From The Horses Mouth

Last time we spoke it was hot, the insects troublesome and staying cool and comfortable was on everyone’s mind. Today as I write this article I am in front of the heater in the barn office reflecting on the warm weather that was, and looking at the cold winter which is on the way.

We have just returned from the world’s largest single breed horse show, The All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH. This event which began in 1967 in Columbus is sponsored by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. This show receives more than 17,000 horse show entries, houses more than 8,500 registered American Quarter Horses over 3 weeks, attracts more than 650,000 people and brings more than $110 million to the central Ohio economy.

The show is held each year in early October. This Congress event includes: an AQHA approved Quarter Horse show, AQHA approved racing events, more than seven acres of equine related commercial exhibits, a youth tournament, horse bowl, demonstrations, public speaking contest, collegiate and 4-H/FFA horse judging contest, lectures, a queen contest, horse sale and many other events. Horse enthusiast from all over the United States and other countries attend to watch or compete. Locally folks from Jackson, Bay, Washington and Leon Counties were among those competing for titles and prizes.

While the All American Quarter Horse Congress was going on, Malone FFA Horse Judging Team was representing Malone and Jackson County at the FFA National Horse Judging Contest in Indianapolis, IN. IF you recall early this year this team represented Malone and Jackson County in Florida Horse Judging competition and won.

Forty-six teams, 184 members, from Alaska to Puerto Rico competed at this contest. The Malone team representing Florida was Carly Barnes, Lawson Mosley, Sean Henry and Candy Lipford. Carly placed 32nd individually receiving the individual gold, Lawson received the individual Silver and Candy and Sean received the individual Bronze and as a group placed 31st. Coach of 5 years, Shawna Ferguson, said "I have coached for 5 years before winning the qualifying state show…we were honored to represent Malone and Jackson County in this competition of the best of the best." On behalf of Jackson County I would like to thank Shawna and her team for all their hard work and for such a positive representation at this national event.
Finally I am proud to report that Greenwood resident Tina May, owner of Silver Spur Media Group has been awarded the contract to publish the national magazine for Palomino Horse Breeders of America named appropriately "Palomino Horses Magazine". For additional information on this great equine magazine as well as Silver Spur Media Group go to www.silverspurmedia.com.