March 28, 2020
Letter from the President of the
Arabian Horse Association

Dear AHA members,

As I was writing this message, I received an emergency alert that people in my area of California are required to stay inside until April 19th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When this year began with such excitement as we were able to present the Arabian horse on the national stage at the Tournament of Roses, who would have guessed it would evolve to where we are now, and we are only 90 days into 2020. This week, US Equestrian announced that they are extending the moratorium on recording USEF approved horse show results through May 3rd from the originally announced April 16th. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt worldwide and everyday there is a new twist with uncharted territory for all of us.

I know that everyone is worried and downright scared and looking for reassurance, this is a frightening time for all of us. Will we be able to return to our livelihood after this is over or will this change our way of life forever? When will it end, when will we be able to ride and spend time with our fellow horse lovers? What an uncertain time in which we live. What a hard time for all of us. I know you all have questions. Will Youth Nationals, Canadian Nationals, Sport Horse and US Nationals be held, now that many of our local shows have been canceled. Will my Regional show be held? If one is held, will it be safe for me to attend? Some of us can't even go see our horses right now, and one of the reasons we have horses, for the love and stability that they bring to our lives, has been taken away. As AHA President, I want, more than anything in this world, to be able to provide you with answers and something to plan for, but I can't right now and probably not for some time to come. I can only ask you to be patient and to tell you that we are working diligently daily to find our way through this. I know for me personally, this is altering the way I look at the world.

As a licensed official (Judge and Steward), I have always been taught to look at the many sides of a situation, not to jump to conclusions until the facts are known and arrive at a decision in a calm and measured way. I believe this is the approach we need now. At this point, I can tell you that AHA, our staff, the Emergency Response Team, your Executive Committee, Budget and Finance Committee and Board of Directors are committed to find the fairest solutions in a situation that is not fair. The Board is meeting almost weekly, the Executive Committee is meeting multiple days each week and the Emergency Response Team, daily.

Today, I can only say that everyone should take this CRISIS seriously so that hopefully it will pass sooner than later. We must take this one day at a time. I sincerely request that you do your best to exercise patience now. The Emergency Response team and our staff are monitoring all our related equestrian and Agricultural organizations, as well as the requirements from the government. We are listening to you and your concerns and are trying to balance them with the needs of our clubs and Regions. We are planning daily on how our programs and competitions can return to some kind of normalcy with a reasonably level playing field. You have my personal promise on this; I am working everyday to make sure you will be able to compete as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will all get through this eventually. It is hard on everyone individually and our breed and the sport collectively. It is a potentially life-threatening disease that can devastate us on so many levels. AHA and I need your support so that we continue to look at the big picture and work toward our eventual recovery from this very life altering event we are all experiencing and then we can direct our focus to our sport.

You will be hearing from us shortly on the changes the BOD has made to prepare AHA for the future. None of these decisions were taken lightly and involved research and input from many. As the situation plays out, I may have more announcements. I want to thank the members of the EC, the BOD, the B&F, and the Response Team for all the hours they have devoted to helping AHA.

The Emergency Response team will be holding a Town Hall on March 31st. You can direct questions for that Town Hall to marketing@arabianhorses.org.
Please take care of yourself and others.

Best Regards,
Nancy Harvey, AHA President

USEF Update on COVID-19: Suspension Extended

March 25, 2020

Dear USEF Members and Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers),

We are all anxious for equestrian sport to start up again and for our families and friends to return to their normal lives pre-COVID-19 Pandemic. We also understand the financial pain that this is having on so many in our industry. We, too, at USEF are feeling that pain. However, we are not through this yet. The pandemic continues to cause unprecedented impact throughout the world. The Las Vegas World Cup Finals were canceled. The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are being rescheduled. So, we must all work diligently to address the situation. We greatly appreciate those of you who have joined us in our community-wide effort to responsibly address the COVID-19 virus outbreak by canceling competitions and choosing not to compete during this critical period. This is the only way to flatten the curve of this virus and let us all get back to some level of normal. So as promised, here is an updated position on USEF competitions.

The original 30-day suspension that became effective March 16, 2020, is being extended through May 3, 2020. Effective today, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics and activities will be suspended through May 3, 2020 consistent with recommendations by the CDC. Due to the importance of keeping the members of our equestrian community and their families safe, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country and that equestrians do not compete for this same time period. For those competitions that choose to run and can do so in accordance with the CDC, State, and Local recommendations, there will be no accumulation or points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF award programs, USEF owned events, or selection to a US team during this time period. This includes USEF National Championships.

Again, we are cognizant of the ramifications that extensions have on the lives of our members, support personnel and the events that fall within this time period, and the significant impact they have on qualifications for, and the operation of, major events that might be occurring later in the year. With that in mind, our President, Murray Kessler, has already informed me he intends to use his Presidential Modification authority to waive mileage rules and allow for major events to be rescheduled later in the year and has instructed us to develop a fair method for altering qualifications for these events. With that direction, USEF has already implemented mechanisms to provide for flexibility and the ability to make necessary modifications to responsibly manage the competition calendar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are engaging with organizers daily and continue to review situations on a case-by-case basis.

Important Reminder: If you need to cancel a license or have questions about postponing your event to another date, please contact Katlynn Sacco at ksacco@usef.org.

We continue to closely monitor the situation and we pledge to keep you informed about any updates to our position as circumstances warrant or as instructed by Public Health authorities.

If you need assistance or have any other questions that fall into the following areas, please contact the person listed below using their email address.

The equestrian community is a resilient one and despite these times of uncertainty resulting from the virus outbreak, we are confident that by working together and persevering, we will overcome the obstacles and come out the other side to once again enjoy the horse sports we love so much.

Be safe,

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer

Official Statement from US Equestrian on Postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

March 24, 2020

Dear USEF Members,

We received official confirmation today from the IOC and Organizing Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games that in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic both organizations have jointly decided to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to 2021. Prioritizing the safety and health of athletes, staff, and spectators is paramount during this challenging time, and we applaud and support their difficult decision.

The postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is unprecedented in modern history, and we know that there will be many challenges ahead, but remain committed to working with the USOPC and the FEI to ensure the success of our teams and athletes in 2021.

We are deeply disappointed for our athletes and their teams, the coaches, support staff, horse owners, sponsors, and USET Foundation donors and supporters who have wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the Olympic and Paralympic dream, but in the face of adversity, our athletes continually persevere and we know they will be prepared to represent our country to the best of their abilities next year.

We also understand that this decision will impact many, and as we wait to understand the revised approach of the IOC and Organizing Committee in the coming weeks, we will continue to provide updates and information to our athletes, stakeholders, sponsors, and fans. This is a trying time for our community and we look forward to the incredible feeling of watching our athletes inspire others and embody the Olympic and Paralympic spirit next year in Tokyo.

Sincerely,

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer

March 17, 2020

AHA Board of Directors Creates an Emergency Response Team

• The AHA Board of Directors has created an emergency response team that will include the AHA Executive Committee, the chair of the AHA CAC, the chair of the AHA NEOPS, chair of the AHA EEC, AHA EVP, AHA Director of Competition Services, AHA Director of Events and Marketing, the chair of the APAHA and Judges and Stewards Commissioner. This emergency response team will be able to make decisions regarding qualifications for AHA Regional and AHA National events for 2020.

• The AHA Board of Directors has approved waiving qualifications for Regional shows up to May 10, 2020.

The Emergency Response Team will be meeting daily to determine what other changes need to be made to upcoming shows affected by COVID-19.

In addition we want you to be aware of a few resources that currently exist for those of our members affected by the COVID-19:
U.S. Small Business Administration-Provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

Better Business Bureau-Business Tips: How to Navigate the Coronavirus Crisis: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21714-business-tips-how-to-navigate-the-coronavirus-crisis

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce as they will list resources for your specific area

Contact your lender and loan service provider to find out what options are available to you such as: refinance, loan modification, new repayment plan or forbearance.

The health and safety of our members and staff is a top priority. We urge you to monitor the situation with COVID-19 in your area and take every precaution to ensure you remain safe. Follow the recommendations by the CDC regarding sanitary practices; disinfect common areas and shared tack/equipment, limit physical contact and encourage those to not visit the barn if they or anyone in their family are ill.

We are here to support you. We will send updates as we have additional information to share from this newly formed Response team. If you have any questions relating to horse shows, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Lockard, Director of Competitions.

Nancy Harvey
President, Arabian Horse Association

March 13, 2020
USEF Announcement

AHA Members;

The USEF has just announced a recommendation that Federation approved events scheduled for between March 16 and April 16th, 2020 be suspended.

The email also indicates this will affect qualifications - please be advised the qualifications of which they speak are those for the FEI level shows, USEF owned shows and Horse of the Year points.

The AHA Executive Committee and Board of Directors are actively working to ensure that the impact of COVID19 to the Arabian horse show, Endurance riding and Competitive Trail communities is limited as much as possible. AHA intends to be flexible with shows, events and exhibitors to do what is best for all during this trying time. This is a truly unprecedented and fluid situation.

Nancy Harvey
President, Arabian Horse Association
USEF Statement
March 13, 2020

Dear USEF Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers),

The health, safety and well-being of our members and that of their horses is paramount to USEF. We are continuing to closely monitor communications on the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. Additionally, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days. For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event, or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period. This includes USEF National Championships.

If you choose to conduct a competition, you are expected to take immediate steps to limit exposure and create social distancing. Based on information and guidance, in particular, from the CDC, the USEF provides the following recommendations to organizers:

Limit out of state competitors (and for currently operating winter circuits limit new out of state competitors);

Restrict free access in stabling areas to only essential personnel (ie; riders, grooms, farriers, vets, officials);

Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer at in-gates, competition offices, vendors and convenient places throughout the competition grounds;

Ensure restroom facilities are regularly cleaned;

Operate without spectators;

Limit social gatherings to less than 250 people as recommended by the CDC; and

Ensure that food services are of the type that limit contamination, buffets are strongly discouraged.

We are providing these same recommendations to our members in addition to the recommendation that they do not compete for 30 days, but if they do, that they choose venues that are in close proximity (driving distance) to their residence. We have informed them that we are asking organizers to comply with these recommendations within the next few days.

Some organizers may choose to impose additional restrictions and safety measures in line with guidance from local public health authorities. Therefore, we are requiring organizers to post all relevant information to their website and provide it to the USEF Competitions Department.

We are counting on you to make responsible decisions based on the information available, the conditions in your geographic area and the recommendations from your local public health authorities. USEF will continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and will update our position as circumstances warrant.

Resources from the CDC, WHO, USOPC, and the FEI are available on the USEF website (click here). Links found on this webpage provide you with direct access to valuable information on each organization’s website which is updated regularly.

USEF licensed competitions scheduled to occur within the next 30 days, that are cancelled due to the COVID-19 Virus will be treated as force major. This means that the cancellation will not be counted as a cancellation under GR 305.2 and will be treated as having occurred. Additional modifications may be approved if needed.

For your convenience, if you have any questions that fall into the following areas, please contact the person listed using their email address.

Competitions
Lisa Owens
lowens@usef.org

Competitions
Katlynn Sacco
ksacco@usef.org

Licensed Officials
Alina Brazil
abrazzil@usef.org

FEI Sport
Will Connell
wconnell@usef.org

National Sport
Terri Dolan
tdolan@usef.org

Marketing & Comm
Vicki Lowell
vlowell@usef.org

Finance
David Harris
dharris@usef.org

Information Tech
Justin Provost
jprovost@usef.org

D&M Office
Dr. Stephen Schumacher
sschumacher@usef.org

General Counsel
Sonja Keating
skeating@usef.org

CEO
Bill Moroney
bmoroney@usef.org


Sincerely,


Murray S. Kessler
President

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer

Breaking News for the Equine Industry

The Arabian Horse Councils February Newsletter:

This issue contains updates on:

• Trails Legislation
• SAFE Act
• Hike the Hill
• Horse Industry Priorities - FY2020 Spending Bill
• Horseracing Integrity Act
• Navigable Waters Protection Rule
• Coronavirus
• State Legislation Outlook
• VA Adaptive Sports Grants
• AHC Annual Awards Nominations Open
• AHC National Issues Forum
• Equine Genetics Laboratory
• Time to Ride Applications Open
• United Horse Coalition & Equine Welfare Data Collective

Click here to view the Newsletter

The AHC News is provided to you as a benefit of your AHC membership. We hope you find the articles informative and useful.

While the AHC does grant permission for newsletter articles to be passed on, we hope you will encourage those you are sharing the articles and information with to join the AHC so they can stay informed and up-to-date!

Permission to pass on the AHC News articles to your members, readers, or others is granted on the condition that it is forwarded in its original form or directly linked with the AHC logo and a link to the AHC website.

Help Promote the Arabian Horse

The Local Level Involvement Task Force Mission is “To Bring people to the Arabian Horse Through Local Outreach.”  We are excited to bring you information about opportunities for Arabian horse owners, trainers and barns to participate in this year.  The first two programs are outlined below, and we have more programs in the pipeline!

CURRENT PROGRAMS:

June 16-21, 2020

Earl Warren Showgrounds
Santa Barbara, California

Click here to view the Region 2 Championship Show page

We are proud to announce that there will be Arabian horses in the Rose parade along with some Region 2 members as well as our President of AHA. There is also the opportunity to visit the Arabians on Dec 29 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank (LAEC) during Equifest - a great time to reach out, bring friends, family, and much more.

Get up close and personal with the 2020 Rose Parade equestrian units at Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo. Watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping. Attendees can also stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various tack and the many different breeds while enjoying the vendor court, displays, great music, food, and drinks.

Click here to visit the Equestfest web page.

We would love to put your National winners up on our site.
Click here to to send us your photos and results!

Katie Russell:

Posidon MTC
2019 U.S. National Top 10 H/A Western Pleasure Maturity AAOTR
Ridden by Katie Russell

 

 

Phat Kid
2019 U.S. National Top 10 H/A Hunter Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot
Ridden by Katie Russell

 

 

Region Two would like to congratulate Natalie Zavala

Natalie Zavala was just awarded the 2019 Region 2 AHA $2,000 Youth Scholarship.

Natalie has excelled both academically and within the Arabian Horse Youth Association. She was the Region 2 AHA Youth Director for four years and an active member of the R2 Hippology and Judging team for many years. She graduated with a 4.03 GPA from Westlake High School where she was on the Honor Roll and received numerous academic excellence awards.

Natalie will attend Cal State University Northridge in the fall.

Questions :Katierussell1239@yahoo.com

Click to view the Region 2 Youth Scholarship page

Aljassimya Farm 

 

 

MOMAYZ ALJASSIMYA   (class 1066)

by Equator ex RP Miss Surprise 

Gold Champion International Yearling Colt

 

 

MISSILA ALJASSIMYA  (class 1060)

by Valentinus TO ex RP Miss Surprise 

Bronze Champion International Yearling Filly

 

 

MISHA ALJASSIMYA  (class 1061)

by Om El Bellissimo ex RP Miss Surprise 

Class Winner International Two Year Old Fillies

 

MONYAT ALJASSIMYA  (class 1035)

by Monther Al Nasser ex RP Miss Surprise 

Gold Champion International Egyptian Heritage Mare

 

WANAS ALJASSIMYA   (class 1031)

by Al Ayal AA ex WN Johara Aljassimya

Silver Champion International Egyptian Heritage Filly

 

 

2nd place MONALISA ALJASSIMYA by Equator ex Minwah (class 1060)

3rd place ILHAM ALJASSIYA by Equator ex Jehan Aljassimya (class (1060)

3rd place QAMAR ALJASSIMYA by Equator ex Arwa Aljassimya (class 1061)

2nd place ADORA ALJASSIMYA by Al Ayal AA ex Arwa Aljassimya (class 1061)

2nd place MIZNAT ALJASSIMYA by Monther Al Nasser ex RP Miss Surprise (class 1062)

 

 

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Rancho Soñado Arabians

PICANTE JULLYEN V

(Jullyen El Jamaal x Precious V +)
2010 Bay Stallion

Scottsdale Top Ten Ranch Riding ATR
with Dick Walden

 

Scottsdale Top Ten Open Reining
with Gary Ferguson

 Click here to view his web page

 

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Debbie Cervenka

UNDERFIRE CCF +/
(VCP Magnifire x Lingoberry)

3rd in dressage 1st level ATR championship at Scottsdale show and top 10 in Sport Horse Under Saddle Championship ATR -3rd in the qualifier class.
We placed in 4th and 6th in Arabian Dressage 2nd level tests.

 

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Al Jood Stud

DESTINYED VALENTINO

(Da Valentino x Fabrices Destiny)

2009 Grey Purebred Stallion

1st place in his class of the 8yrs and over Stallions during the 2019 Scottsdale International Halter show.

Bronze Champion Senior Stallion during the 2019 Scottsdale International Halter show.

Shown by Mike Wilson of Wilson Training Center.

Owned by Al Jood Stud, Qatar. Member of the Santa Ynez Valley Club.

www.AlJoodStud.com

 

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Congratulations to Ann Marie Rossie!

Pictured are Region 2 Director Joyce Schroeder with Ann Marie Rossie, member/president of the San Fernando Valley Club receiving award from Nancy Harvey, AHA President

2018 Championship Endurance Ride

The 2018 Region 2 Championship Endurance ride was held in conjunction with the Bill Thornburgh Friends and Family endurance ride on October 20th. There were 13 cross entries into the championship 50 mile ride, 10 purebreds and 3 half Arabians. All but one completed the ride.

Champion purebred was SD Expressa ridden by Suzanne Ford Huff and reserve was Magnum Patriot CRF ridden by Kerrie Tuley.

In the Half Arabian division the champion was Forever Fibbin ridden by Terri Castellano and Shez Mostly Zipped ridden by Allan Horn was reserve.

Click here to read full story.

Congratulations to these Region 2 members.

We want to see all our Region 2 members who got a Top Ten or better added to this list.
Please send your information: horse's registered name, owner name, rider/handler name and photo(s) to our website administrator: mark@getpappy.com

Damianos Performance Horses

Dancing Nthe Moonlite

2018 U.S. National Top Ten Arabian Trail Junior Horse
2018 U.S. National Top Ten Arabian Trail Futurity

Owned by Tes Wolf of Ojai, California
Ridden by Michael Damianos

2019 March - AHA Board Of Directors Meeting

The photo was taken this past weekend, March 10th,  at the AHA Board of Directors meeting in Denver. The Regional Delegates always meet with the youth for lunch and we exchange ideas and get brought up to date as to the upcoming activities for youth at Youth Nationals, and more.  

Youth are also back in Denver for their Board meeting.  While there they always do an educational tour as well.

Pictured with Region 2 Director, Joyce Schroeder is Region 2 Youth Board President, Natalie Zavala.

Natalie is the Region 2 Youth President and is a Senior in High School this year and very active within the Region.  A super young lady!

Region 2 Youth Report - 2018

To the Region 2 Board of Directors,

The youth group had continued success in horse judging at US Nationals in Tulsa in 2018. The team won first place in performance judging and fifth high team in reasons this year. AHA ran their first annual hippology contest this year in Tulsa and our kids were able to take part in that along with the judging contest. The team won first in the horse judging section of the hippology contest. The team also won different individual honors. There was a large parade with the teams and their banners, so the girls were able to carry the Region 2 banner through the main ring between the finals classes on Saturday afternoon.

The horse judging team traveled twice to Arizona for judging practices. We also had a small judging contest at the Region 2 barbecue in Somis.
We plan to conduct another youth run horse show as a fundraiser this year. The fun show in 2018 earned approximately $1500. The show was completely managed and run by the youth including hiring the judge and purchasing ribbons. The youth took on the roles of show manager, announcer, show secretary, gate keeper, and more! It was a fantastic opportunity to earn money for their Region 2 activities and learn what goes into having a successful show. This may be the only youth group to have done this type of fundraiser and have a youth run show. We are proud of their efforts in this.

This year we would also like to have t-shirts made so the Region 2 youth can promote themselves and wear them to shows and clinics and to the judging and hippology events.

Our Region 2 Youth Board for 2019 will be:

President- Natalie Zavala
Vice President- Jacki Thacker
Secretary- Kate Day
Treasurer- Emily Holden

We look forward to expanding and growing the youth programming with the support and encouragement of the directors from Region 2.

With appreciation,
Meaghan Shaffer

Region 2 Youth Judging Team at the 2017 U.S. Nationals!

Youth News: January 2017

Fifteen of the Region 2 youth had a wonderful field trip to Santa Ynez on Jan 7. We enjoyed an incredible two-hour tour at Alamo Pintado, a visit to Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch, and then to see the Miniature Spotted Donkeys. We finally headed over to Om El Arabian for a viewing of the film, Finding Fortune.

We dined at the taco truck, visited the beautiful horses, and sat on hay bales in the hub of the barn to watch the movie. A thunder and lightning event added to the evening’s excitement. It was a fantastic day and the kids really learned a lot.

The Region 2 youth group has been actively planning for 2017 events. We are working to expand the youth judging teams this year and send a second team to Tulsa. There are many trainings planned to ensure preparedness for these events. The first judging contest will be in April at Cal Poly Pomona alongside 4-H and FFA students. A second judging contest will be held in the summer. These will be the qualifiers for the final 7 youth to attend Tulsa. Anyone in the Region 2 area are welcome to attend and compete at these events and may also go to the free trainings.

Two hippology contests will take place this year as well. These are open to any youth who wish to participate. The first contest will be held in Santa Barbara at the Spring qualifier show in May and the second contest will take place at the Region 2 Championship show in June. We’re looking forward to growing the participation and have wonderful prizes and several age categories.

This is a great program for the youth who love to study, learn and read about horses. They don’t need to own horses to participate. Kids interested in these contests should contact Meaghan for more details.

In order to help fund the activities, the youth will be working at the shows, assisting with ribbons and gates. The youth will also be running carnival games for the youngsters at the Region 2 Championship show along with holding a large silent auction on the weekend, and holding stick horse races.

Please consider donating items for the silent auction and participating in the games, to help the kids earn their way to Tulsa!

Finally, the youth are developing their own Board of Directors! We are pleased to have Natalie Zavala in her second term of Youth Director, Danielle Garcia as Vice Director, Emily Holden as Secretary, Sophia Hoxworth as Treasurer, and Kate Day as Historian.

We look forward to mentoring these ambitious teens.
We are looking forward to a fun filled year!

Submitted by:
Meaghan Shaffer
Region 2 Youth Director
meaghan8380@gmail.com