General RC Info

For news and answers to your questions about the Arabian Horse Association, visit arabianhorses.org

This page is authored by our newsletter editor, Barb DuBois and comes directly from our monthly print newsletter

Stuff "stuff' first...have to get one last apology in from last month!!!! There were 12 hardy people at the June dinner meeting, not 8!! I forgot that Janice (club treasurer) and her daughter along with Kathy (Prez) and Cindy Bevier were there nothing like forgetting 2 of our officers plus an important member and a guest! 'Nuff said.

August Dinner Meeting...this month we will be having Dr. Dawn Fletcher from Medicine Hat Equine. She is a IVCA-Certified Equine Chiropractor and she also does saddle fitting which is a very important part of keeping a horse happy and pain-free from ill-fitting equipment. She services areas going from Riverside to El Cajon, Temecula to Laguna, Yucaipa-Banning - everyplace in between and then some!!! Our local trainers use her to their best advantage also (Katherine Rich for one.) Time is 6:45 at the Sizzler in Temecula.. Cost is only $12 and raffle tickets $1 ea or 6/$5.

Delegate Results...the convention in Florida for 2010 will be attended by all 4 people that ran. The 3 voted-in delegates were David Garrett, Barb DuBois and Kimberly VerHage with Kathy Callahan-Smith as the alternate. Because David - is on an executive committee at convention he can't vote as a club delegate, so Kathy will re-place him at convention. When the packets are released later we will know more about what the resolutions will be. This info should be in the October newsletter for you to review in time for a discussion at that meeting. Tune in....

BOD News...be sure to read the enclosed board minutes from the July meeting as they are chuck full of information...one thing to note is that our membership is down, but that's prevalent through-out our region and other areas. Membership as a whole in AHA is down...we went from 4 delegates to 3 because we couldn't get to 151 total adult members this year! But this is a goal for the club as a whole to work on to make our club better and member-oriented so new and renewals want to join! Next year I bet that the annual trail ride will be on the agenda again and it will be geared for a great ride and lots of fun. (hint?)

Nominating Committee News...the committee met on July 27^th and started going through the list of eligible members....culled that down from outof-state and totally way out of area. After that we started thinking about who could-would-might run for positions available. Since no one came forth from the June/July issue to volunteer we had to go into our "operational" mode, BUT if any of you would like to be considered please call either Beckey (951-763-1534), Brigitte Garret (760-802-6026) or Barb (951-767-7601) and come forth!! If no one answers leave a message and we'll get right back to you. We have contacted some folks and are awaiting their responses. All names will be in September's newsletter as voting will be at the September meeting. Stayed tuned.

Youth News...Denise Nelson-Finster (pretty soon I'm gonna drop the Nelson and just use N-F, it'll cut down on typing time and errors and you all know who she is anyway!) is doing some great work with the Youth Group. They are working hard to get ready for the "Night of the Arabian Horse" debut at the September horse show with their drill team. Their next meeting will be August 14^th 10AM at Green Acres Ranch in Temecula. The Youth also welcomes new member Samuel Weber from Eq-Wine Acres... he "rode" in this month. Happy to have you....

September Horse Show News...the horse show is coming along and should be as good if not better than last year! The anticipation is that with the "Night of the Arabian Horse" is in its second year and that we will have even more local attendance because the comments were so positive from last year's event, and promotion will be even better! Anyone wanting to volunteer to do a job at either event (NOTAH Saturday evening or the horse show (Sunday) should contact either David (show manager) Garrett (760-802-6027 or Janice (NOTAH) Tavener (NOTAH) 951-837-1711. For help with ribbons and gates call Joan Darrin or Marsha Bustine (951-676-7428). A few hours of help goes a long way to making everyone's job easier, and you get the appreciation of your club and show committee as well. Sponsorships should be mailed to the club PO box along with a check copy of the sponsorship sheet enclosed. Please support your club by sponsoring a class.

July Club BBQ...it was wonderful to see Clint and Pat Emmerson at the annual BBQ this year. Watching Clint and Chuck Brooker talking brought back some good memories of days gone by. You know that Clint was our "club founding father" way back in 1975. There was a fair turnout but it could have been better....62-65 ate well and the silent auction was great. Don't have all the info on who went home with what but will report next month.

It was another "vintage Raymond Mazzel" night! The May dinner meeting group was so enjoying all of the content of Raymond's program. He really gave us a deep insight into the reason so many people have a misconception of the "Polish" breed as to what a lot of people think it means. If you were listening and understanding the direction it really did make one think about it! To me it was like going to a college class where the professor was really into the subject and wanted his class to have a deeper understanding of the subject by keeping it on an understandable level! Hope you all understood that last sentence! I might have gotten carried away! Raffles were won by Cathy Bean, Geri Gnuse, Marcie de la Torre, Marsha Bustin, a guest of Denise NelsonFinsher (I'm sorry, but missed her name!), Jim Gnuse, Sandy Flammer, Joan Darrin, Jenny Morgan, Susan Mekeel (I think Stacie Lyons gave it to her mom`?), Arianna Farha and DeniseN-F also won one on her own... ,We had lots of raffles, and some won twice.

June Dinner Meeting will the last dinner meeting until August and we have another great program for you. Greg Bruce will be giving us his expertise on equine dentistry. He has a ''dog'n pony" show (that's with actual stuff to see what he's talking about) so we can relate to how things are done. Remember that this is the last dinner meeting until August, so come on out and enjoy a good dinner, good friends, and a good program (and good raffles!) for only $12!!!

Arabian Endurance News...we are fortunate to have Beckey Downing on our board now and she is involved in the endurance, ride and tie, and other neat uses for the Arabian horse when you don't ''do" the show circuit. Following is from Beckey on an upcoming ride on June 12 … "Anyone who wants to see Arabians do what they do best needs to come to Descanso on June12. The San Diego Endurance Riders are hosting a ride that includes a 15 mile fun ride, a 25 mile long distance ride, a 50 mile endurance ride and a ride and tie. Our club is going to have a booth there so please help us out and spend some time answering questions and signing up new members. You can even arrive Friday night and camp out. There is an awards dinner on Saturday night and I have 2 tickets for the dinner. The first 2 people to volunteer to help can have them. For information on the ride or helping in the booth call Beckey Downing (951-440-4901).".„ As an addition to that there is a Volunteer Sign-up Sheet included in this newsletter for that ride if you want to volunteer to help "staff' it. RCAHA is going to support more of this in the future as it really is a way for family's to have some fun with camp-outs with their Arabians.

Youth News is next for you...The youth are really working hard and getting the Drill Team working together so they can perform at our September Fall show. All is going well and they are excited to have their youth part of the club actively doing things again.

Delegate Letters Due...don't forget to get your "I would like to be considered" letter in to Kathy (use club PO Box or email to her) by June 7"'. Please put your reason why you would like to run for a delegate spot. Voting will be at the June 22nd dinner meeting — (side note...this info was in May newsletter.) If you have questions about what this involves call a current delegate for more info: Kathy Callahan-Smith 951-302-9983, Barb DuBois 951-767-7601, David Garret 760-802- 2067 or Kimberely VerHage 951-966-9991.

The Mom's were good... the food was good and the rain was nil (almost)! The April dinner meeting was very casual and everyone enjoyed the presentation put on by the Mom's on show info on what mom's would need to have for their kids. "Horror' (fun) stories of experiences, things that were valuable to have for showing support, some serious questions about clothing etc. All-in-all it was a very fun program and evening. Kudos to mom's Carolyn Hill, Ann Wright, Brigitte Garrett, Joyce Jeffredo, and Andee Browning. Raffles were won by Michael Jeffredo, Brigitte Garrett, Janice and Alan Tavener, Margaret Rich, Bob and Susan Balmes, Anne York, Marsha Bustin, Beckey Downing, Ann Wright and Joan Darrin!! As an added highlight to the evening Marsha Bustin was presented with the first "Volunteer Award" that Kathy Callahan-Smith promised for volunteers that turned in their hours given to the club on any activity for 2009. The prize is a paid membership to RCAHA along with the dinner for that evening. So keep track of your hours for 2010 and see how you fare! See Kathy for any forms, etc.

The program for May is that Polish delight Raymond Mazzei... he is probably the most well-informed, knowledgeable person, other than the horse itself, on purebred polish horses and their breedings with other Arabians and other breeds. 1 can remember Lane DeLatin, Len Lyons, a young upstart named David Garrett, and Raymond showing horses at the old Pomona-Fairplex Carnation Arena about 25-30 years ago! Time has served them well however!! So come out and enjoy another dinner and program. .

Board News...welcome to Beckey Downing our new board Director! She is replacing Margaret's position who is now VP. That leaves one more spot to be filled by board action. Also, letters of intent to run for a delegate position were to have been in by May BOD meeting, but no announcement was made in the newsletter (oops) last month, so they must be in by June 1 to Kathy C-S with voting at the June dinner meeting.. If anyone would like to run for the 2011 Board you might start thinking along those lines and let Kathy know also More on this next month. Night of the Arabian Horse (NOTAH) was discussed and Janice and Alan Tavener will be the key folks for this with, I hope, some good help. It appears that it will be like last year, on Saturday night (9/18) before the horse show (on Sunday). Last year was good but plans are to make it greater in 2010!

Youth News...the Youth Club Drill Team had a great practice on April 17^th - this was their second go around and they are now using music in their practices. Twelve riders were having a great time (4 are potential members) and the kids are so happy that Denise is their "leader" - they say her "flexibility and good nature" really helps them to enjoy being in the Youth Club now. They are also working on the pink motif for saddle pads, mane ribbons, leg wraps etc. Next issue will have more' pictures of them on their trusty steeds working! They also want to thank Green Acres Ranch for the use of their two work arenas down below.

Region I News...the next meeting is scheduled for July 10^th, no location yet. The Directory is still scheduled for July on the web site of all regional clubs. Don't forget that the Region One Championship Horse Show has pre-show classes once more for 2010. The show dates are the 2-6^th at Del Mar Fairgrounds. I reviewed my notes and there wasn't much else from committees to report on either. Mine on Membership was that some clubs still don't like the anniversary date for membership, but we have one more year to go before I jump into that can of worms again. The rumor is that USEF would like to see AHA closer to their date, which can be helpful but that's only a rumor!

Last month's dinner meeting made it between the rainy weather nights and had a very nice turnout to hear Lou Roper give another one of his famous "patented" fun and informative programs. We learned 3 good guidelines from Lou in looking for the good trail horse - different sizes (medium is best), sound with athleticism, and intelligent (but not too smart or hot). And the 5 things that are very important in working a trail horse are speed control, neck rein, leg control, energy level, obstacle training and practice, practice, practice! Everyone had a good time. Raffles were won by Janice Tavener, Cathy Bast (good to see her out too - (illness in her family prevents her from going out too much but our thoughts are with her) - Geri Gnuse (Jim missed out this time!!!) and Barb D. There will be more raffles for the April meeting as it is now on the supply schedule.

Stolen Horse...got an email from Bree Justice whose horse was stolen in Huntington Beach in April. She is a paint, bright blue eyes, almost all white with sports of brown on her face. She is on meds. If you have any info call the Huntington Police at 714-375-5066 or please email Bree at ochsiustice@yahoo.com.

Jack Russell Rescue...Beckey Downing emails that the Jack Russell Rescue if in dire need of foster families. Without foster' these dogs are left in shelters to die. Most expenses are reimbursed. Please help. www.russellrescue.com . Or you can call Becky at 951-763-1534.

March Horse Show...The show was a success!!! All the expenses are being tallied and with the amount of horses (221 - up from last year) it will be another successful project for the club. The cooperation between the AHASJV and RCAHA made it a well functioning staffed show group! Congratulations to the show manager Margaret Rich and her staff for another great job. Names and photos next month....

Youth News...the Youth Club has gotten "off the ground" for 2010. They have chosen a color that will designate them in their Drill Team and it is Hot Pink!!!! I bet that the geldings (or stallions if any) love that color!!! Probably about as much as my geldings getting into my old pink horse trailer - zilch! But it will definitely be a bright happy color to follow in their formations....see the Youth News page.

Region 1 News...the next meeting is scheduled for July 10th, no location yet. I will go over my notes on committee reports for next month But for May the AHA show fee-per-horse goes from $1 to $3. Also the Directory is scheduled for a July on the web site of all regional clubs.

In Memorial

Dr. Frank Maruyama passed away on
February 14th, 2010 at his home in Nuevo.
While he was able, he attended club functions
with his wife of many years, Julia, and we offer
our heartfelt condolences on her loss.

We all had a good time at the February dinner meeting and thoroughly enjoyed Eric Gardner's program on animal rescue. Unfortunately it was too difficult to get the right spots on the DVD so Eric did a masterful job of using it where he could and kept everyone's attention....everyone was OK to actually see the uncut version but that would have run 45 minutes!!!! There were lots of questions which was very informative with his answers. I have to talk to him about helping the region set up contacts etc so all of our clubs will have current "check" points in case of an emergency I mentioned this at the regional meeting this past month and they are eager to get with him. Oh, Raffles were won by Bridgette White (back from cold New England), Joan Darrin, Anne York, Marsha Bustin, Beckey Downing, Jenny Morgan, Cyndee O'Brien, Cindy Bevier, and myself. Attendance was up and it wasn't rainy!!!! This month we will have Lou Roper as the program and he is going to talk about the 5 top training tips for a trail horse, and probably others as they come up....should be a fun night. Don't forget, time is 6:45 and we're out of there around 9 pm.

March Horse Show...everything is on schedule and any one who wants to volunteer to help out for a few hours call Margaret Rich (951-302-6045) and let them know you want to volunteer. You are always welcome....also, if you can't, just send in the attached sponsorship form and sponsor a class. Sponsorships are always welcome even up to show day... entries and sponsorships are the backbone of a good horse show along with the volunteer staff!!!!

Youth News... unfortunately it rained on the day that the youth were going to meet and create an RCAHA youth Drill Team from it's membership. The new date is for March 13 at Green Acres and it looks like the weather will be great. There will be a meeting prior to the exercise in setting up the team with Denise, your Youth Advisor, leading the way. She is encouraged as participation is coming back to the youth club slowly but surely, which is due to her commitment to them in 2010.

Board News...a short meeting was held and there wasn't too much to report other than tying up the loose ends of on-going projects and looking into future things to do. More next month. The potential that a board position might be open and if you are interested contact Kathy Callahan-Smith, President, and let her know. Janice gave the treasurer's report and it was accepted. A letter will be going out to 2008-9 business card advertisers to see if they want to renew for 2010.

Congratulations to...Chuck and Barbara Brooker on their 50^th wedding anniversary. They were married on Feb. 6, 1960 and have lots of memories during those 50 years. Since they both are "retired" it seems like all I hear from Chuck is about their cruises they keep taking!!!!! Also, it reminded me that shortly (July 27, 2010) another anniversary will be coming up....Clint and Pat Emmerson will have been married for 69 years come that day!!!! And they are still happy!!!! It doesn't seem possible that Clint is 90 but he gets such good care from Pat that he looks and sounds much younger! Kudos to all of you for showing us life can be very rewarding.

The wet, rainy, mud-soaked dirt roads left some of us not able to attend the January dinner meeting, but for those who made it heard a great program by Bill Melendez. His power point presentation was very explanatory on the scoring system and even Glen Chevallier had to admit it made sense (more of less that is!). Hopefully February will give us some better weather. Our program for the February 16th dinner meeting will be Eric Gardner who has spent years with animal rescue in Los Angeles. He was on Animal Planet talking about some of the various animal rescues and will have part of that DVD in his program. I saw about 4 minutes of it and was glued to the lap-top screen! (hot water solved that problem so the lap-top was saved....oooh, sorry) it was gripping to see the different rescues and what he had to go through (particular the draft horse!), so mark your calendar and we'll see you at 6:45 pm.

March Horse Show...everything seems to be in place so far according to show manager Margaret Rich. She says that anyone that wants to volunteer to work at the show should step forward and give her a call (951-302-6045) and get on the list. Runners, awards, gate handlers, etc are all very important spots and it's better to have a good list to draw from than no volunteers at all. Be sure to read the sponsorship form attached in this issue as it has 2 new "package" promotions along with our standard one show only class sponsorships and program advertising. One package will take care of both of our annual club shows for 2010 and might fit the bill for you! Keep us from going back to you in August for the September show!!!!

AHA News...l received an email regarding some actions taken by the AHA Board of Directors at their last January meeting. Approved was $2 per horse service fee increase making the total now $3. Also passed was a $5 - $10 increase to various award programs fees. The Board recommended a $10 fee increases to Half-Arabian/ Anglo Arabian and purebred Arabian transfers of recorded ownership. These fees have to be approved by AHA Registration Commission which is expected to meet within 14 days. If it passes then the fees will take place on April 1, 2010, along with the other fee increases. The Board asked those of us on the AHA membership committee to give our opinion of some changes that have been brought up regarding membership. One involves charging $10 for the Modern Arabian Horse magazine, applying only to those renewing and new members. It also said that anyone renewing or joining prior to April 1 would receive the magazine free, but after April 1 there would be a char^ge for renewals and new members. That has posed the question of whether those renewing (or new) prior to April 1 would have to pay that $10 after April 1 ....the way it was worded in the email was very ambiguous, so I am waiting for a resolution as I type this issue!

Well, here is another new year us here and we sure did have the good weather for all of the "out of towners" who came to see "The Football Games" and Rose Parade in Pasadena. It was a thrill to see Entry #19 pop into view and watch Nancy Harvey and group waving to the crowd! I figured she must have really celebrated the New Year "in' as she couldn't drive her horse and cart in a straight line...(I know, that wasn't the reason... she was playing to the crowd). But we were all excited to see them all and Ted Lange looked so official walking as the "outwalker for Nancy and her carriage horse "Poo". Great job you guys.

2010 Club Dinner Meetings...once again we will be at the Sizzler at 27717 Jefferson (between Winchester Road and Rancho California Road. Please note that attendees should be there at 6:45 pm instead of 7:00 pm. That will give us a little more time to get dinner and eat before the program and also will assure us of getting out and on the way home at a reasonable hour. The program for January will be Bill Melendez, a well respected judge and trainer and his program is on "the scoring system for halter showing (particularly at the U.S. Nationals. Bill has moved to this area and we should welcome him as a great additional to the So. Calif. Horse Arena! The price of dinner is also new... $12 even includes dinner, tip and tax for you... choice of 3 entrees as usual and I bet that Cyndee O'Brien can hardly wait to hit the Salad Bar and chicken wings....) didn't forget! Raffles will also be offered.

Region 1 News...for the club delegates there will be a meeting on Feb 27^th. Also, a request has been sent out by the Region's Newsletter Editor that if you want to put anything in the next issue email input by January 20^{h to Carol at, carol@tamanlaw.com (phone 909-624-571) or Malissa at malissa@tamanlaw.com phone 909-244-0299. Not sure of where the meeting will be held but everyone should have their newsletter by plenty of time and I'll put it in Feb's issue here also.

March Horse Show...Margaret Rich gave a report and everything is moving along very well and on schedule for the March 26-28 club show at LAEC. She didn't have the final P & L figures at her hand but she said that the 2009 show was a success financially for us. We will again be having the premium posted on our web site and also on the show secretary's show site, which should be about January 18^th. Anyone who wants to volunteer to work "that show should probably get in touch with Margaret soon. People are always needed so don't be bashful!!!

BOD Miscellany... at the Board of Director's meeting January 5th Kathy reported that the program sponsored by horse.com is no longer valid. Guess it didn't work out as well as they hoped so the club doesn't get any remittance to us if you buy from them. We are also doing a regular class sponsorship for the Sport Horse West Coast championships. David Garrett gave a report that the 2009 one-day horse show made between $2500-$2600, and, as a result, it was voted to keep the same format for the 2010 show at Casner Ranch since it was so successful. That date has been set for September 19^th, 2010. In a meeting scheduled in the near future it will be determined as to when the Night Of The Arabian Horse (NOTAH) spectacular will be held. It could be on the 18^th, the night before the regular show, or possibly a different day....that will be discussed. The one being planned for 2010 should be an even bigger success than 2009 as 2009 was a different format from the preceding year and the public really liked the change.

Youth lnfo...The Youth Club wasn't very responsive in coming to the January meeting that Denise (new advisor) had advertised, which was a big disappointment to Denise, but she is going to forge ahead and try to let the youth know that they will be foremost in her endeavors to make them once again a viable and fun activity youth portion of RCAHA. She will be planning some activities that are bound to get you all involved and happy to spend some time with each other... like a Play Day with your horses, grooming clinic, or braiding clinic... stuff you can get in to. Give it a try and come to the next meeting. She will contact all of the youth shortly.

Trail Ride in Texas...last month I said that I didn't have room to put a trail ride email from one of our members, Cheryl Norman, who lives in Texas now, so here it is. I thought that is was really kind of nice to have something like this to do on a Sunday...

"..... On Sunday morning I go riding (horses of course) with some friends. We ride on 1000-acre ranches and bigger. Last Sunday there were two Quarter horse stallions, two Morgans, one pony and three of my horses. On this ranch there were a lot of streams to cross and big green pastures to canter in. The Morgans and Quarter horses had a hard time with the water. People were quite impressed with the hot, dumb Arabians (who crossed with no problem!). It was a great time. Next Sunday we have been invited to ride on a very famous 6000 acre ranch. It has on it many historical sites I have been told. I am going to take a camera this time and try to get some pictures. Even on the rides here there is probably a 20 foot shoulder on both sides of the road. These rides started out with just two of us riding, now there can be as many as 20, mostly Quarter horses. Some of the ranches raise exotic deer and buffalo. Last week a Zebra went running from us and in to the fence full speed. Got up, looked around as if to say who did that' then ran off. Hunting season is here so we are limited as to ranches that we are able to ride on. Hunters pay a lot of money to hunt. All though it is truly not hunting. Deer feed all year long and there are blinds that the great white hunters shoot from when the deer come to eat. But the up side is they do eat the meat. Many people eat mostly deer. Well, this letter was just to make my horsey friends envious and let my family know what I was up to. Cheryl"

This was too good not to pass on to the rest of you.... particularly about the hot, dumb Arabians that would cross water and where they get to ride. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If anyone else wants to send in something that they enjoy doing with their horses please do so... l will correct spelling (when I don't foul it up myself!) etc so don't worry, I'm the one who gets the flack because I tippy-type the newsletter!

Lastly...there are two items that are hard to write about. One is human and the other is equine. Our club lost a person who was a member for many years before finding it difficult to attend our meetings. She lived in Norco and often came down with Jim and Ruth McVeigh when they came. Mary Lewis succumbed to cancer on December 30, 2009 at home. Mary called me just before convention and she told me that things were pretty bad but that she was ready regardless of what happened, that she was tired of being sick. She spoke of her love for her grandkids and of the times she shared with all of her family and her horses. I will always remember joking with her and getting straight information with no prejudice on hot-button issues in AHA and the direction of the club! She will be missed by us and our condolences to her family.

Next sad thing was the shooting of two mares at Varian Arabians on the night of December 30^th!!!! Sheila wrote in her ranch Newsletter they found two of her Aristocrat mares (Sweet Sanadika V and Mosquerade V) early the next morning. Unfortunately Sweet Sanadika V had to be euthanized and the other is healing at the local veterinary clinic. She wrote there are no words to express the shock and dismay of such a tragedy. A reward fund has been set up to assist in apprehending whoever was responsible and if you like you may send any contributions to either:

Or Arabian Mare Reward Fund c/o American Principal Bank 4051 Broad Street, Suite 140 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-547-2800