article from PFHA e-news "The Battle of the Breeds"
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:47 am
BFF
Joined: 23 Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Location: Missouri
This is from the PFHA weekly e-news, I thought it was very encouraging and wanted to post it for any who may not have read it.
The Battle of the Breeds
The Trail Blazer Magazine celebrated their first 30 years by presenting the FIRST expo created exclusively for the equestrian TRAIL RIDER. The event took place last weekend on November 14th, 15th and 16th in Santa Barbara, California. The Paso Fino Horse Association received an invitation from Trail Blazer Magazine inviting our breed to participate in the Battle of The Breeds competition - a comprehensive, fun mega-trail class competition between registered horses of each of the 20 breeds invited. This was the first competition among all the breeds to be held.
A group of Paso Fino Owners from the Antelope Valley, California, drove several hours to the Northwest to attend the 2008 Trail Blazer Festival which took place at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara , California , November 14-16, 2008 . Santa Barbara is called the “American Riviera” and is a lush, sun-drenched seaside city between Los Angeles and San Francisco , California .
The Festival had many speakers, exhibits and other events. One of the events participated in by Rocky Mountain, Paso Fino, American Saddlebred, Icelandic, Kiger Mustang, Mangalarga Marchador, Morgan, Arabian, BLM Mustang, Quarter Horse, Peruvian and Tennessee Walker horses was the “Battle of the Breeds,” which was a unique trail competition held between a select group of horses that were nominated by the participating breeds. The competition involved a wide array of obstacles and circumstances that would test the true trail skills and manners of a trail horse. The course was designed very professionally and in a safe manner. There was a judge placed at each obstacle – you will recognize two of the judges: John Lyons and Linda Tellington-Jones.
Friday evening was the Adult Competition beginning at 6:00 p.m. , and we were there to cheer on our own Jennifer Fisher. As we waited for each of the 12 breeds of horses to be called to the start of the competition, and the winners’ scores and times to be computerized, we prayed for our beloved breed to come out on top. Alas, third place a Peruvian, second place a Quarter Horse, and first place our Grand National Champion Trail Horse, La Suena de Cardinal owned and ridden by Jennifer Fisher of Clovis, California. Our cheers rattled the entire arena, and we are bursting with pride at the wonderful accomplishments of this pair.
On to Saturday evening which was the Youth Competition. Taking part in the youth portion of the event were 8 breeds: Peruvian, Quarter Horse, Mangalarga Marchador , Tennessee Walker , Arabian, Rocky Mountain , Appaloosa, and Paso Fino horses. Although we were not present Saturday evening, we waited with baited breath to hear how our Paso Fino entry placed in the youth competition. Sunday morning – amazingly wonderful news. Our 11 year old youth rider, Madeleine Fischbein of Ojai, California, aboard Calypso RSVP, an 18 year old gelding owned by Susan Osborn of Auberry, California, took first place in the youth competition. Maddy got to ride around the arena hand-in-hand with the famous John Lyons. Now isn’t that something to be proud of!!!!!!! Calypso is also the California State Horseman’s Association Trail Trials Champion for 2008.
So, our wonderful breed has shown the West what we really can do and we are so very proud of both riders.
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:21 am
caliber
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Jul 2007
Posts: 2856
Location: Paso World
Thank you so much for sharing! events like these are incredibly beneficial for our breed.
That was a great story thanks for letting us see it.
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:51 pm
caliber
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Jul 2007
Posts: 2856
Location: Paso World
I have never doubted this breed! ( But, I seriously do from some people in this breed). My entire life I have seen this breed do amazing things......to perfection. I am glad to see serious organized events like the one in California ... OUR BREED ONCE AGAIN "exposed" what this breed really is..... WINNER, without having to dress it up to satisfied QHs and others markets.
Our Association should seriously consider the Lexington Arena for 2011 Nationals. Lexington has a wonderful professional trail set up (out doors)..... for those types of classes (events), and also will give the riders, judges and horses plenty of time to prepare..... and plan for the future!
I thought I had posted this right after the event. I noticed that my response was not posted so I am resending it. I am so delighted that our breed was so well represented at the Battle of the Breeds. I think the it is even more important when you realize that Jennifer Fisher has been as competitive in the versatility areas of our breed as she has been in all divisions of our breed regionally in California as well as nationally. She has bred her own winners, has worked and does most of her own training and now has excelled in comparison to other breeds in stiff competition. Susan Osborn, The owner of the gelding that carried young Maddy to victory has quietly been winning in competitions outside of the breed. Her horse now carries the title of California State Horseman trail Trials winner of the year. Her daughter Katie was an incredible youth rider and won the PFHA youth scholarship years ago. This is the credible stuff that is going to sell our horses. Though not everyone breeds a Paso Fino who is capable of this work, the exposure and understanding of what the breed can do is invaluable to the public. My original post is below.
Congratulations to Jennifer Fisher and Maddy Fischbein. Nothing can promote our breed more than to see these horses in action in this way. Many of you have had the opportunity to see Jennifer and her partner La Suena winning in Trail, Versatility, Western Pleasure, Driving and Costume at the National level year after year. The impact of having these horses exposed to a public of trail riders and come out on top is astounding. Maddy had her first ride on Calypso at the Gold Cup. This wonderful gelding has years of winning in his history with his owner Susan Osborn. It must have been a tearful sight to see this big black gelding carrying around little maddy to a first place win with John Lyons at her side. These two riders have done more for our breed in one afternoon than any horse show or infomercial. They were out there riding the ride- testing the skills, personality and willingness of our breed. Stand up and cheer for them and lets put them on our PFHA cover. This is what it is about. This promotes our ranches. This promotes the breed. Thank you Jennifer and Maddie and Susan Osborn for making this possible for all of us to enjoy. Thank you Gus for pulling it together. This was a win for the breed Nationwide.
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:46 am
caliber
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Jul 2007
Posts: 2856
Location: Paso World
Very well said! Fino!!!!
Nov 24th NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW The Paso Fino breed came out on top in a unique "Battle of the Breeds" challenge at the 2008 Trail Blazer Festival in Santa Barbara, California.
The Battle of the Breeds articles with pictures has been added to the opening homepage of www.pasosforpleasure.com plus the special activities section. The Pasos For Pleasure website has top ranking on Google search and lots of traffic (new and repeat) so lots of visibility for the deserving winners (horses and riders)of this competition. Double wins...a simply awesome accomplishment!!
carolg
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:06 pm
caliber
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Jul 2007
Posts: 2856
Location: Paso World
Great JOB! Welcome to PasoVoice! Thanks for sharing!
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