Chris Brune, Editor; Barrie Reightler, Designer
September / October 2000
Contents:
AHP In Perspective
In 2000, American Horse Publications celebrated its 30th anniversary. To capture an overview of the growth of the association during the past 30 years, I asked former AHP presidents to express their thoughts and memories on several subjects. Their responses are sometimes serious, and often humorous. But then that combination has been the secret to the association’s success. AHP has learned to mix business with pleasure to produce results and friendships.
AHP: There are several publishing organizations. Why do you feel one devoted to the equine publishing industry is useful and makes it different from the others?
Tracy Gantz: The equine publishing industry is highly specialized, and although other organizations can help me with magazine publishing, this is the only one that puts it in context. And let’s face it...we come together through the love of the horse.
Bill Shepard: The goals of AHP are different from those of other livestock publishing organizations.
Jenny Meyer: With AHP, you get not only great technical assistance in the form of seminars and networking, but also the fellowship of colleagues who are in precisely the same boat you are. They understand; they empathize. There are issues unique to the “nag mag” business, and you can always find a member or two who knows about what you’re grappling with at the moment...and is willing to help. So you get general publishing guidance and specific, content-specific help, the best of both worlds, in other words.
Susan Harding: The opportunity to meet and share experiences with others involved in both publishing and the horse industry. Plus...it’s more fun!
Darrell Dodds: While there are other trade associations for magazine publishers, only AHP offers the opportunity to learn from, and network with, people who share a common interest and passion for the horse industry.
Lua Southard: From large national publications to the smallest regional tabloid, the spirit of camaraderie among the AHP members is like no other group I’ve ever been associated with. Where else can you find competitors helping, sharing and learning from each other...in an effort not only to improve their own businesses, but also to help build a bigger and better horse industry?
AHP: What is the most hilarious or memorable experience you remember from your involvement with AHP?
Snowden: The best thing I got out of our association was the creation of new friendships.
Peter: The Tony/Arnold/Snowden days. Despite the good times, I learned a lot.
Tracy: Grilling steaks in the rain in Hershey, Pennsylvania; watching Lua turn green after the fourth roller coaster at Disneyland; trying to keep up with the party animal, Tony Chamblin, in Washington, D.C.; winning the shopper’s award in Chicago; seeing drag queens in San Francisco...gee, how to choose?
Bill: One of my happiest memories was watching Audie Rackley count out enough money from 30 different people paying for a no-host evening on the town.
Karl: Most memorable was being president. Most hilarious was the realization and announcement of being president after only two years on the board.
Jenny: Hard to narrow it to one. I remember laughing until my contacts hurt at Second City, an improv place in Chicago; riding across a breathtaking Texas landscape for biscuits and gravy; swelling with pride when one of California Horse Review’s own won the cow-pie-pitching contest; watching Warren Wilson learn the Texas two-step in a hotel lobby; almost dying of embarrassment trying to learn the same thing myself, under Jim Jennings’ gentle tutelage, on a huge, racetrack-shaped dance floor at a hot country-western place.
Kathy: Audie Rackley grilling steaks in Hershey in the midst of a downpour wearing a Hershey kiss hat.
Jim: Watching Tony Chamblin interview women coming out of a male strip club in Washington, D.C.
Darrell: River rafting in Jackson Hole, bar hopping in New Orleans, and being involved in a fender bender with Audie Rackley in Charleston, S.C. immediately come to mind.
Lua: My most memorable experience was witnessing a space shuttle blast off from Cape Canaveral and following it as it tracked across the sky above the Atlantic Ocean until it disappeared into the blackness of the night. The blast-off was so awe-inspiring, even though I was sitting on the balcony of my hotel some 60 miles to the north in Daytona Beach, Florida. I had just returned to my room after attending an AHP board meeting. I’ll never forget that night. What a truly incredible experience!
Another memorable experience for me, which related directly to an AHP meeting, was when I was the advertising director for Practical Horseman magazine. Carol Clark (who was the managing editor of the publication at the time) and I attended the AHP meeting in the early 70s in Washington, D.C. On the drive home we had to cross a very large bridge over the Susquehanna River before we got off at our exit. But when we got to what we knew was our exit...we didn’t believe it...because we’d been so engrossed in discussing what we’d learned at the AHP meeting, and how we could apply it to our publication, that neither of us remembered crossing the river. That must have been some good meeting!
AHP: How did the contacts you made through AHP help you both professionally and personally?
Arnold: Many of the people I met through AHP remain good friends today.
Snowden: Improved the quality of my magazine.
Peter: Contacts continue to be valuable even in retirement.
Tracy: I have met the greatest bunch of people through AHP, many of who are some of my closest friends. And if I need advice or help, I have all these knowledgeable people just a phone call away.
Karl: Through the seminars and contacts, AHP saved NCHA a ton of money in postage and helped to improve the editorial content of the Cutting Horse Chatter.
Jenny: No matter what challenge you’re facing; there’s always an AHP member with the expertise and experience to guide you through it. And when you just need to commiserate, there is always a sympathetic ear.
Kathy: The contacts in AHP have been encouragement to reach higher goals, both professionally and personally.
Susan: It sure made combining two competitive companies a whole lot easier!
Jim: The exchange of ideas among my peers at the other magazines has proven invaluable. Personally, some of my very best friends are involved with AHP.
Lua: I’m quite sure that our company (ERI) never would have become the public relations agency for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Pfizer Animal Health, if it weren’t for our professional relationship with AHP. Personally, being a member of AHP has allowed me to meet some of the nicest and most interesting “horse people” in the world...some of whom will be my “true friends” for life.
AHP: How do you envision American Horse Publications ten years from now?
Arnold: Continuing to grow and prosper. It is one of my proudest accomplishments to have been founding president of AHP. I can’t believe it was 30 years ago.
Snowden: Stronger and wiser.
Peter: Keep up the good work. You’re quite obviously on the right track.
Tracy: With the recent growth of AHP, I can only see the organization becoming even stronger in the future.
Bill: There will be more of a need for organizations such as AHP as industry changes pile up in an ever-greater profession.
Jenny: It’ll be going strong, because it stays closely in touch with members’ changing needs. As we rip into the “new technology” age, AHP will be right there to guide us through the maze, and help us understand our options.
Kathy: A bigger mix of print media with electronic media.
Susan: Bigger and better...but mostly better.
Jim: Larger membership and continuing to do more for members.
Darrell: Much bigger and more diverse.
Lua: As I look into my crystal ball, I predict that AHP will be run by a “highly motivated” group of young publishers, editors and advertising sales people from around the world. As we look back, we’ll say...wasn’t it a great idea to start the Student Award program back in 1993. And even though they got off to a slow start...look at all the international and electronic publication members we now have.
Chris: As a past president myself, I guess I’m entitled to share a few memories as well. Interestingly, I share all of the same memories with the other past presidents. Of the 31 annual meetings and 16 winter seminars, I have only missed the first 8 held during 1970-1974. I certainly recall Tony Chamblin, Executive Director 1977-1983, acting like the Pied Piper of Washington as AHP members followed him from Ernie’s Crab House to Georgetown to the infamous male strip joint that Jim mentions. I have toured the jazz clubs of New Orleans and tried to learn the two-step in Amarillo, Santa Fe and Tucson. Along with my fellow members, I’ve placed bets at Harness Horse and Thoroughbred racetracks, visited world famous horse farms and ranches, toured the Kentucky Horse Park, Hershey Park, Disneyland, Belle Meade Plantation, San Diego Zoo, and the Chicago Stock Exchange. As a group, we have taken wagon rides to the edge of the Palo Duro Canyon, trail rides through the Arizona desert and the Colorado mountains, and river rafted down the Snake River. These are treasured moments for each seminar widens our circle and opens our lives to shared experiences.
As a former editor and publisher, I have learned from the best -- guest speakers like Jan White or Don Ranly, and more importantly, fellow AHP members. Their willingness to share their knowledge has continued from my first AHP meeting in Washington, D.C. when Audie Rackley took a fledging editor under his wing over a very lengthy dinner. Without realizing it, AHP has developed a strong mentoring program among its members where beginners and students can find answers and where veterans can be recognized for their expertise.
From the beginning, the founding members realized a need for American Horse Publications. What is amazing is that as the needs in equine publishing changed over the past 30 years, the association embraced the changes and re-invented itself to match the needs. But what have not changed are the camaraderie, the lifelong friendships, and the support and encouragement freely given. Our AHP memories have become a part of the common bond we share. We have set the standard for the new millennium. We venture into the future to face the challenges armed with the wisdom of our past and surrounded by an ever-growing circle of support and friendship.
(SIDEBAR A – Position on first page so to identity interviewees)
Our thanks to the past presidents who responded to the questionnaire and shared their memories and vision.
Arnold Kirkpatrick, 1970-1970 AHP President
Real Estate Novelist
Former Editor, The Thoroughbred Record
Snowden Carter, 1973-1974 AHP President
Retired Editor, The Maryland Horse
Peter Winants, 1987-1988 AHP President
Retired in 1999 as Director of National Sporting Library
Retired in 1991 as Publisher, The Chronicle of the Horse
Tracy Gantz, 1988-1989 AHP President
Managing Editor, Paint Horse Journal
Former Managing Editor, The Thoroughbred of California
Bill Shepard, 1990-1991 AHP President
Retired in 1998 as Livestock Publications Council Executive Director
Retired in 1991 as Editor, Paint Horse Journal
Karl Little, 1991-1993 AHP President
President and owner, Eagle Mountain Archery, makers of custom long bows and arrows
Former Editor, Cutting Horse Chatter
Jenny Meyer, 1993-1994 AHP President
Freelance writer and editor and Consulting Editor, Horse & Rider
Former Publisher, California Horse Review
Kathy Mezick, 1994-1995 AHP President
President, Corral Publishing, Inc.
Editor, Horsemen’s Corral
Jim Jennings, 1995-1996 AHP President
Senior Director of Publications of AQHA
Susan Harding, 1996-1997 AHP President
Vice President, Group Publishing Director, PRIMEDIA
Darrell Dodds, 1997-1998 AHP President
Editor, Paint Horse Journal
Lua Oas Southard, 1998-1999 AHP President
Chief Operating Officer for Equine Resources International, LLC
(SIDEBAR B)
2000 FACTS and FIGURES
· AHP Membership has grown to 286 in 2000 from the original 6 publication members who gathered at the founding meeting on September 23, 1969 in Washington, D.C. In 2000, AHP offered six membership categories including Publication, Affiliate, Corporate, Student, International and Electronic Publication.
· 9 Electronic Publication members joined AHP in 2000, the first year the category was available.
· The 2000 Annual Awards Contest totaled 811 entries, with 80 members participating. In 1977, there were only 13 classes, compared to the 40 classes offered in 2000. In 1991, the contest had only 360 entries with as few as 23 participants.
· Michelle Berg, a senior at Washington State University majoring in Mass Communications with a journalism sequence, was named the 2000 Student Award Winner. Michelle became the ninth college student to earn the award since its inception in 1993.
· The 2000 Student Award Fund Auction and Triathlon raised $7,172, a significant increase from the initial auction in 1993, which raised $530.
· The 1999 Student Award winners, Summer Ann Best and Laura Denissen, were both hired by AHP members in 2000. Summer went to work at The Quarter Horse Journal in February and Laura joined On Target Training in September.
· The AHP T2K Seminar in Irving, Texas, exceeded all expectations with an attendance of 175 and an overall seminar rating of 4.9. Ratings were based on the responses of 47 members who rated activities, sessions, and the meeting site on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being excellent. Here’s the results of the survey:
4.7 = Awards Night at the Movie Studios at Las Colinas
4.7 = “Sending Love Letters To Your Readers”
4.6 = Student Award Night
4.6 = “Secrets of Good Writing”
4.2 = Texas Ranch Tour
4.2 = Preakness Party
4.1 = “Interview Techniques”
3.9 = “The Whole Package”
3.9 = “12 New Economy Principles”
3.9 = “Advertising Decisions Panel”
3.9 = “Custom Publishing”
3.9 = “Freelancer/Editor Workshop”
3.4 = “Sponsoring Partnerships”
The DFW Airport Marriott received a 4.6 for hotel services and guest rooms, 4.4 for location, and 4.3 for food.
· Corporate sponsorships in 2000 brought in $21,500 and several new sponsors, which helped to keep seminar registrations affordable.
· The combined circulation of all AHP member publications totals over 3 million.
(INSERT CHARTS FROM ATTACHED FILES TO BE POSITIONED NEAR FACTS AND FIGURES)
1. INCOME
2. EXPENSES
3. MEMBERSHIP
AHP Forum added to website
AHP members are encouraged to logon to the AHP Forum. The Forum was established as an open discussion on all aspects of publishing. Use the Forum to:
· Post a question.
· State an opinion.
· Seek help or assistance.
· Recommend a book, website, etc.
· Offer your services.
· Elicit advice.
· Provide guidance to a colleague.
View the Forum as a modern-day general store, an informal gathering place where we can meet to exchange ideas. Open discussion is invited. Rudeness or discourtesy will not be tolerated. Your feedback is essential to the development of this new feature. Contact the webmaster at: sbearse@bloodhorse.com. To logon, visit the AHP website at www.americanhorsepubs.org, click on “AHP FORUM” and follow instructions.
AHP Trade Show Program 2001
Enclosed with this newsletter is a Trade Show Participation Form, which members can indicate the events you are interested in for 2001. Please complete and return by fax to 904-760-7728 or mail to: AHP Trade Show Program, 49 Spinnaker Circle, South Daytona, FL 32119.
The AHP Newsstand is a co-operative program that provides members with a cost effective way to exhibit at national and regional equine events. Publication members have an opportunity to distribute their publications and acquire valuable subscriber leads generated from the free drawing for a one-year subscription that are held during each event. Leads are available on either labels, disk or e-mail file. Publications with a circulation under 5,000 are offered the option to participate in the program by choosing to send half the number of copies for half price. Free distribution allows members who contract their own space at these events to use the AHP booth as a second point of distribution and members with a free publication to participate. A group discount is available for publication members published by the same publisher: 2 publications = $50 discount off total fees per event; 3 publications = $100 discount off total fees per event; 4 or more publications = $200 discount off total fees per event.
Affiliate and Corporate members may also participate in this program and have an opportunity to distribute up to 300 copies of one promotional piece advertising their product or service. No sales or orders will be taken at the booth. Member participating fees are assessed based on cost of exhibit space, furniture rental, supplies, staffing, and/or any additional expenses directly associated with the booth. Participating members are responsible for shipping their publications or promotional pieces to the event on time.
Please contact the AHP office at (904) 760-7743 for more information.
AHP Who’s Who
AHP Student Member, Lisa Munniksma, has been appointed as Media Manager for The Trueman Communications Group (TCG). Lisa, who received her BS degree from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA, has been involved in the equine industry for seven years. While in college, she rode on the Intercollegiate Horse Show team, was president of the college's Equine Club, and served as the assistant stable manager at the college's 48-stall equestrian center. She owns and rides a Standardbred ex-racehorse. The Trueman Communications Group, located outside Washington, DC in Poolesville, MD, is a strategic marketing and public relations agency specializing in the equine industry. The agency's client base includes Ariat International, Troxel, Dover Saddlery, Hermes and Nutramax Laboratories.
American Farriers Journal has released two books. The staff has selected 40 of the very best and most practical “how-to” shoeing articles and combined them into one volume, The “How-To” Horseshoeing Book: From Minis To Draft Horses And Everything In Between.” With the hundreds of “how-to” shoeing techniques outlined in the handbook, it is a valuable, easy-to-use reference for horse owners, riders, trainers, veterinarians and farriers. Artistic Horseshoeing is the third book in the “Farrier Classics” series recently reprinted by AFJ. The 240-page manual, first published in 1887, contains in-depth analysis of nearly every type of lameness and abnormality of the foot documented by legendary shoer and teacher, George E. Rich. Each book sells for $19.95 plus shipping and handling. For more information, contact American Farriers Journal, P. O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624; (800) 645-8455; www.americanfarriers.com.
Affiliate Member, Cherry Hill, has announced the availability of her CD-ROM collection, Cherry Hill Horsekeeping & Training, which offers a way for horse owners to access the wealth of information contained in Cherry Hill’s most popular books. The collection includes three CD-ROM libraries to choose from: Horse Care Library, Rider Library, and Master Library, which include the books from the above libraries plus others.
AQHA publications secured nine first place awards in the Livestock Publications Council’s annual award competition. The Quarter Horse Journal captured six firsts, one second, and five honorable mentions. The Quarter Racing Journal claimed a first, a second and an honorable mention, while America’s Horse earned two firsts and four seconds.
Do you have news you wish to share with AHP members? Send news releases and updates to AHP For the record, Chris Brune, Editor, 49 Spinnaker Circle, South Daytona, FL 32119; or fax (904) 760-7728 or e-mail AHorsePubs@aol.com.
Industry News
Equine industry input sought for federal EVA program proposals
Equine owners, associations and other interested persons have until November 20 to provide input on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed programs for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), a highly contagious, but not widespread, respiratory disease of equine in the U.S.
"We want the equine community to comment on the options offered at the federal level, as it will undoubtedly affect us locally,” said Dr. Terry Conger, veterinarian and state epidemiologist for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency. (EVA should not be confused with the incurable virus Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), for which Texas has an active control and regulatory program. The TAHC has no regulations for EVA.)
"Currently, there is no federal program to control EVA, which, after an incubation period of about a week, can cause infected equine to run fever, lose their appetite, and develop nasal discharge and conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes). While in many instances, there are no signs of illness, a high percentage of infected pregnant mares will abort or deliver foals that do not survive," said Dr. Conger.
"Affected mares, geldings or sexually immature stallions will usually eliminate the virus and develop a strong immunity against the disease," he said. "Stallions, on the other hand, can harbor the disease in their reproductive system as long as 15 years and shed the virus continuously or only periodically. When stallions are 'shedders,' they can infect mares
during breeding. Infected mares can also infect their foals in utero, or prior to delivery."
"A very effective vaccine is available," said Dr. Conger. "Foals are vaccinated between the ages of six and 12 months, while blood-test negative breeding stallions can be inoculated yearly. Mares that will be bred to infected stallions should be vaccinated at least three months prior to breeding, with a booster administered three or four months after the initial vaccination. Unfortunately, these vaccinated animals can test positive on EVA blood tests, which causes problems if the equine is to be exported."
"In addition to health implications, EVA also has economic repercussions," said Dr. Conger. "Abortions, foal deaths and lost breeding seasons resulting from this disease can substantially impact the equine industry. Most worrisome is the challenge to guard against the spread of disease by infected stallions. Many countries also bar the importation of affected equine and/or their semen."
A full text of the proposed programs may be found on the internet at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html or obtained from the TAHC by calling (800) 550-8242, ext. 710.
NEET event makes debut this spring
The National Exposition on Equine Transportation (NEET) makes its debut on March 9-11, 2001, at the Kentucky Horse Park. Adult tickets cost $9 per day, which includes admission to the Kentucky Horse Park. The unique event will focus on a universal issue for horse people—moving horses from place to place.
NEET, sponsored by the Kentucky Horse Council, replaces the organization's former Kentucky Horse Fair event. "Because members often request trailering clinics, inquire about regulations, shipping costs, and overall horse transportation, we decided NEET could better fulfill the needs of all horse owners," explained Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Liza Holland.
The exposition will offer seminars on selecting the right trailer and vehicle, air and ground shipping, and safety and health requirements. NEET will provide a variety of "hands-on" learning clinics ranging from improving driving skills to a mock disaster drill with state and federal input and help from the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter. Saturday evening festivities will feature a reception focusing on Equine International Trade and the role of transportation.
Throughout the weekend, NEET will challenge competitive horse enthusiasts by hosting several competitions, such as driving obstacle courses, loading and unloading horses, and the NEET Championship Trail Class.
For more information, please contact Liza Holland at (800) 459-4677 or via e-mail rllholland@msn.com.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center adds Trails End Arena
Already a world renowned equestrian show facility, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) has recently expanded and added the Trails End Arena, a full service rodeo arena and cattle handling facilities. This new arena meets the need for hosting rodeos, roping events, working cow horse events, team pennings, barrel racing, and other special attractions. The Trails End Arena is a complete facility featuring excellent footing, six bucking chutes, a roping box, holding pens, a permanent loading chute, complete sound systems, grandstands and lights. The show grounds have over 450 wood show stalls, ample trailer and vehicle parking.
For more information contact Lisa Tripp at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center - Events Office (818) 563-3252 or e-mail laeceventsoffice@aol.com.
Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference scheduled for 2001
The second annual Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC) will be held at Clemson University March 16-17, 2001. This conference follows the highly successful 1998 National Symposium on Horse Trails in Forest Ecosystems and SETC 2000. SETC membership includes the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. However, trail horsemen, other recreationists, and land managers from all points of the nation are welcome. Their creed is: Preserving a cultural heritage in a natural heritage setting.
The SETC 2001 theme will be "Equestrian Trails and Water Quality." The public lands are rapidly moving into the management strategy called Ecosystem Management. This strategy approaches management on a watershed unit basis, and the bottom line for decision-making on allowable uses will be water quality. Trail equestrians must become familiar with this process, and learn how to preserve their traditions as recreational use of horses on public lands becomes increasingly restricted and prohibited.
SETC 2001 will feature federal and state agency representatives who will describe new levels of water quality protective measures and what this may mean to trail users. In addition, each SETC state will offer a presentation of how they are dealing with these issues. For more detailed information, visit www.strom.clemson.edu/programs/trails/2000, or e-mail gwood@clemson.edu, or write to Dr. Gene W. Wood, Extension Trails Specialist, Clemson University, Box 340362, Clemson, SC 29634-0362, or call (864) 656-0319.
Are you ready for the 2000 NRHA Futurity?
NRHA will showcase the industry’s top three-year-old reining horses as they compete for the first Open Futurity Champion’s paycheck of $150,000 and more than one million dollars in combined cash and prizes. Nine event filled days begin on November 24 through December 2, 2000, at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, OK. In addition to the Futurity, approximately 40,000 spectators will watch a full slate of ancillary classes, two outstanding sales, Freestyle reining competitions, an intercollegiate judging contest, youth silent auction, and trade show. For ticket information, contact Bobbie Steenbergen at (405) 297-8938. For NRHA information, contact Alexandra Drenning, NRHA Media Coordinator at (405) 946-7400 or visit www.nrha.com.
AHSA invites nominations for media awards
The American Horse Shows Association announced that the 2000 Annual Media Awards are open for nominations. The deadline is November 17, 2000. The five categories are: Non-Equestrian Print Media, Electronic Media, Equestrian Print Media Publication, Equestrian Print Media Single Article and Photography. A panel of media experts will judge the awards on November 24, 2000, and the winners will be notified by December 15, 2000. Presentations will be made during the AHSA Annual Convention, January 9-14, 2001, at the Antlers Adam’s Mark Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. The Media Awards application form can be downloaded on the AHSA web site at www.ahsa.org or a hard copy is available by contacting Christine E. Stafford, Director of Communications at (859) 225-6923.
Testing Integrity Program (TIP) held
The eighth Testing Integrity Program (TIP) workshop on equine drug testing was held October 6-8 at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center of the University of Kentucky. Forty research veterinarians, chemists and industry professionals from around the world spent three days reviewing new drug testing technologies. The primary mission of TIP is to foster research and cooperation that advances equine drug testing, research and quality control.
The first day of the workshop focused on “high throughput” Instrumental testing, and especially on the application of Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry [LC-MS-MS] as presented by Professor Jack Henion of Cornell University. When Dr. Henion says “high-throughput”, he means” high throughput”. Dr. Henion’s laboratory has tested 8,000 samples per day, more samples than some racing states analyze in a year. Dr. Henion, however, test for only one drug and its metabolites, while the racing industry tests for hundreds of drugs in each sample. Dr. Henion’s work was very well received and the group reviewed the application of his experiences to racehorse testing.
Dr. Henion emphasized that the slowest step in drug testing is getting the sample into the mass spectrometer. Dr. Henion described a new silicon chip based technology that promises to make sample input dramatically faster and more reliable, thereby further increasing the rate of sample throughput in instrumental screening.
Mr. Kyle Lovan, of Beckman Coulter, described automated ELISA testing systems that screen samples automatically from sample access to final printout. Again, the goal is to increase sample throughput and the accuracy and reliability of the drug testing process.
New tests for specific drugs were discussed, including a new test recently described for Viagra® , and also tests and experimental work on related phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which may have potential in the treatment of bleeders. Papers were also presented which discussed the effects of furosemide on “bleeding” and racing performance. Other work on new tests being put into place focused on testing for certain tranquilizers.
Other presentations reviewed accuracy and reproducibility in quantitative work, and the increasing need for rigor in quantitative analysis. Finally, after three days of work, a number of the delegates to the conference took advantage of an opportunity afforded by the Keeneland Association to see “racing as it was meant to be” on Sunday afternoon.
This Testing Integrity Program workshop has generated broad industry support. While its primary hosts are The Kentucky Racing Commission and The Kentucky Equine Drug Council, other sponsors include: The University of Kentucky; Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratories of Richmond, KY; Neogen Corporation; Beckman Coulter Inc.; Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica Inc.; The Keeneland Association; The National, Florida, and Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Associations, Inc.; The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association; Saxony Farm; Analytical Associates, Inc.; The American Association of Equine Practitioners; The National Thoroughbred Racing Association; The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Inc.; and Zymark Corporation.
New Member Profiles
ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION MEMBER
Saddletude.com
Contact: Christina Ackerson
4929 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 830
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: 323-634-0020
Fax: 323-930-2511
E-mail: christina@saddletude.com
URL: www.saddletude.com
AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Robyn Adair Cook
Freelance photographer
Robyn Adair Cook Photography
529 W. Liberty St. #303
Wauconda, IL 60084
Phone: 847-337-1977
Fax: 847-487-4033
E-mail: robynadair@earthlink.net
Robin has been a freelance equine photographer for seven years, Her photographs have appeared in Horse Illustrated, Chronicle of the Horse, Sidelines, Arabian Horse World, Horse Show, Equine Market, Sentinel, and Hunter & Sport Horse. Her areas of expertise include action photography in all disciplines; headshots and artistic shots. She is a member of ASMP.
Chuck Thompson
Freelance writer
10802 Greencreek Dr., Apt. 203
Houston, TX 77070-5365
Phone: 281-970-0479
As a teenager, Chuck lived with cowboy movie stars, Roscoe Ates and Johnny Mack Brown, in Hollywood. Years later, he interviewed riders, cowboys and ranchers, as a host of his own radio and TV shows. His first written series was published in 1951. As a part-time, and now full-time writer, his articles, columns and one book have been about cowboys and horses. His area of expertise is horses in westerns, movies and TV.
CORPORATE MEMBERS
Ridersonline
Equestrian information and equipment resource
Contact: Vicki Sylvester
10 Southeastern Farms Rd.
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
Phone: 914-234-2618
Fax: 914-234-2619
E-mail: sylvestervicki@aol.com
URL: www.ridersonline.com
Accepts freelance writers
STUDENT MEMBERS
Sarah Dooley
403A Buskirk Hall
Marshall University
Huntington, WV 25755
Phone: 304-696-3436
E-mail: sary1013@yahoo.com
URL: http://sary-t.tripod.com
Permanent address:
P. O. Box 913
Summersville, WV 26651
Sarah is a student at Marshall University where she majors in print journalism. Her career goal is writing/editing for an equine publication. She has been riding English since 1994. She worked as a stable hand from 1995-1997 and as a counselor at a day camp for children in the summer of 2000. In 1997, she purchased her first horse, which she still owns. In high school, Sarah spent four semesters on the school newspaper staff, two of those as editor and worked on the high school yearbook for one semester. She was a contributing writer for the campus newspaper at her first college, Murray State University and is currently involved with the Marshall University’s online yearbook.
Help wanted
Equine industry savvy, high energy, self motivated Sales Rep for growing regional all breed, all discipline, free equine publication. Distribution covers the state of Alabama with a circulation of 5,000. Excellent commission and wide-open opportunity for the right person. Please contact: Debbie Wilson at Pegasus Equine Express!! (205) 221-0802 or e-mail: ke4nu@sonet.net.
Established agency seeks qualified marketing and public relations assistant: Equine Resources International, one of the most experienced agencies serving the equine industry, seeks a qualified individual to fulfill the position of Marketing and Public Relations Assistant in their Kennett Square, PA office. Responsibilities will include writing and editing, advertising coordination and other marketing and clerical assignments. Must be adept at multitasking and familiar with computer applications such as MS Office and MS Windows. Knowledge of horses preferred. Salary is negotiable. Please fax your resume and cover letter to (610) 444-9846 or e-mail to LSouth821@aol.com for consideration.
Graphic Designer/Creative Director for Riding's Publications, publishers of a monthly magazine, Southern California Riding Magazine, and an annual, California Horseman's Directory. Must be proficient in PageMaker/Quark and PhotoShop. Riding's Publications is a drug free/smoke free environment. Please fax resume and salary requirements to (619) 669-3093.
Cowboy Publishing Group seeks position for Barrel Horse News and interns:
Applicant should have a journalism degree and be a horse person, preferably a barrel racer or have some knowledge with a passionate interest in barrel racing and rodeo. Duties will include collecting information on upcoming events, contacting secretaries about events that are already over, finding out the winners, and then contacting and interviewing winners for an article. Applicant should be free to travel to up to 8-10 events per year. Computer experience helpful but is not necessary if you can type. Accuracy and attention to detail are highly important. Barrel Horse News is a division of Cowboy Publishing Group in Fort Worth. Applicant will also be writing some items for Quarter Horse News and possibly the Women's Pro Rodeo News as well. Applicant should be able to take head and shoulder and candid shots, but does not need a lot of photography knowledge.
Interns will have the opportunity to write stories and interview winners, attend national competitions in Fort Worth, take photos, and write stories. Interns will also need to help with the other duties, like filing, making copies, etc. Interns are usually paid about $8 per hour and housing assistance is available.
Send resumes to Glory Ann Kurtz, Executive Editor, Cowboy Publishing Group, PO Box 9707, Fort Worth, Texas 76147 (817) 737-6397 or fax(817) 737-9455 or e-mail: gakurtz@cjnetworks.com.
Equitana Marketing Position
Equitana USA, North America's international equine exposition, has an immediate full-time opening for a show Marketing Manager. Lisa Kiser, the show's Marketing Manager for the past three years, will remain with the Equitana USA team as Web Marketing Manager for the group's new website product.
The Marketing Manager creates the marketing, advertising and publicity strategy for attendee promotion, exhibitor sales, sponsor relations and brand identity, working directly with vendors such as advertising agencies, PR agencies, and individual contractors. He or she also executes that strategy through ads, press releases, print collateral, sponsorships, newsletters, commercials, and the Official Show Program. Reports to the Show Manager or Director, supervises Marketing Assistant or Coordinator.
The ideal candidate will have a familiarity with the equine industry, strong written and oral communication skills, independent yet team-oriented, accommodating yet fair, creative yet practical. Ability to maintain budgets, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet
deadlines a must. Candidates familiar with print production, direct mail, marketing strategy and Microsoft Suite are preferred, but attitude, aptitude, commitment and enthusiasm are as important as anything else.
This is a great opportunity to move into management for the right person. Lots of support and guidance, fun and friendly team, competitive benefits, Dallas location, salary commensurate with experience. To apply or find out more about salary and benefits, e-mail aguilar@mfi.com. To find out more about the position and day-to-day duties, e-mail lkiser@mfi.com.
Thoroughbred Enthusiast Wanted
Our established publication has a full-time salaried position with benefits available, for a career-motivated individual who is Internet and computer savvy, and also has journalistic and photographic skills. Knowledge of the racing and breeding industry is a necessary prerequisite, because the successful applicant will have to assume the responsibilities of multiple tasks relating to the Thoroughbred industry. Interested applicants can fax both their resume and references to 626-445-6981.
Talent available
It's no coincidence "horse writing" and "horse riding" sound so much alike--both hold equal importance for Heidi Nyland as she discovers the perfect equine publication job scene. Heidi is an AHP student member and fall graduate of Ohio University's journalism masters program (with magazine, graphic design and photo editing concentrations). On the "writing" side, freelance writing and photography experience with HorsePower, The Paint Horse Journal and Scioto Downs Race Track communications demonstrate her dedication to the industry. On the "riding" side, she is a teacher and the assistant coach for the Ohio Wesleyan University Equestrian Team. If your publication has a place for a fun, dedicated, hard working individual ready to combine writing, photography and design talents, please contact HeidiNyland@yahoo.com, (614) 893-8906. Also check out Heidi's web page (with resume and ethics code): http://www.geocities.com/heidinyland.
Message Board
Abbott, Langer & Associates, has recently published Compensation in the Publishing Field. This 264-page report contains information on salaries in 69 benchmark positions provided by 68 publishing firms regarding: region, state and metropolitan area; type of product; size of organization; total annual revenue; and supervisory/managerial responsibility. Cost is $425. For more information, contact: Abbott, Langer & Associates, (708) 672-4200 or visit www.abbott-langer.com.
Movie Updates
For those who might have an interest, "Running Free" (formerly "Hoofbeats") will be out on video on November 14. "All the Pretty Horses" will open in theaters on December 25.
For more information on AHP or any of its programs, contact:
AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS
49 Spinnaker Circle
South Daytona, FL 32119
Phone: 904-760-7743
Fax: 904-760-7728
E-mail: ahorsepubs@aol.com
Revised: 05-02-99