaglia and Battagla Farms riders and friends, for the loss of an Ambassador of the Arabian Horse, judge and great horseman, Russ Vento. Rest in Peace.

Wanted: Volunteers for Fall Festival

2009-10-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

Fall Festival is November 6-8th. The Club is looking for volunteers to help with the show. I don't know specifically what "jobs" volunteers are needed to staff. I am sure some of them are opening and closing gates, or ribbon presenter. If you are interested contact Jody Dukerick at 480-515-1500, or arabian@scottsdaleshow.com.

This weekend. . Equestrian Expo in Queen Creek

2009-10-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

Remember the Expo at Horshoe Park and Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek this weekend.

Poker Ride?

2009-09-30T06:20:00.001-07:00

We are thinking about doing a Poker Ride as a fund raiser for a horse rescue group. What do you all think?

A new adventure. . . FaceBook

2009-09-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

OK. We made a FaceBook page. If you are a member of FaceBook search for Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. You can add the words Amateur Committee. Please become a fan, and pass it on along to others. Doing this came from a PR meeting, and so, we just had to do it. Thanks, Jennifer.

Equine E-News

2009-09-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I found this link today as I was working on the PR for Fall Festival. It has comprehensive information about events and resources around the state. I like it. Equine e-News

Equine Youth and Career Day

2009-09-25T20:10:00.003-07:00

Arizona Horse Council aka Arizona State Horseman's Association, is sponsoring an Equine Youth and Career Day October 3 and 4th. The AC will be very busy. Go to this link for more information. Equine Youth and Career Day

Fall Festival 2009

2009-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Family Fun at Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show

Spend the day with the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona kicks off its 2009-2010 show season. The Arabian Horse Association has been part of Arizona excitement since 1955 with an origin of 12 members. This amazing club has grown to over 750 members, setting the pace in the Arabian horse world.

The Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show will be held November 6-8 at Westworld, located at 16601 N. Pima Road. Arabian & Half Arabian / Anglo Arabian horses will be competing in a wide variety of classes throughout the three days.

Admission is free, providing everyone the opportunity to come out and share in the beauty and grace of the Arabian horse.

While onsite, visit the “Amateur Hut” located at the SE corner of the Equidome.. The Amateur Committee is hosting afternoon and evening activities on Saturday, geared towards an up close and personal experience with the trainers, riders, and horses.

The “Meet A Horse” program provides the opportunity for people of all ages to mount a horse dressed in an Arabian Costume, and have a free picture taken! Not interested in getting up on a horse? You can just stand beside our horse for a photo.

“Meet A Horse” will be held near the “Amateur Hut” on Saturday at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30.

Following the “Meet A Horse”, the Amateur Committee is hosting guided tours of the show grounds, including “Behind The Scenes Barn Tour The Barn Tour provides a great opportunity to have all your questions answered about what’s happening in the show rings, warm up rings, and how the horse and rider prepare for showing. You will meet horses up close, and see a fully functioning barn from the exhibitor’s viewpoint. Barn Tours will start at the “Amateur Hut” and are held on Saturday at ”. The tours are at 12:00 and 2:00.

The focus of Saturday night is the three charities the Arabian Horse Association donates to on an annual basis: March of Dimes, Cox charities, and Phoenix Crisis Nursery. The Liberty horse class starts the evening session with each charity cheering on their selected horse. Charities win a portion of $5,000 based on their attendance and participation. The liberty horses are turned loose in the arena one at a time, running freely to selected music for a period of two minutes. It’s an exciting class showcasing the ultimate beauty of an Arabian horse fluidly covering ground without a handler’s guidance.

Joins us for the day. Food and beverages are available on the grounds, as well as shopping at various vendor. Come by the Amateur Hut during the show. for more information about becoming part of the excitement. Visit the following Arabian Horse of AZ website to see upcoming events; http://www.scottsdaleshow.com/ , or visit our blog at; http://arabians-az.blogspot.com.

Office Changes Location

2009-08-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

The AHAA office is moving. It will be in it's new location on Monday, August 31st. The only thing that has changed is the address. Phone and fax remain the same. I haven't seen it yet, but will try to get some photos and post them. It is, and I haven't been there yet, much bigger.

New location A Google maps link.

AHAA
15455 N Greenway-Hayden Loop #C-18
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Fall Festival Dates

2009-08-27T18:39:00.001-07:00

Fall Festival November 6th through 8th

It is no longer two separate shows running on different days. One show was a Region 1 qualifier, and one show was a Region 7 qualifier. The two qualifying shows have been combined into ONE show. There will be two separate judges, one for R1 and one for R7. There will be one class, two judges and two separate results.

The show is only 3 days. It occurs very soon after Nationals this year. I always liked the two shows so that when I screwed up in one I had a chance to redeem myself. LOL

It is my understanding that Halter Championships have been included this year.

Fall Festival This is the link to the AHAA site with FF info. The show schedule that is posted is from last year. I am not sure if we pay double entry fees, and can't tell from the website. I am hopeful that when the new schedule is posted all will become clear.

Summertime. . .

2009-08-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Amateur Committee has more or less taken the summer off. We had a busy winter and just needed to lay-low and re-group. I am going to post several updates, and will get back in the blog saddle and try to keep you posted as our fall and winter activities get started.

Feel free, and I encourage you, to post comments! Share ideas. It keeps me motivated to keep it up to date.

We did it!! March for Babies

2009-05-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

It was a great day. The weather was perfect. We has a great parking spot for the trailers. The March of Dimes folks were very supportive and appreciative of us being there. Mary Lou and I has the privilege of presenting the check from AHAA for $30,000 to the March of Dimes. It was pretty cool. Take a look at the slide show.

Mary Lou and I scooped poop. . . for 4 miles. Now, that is a work out. Donna and Smokey, Betty and Callie, and Gene and Shah delighted the crowds. People love the horses and they love the costumes. It is great feeling to represent the breed and club and to feel admired and appreciated. I highly recommend you come ride with us next year. Or, scoop poop.

The after ride venue was perfect. The chain barrier kept people from crowding to close and from getting behind the horses. We were there for an hour and a half answering questions, passing information out. We left when we ran out of giveaways, and the horses really needed a break.

I am sad to report that a week or two after the parade Shah died. He was the apple of Gene's eye. And you can see from the photos what a great Arabian Ambassador he made. Very sad.

Shah was 23. I thought we had another Clancy in the making.

April Trail Ride

2009-05-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

I am just a little slow in getting the blog updated. There is a new slide show on the site , "Trail Ride April 2009." Really original. It was a great day for all riders and their trusty steeds. I'll let the pictures tell the story. If anyone can identify who some of the riders are in the photos let me know. Also, if you want one of the photos you can down load it at the Picasa site. Just double click on the slide show and it will take you there.

March for Babies, April 18th!

2009-03-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

March for Babies 2008 --This could be you this year!

The March of Dimes is one of the the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona charities.

The AHAA Amateur Committee parade group has been invited to lead off the 2009 March for Babies. The walk starts at 8:00 AM, Saturday, April 18th. It begins at Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1900 W Washington right in front of the State Capitol.

If you would like to be part of the AHAA kick-off group contact Donna Vollmer at donna.vollmer@med.va.gov or call her at 602-277-5551 ext 7895. Riders are wanted, as well as pooper-scoopers and Greet the Horse helpers.

Spring Trail Ride April 4th

2009-03-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Arabian Horse Association’s Amateur Committee is hosting the annual Spring Trail Ride Saturday, April 4th, 2009 at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 9:30 am.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park is located in the northeast valley on the eastern side of the McDowell Mountain range. For a map of how to get there go to www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/Directions.aspx. We have reserved ramadas 1 & 2 at the main trailhead. As you enter the park there is a volunteer at the gate. The volunteer will give you a map of the park and directions. There is a $6.00 park entry fee.

Plan on arriving at 9:30 am. If you are a little hungry there will be coffee, orange juice and breakfast snacks available. We like to split into groups of riders with similar riding styles. So if you like to mosey down the trail at a walk… or trot and canter up the wash there is the right pace for everyone. The ride starts promptly at 10:00 am.

After the ride the AHAA Amateur Committee hosts a great B.B.Q. lunch. Yep!!! It is a FREE LUNCH!!! But… we need you to send us an e-mail at ahaa-ac@cox.net or call us at 602-620-1881. This way we are sure to have enough food!

Hope to see you there!

2009 Scottsdale Photo Contest Winners

2009-03-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Finally, pictures of the winners. Many of the photos are multiple winners. See the postings below for details. I had to scan them myself so the quality doesn't do them justice. Colors are a little weird, but I didn't want to tweak them. To view larger images . . . .

Follow the link to PICASA

The People's Choice Champion picture was taken from the display on the last day, and it's category ribbon. So, no picture of it.

Please post your comments at PICASA.

Photo Contest Honorable Mention Awards

2009-02-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

This are the list of entries who won Honorable Mentions. This means they were on at least one of the three judges cards.

HM- Connie Witte - No Caption -- Foaling Around
HM -Connie Witte - No Caption -- What a Clown
HM -Julie Walker- No Caption -- Beautiful Arabians
HM -Kristine Walker- "The Gremlin" -- What a Clown
HM -Mikaela Durfey - No Caption -- Foaling Around
HM -Mikaela Durfey - No Caption -- Horse and Buddy
HM -Mikaela Durfey - No Caption -- What a Clown
HM -Patti Morabito - No Caption -- Horse and Buddy
HM -Sandy Fedora - "She's got legs. She knows how to use them" -- Foaling Around
HM -Teresa Burnett "Epitome of Arabian Beauty-Padron" -- Beautiful Arabians

People's Choice Awards

2009-02-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

And the people have spoken! 287 votes! Votes were scattered over many entries, but these were clearly the Peoples Choice. Congratulations!

Ranking Name Caption Category
Champion Eric Archer "First Kiss" Horse and Buddy
R-Champion CD Harbridge "Ingenuity" Foaling Around
Top Ten Rachel Harrington No Caption What a Clown
Top Ten CD Harbridge "Rounding the Far Turn" Horse and Buddy
Top Ten Sally Leitzen "I'm Adivah" Beautiful Arabians
Top Ten Erica DeHaas No Caption Horse and Buddy
Top Ten Erin Pringle "Having fun at a young age" Horse and Buddy
Top Ten Mikaela Durfey No Caption What a Clown
Top Ten Donna Shelatree "Play?" Horse and Buddy
Top Ten Mikaela Durfey No Caption Beautiful Arabians

SCOTTSDALE PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

2009-02-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

It was a quality year. Thank you to everyone who sent in a photograph.

People are enjoying viewing them and voting for the Peoples Choice. I will post the PC winners, Champion, Reserve and Top Ten after the show is over.

The Championship Class consisted of the winners in each category. A commercial photographer, a professional equine photographer, and a professional horseman a.k.a trainer. Honorable Mentions got on one card.

I will blog on what made a winner from "insights " gained from watching them being judged this year.

And after I get the Champion, Reserve and Top Ten scanned I will post them for everyones viewing pleasure.

And the Winners are. . . .

CHAMPIONSHIP
Champion Eric Wagner No Caption Beautiful Arabians
R-Champion CD Harbridge "Childish Delight" What a Clown
Top Ten Maggie Paul "Dude" Silver Baloo Beautiful Arabians
Top Ten Donna Shelatree No Caption Beautiful Arabians
Top Ten Donna Shelatree "Play?" Horse and Buddy
Top Ten CD Harbridge "Ingenuity" Foaling Around
Top Ten Barbara Weed "Liark DM Foaling Around
Top Ten Donna Shelatree No Caption Foaling Around
Top Ten Patti Morabito "You're it!" Foaling Around

Foaling Around
1 CD Harbridge "Ingenuity"
2 Barbara Weed "Liark DM"
3 Teresa Burnett "Youthful Togetherness"
4 Donna Shelatree No Caption
5 Patti Morabito "You're it!"
6 Katie Walker "Walking on Tiptoes"

What a Clown
1 CD Harbridge "Childish Delight"
3 Donna Shelatree "I've fallen and can't get up."
2 Katie Walker "O M G!"
4 Gene Clark No Caption
5 Patti Morabito No Caption
6 Ronald Walker "Don't PANIC!"
HM Connie Witte No Caption
HM Mikaela Durfey No Caption
HM Kristine Walker "The Gremlin"

Horse and Buddy
1 Donna Shelatree "Play?"
2 Maggie Paul "Knight Hope - Our Best Friend!"
3 Kristine Walker "Hi, Daddy!"
4 CD Harbridge "Rounding the Far Turn"
5 Katie Walker No Caption
6 Eric Archer "First Kiss"
HM Mikaela Durfey No Caption
HM Patti Morabito No Caption

Beautiful Arabians
1 Eric Wagner No Caption
2 Maggie Paul "Dude" Silver Baloo
3 Sally Leitzen "I'm Adivah"
4 CD Harbridge "Spring Beauty"
5 Donna Shelatree No Caption
6 Norma Walsh "Yee haaa! Free at last!"
HM Teresa Burnett "Epitome of Arabian Beauty-Padron"
HM Julie Walker No Caption

Let the games begin. . . . Scottsdale 2009

2009-02-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I am going to try to update the blog everyday with a picture that will tell you about what is happening. In between many things, work and showing Bolero and Lily, I am going to give it my best shot. Let me know what you think. Comment, or send an email to

ahaa-ac@gmail.com. I'd like it!!

OK, photos are 2/3's judged. More to come on the results. 109 entries. The Foaling Around category could be big.

#1 Picture: Saturday, let the set up begin. Snapped it Saturday when I went up to pick up the last photos for the contest. Show starts on the 12th.

Meet a Horse??? Barn Tours??

2009-01-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

There have been several emails with questions about what is Meet a Horse and the Barn Tours. Check out the slideshow for a visual explanation. I'll try it in words, too.

TIMES: During the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show the activities run from Saturday to Saturday. Meet a Horse starts at 10:30 AM, and Tours are start at 12 Noon.

MEET A HORSE: This is one of the Amateur Committee's first breed promotion activities. We started doing it about 4 years ago. Clancy, the initial star of Meet a Horse has had over 1000 + people mount him and have a picture taken. The ages range from 8 months to 80. It's great. Clancy is Mary Lou Houge's retired reining horse. Lois's Rosie, a most excellent trail and parade horse, now pitches in and has star billing with Clancy. People come back each year to see them. The photographs are free thanks to the support of Tempe Camera.

It takes 6 people and one of those "wild" Arabians for us to pull it off. It starts with the horse and handler plus two people to help "riders" mount. We use a mounting block and are very careful. We need a photographer and someone to print the photographs. Crowd control is important so we need a gate person to organize the people who are waiting. I counted 30 "riders" in line last year at Scottsdale. An extra person is always appreciated.

BARN TOURS: Four years and still going! The Barn Tour's objective is to give folks an opportunity to see what goes on in the show barns. It takes a barn willing to have 50 to 100 people come visit. The barn spokesperson pulls out a horse and talks about the horse, what the barn does, the tack, the grooming, the riders. . . anything horse or show related. The tour groups loves the up close and personal encounter with the horses and riders.

The hard part for the Committee is to find barns that will let us come visit. Many thanks to Bill Flood, Bob Hart, Battaglia Stables, Rio Estancia, and Wolf Springs for welcoming us. There are seven time slots to fill this year.

To pull off a tour we need a knowledgeable horse person who can talk about what the group sees and answer questions. Two or three folks are needed to help shepard the group as they walk to the barn, and be able to answer questions and explain, also. This is important for our big groups during the Scottsdale Show.

CONTACT: If you are interested in helping us out contact Eloisa at ahaa.az@gmail.com

Scottsdale Show 2009 - Volunteers Wanted!

2009-01-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is the fifth year the Amateur Committee is participating in activities during the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. We are at it again with the Photo Contest, Meet a Horse, Behind the Scenes Barns Tours, and raffle ticket sales. Why we are successful is a reflection of why the show itself is successful, VOLUNTEERS.

Take a look at the what the Amateur Committee does by viewing the slide show at the top of the blog.

The Amateur Committee needs volunteers to make Meet a Horse, and the Barn Tours successful. Meet a Horse (10:30 -11:30 AM,) and Behind the Scenes Tours ( 12:00 - 1 PM) are February 14th to February 21, Saturday to Saturday. If you are interested in being part of the fun, and it is fun, email ahaa-ac@cox.net .

If those times don't work there are other volunteer opportunities during the entire show. Check out the Volunteer Job Descriptions on the AHAA website. Links are located there for a Volunteer Application, and other contact information. Mary Lou will really appreciate it.

There are advantages to volunteering. Free admission to all the show sessions is top on my list.

Wow! What a meeting!

2009-01-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

The Amateur Committee met last night, Wednesday, January 14th. There was a full agenda, but we got through everything by 8 PM. Pizza, beverages and brownies helped fuel us. Here are some highlights.

Trail Rides: Planning a ride in April. We move from the Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas Ride to the Ha, Ha, Ha - April Fools Ride. We will keep you posted on dates, time and location. There was discussion of holding it some place other that the McDowell Mountains. If any one has suggestions send them on to us, or make a comment on the blog.

Parades: No plans to ride in any parades this spring. We've found the Cave Creek parade a little scary with the traffic situation, and the Ostrich Festival was judged by the riders to not be horse friendly. Count on us for Gilbert Days next year, and we'll keep plugging away to see if we can be accepted for the Fiesta Bowl. People groan when I mention the Rose Bowl. Gotta have dreams, right?

The Parade Group will be leading of the March of Dimes March for Babies April 9th in Phoenix.

Thanks to Donna Vollmer for all her time, energy and effort.

Education: Focus is on the Educational Seminars during the Scottsdale Show. Check out the link for more information. The time for Meet a Horse is incorrect. It is 10:30 everyday.

Website: Thanks to Scott Woods for keeping the Amateur Page on the AHAA website updated. We talked about linking this blog to our Amateur Page as a way to keep information flowing. It was decided to give it a try.

Treasury / Budget: We have one, and we are with in it! And, we need to sell, sell, sell those Raffle tickets to keep it that way. I smell a volunteer opportunity.

All for now, except more info about our Scottsdale Show plans. It is a different story.

Photo Contest

2009-01-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had great holidays. December has flown for me. Instead of sugar plum fairies dancing in my head I am keep thinking about all of the Amateur Committee activities we do during the Scottsdale Arabian Show, the Photo Contest, Behind the Scene Tours, and the ever popular Meet a Horse. PLUS we will be selling raffle tickets to help out the Youth Group. Yikes.

Take a look at the Photo Contest slide show for the past winners. Get the word out about the contest, or better yet enter it yourself. We've tossed around the idea of having an audience favorite; I think this will be the year for it to happen.

Take a look at the slide show at the top of the blog.

Follow the link for rules and entry forms. http://www.scottsdaleshow.com/contests/index.html

Ho Ho Ho Trail Ride December 20, 2008

2008-12-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great trail ride Saturday at Mc Dowell Mountain Regional Park. Betty, "Fearless",did her usual fine job of organizing it; ramadas reserved, plenty of parking for the trailers, and a great fire pit to keep us toasty.

There were 16 riders which is a good turn out for the last Saturday before Christmas. There were all sizes and shapes of horses. The Amateur Committee trail rides are open to all breeds.

The ride started at 10-ish. Early arrivals were treated to trailer side "beverage" service by Mary Lou of coffee, Chai, cider, hot chocolate and coffee cake. Yummo!

Riders broke up into three groups. A group that just wanted to walk, a medium group who did a little trotting and cantering, and then the good to go group who likes it in high gear. Something for everyone. No unplanned dismounts, or horse problems occurred. This always make it a successful ride.

Joe cooked up burgers and beans for the returning riders. Hungry riders. He promises a better job in April. He was not quite please with the burgers, although everyone seemed to enjoy them.

A drawing for trail prizes finished off the ride. It is always fun, and I am not quite sure how Betty comes up with all the fun prizes. Let the pictures speak for them selves.

Hope to see many more riders at the April Fool Ride.

AHAA Christmas Party - Club Volunteer Award for Peggy

2008-12-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Great Party at Casino Arizona. Best part of the party for me was Peggy Kisiel winning the AHA Club Volunteer Award. It is great recognition for all of her hard work to promote education that is useful for the amateur owner and rider. Her last big effort was the multiple seminars she arranged to run during Fall Festival. Photography, shoeing, equine message, trail riding. Awesome.

Go Peggy!

And thanks to AHAA Board for promoting the recognition of her.

Slideshow and Link

2008-12-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

The slideshow is a recap of AHAA's Amateur Committee (AC) activities over the last five years. Participating in the AC events has been fun I've done things I never imagined doing, met interesting people, and made new friends. PLUS it was all horse related! Time has flown.

There is a link to the AHAA website if you want more information about the amateur events, or up and coming AHAA events.

Double click on the slideshow and it will bring up larger images and a place to leave comments.

Horse Lovers Expo

2008-12-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Meet a Horse.

Rosie and Clancy do it again!

Lots of happy children had an opportunity to "ride." It is always an attraction for people and fun for us to do.

Lois and Rosie, and Mary Lou and Clancy are the role models for those "wild" Arabians.