Western District News Submitted by Marion Gaigal

 Greetings to all from your fellow NYSMHS WNY Morgan Horse Show committee members.  I’ve had some great conversations of late with members from Central and Western Districts who are planning on exhibiting at the Western New York Morgan Horse Show, May 23 – 25 at Chemung County Fairgrounds, in Horseheads, New York.

Our fastest growing subgroup within the New York State Morgan Horse Society is none other than “THE BAKERS.”  New “exhibitors” to this WNY Morgan Horse Show class include: Erika Stormer, TEAKA CREEK STABLE, Frewsburg, New York and NYSMHS’ very own chairperson for promotional items.  Erika has enlisted the talents of a local baker for a contribution to the “Black Tie Gala.”  Are you old enough to remember when school districts had a district baker?  All those homemade pies and cookies that made both students and staff look forward to lunch.  I guess I’m really dating myself, as those days of home cooked meals in schools are gone forever, but the individuals who created those great desserts are still working their magic in their communities through other venues.  Erika’s contribution to the “Gala” comes from the kitchen of one of those legendary bakers.  Now, Shari Rossiter, of SHARIDAN STABLES, Athens, Pennsylvania, says that she has three passions in life.  It goes without saying that Dan is above all of these listed passions.  First and foremost are her Morgan Horses, of which there are a few new ones heading to WNY, followed closely by her baking, with nursing nipping at the heels of her baker’s shoes.  Shari has pledged to whip up some of her famous pies for the great gathering.  Not to be left at the “in gate,” so to speak, is Michele Gascon, STRAWBERRY FIELDS FARM, Masonville, New York and her Mom, JoAnne.  Now, the Gascon’s have in previous years shown their talents not only in the arena but also with their beautiful floral plantings.  Did any of you know that Michele and Mom could bake?  I mean really bake!  Michele is whipping up a Truffle and a Carrot Cake, while Jo Anne is doing a Flan.  There is additional news from Strawberry Fields Farm; I think it permissible to let all know that Michele and Jonathan are expecting their first born in August.  Make sure to stop by and congratulate the “parents to be” at their stable while you are at the WNY show in May.

Last month’s article included some pertinent information about the show’s Dressage classes.  I don’t think justice was done in that article to the fact that Western New York Morgan Horse Show has a well defined Sport Horse Division.  In addition to the ever growing Dressage classes, the Carriage classes are very well attended and hotly contested. The show’s entries include champions from major carriage competitions and Grand National.  Acknowledging this fact is our recent corporate sponsorship for the Sports Horse Division from RaDon, Inc.  RaDon, Inc. is well known for its farm curtains dressing the show stables of many breeds, blankets, harness bags, shipping boots, etc.   The owners of the company were very interested in partnering with WNY Morgan Horse Show for this growing division.  Look for RaDon’s ad in the Prize List and their products for our high point winners.

Whether you are bringing horses to exhibit or are just looking for a great family outing during the Memorial Day Weekend, a trip to the infield driving course at the Chemung County Fairgrounds for the carriage driving classes is sure to be entertaining for the entire family.

Other “show news” includes the “signing on” of Corcel, Inc. as the sponsor for the Western New York Classic.  Like the class itself, which is in its inaugural year, Corcel, Inc. is a young company, owned by Morgan people, who have dedicated their product line to Morgans, Saddlebreds, Arabians, and Hackney ponies.  The company will do specially designed products for draft horses, Quarterhorses, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods.  Corcel, Inc. is proud of the innovations they have brought to blanket design and technology.  The company now has three patents for their sheets and blankets, with three patents pending.  The company’s goal is to deliver the finest quality and innovation to you, their customer.  There will be information on Corcel’s products available at the show for your review and use.

Additional corporate sponsors for the 2008 show include: SSG Riding Gloves.  SSG Riding Gloves was founded to fill an apparent need for gloves for specific equestrian applications.  They have generously donated gloves to be awarded as prizes at the show. Returning for the fourth consecutive year, Stagecoach West, Irving, New York continues to support the show’s Showmanship and Equitation classes that are well subscribed by attending Junior Exhibitors.  Stagecoach West is most noted as the leading retailer for Trail Riding Gear, Western Wear and Unique Gifts, The retailer continues to offer exceptional service and fair pricing for quality products.

Another corporate sponsor comes to the “show ring” from the “field” of recreational vehicles.  The WNY Morgan Horse Show welcomes, Wilkin’s RV, Kanona, New York to our list of partners.  For those of you interested in the RV lifestyle, or a way of easing living conditions while at the show, consider visiting Wilkin’s RV show room located at exit 37 on I-86.  Wilkin’s carries a complete line of coaches, trailers, and fifth wheels.  Wilkin’s is also known for its well stocked parts department and service center.  The company has the ability to handle every recreational need that may occur.

A little known fact about the WNY Morgan Horse Show is that the show has continued to offer a variety of social gatherings yearly to exhibitors because of a core group of NYSMHS members who generously donate to the event and choose to remain anonymous.  One of our most avid sponsors for junior exhibitors and amateurs is the WNY Morgan Horse show’s secretary, Marilyn Ackerman.  Marilyn not only does a great job handling all of the exhibitor records, she also continues to donate yearly two beautiful leather halters for the junior exhibitor and amateur high point award recipients.

Many of you are familiar with the beautiful artwork of Carol Shuster Swartz.  Her original equine paintings, unique hand painted frames, and memory boxes make wonderful gifts.  Since 2005, Ms Swartz has chosen to donate a selection of her work to WNY as prizes for the four ladies classes.  Those who have received one of these prizes have mentioned how much they enjoy displaying her work in their homes.  Ms. Swartz will again donate four pieces of original art for the ladies classes.

As this article goes to print in mid April, your WNY Morgan Horse Show committee continues to work on corporate sponsorships for the NYSMHS’ opening event to the 2008 show season. By the way, it is not too late to join the fun NYSMHS members are having belonging to “THE BAKERS.”  Pick up that phone and give me a call at: 631-258-8537 with your entry for the “Black Tie Gala.”

NEWS FROM THE WESTERN DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP

Recently appearing on the organization’s website bulletin board was a request for “a ride to Breeder’s for a two year old filly.” Asking for this assistance was a new member to our society, Denise Pullis.

Denise lives in Bloomfield, New York.  She is not new to horses, having trained and showed American Miniature and Modern Shetland Ponies to National Top Ten and Performance Hall of Fame honors.  Denise formerly rode Hunt seat when she showed and even came close to experiencing a Morgan with a colt she had twenty years ago, who was a half Morgan, a son of Equinox Tristan.  In 2007, Denise purchased her first and then second Morgan filly.  Denise will be showing her two year old filly, bred by Genesee Valley Morgans, Avon, New York, during this show season in the In Hand division.  Not so coincidentally, this filly is related to that colt of long ago.  The filly’s dam, Highpond Serendipity, is a daughter of Courage of Equinox, who happens to be the sire of Equinox Tristan.

Denise states she is looking forward to working and showing her Morgans and meeting others that do the same.  She says; “I am new to Morgan showing and have a lot to learn.”   If you think you can help Denise with trailering her filly for the Breeder’s Show or possibly WNY, give her a phone call at: 518-317-6080.  Her e-mail address is:  PullisD@Victorschools.org.   Even if you personally can’t provide a ride, you may know of someone in the area that can help Denise in her quest to “show her Morgan.”

Last but not least, there was much celebration at CORNERSTONE TRAINING STABLES, Addison, New York, Scott and Cate Root’s training facility, on learning of the arrival of GDT James Bond’s  “first born.”  In Hinsdale, New York, Barb McMurray’s, big, beautiful, bay filly arrived in the early morning hours of April 8.  Mother, CEM MAY-LACE, and baby are doing fine!  And Barb is celebrating in true “grandmotherly fashion.”  This new “Bond Girl” carries the blood lines of Catskill Senator Mac, Troutbrook Playboy, and In Command, a nice cross of “old” and “new” Morgan greats.  Of course, from southwest Florida, Joe and I couldn’t be happier with the news of a “Bond” foal.  The legend (as in HRH Legend Command) continues!

“GOT NEWS” you would like to share with the membership of NYSMHS, send me a e-mail at: Lagiag1@aol.com or phone me at: 631-258-8537 with the details.

Hope to see you and your Morgans at the Western New York Morgan Horse Show held at the Chemung County Fairgrounds, Horseheads, New York on May 23-25.

Marion


FARM DAYS AT THE OAKDALE MALL, JOHNSON CITY, NY

Submitted by Carol Stone, Brookstone Morgan Farm, Vestal, NY

The Morgan Horse had many admires this past weekend, as hundreds of people enjoyed the three day event calledDays in Johnson City.Daysa salute to agriculture in our area with many different activities and displays to educate the public on the values and offerings farm life.

Two observations I made from my three days"the table" with terrific literature and pictures on The Morgan Horse were:1) Adults tended to be more enthralled, more likely to take material and ask questions than the youth2)Local Contact material went the quickest!People wanted to know where they could see a Morgan, take lessons, etc.

The Promotion Table offered many different brochures from the AMHA.A big Thank You to Mary Ellen Mulligan for supplying brochures on our NYMHS and NY Breeder Farm Finder.Also thank you to Sarah Ruby for spending time with me on Saturday at the Mall.We had much fun.

Thank you to the following farms for providing the popular local access information; April Showers, Brookstone, Danelle Morgans, Evans Equestrian Center, Hartland Morgans, Ledyard Farm, and Stoneleigh Farm.

In 2007, The Cornell Cooperative Extension here in Broome county estimated 50,000 people attended Farm Days.

Promotion,believe, begins at the local level. It needs to be continued and reinforced at the State and the National level to work.It can be much fun to do, and I hope others will try to spread the word about our wonderful Morgans.


President’s Message to the NYSMHS Members - March/April 2008

Members of the NYSMHS:

I’ve been working with our board of directors this winter to improve the operations of our club. We’ve been establishing goals, and have been addressing our operational effectiveness and decision making processes. The main themes that we keep returning to are pride, unity, and inclusion. These are very strong words that quite simply will define our future successes and failures. I’d like to focus this month’s letter on those themes.

We’re very proud of our club, and of the people who make up our membership. Our people continue to stamp an indelible mark on the Morgan breed. Just last month for example, Valerie Low was named AMHA Woman of the Year, and the Scussell’s received the prestigious AMHA Golden Reins award. Our club, through its activities, is also the standard bearer for Morgan breed clubs. Our clinics, horse shows, trail rides, publications, and breeder’s functions collectively set the NYSMHS head and shoulders above all others. Despite all of this, it is very easy to view ourselves in the eyes of what we are not, rather than what we are. Our board recognizes this tendency, and has committed to focus on the positive. The changes may be subtle but the outcomes will be obvious. An example of this subtlety will appear on the cover of the combined prize list, where the board removed “Second Largest Regional Show” as a tag line. Quality of the experience certainly overrides quantity of entrants. As a member of the club your challenge will be to follow this lead, and promote pride in each other individually and collectively.

Inclusion is one of the greatest challenges for an organization of our size. It is far simpler to rely upon a select group of individuals to implement the tactical activities of our operation, than to manage a larger group of members for same. It is also very difficult to communicate our actions to the club as a whole. The board recognizes these challenges and is committed to overcoming them. Our committee chairs are being strongly encouraged to diversify their membership, by inviting and welcoming others to contribute. This encouragement is already paying dividends as is evident in the pages of this Trader. Our editor, Mark Langdon, has actively recruited contributors and their work is making a noticeable impact. Furthermore, our board has committed to communicating more frequently with the members. Our draft board meeting minutes are being published on the website as soon as practical, and our directors are compiling email lists to communicate directly with their constituents. Please be mindful that inclusion is a two way street, our club needs you to step forward.

Unity is a goal that will come as we develop pride and inclusion. As many of you are aware our club has been historically divided across district lines. Our most recent election has validated that premise. To advance our club and realize our true potential we need to forgo our arbitrary divisions and work collectively towards a common goal. Our board has committed to achieving unity in purpose, and we ask our members to pursue the same. Your thoughts and suggestions on this goal are welcome.

Warmest regards,
Jeff Evans
President, NYSMHS


Farm Finder Brochure

The farm Finder Brochure will be printed again this year.There is an added bonus, it will also appear on the NYSMHS web site. If you are already on the "Farm Finder" you are all set.
If you are not yet, for a one time, life time fee of $25.00 your farm will be listed. Please send your information ( sales, training, lessons, breeding, etc.) and check via U.S. Mail only (no email submissions) before May 1,2008 to be included to:

Mary Ellen Mulligan
5730 Burr Rd.
Trumansburg, NY 14886
 


NYSMHS Promotional Sales
The following are some new items that we are selling as part of club promotional sales:

1. MORGAN HORSE CARABINERS! We now have metallic blue Morgan horse head carabiner key chains with "MORGANS" laser engraved in white on one side of the carabiner. These are for sale for $5.00 each and make a great little gift for somebody special. They are also a wonderful way to show off your Morgan spirit - not to mention make it difficult to lose your keys! Just hook the horse head to your belt loop or purse strap to save yourself from time spent looking for your keys!

2. POLO SHIRTS W/ EMBROIDERED NYSMHS LOGO - NEW DESIGN! We gave these shirts a "test run" at the NY Morgan Show last September, and they were a hit! We sold out and now have ordered more for the spring in various sizes. These shirts are high quality and are for sale for $30.00 each.

3. MORGAN NOTE CARDS! These Morgan note cards were also available for the first time at the NY Morgan Show last September. They were received extremely well, and we sold out of them too. We now have more available. They are greeting card size, artistic line drawings of Morgans being ridden English pleasure, hunt seat, dressage, and Western. They are sold with envelopes in boxed sets of 12 for $14.00 and are for sale by discipline. In addition, we offer a "variety" boxed set that includes 3 cards of each discipline.

We still have excellent quality NY Morgan Show sweatshirts in gray or white (reduced to $20.00 each) and NY Morgan Show t-shirts in gray (reduced to $10.00 each). Also still available are the light blue "Youth" shirts (reduced to $8.00 each). In addition, we have the gray and navy 3/4 sleeve baseball t-shirts (reduced to $10.00 each) and regular NYSMHS promo t-shirts (reduced to $10.00 each). These price reductions have been put into effect to make room for new inventory.

The Promotional Club Sales Booth will be set up at some shows and club events, such as the upcoming clinics sponsored by the NYSMHS. Please support the club by purchasing some of these wonderful items. If you are unable to attend these events, you can always order them. Please email Erika Stormer at elsteaka@netsync.net or call (716) 569-5936 for more information on these items, to place an order, and/or check on availability of colors, sizes, etc.


If you have any questions regarding the NYSMHS or if you would like to become active and help with an event or project please contact our President, Jeff Evans valiantfarm@yahoo.com If you would like to contact your local district director you will find them listed on the Contacts Page of this web site.

For membership information contact: Al Celecki at cumlaude@frontiernet.net

Mark Langdon, Editor "The Morgan Trader". If you have any news to submit or questions regarding the NYSMHS please email: christmaspast1@earthlink.net


Published monthly, The Trader contains:
Minutes of NYSMHS Board meetings
News and Notes from members
Pertinent AMHA information
"Mane Trade" Classifieds & advertisements
Results from NYSMHS shows and activities

Joining the NYSMHS insures that the Trader is delivered direct to your home each month. Other membership benefits Include:
-The opportunity to enter the prestigious NYSMHS Hi-Score year end awards program

-Discounted rates at select NYSMHS sponsored events

-Inclusion in the BI-annual NYSMHS Directory

-The ability to participate in the NYSMHS Breeder's Futurity Program
Annual membership levels are Youth at $15, Single at $25, Family at $35 and Lifetime Membership at $300.

To join, complete the membership form, indicate the level desired and send a check payable in US funds to the NYSMHS and mail to: Al Celecki 339 Smith Rd., Pittsford, NY 14534 or send email to cumlaude@frontiernet.net.


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