Who's Who!
Vita Flex Nutrition Holds Autograph Signing with Victory Team Member Jan Byyny at Rolex
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| Rolex veteran and Vita Flex Victory Team Member Jan Byyny and Vita Flex Brand Manager Tanner Clark at the 2013 Rolex Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of Vita Flex) |
Vita Flex Victory Team member Jan Byyny returned to the prestigious Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event with mounts Syd Kent and Inmidair. Byyny also took a few moments out of her busy schedule to visit fans and sign autographs on Friday, April 26, just before her dressage test on Syd Kent. Vita Flex Nutrition hosted the autograph session at Bit of Britian and was honored to have one of their Victory Team members competed at this iconic equestrian event.
Fans flocked to Bit of Britian for the chance to meet Byyny, who was joined by Vita Flex’s Brand Manager Tanner Clark. “The pinnacle of eventing in this country is Rolex Kentucky,” stated Clark. “Just getting ready for Kentucky in the spring is one of the most exciting goals you can have as an event rider at the top level. Vita Flex is thrilled to be supporting Jan as she and her horses compete at the top level of this sport.”
May 24, 2013, 20:16
Who's Who!
AVILA AWARDED PHIL GRAMM DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
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| Felipe Avila (center), PhD candidate in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences is awarded with a 2013 Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship. He received his award from Associate Provost for Graduate Studies, Dr. Karen Butler-Purry (left) and Provost, Dr. Karan Watson (right). |
Felipe Avila, a Ph.D. candidate in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), won the prestigious 2013 U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship. This award, which includes a $5000 scholarship, is given to recognize students’ exemplary contributions in research, teaching, and mentoring in their doctoral programs.
“Felipe is a tremendous role model for not only our undergraduate students, but also our graduate students. Through his mentorship and teaching, he has touched many lives, and has demonstrated the success that comes with hard work and dedication. We are very proud of Felipe and extend him our sincere congratulations,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine.
Originally, Avila came to study horses, but when the opportunity arose to focus on alpacas, he took it. Alpacas, a type of camelid originally from South America, are prized in the United States primarily for their fiber. Working in the Laboratory of Animal Molecular Cytogenetics and Genomics, under the supervision of Dr. Terje Raudsepp, Avila’s research focuses on chromosome structure and evolution in camelids, particularly the alpaca, as well as chromosomal abnormalities that affect the health of different camelid species. His Ph.D. research project involves generating a whole genome map for the alpaca. With this study, Avila aims to integrate genome sequence data with physical chromosome information to obtain the location of various genetic markers, such as those for disease resistance, congenital disorders, reproduction, fiber color, and texture. His goal is to lay the foundation for research on genetic contributions to traits of economic and biological importance in different camelid species.
May 22, 2013, 02:25
Who's Who!
APHA Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Neel Dies
Longtime APHA member and Hall of Fame inductee Bill Neel of North Bend, Oregon—formerly of Central Point, Oregon, and Davis, California—died May 5 in Coos Bay, Oregon. He was 85.
Born in 1927, Bill was raised on a cattle ranch near Bisbee, Arizona. Following his service in World War II in the Pacific Theater, he moved to the West Coast and settled in Davis. There, he ran the experimental feedlot at the University of California–Davis.
May 12, 2013, 10:44
Who's Who!
AQHA Past President Honored
College Station - Spring graduation ceremonies at Texas A&M University kicks off Thursday when the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences awards 129 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees.
May 12, 2013, 10:42
Who's Who!
Wellness is its Own Reward for Legacy Farm's Melissa Taylor and The Wellington Wellness Institute
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| Juan Gonzalez (left) and Dr. Jennine Cabanellas (right) present Melissa Taylor of Legacy Farms with the Wellington Wellness Institute’s Rider Wellness Award during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival 5* CDI. |
The Wellington 5* CDI, presented April 4-7 at Global Dressage Festival showgrounds at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, is one of the most intensely competitive weeks of Florida's Adequan Global Dressage Festival, testing horses and riders to dig deep to find the champion within. The Wellington Wellness Institute 'Rider Wellness Award' recognizes the importance of fitness from the inside and out, and saw a five-star role model in Melissa Taylor of Legacy Farms.
“If we consider our horses have to be athletes, then we have to be athletes, too,” said Taylor, who has been in Florida with partner Danish Olympian Lars Petersen while he campaigns Mariett. “Honestly, riding eight to ten horses a day keeps me fit.”
As for her horses in tiptop shape: “None are kept in stalls all day. Everyone is out two to three times a day, and our top show horses are out three times. Once ridden, twice for hand-walks, lungeing, treadmill, or whatever is needed. My one horse, Chico, is coming up to Grand Prix, and I have three five year-olds that are really top quality, especially one who shows the talent for Grand Prix.”
May 10, 2013, 01:04
Who's Who!
Three Elected to AHC Board
The American Horse Council has elected John Long, Scott Wells and Don Treadway to the Board of Trustees.
“This is a great class. The AHC is pleased to have John Long, Scott Wells and Don Treadway join its board,” said AHC president, Jay Hickey. “The experience they have from a lifelong involvement and dedication to the various segments of the horse industry is outstanding. Our members are pleased to have them working in yet another capacity to keep our industry strong.”
May 7, 2013, 08:08
Who's Who!
PRCA pickup man Hopping dies of apparent heart attack
PRCA pickup man Coke Hopping suffered an apparent heart attack while working in the arena at the Helotes (Texas) Festival Association Rodeo on May 2 and died later that evening at a San Antonio hospital. He was 55.
May 7, 2013, 07:54
Who's Who!
Richmond, a top hand for six decades, dies at 93
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – George Richmond, an inductee in the Montana ProRodeo Hall and Wall of Fame and a former Columbia River Circuit steer roping champion who competed in PRCA rodeos well into his 80s, died May 2 at his home in Hayden Lake, Idaho. He was 93.
May 7, 2013, 07:52
Who's Who!
NRCHA Welcomes New Sponsor - JW Brooks Custom Hats
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| Custom hat maker JW Brooks and his wife, Jody |
Reined cow horse competitors know that a hat should make a statement. That's why JW Brooks Custom Hat Company is a perfect fit as one of the newest members of the National Reined Cow Horse Association sponsor family.
JW Brooks Custom Hats, based in Cave Creek, Arizona, build only 30x and 100x custom hats with a focus on fit, style and detail. As the custom hat maker for leading professionals including Al Dunning, Richard Winters and Sarah Winters, JW Brooks' creations are unsurpassed.
JW and his wife, Jody, share a passion for reined cow horses and the western lifestyle. Their unique custom hats provide an exceptional fit and fashion statement. Whether you're subtle or edgy, JW Custom Hats can create something one-of-a-kind, just for you.
Visit the JW Custom Hats booth here at the NRCHA Stakes in Las Vegas and find out why they are America's finest custom hat maker! Find the on the web at www.JWBrooksCustomHats.com.
Apr 18, 2013, 14:06
Who's Who!
$10,000 AWARD: Patrick Smithwick wins Seventh Annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award
Writer, teacher, photographer and lifelong horseman Patrick Smithwick has been awarded the seventh annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, for his 2012 autobiographical work Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing. The work is a follow-up to the author’s 2006 volume Racing My Father: Growing Up with a Riding Legend, itself a finalist for the inaugural Book Award in 2006. A $10,000 winner’s check and a custom-designed Irish crystal trophy were presented to Smithwick on April 10 during an evening reception at Castleton Lyons farm in Lexington, Kentucky.
In Flying Change, the author—a son and nephew of Racing Hall of Fame horsemen and a rider possessed of his own bonafide credentials—relates the story of his return to steeplechase competition in his late 40s, a quarter-century removed from his previous racing career. With humor, elegance, and charming introspection he recalls the difficult road back from complacent middle-age to athletic fitness … the doubts, the joys, and setbacks along the way in his quest to compete and to defy the passage of time.”
Smithwick’s beautifully written book impressed all three judges, who remarked on the loving detail included therein, and the honesty—sometimes brutal—with which the story was told.
Apr 16, 2013, 18:51
Who's Who!
In Memoriam: Alberto Valdés Ramos (MEX), 1919-2013
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| Alberto Valdés Ramos, Olympic team gold medallist at the London 1948 Games, has died at the age of 93. |
Alberto Valdés Ramos, Olympic team gold medallist at the London 1948 Games, has died at the age of 93.
He was the oldest surviving member of Mexico’s 1948 Jumping “dream team”. His fellow team mates were Humberto Mariles, who also won individual gold - a feat unequalled by any other Mexican sportsman at the time – and Ruben Uriza, who added individual silver to the team gold.
The day the trio claimed team gold was unforgettable for Mexican sports, and especially for Valdés who received news by telegram that his daughter had been born just before he competed in the Empire Stadium, now known as Wembley Stadium.
Equestrianism became a way of life for Valdés at the age of 10, after he moved to Paris with his father who had been appointed military attaché to the Mexican Embassy.
Apr 16, 2013, 18:37
Who's Who!
Bobby Cyrus Partners With The National Walking Horse Association
BGC Records/GMV Nashville Records artist Bobby Cyrus has become the official spokesperson of the National Walking Horse Association.
The singer will team up with the association, performing at select events across the country as part of his 2013 “NWHA Tour” and expressing his support for the associations cause. An official ceremony announcing the partnership was held Jan. 25, 2013.
"I am very honored to have the opportunity to represent an organization so passionate about preserving the health, welfare and natural abilities of one of the most magnificent horses ever bred, The Tennessee Walker," said Bobby Cyrus.
Founded in 1998, The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA), located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, is a group of dedicated horse owners and enthusiasts committed to preserving and promoting the naturally-gaited walking horse and its welfare.
Cyrus is scheduled to appear at a series of public NWHA events in the coming months, meeting fans, signing merchandise and advocating his passion for walking horses.
Mar 26, 2013, 12:25
Who's Who!
PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERS CUP HONORS EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER DIANA DE ROSA
Professional photographer Diana De Rosa was presented with the 6th Annual Photography Masters Cup Nominee title in the category of Sport at a prestigious Nomination & Winners Photoshow. The live online ceremony webcast was attended by photography fans in 86 countries who logged on to see the climax of the industry's most important event for color photography.
The awards international Jury included captains of the industry from Phillips de Pury & Company in New York; Kunst Licht Gallery, Shanghai; XPO Gallery, Paris; Tasveer Galleries, India; BFN, Netherlands; to BBH in London who honored Color Masters with 239 coveted title awards in 18 categories.
"It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 8,521 entries we received this year," said Basil O'Brien, the awards Creative Director. "Diana De Rosa’s photo ‘Horse Elegance’ is an exceptional image entered in the sport category and represents contemporary color photography at its finest. We’re pleased to present Diana with the title of Nominee."
Mar 26, 2013, 11:52
Who's Who!
Colorado State University College Obtains $1 Million Gift from Woman Who Dreamed of Being Veterinarian
Colorado resident Dorothy Vaughn always dreamed of being a veterinarian, but her father told her at a young age that only men could perform veterinary work.
Vaughn passed away last year, but her estate will ensure that other students pursue their dreams with her gift of a $1 million memorial scholarship fund to Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
The funds will support students pursuing a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree at CSU.
“This selfless gift will support our increasing efforts to assist students with financial aid and scholarship support,” said Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the college. “When we combine this new gift with our current scholarship opportunities, it will really help make a difference with our veterinary students. Some of the new areas this gift will support include research, wildlife, public health, exotic animal medicine, and shelter medicine. In addition, we will now provide additional scholarships for academic excellence and for out-of-state students.”
Feb 14, 2013, 16:27
Who's Who!
Michael John Pontrelli remembered for love of outdoors, wild horses
Michael John Pontrelli, who helped guide a nascent movement to protect wild horses by being science adviser to activist Wild Horse Annie, was remembered as a scientist, hunter, skilled cook and compassionate man.
Pontrelli died Jan. 24. He was 75.
Pontrelli earned his doctorate in zoology in 1966 from the University of California at Berkeley and eventually ended up teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno.
In Nevada, he met Northern Nevada rancher Velma Johnston, better known as Wild Horse Annie, and offered his science skills to build a case for wild horse protection.
Tina Nappe organized a forum on wild horses and burros for the Sierra Club in Reno in 1975, and Pontrelli was one of the presenters. His advice to Johnston helped shape her testimony before Congress that led to the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, Nappe said.
Feb 14, 2013, 15:59
Who's Who!
Kiefer Manufacturing Hires Mullenbach as Inside Sales Support
Kiefer Manufacturing, LLC is pleased to introduce Steve Mullenbach to the sales team. Steve will handle inside sales support, customer service inquiries and parts.
In his role at Kiefer, Steve will be responsible for interacting with customers and dealers and will provide information in response to inquiries about products, services, warranty and parts. He will be taking and ensuring accurate parts orders are processed in a timely manner and will also act as a liaison between customers and dealers and the Kiefer staff to ensure all customer needs are met.
“Having Steve join our sales team will give us an opportunity to strengthen the relationship Kiefer has with its customers and dealers,” says Randy Lewis, general sales and marketing manager at Kiefer Manufacturing. He continues, “and we look forward to being able to offer even more support to them now that we have him on board.”
Feb 9, 2013, 22:17
Who's Who!
The Art of Hackamore Training by Al Dunning & Benny Guitron - On Sale $19.95
A Time-Honored Step in the Bridle Horse Tradition
Authored by Al Dunning and Benny Guitron with Deanna Lally
Photography by Robert Dawson
Top horsemen Al Dunning and Benny Guitron have partnered with award-winning photographer Robert Dawson and writer Deanna Lally to create Western Horseman’s latest book, The Art of Hackamore Training.
Old-time California vaqueros left a revered tradition as a legacy to horsemen today—the bridle horse, the ultimate in finesse and control. Hackamore training is an integral step in developing such a horse, and in the past half-century few books have addressed these skills.
Dunning and Guitron are among the few modern masters of hackamore horsemanship. Multiple world champions, the two have claimed numerous titles in American Quarter Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, and National Cutting Horse Association competition.
Feb 8, 2013, 15:45
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Vermeer Retires, New Vice President of Real Estate Operations Announced
Farmers National Company has announced that Lee Vermeer, vice president of real estate operations, has retired after leading the company’s real estate and appraisal business lines for the past 11 years.
Vermeer first joined Farmers National Company in 1982 as a farm manager and real estate agent in Sioux City, Iowa. He was quickly promoted to regional vice president, based in Columbus, Ohio, then moved up to the position of area vice president/area sales manager for Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Under his management, the real estate department has seen strong performance in its sales business. Growth peaked in 2012 with a record of over $640 million in gross sales from 850 properties. The appraisal department has also grown under Lee’s direction from two state-certified appraisers to over 20.
Jan 31, 2013, 22:57
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HRTV DEBUTS NEW WEEKLY SERIES WITH NOTED CLINICIAN KERRY KUHN
Premiere Episode Unveiled on Tuesday, Jan 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Arcadia, CA, Jan. 14 -- HRTV (R), The Network for Horse Sports, will continue to provide equestrian fans with outstanding horsemanship clinicians with it's weekly series featuring the esteemed Kerry Kuhn, which premiered on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
The weekly half-hour shows will be entitled, Riding Horses with Kerry Kuhn, and air each Tuesday evening for a 13-week run. Tuesday's opening installment will highlight "Effects of Noise & Movement."
Kuhn's passion for horses and training started at a very young age and has grown into a lifelong pursuit. Born in Medicine Lodge, KS, in 1975, he has worked with horses ever since. At the age of 12, Kerry started his first 2-year-old colt with the help of his grandfather, Dale Lukens. After that, he was motivated to learn as much as he could about communicating with horses and spent many days working horses and gathering cattle for local ranches.
Jan 21, 2013, 14:10
Who's Who!
New York Practitioner Dr. Ann Dwyer to Lead the AAEP in 2013
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| Ann Dwyer |
Dr. Ann Dwyer, co-owner of Genesee Valley Equine Clinic in Scottsville, N.Y., was sworn in as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) during the Dec. 4 President’s Luncheon at the association’s 58th Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.
Renowned for her expertise in equine ophthalmology, Dr. Dwyer has been an active advocate for the horse and a steady source of service and leadership since joining the AAEP in 1984.
A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Dr. Dwyer received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Holyoke College in 1975. Diverting from a brief career in immunology, Dr. Dwyer pursued her passion for horses by working as a groom and exercise rider for trainers at racetracks in New York and Florida. Her racetrack experience cemented her interest in equine health care, which prompted a career move to veterinary medicine.
Jan 20, 2013, 01:10
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