The Lead Line - Alabama Morgan Horse Club

The Lead Line
MARCH 2015
Volume 3, Issue 2
A Publication of the Alabama Morgan Horse Club
From the President…
2015 BOARD MEMBERS:
I have had to step down as President due to present health reasons that reared their ugly
head. I am sorry that my e-mail to the membership was so short and to the point because I
woke up after 13 hours of sleep and felt I needed a wheelchair. The Horse Fair was too
hard on me even though I had a driver. I cannot walk on concrete anymore.
 Officers 
President:
Carol Potts, 256-482-3953
Vice President:
Larry Friedrichs, 256-227-6340
Secretary:
Nancy Adams, 731-925-6850
Treasurer:
Gayle Dixon, 205-305-2648
 Directors 
Directors At Large:
Larry Friedrichs, our Vice President, will be taking my position and the Board will choose
someone to take Larry's place until the election in December. I have been President for 8
years and it is time that someone else comes in and leads the Club to bigger and greater
things. We have seen the Club grow and that has been encouraging. The Board is now in
the planning stages of doing different events and that is encouraging because for years
we've had a lot of stagnation.
Val Jones and Shelly Murray have been doing an incredible job of getting the newsletter
out to keep you informed of what's been happening. Without them, our Club would fall
apart because we wouldn't have the kind of communication we need. Keep up the good
work and I hope to see more of you at the next event!
Regards,
Carol Potts
o Pat Cargile, 334-281-2955
o Val Jones, 334-787-1637
o Sherrie Johnson, 256-297-1015
o Sara Jablonowsi, 256-566-1228
o
o
o
o
Membership Director:
Nancy Adams, 731-925-6850
AMHA Liaison:
Sherrie Johnson, 256-297-1015

Newsletter Co-editors:
Val Jones & Shelly Murray
I’m sorry to say Carol Potts has stepped down as President. As Vice President I have
assumed her duties and would like to take this opportunity to recognize and sincerely
thank her for all she has done for our AMHC! We will continue to benefit from her
knowledge and experience, as a member of our Board of Directors for the remainder of
this term and for years to come.
We had a successful demonstration at the Alabama Horse Fair! The weather preceding the
fair was crazy and organizers had a few glitches yet we rallied a great turn out. Saturday
was a beautiful day and a much larger crowd than last year came by the breed barn and got
to see our beloved Morgans! We sponsored publisher Bryan Hickman to promote the
Morgan Horse with his book "America's Own" and literature from our AMHC. Bryan was
excited to report a good number of visitors and level of interest in our breed with better
sales than he expected! Thanks to all for your dedication and work to make this event
happen, we truly helped people to know what the Morgan horse is.
We have another event coming up! Nancy Adams is hosting a clinic, April 18th and 19th,
check out her post! Nancy and Tom have a beautiful place and wonderful facility! I
encourage everyone to come, bring your Morgans, and bring a friend! We will be having a
Board meeting at this event as well. Everyone is invited!
Looking forward to an eventful year!
Larry C. Friedrichs
CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT
WHEN:
April 18 and 19, 2015
WHERE:
Tana Farm, 1105 Morris Road, Savannah, TN 38372
CONTACT: Nancy Adams, 731-925-6850, tanafarmsouth@gmail.com
Several members have expressed interest in getting help with their horses and/or horsemanship. I have
decided the best way to accomplish this is to host a weekend clinic where we can all gather to further our
knowledge in a safe and welcoming environment.
I will work one on one with you and your horse on whatever issue(s) you are encountering. Issues from
trailer loading to proper use of the round pen, and everything in between, may be addressed. The sessions will
be approximately one hour in length and cost $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The fee to audit
(watch without participating) will be $10/day. If you are a paid clinic participant, there will be no audit fee for
your family members. If you would like a stall in the barn for your horse, they will be no charge except for the
shavings which will be on hand for your purchase. Space is limited and these stalls will be held for those who
reserve them ahead of time. Otherwise, outdoor panel pens will be provided or you can bring your own. All
horses must have proof of negative Coggins in the past year.
Those overnighting should come prepared to camp. There will be water and electric available. We do
have limited space in a communal bunkhouse room but you should bring a cot and a sleeping bag. There are no
shower facilities.
Saturday evening will be a Pot Luck dinner and brief meeting for club members. We can break early for
this for those who need to leave. Or we could make it a Pot Luck Luncheon and have the meeting midday, say
12:00pm to 2:00pm. Open for suggestions on this. Timing somewhat depends on how many sign up with their
horses. I have seven so far that seem pretty firm.
Also Larry Friedrichs will be providing details about potentially doing an equine massage
demonstration. This may be a Saturday evening event.
Kindly let me know of your intentions by April 4, 2014. I will need time to organize and set up
accommodations. Thanks and looking forward to seeing you all! Nancy
Tips for Caring for the Older Horse
By Tonya Roe, LVT
Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses are living longer, more useful
lives. It is not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s. While genetics play a
role in determining lifespan, caregivers can have a significant impact. You may think that turning your oldtimer out to pasture is the kindest form of retirement. But horses are individuals. Some enjoy being idle; others
prefer to be a part of the action. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the horse. Proper nutrition, care and exercise
will help the animal thrive.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners has provided the following recommendations for
caring for your older horse. 1. Observe your horse on a regular basis—every day if possible. Watch for
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changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right
away. 2. Feed a high-quality diet. Do not give dusty and moldy feeds. 3. Feed your older horse away from
younger, more aggressive ones so it won’t have to compete for feed. 4. Feed at more frequent intervals so as to
not upset the digestive system. Two to three times daily is best. 5. Provide plenty of fresh, clean, lukewarm
water. Excessively cold water reduces consumption, which can lead to colic and other problems. 6. Adjust and
balance rations to maintain proper body condition. A good rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see
them. 7. Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility. 8. Groom
your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health. 9. Annual and bi-annual vaccinations for tetanus,
sleeping sickness and West Nile Virus is recommended, with additional vaccinations as indicated by the
animal’s environment. 10. Routine deworming should be an integral part of care. 11. Be aware that older
horses are prone to tumors. Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail
(especially on gray horses). 12. Schedule routine check-ups with your veterinarian. Call immediately if you
suspect a problem. A quick response to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep your older horse from
having a serious setback. That means less worry for you and a better quality of life for your old friend.
Driving Clinic – Auburn Equestrian Center (Across from AU Vet School)
May 8-10
MUFFY SEATON
AMERICAN DRIVING SOCIETY RECOGNIZED CLINICIAN
Learn to drive your horse, pony, mini, or mule. Based on minimum of 15 drivers
Call for details (time slot preference) (334) 318-1465
bettyebenjamen@yahoo.com
$100 per session due March 25th
Send check today to Bettye Benjamin; PO Box 3; Lowndesboro, AL 36752
Check out this video of our demo at the 2015 Alabama Horse Fair
provided by Sherrie Johnson and courtesy of Bryan Hickman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qnsOXA9C44
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FARM NEWS: Whirlwind Acres Morgans – Sherrie & Chris Johnson
I think we had a great turnout for our Alabama Horse Fair this
year. We all wanted to promote our breed as always and in
doing so we were able to get sponsors to bring J. Bryan
Hickman, the publisher of America’s Own down from New
York to help promote our breed by presenting the book,
America’s Own at the vendor’s booth.
He was able to get the word out to several folks and sold a total of
23 books! That’s exciting for our promoting of the breed. That’s
23 books in 23 people’s hands who didn’t have them before. My
nephew was the title sponsor and without his help, I do not think I
could have pulled this off. It was a family reunion for us. I had not
seen him in 18 years so seeing him again and his beautiful family
was a real treat.
As a gift to him for the title sponsorship, both his girls
received a signed 1st edition copy of America’s Own. Here
again, two more people with the history of our beloved breed
in their possession!
We had a good demo this year, as well. I believe there was a total of
11 Morgans in the demo. Our audience wasn’t as large as we’d hoped,
but I do believe it was larger, much larger, than last year. Here’s the
link to our demo video, excluding Justin Morgan and Figure at the
beginning. The video is courtesy of J. Bryan Hickman. He left his
booth long enough to come down and video us. Many thanks to him!
The next pic is of a few of us leaving the arena following the demo. I
think we all did a great job.
Let’s not forget the parade of breeds. I do not have many
pics of it, but we all got to take a turn riding or driving in the
parade.
Thank you to everyone who participated and who helped us.
Many thanks to Carol for doing the reading and script for our
demo! We couldn’t have done it without you! Til next year!
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Pictures from the Alabama Horse Fair – Larry Friedrichs
Our club won 3rd place in the stall decoration contest!
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The 2015 Alabama Horse Fair is now behind us. I am happy to report that all
of our hard work paid off. Nine Morgans represented our club over the
weekend in three Parades of Breed and one Breed Demonstration. It was not
'all work and no play' though. Below are Sherrie and Chris Johnson, Beth
and Larry Friedrichs, and Tom Novellino relaxing at the trailers. (Compliments
of Nancy Adams)
The flurry of weekend fair activity even bested
the previously boundless energies of Kathleen
Willmon and her buddy Tessa, the Border
Collie.
Fred and I went on a 15 mile
ride in the snow today with our
Morgans.
What a beautiful sight!
Gail Dixon
News from Pat Cargile
Pat has taken her mare "Tia" to Tennessee for training. Tia is a carriage horse with a problem. She gets lost
when she runs out of road. That is, that the mare is a good horse but when asked to drive in a pasture or arena
she balks because there isn't a road to follow. This is the first time Pats ever heard of this kind of problem. Tia is
a willing horse to drive, she's sweet and kind but rather than pick a fight with the mare, Pat's turning her over
to a professional. Maybe we'll see more of Pat and Tia in shows, trail driving, and parades.
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FARM NEWS: Sand Mountain Morgans – Boaz, AL
I would like to say great job to everyone on your hard work preparing and
your performances at the horse fair. We had a great time and it was a great
experience for all of us. I enjoyed meeting everyone. I was also excited about
the amount of people who came by the barn interested in learning more about the
Morgan horse. A lot of people commented on seeing our horses in the spotlight
or Parade of breeds. So I think we did a good job of promoting our breed. I was
also encouraged and excited by the people who came by our barn who had
Morgans and didn't know about our club and wanted to join in our activities.
And speaking of excited!!! I am excited about leasing Wachuset Bell Bird
from Val Jones this month. I plan to breed her to our stallion Sand Mtn Sam
Twilight. I will have to but... can't wait to see what this amazing cross will
produce. Thank you so much to Val for entrusting me with her lovely mare.
Included is a photo for my husband. I have no idea where this new horse came
from . . . I have also included a photo of my mares Sand Mtn Lillybet and
Mylee. They had fun playing in the snow but they were ready as me to see it
go. I have also included a copy of the Alabama obstacle challenge schedule for
anyone who is interested in participating. Candi Centers
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Saddles For Sale
Brown leather 16” English saddle with suede knee patches. Very good condition.
No stirrups or leathers. $125. Would be a great first saddle or lesson saddle. Call, text or email for photos.
Black Wintec synthetic 17” dressage saddle. Excellent condition. Smooth flaps and seat.
No faux suede. Small moveable blocks under panels for personalizing rider’s leg position.
No stirrups or leathers. $350. Call, text or email for photos.
Ingrid Jensen. (334)740-4415 or willmonconstr@aol.com
Cavallo Boots
1 set of simple Cavallo boots for horse, size 3, never used. Use in place of
horseshoes. $75. Carol Potts, 256-482-3953 91 Potts Road, Eva, AL 35621
Wagon
Two seat, one horse rubber tire wagon, has brakes, towbar, single tree & shafts, needs
painting. $475. Carol Potts, 256-482-3953 91 Potts Road, Eva, AL 35621
Horses For Sale
Sand Mtn Makiah
(Sand Mtn Sam Twilight X Sand Mtn Jody
Lee) Makiah is a black ¾ Lippit and is very gentle and easy to handle.
She is up to date on vaccines and deworming. $1800
Contact Tonya Roe, troe9478@gmail.com.
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Morgan Foals
Two 9 month old Morgan old type fillies $1,500 ea. 1 Chestnut, 1 Bay. Prices go up end
of June. Carol Potts, 256-482-3953 91 Potts Road, Eva, AL 35621
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Morgan Stallions at Stud
Old type Morgan Stallions at stud. $300 for registered Morgans/$150
all others. Carol Potts, 256-482-3953 or alippitt@centurylink.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coosa Valley Farm Horses for Sale
Ocmulgee Isabel - 1994 Bay Morgan mare, big boned, solid. 15.1 H. Great babysitter / kid’s horse. Very calm
nature, sweet and loves attention. Chingadero and Equinox bloodlines, $800 FIRM
Southland's Samantha - 1990 Chestnut Morgan mare, 14.2 hands, broodmare only. Very Morgan-y: curvy,
beautiful head, sweet nature. $500 in foal to our cremello stallion for a palomino foal / $1 open as companion
horse.
Amasa Gold - 1998 Chestnut Morgan mare, 15.2 H, gaited, superb trail horse, absolutely no issues, sound and
sane. $1,500 FIRM
SOLD!!
Stallion at Stud – RMD Blue Moon Desperado - 2005 Cremello Morgan stallion, 15.1 H Blue's genetics
guarantee palomino, buckskin or smokey foals. 99% Foundation bloodlines, excellent trail horse, smart and
easy to train; loves attention. 2015 Fee $750 + mare care.
All of these horses have great attitudes and no vices! Mike & Dannise Ray, 205-669-2544, nesiray@yahoo.com
A unique opportunity – Indoor Equine Clinic and Lunch
Sharon Elementary School, Sharon, VT (Exit 2, I-89)
Come and pick the brains of
these knowledgable officials in different disciplines
Clinic begins with a welcome coffee at 9:30 (doors open at 9:00)
FEE: $60.00 including lunch (Limited to 60)
Send reservations and check made out to MHHF to: Anne
Brown, 1380 Old Stage Rd., Westford, VT 05494
Tel: 802-878-4128
More information: Marilyn Childs, Tel: 802-685-4853
CLINICIANS
Richard Boule: USEF Judge; Mgr, Trainer, Taylor River Farm
Bitting and Mouthing Essentials for Riding or Driving
John Greenall: USEF Judge; International authority; covering
carriage driving and endurance riding and driving
Polly Quinn: Pictorial History showing the influence of
different breeder’s intent and how the image of the Morgan
Horse has changed
Mary Savidge: USEF Judge; Dressage-Creating harmony
effectively & safely between horse and rider (multi-media
presentation)
BONUS: After lunch attendees again are invited to Visit the collection of
carriages and harnesses at the home of John Greenall, West Windsor, VT
Sponsored by the Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation. Additional Information at
www.morganhorseheritagefoundation.com
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The Alabama Morgan Horse Club
Membership Application 2015
$10 Individual Membership
$15 Family Membership (includes children 18 years of age and under)
Name
Children (age 18 and under)
Address
City
State
Phone Number
E-mail Address
This is a one year membership with annual renewal in December.
Send application & dues to:
Gayle Dixon
Attn: Membership Dues
3630 Guinns Cove Rd.
Hayden, AL 35079-4572
The Alabama Morgan Horse Club
c/o Valamar Morgans
1990 Lee Road 86
Waverly, AL 36879
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