Georgia Paso Fino Horse Association News

GPFHA Notices
Please click here for a printable 2008 GPFHA Event Calendar or visit the Events Calendar page for shows and trail rides information.

The 2009 4-Beat Jubilee GPFHA PFHA Show is May 15th-17th in Gainesville, GA. Click here for the Show Info flyer (Word). Class Listing and Schedule will be available later this year.

Check out our new Georgia PFHA Ambassador Program. About the GPFHA Ambassador Program rules (PDF)
GPFHA Ambassador Program 2008 registration form
(Excel - download to print and/or save to your computer)

2008 GPFHA Directory
Showcase your products and services! Be seen by thousands of Southeastern horse enthusiasts. Reserve your ad space now.

Our Annual Directory is distributed at Regional and National Shows as well as open houses, horse fairs, exhibitions and trade shows which include many horse owners and potential first time Paso Fino owners.

Ads run as low as $40.00 for Business Card size to $300.00 for a center spread. For details on how to send in your ad, please see the GPFHA media Kit. If you require assistance in creating an ad, please contact Gwyn Wright at 256-828-1060 or Greg Willis at 706-782-6004. Fees will be determined by the amount of time taken to create the ad. We will accept Black & White camera ready artwork only.

Shop to Benefit GPFHA...
Country Supply www.countrysupply.com will donate a percentage of your purchase to GPFHA. Simply enter our care code: Gpfhaprizefund when you complete your order. Click on the logo or the link and go to their website.

Jeffers Equine www.jeffersequine.com will also donate a percentage of your purchase to GPFHA. Enter our code: support gpfha when you place your order. Click on the Jeffers logo or the above link and go to their website.

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GPFHA 2008 Event News

July 4th Parade
July 4 - Braselton, GA

Georgia PFHA members came together in order to promote the beauty and elegance of our incredible horses in the 4th of July Day Parade held in Braselton, GA.  We again had a great turnout for the holiday celebration.  Members who were present included Jennifer Neely, Arleen Klungle, Ray Franklin, Boyd Russell, Sue Russell, Dave Delozier, Dixie Delozier, Joyce Davis, Christy White and Sharon Banan.  Many thanks to Jim Klungle, Jo Franklin and Mason Nix who rode in the “gator” displaying our GPFHA banner and providing drinks for all the riders.  The patriotic spirit was in high gear and the people who lined the streets waving their American Flags proudly were ecstatic to see our horses.  Although the parade route was short, members were able to speak with many spectators and talk to them about our paso fino horses.  It was again another great parade and opportunity to promote our fantastic breed.  I encourage you each to participate in the next parade.  It is a great way to spend an afternoon with your GPFHA friends and get a great ride in at the same time!!! [See gallery trail ride photos]   

Jennifer Neely

DuPont State Park Trail Ride
May 31st - Brevard, NC

The DuPont trail ride was the first co-sponsored trail ride between the Georgia and Piedmont regions. It was just the two of us from GPFHA and two of our friends went along for the ride, but with gas prices like they are it wasn’t surprising. We arrived on Friday around 1:00 pm and got situated at the very friendly and accommodating Holly View Farms Horse Stables. We took the two Pinto geldings out for a ride on Friday afternoon and it was a treat to see some friends, Bill and Judy Hewitt, ride into the parking area as we were tacking up. We first met Bill and Judy at the Sand Hills National Paso Fino Trail ride two years ago. Bill and Judy currently have an eight part article in Paso Fino Horse World “Trip of a Lifetime” about their 2 month trip out West with their Paso Finos. Bill had not had enough yet and went back out on the trail with us after already riding for six hours on Friday.

On Saturday morning we rode out at 10:30 am in two groups, 13 riders in all. David led our group on really nice route of single track trails, and we hit several points of interest including Lookout Point with long distance views and Winter Green Falls. The trails are magnificent at DuPont! We were treated to the blooming Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons; hillsides covered with ferns, and the brilliant orange wild Azaleas. We took Hooker Trail back to the parking area which is a canopy of foliage along a mountain stream and arrived at 1:25 pm, just in time for lunch. A great big thank you to Candice Link for sitting out the morning ride in order to get lunch delivered for all us and thanks to Piedmont for treating us to lunch as well.

We rode back out about 3:00 pm for the tour of water falls for those of us who had not seen them. We went to the covered bridge first, and put on a fino board show for the spectators by riding back and forth across the bridge. Of course we took the opportunity to tell them about our horses and their natural gait. One couple imitated the horses sound with their walking sticks as they walked off the bridge. We all cheered for them too. We let the horses play in the water below at the covered bridge, and then rode down to High Falls and then onto Triple Falls. We took a short break at Triple Falls, took pictures of the beautiful falls, and then went at a fast Largo pretty much all the way back to parking area. We had a great time, the horses did great, and it was a great group of people to ride with. We look forward to seeing you there next year!
[See gallery trail ride photos]

Dixie and David DeLozier, Gainesville, GA

Memorial Day Parade
May 26th - Dacula, GA

The 2008 Memorial Day parade in Dacula, GA was once again an incredible experience. The morning started very early and quickly became very hot, but our patriotic spirit never wavered. Riders included Jennifer Neely riding Norma Jean, Arleen Klungle riding Filigrana, Ray Franklin riding El Astro, Dave DeLozier riding Domino, Dixie DeLozier riding Tiva and Boyd Russell carrying the American Flag riding Tassie.

Many thanks to Jim Klungle who braved the heat and carried our new GPFHA banner for the parade too. This was the very first parade for Norma Jean, Filigrana, El Astro and Tassie and only the second for Domino and Tiva, and the riders and horses did not disappoint. Our horses were fabulous and seemed like seasoned pros putting on quite the show for all the spectators and accepted kisses and loving touches from the kids in the crowd. Throughout the parade you could hear people say "look at the dancing horses!" and "how do they do that?" We were fortunate enough to be able to stop and talk to many about our incredible Paso Finos, the naturalness of their gait and their willing dispositions.

For me, the best part of the parade was when an elderly gentleman shouted from the enormous crowd to myself and Jim "I watch your horses on RFD-TV all the time! I love your dancing horses!" and flashed two big thumbs up! He was truly excited to see the Paso Finos up close and personal! We were definitely a crowd favorite and highlight for many. The announcer once again invited us back next year and I can pretty much guarantee we will see them again in 2009.

It is a great parade for first time riders with a long parade route and great organization by the City of Dacula. It was an awesome way to spend Memorial Day and a great time had by everyone! Many thanks to all of the GPFHA members who attended and the horses that were brought. It was a true testament to our breed and members of how great we truly are!!!
[See gallery parade photos]

Jennifer Neely

Angels on Horseback
May 24th - Jasper, GA

On Saturday, May 24th, several GPFHA members attended a horse show put on by Angels on Horseback, a therapeutic riding program located in Jasper, GA. After the show, a Paso Fino demonstration was given. Ian Black narrated the History of the Paso Fino while Christi White and Chris Williams demonstrated each Paso gait and some versatility by maneuvering through barrels, poles and cones in the arena. Joyce Davis, Melanie Black and John Williams were also on hand taking pictures, helping with the horses, distributing pamphlets about the Paso Fino and coloring books to the children. A very nice lunch was served after the demo. We all enjoyed mingling with the show spectators, and even helped celebrate a birthday for one of the program's students.

The founder and head instructor for Angels on Horseback is Mrs. Leslie Elliott of Jasper, GA. The event was run by Leslie, her husband, and several volunteers who did an awesome job. We thanked them for allowing us to join their show and share our love of the Paso Fino breed. Anyone interested in more information about Angels on Horseback can view their website at: www.angelsonhorseback.org. This program is always in need of donations and volunteers. Please give Leslie a call
if you can help or would like to visit and see their program for yourself.
[See the gallery event photos]

4-Beat Jubilee Futurity awards a $5000 Purse
May 17th - Gainesville, GA

Saturday, May 17, 2008 was the date for the first Georgia Paso Fino Horse Association Three Year Old Futurity class. The class was held in conjunction with the show sponsored by GPFHA.

One could not have asked for better weather or better horses for such an event. GPFHA would like to thank our distinguished judges Dr. Jose Laracuente, Alex Zapata and Nancy Moffitt for their time and expertise in judging this class.

Each horse was judged according to the breed standard defined by the PFHA in the Constitution with 10% on conformation (judged prior to saddling), 25% on slow gait, 25% fast gait, 20% tests and 20% overall impression. Each horse performed one complete lap of the arena in a slow gait, one complete lap of the arena in a fast gait; they walked and reversed (the walk and reverse were not to be judged) and then performed one complete lap in the slow gait in the second direction and then one complete lap in the fast gait. Upon the completion of the rail work, the horses then crossed the sounding board in the slow gait, performed a figure eight in the slow gait and, finally, performed a serpentine in the fast gait. At the completion of these tests, the horses then crossed the sounding board in the slow gait again and exited the arena. As each horse was judged separately, one rider could ride any number of horses.

The crowd watched, applauded and cheered as each horse completed his or her task. The judges watched intently, marking their cards, sizing up the wonderful horses before them. Once the cards where turned in and the results were tabulated, the winners were called. Following is the list of winner for the event:

1st- Corona Mas Fina, Owner: Katreena Haley $1,500
2nd- tie Tejedora de Milagro, Owner: Ray Franklin $950
2nd- tie Lotsa Spots Alabama, Owner: Denise Duncan and Milda Minter $950
4th- Allende Capu-Lachas-Cante, Owner: Mary Hanby $750
5th- Domingo del Turista, Owner: Suzy Varner $500
6th- Doble Cuento del Turista, Owner: Greg and Kim Willis $350

As each horse was called, the owners lead them into the ring. The placements were announced and each horse was then presented with a check and a neck garland of red roses accented with beautiful red ribbon. When the first place winner was called, the horse was draped with a neck blanket of red and white roses, adorned with a plaque to commemorate the achievement. The beautiful neck garlands and neck blanket were generously sponsored by ShowTime Paso Fino Magazine. GPFHA wishes to thank them for their generosity and cannot express how much their assistance is appreciated. Also, thanks are extended to Gail Davis of Horse Feathers, as she hand made all of the trophies worn by each horse.
This class would not have been possible without the work of Cindy Griffeth. She was instrumental in securing the funds for seed money as well as collecting and keeping track of the futurity payments.

Thank you to all of the owners who nominated their horses, enabling the futurity to take place. Last, but certainly not least, for those who invested the “seed” money, without you, none of this could have ever been possible.
[See the gallery show photos]

Submitted by Gwyn Wright

2008 GPFHA Open House
March 29th - 30th

Rain and cold temperatures could not dampen the spirits of those who ventured forth to participate in the 5th Annual GPFHA Open House. With 26 horses and riders and approximately 20 + auditors, we had a pleasantly full house.

Saturday began with clinic time which included a question and answer session with Charlie Minter. With so much information, this session could have continued forever but once he answered the many questions and completed the final lesson, “Conformation 101,” it was time to saddle up for the individual work. Riders who completed the registration form were able to enter the ring for a bit of “one on one” with Charlie. Then the fun show began where each participant was tested to see what he or she had learned from the individual work. At the end of each class, Charlie would critique the horses and riders. After a long day in the ring, it was time to blow off steam and “turn the horses loose,” so to speak.

After a wonderful dinner catered by Loretta’s in Gainesville, it was time to start the Paso Games. The rain couldn’t stop those who wanted to play. There were several teams to participate in the towel race, half a dozen who braved the boot race and several went on to “largo” the barrels and cones (instead of poles!). By the way, if any of you know Jeanne Griggs, be sure to ask her which boot goes on which foot. By the time she got it right, she was laughing so hard she could hardly ride across the finish line. First and second placements received vintage GPFHA license plates and hats. Of course, in a few years these items will be worth a fortune as we now have a new logo!

Sunday dawned very cold, windy and overcast but again, the group braved the weather for another “Q & A” session. Suzy Varner rode her mare, Marquesa, while Charlie used them to demonstrate to the crowd what he was trying to explain. We did “cheat” a bit as the part of the clinic which didn’t require a horse was continued in the warmer agricultural centers’ office. Afterwards, there were a few who took advantage of some further individual time in the arena with Charlie.

Thanks are in order for Boyd Russell who took the time to bring Houdini and Pluma for the demo riders. There were too many to count. Once again, each rider had that famous Paso Fino smile by the time they made it half way around the ring. Thanks are also in order for all of the participants and auditors who came out to support GPFHA in its efforts, as well as to enjoy the camaraderie and fun. Without them, this event would not have been possible. One must not forget those who volunteered to work the clinic as they worked tirelessly to make sure it happened. It is our hope that we are able to return to Chicopee Woods in 2009 for another memorable Open House. Click here to see the gallery photos.

Submitted by Gwyn Wright

Arleen Klungle at Pat Parelli
March 29th & 30th - Fletcher, NC

Over 3000 People attended! I volunteered to help the Parelli USA 2008 Tour on March 29 and 30. I greeted over 3000 people on Saturday morning. This is the largest crowd so far. We had a great time answering questions and helping all the new people with the different programs that Parelli offers.

I talked with many Paso Fino people in attendance including Alice Page . Parelli Natural Horsemanship programs will show the natural side of helping our beautiful horses on the ground and in the saddle.

Come on out and see for yourself ... photo!

Submitted by Arleen Klungle

Georgia International Horse Park Trail Ride

February 9th - Conyers, GA

The Horse Park in Conyers is a great place to ride. We had 10 GPFHA members come out to join the fun, and were on the trails by 11:00am. It was good to have this size turn out for one of our trail rides. We were fortunate (especially in February) to have a beautiful sunny day around 60 degrees. A big “thank you” goes out to everyone who participated, and we hope to see more smiling Paso riders during the 2008 season. Happy Trails!

Chris Williams
GPFHA Fund Raising Chair

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