Offering frozen semen for overseas distribution!
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Stephen Stephens helps put together the disabled riders program for NSBA
2009 NSBA World Show Sees Steady Numbers and Embraces Riders With Disabilities
Steady numbers marked the 2009 NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity, held August 19-23 at Tulsa Expo Square. "We were within a few horses of our 2008 numbers and that is very good, given the state of the economy," said Stephen Stephens, NSBA first vice president. "We were very pleased with the turnout and support, and the show seemed to run very smoothly and professionally."
The Breeders Championship Futurity numbers were down as a direct result of changes to the BCF divisions. "The Gold and SIlver divisions of the BCF were combined this year, which meant that we had 12 fewer BCF classes," said Dianne Eppers, NSBA executive director. "However, the Silver division winners were still recognized within the 'Open' division of the futurity."
"The economy forced us to make a few modifications to the budget, but they didn't seem to be noticeable," said Stephens. "Overall it went very well." Eppers and Stephens noted the NSBA board of directors is continuing to review the 2008 World Show and will be making recommendations for the 2010. At press time, the NSBA board was scheduled to meet during the All American Quarter Horse Congress and would be discussing potential changes for the 2010 World Show.
One piece of the 2011 and later NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity is already underway as NSBA stallion owners are providing stallion breeding services for BCF-enrolled stallions for bid for the 2010 breeding season. Stallions are still being accepted for the 2010 stallion service program. All foals sired by enrolled stallions will be eligible to compete in the NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity as yearlings and older horses in Longe Line, Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle events. Be sure to visit the NSBA web site for a current list of participating stallions and additional information about entering the BCF events.
The association also debuted Riders With Disabilities events at the 2009 World Show which were very well received. Some 19 riders competed in classes that included Hunter Under Saddle Walk Trot - Independent Rider, Western Pleasure Walk Trot - Supported Rider, Western Pleasure Walk Trot - Independent Rider, Trail Walk Trot - Supported Rider, and Trail Walk Trot - Independent Rider. The Riders with Disabilities events were held Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22.
"It was such a contrast to see some of our most intense NSBA competitors who compete at this highest level of our industry moved to tears by the stories of some of the riders," said Stephens. "Many NSBA members were so encouraging and cheering on the exhibitors. It was just amazing."
Stephens said the NSBA board looked at numbers from the Palomino Horse Breeders Association's World Show, which also holds Riders With Disabilities classes and found a similar percentage of participation for the event's first year. "We will definitely be holding Riders With Disabilities classes again at the 2010 World Show, and the board is hoping to encourage these classes to be included at other NSBA events around the country, " said Stephens.
The 2009 NSBA World Show also featured the show's second annual judging contest as well as a series of judging clinics. The judging events were coordinated by Julie Voge and David Dellin.
For additional information about the 2010 NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity, please visit www.nsba.com.
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