Arizona Fox Trotter Association (AFTA)
P O Box 605      Wittmann, AZ  85361

NEWSLETTER - March, 2005

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
                              by Sam Pallin, MD

OK the first Arizona Fox Trotter Association cow horse clinic is scheduled for March 25th through 27th at the Double TW Ranch in Cave Creek.  What is this all about?  First of all, the most far reaching and exciting change in direction at the national, MFTHBA level, is the versatility competition.  Now no one should be intimidated by that word “competition.”  Remember, Fox Trotters for a hundred years have pulled the farmer’s plow, roped the rancher’s cows, cut the calves from the herd, and generally kept the ranch going.  For many years the “World” show we call the Celebration has concentrated on the smooth gait.  As a result the progeny of fox trotters today exhibit that ground swallowing four beat fox trot and running walk we all have grown to love.  In recognition that this breed is known for incredible versatility our parent organization, the MFTHBA, has decreed that some of the horses shown at AVA will do more than fox trot in a circle to win honors.  Now there is a division for horses (and riders) who can do the traditional work of the ranch cowboy.  Trust me, your fox trotter was born to it!  On the fourth weekend in March he will have a chance to rekindle the in-born cow sense his grandaddy’s owner instilled in the breed.  On or after 3:00 PM on March 25th we will show up at Tyler Wiese’s ranch at 27413 40th Street, between North Scottsdale and Cave Creek.  The Cow Clinic starts at 9:00 AM on the 26th in the cutting pen where the basics of cow work will be taught in a group.  There will be a break for lunch at noon. At 1:00 the cow work resumes.  Another break is planned at 3:30 PM. An evening trail ride in the desert to cool the horses follows. 9:00 AM on Sunday March 27th we are at it again.  A review of cow work and working with partners is next.  The clinic concludes at noon. Stalls for the horses are included in the fee.  The Saturday evening meal will be a potluck.  Tyler provides the cows and the instruction. In case you don’t know Tyler, he is a winning quarter horse and Arab trainer.  He rode our own stud Ranger to accolades in Missouri last September.  You cannot help but come away with a new degree of confidence in your riding and in your horse.  And by the way, spectators are encouraged and the fee is reasonable.  So if you are not quite ready to participate, come on down and watch. See what it’s all about.  Don’t be surprised if you catch the “bug”.  There will be other events where you can scratch that “itch”.  So come and play or just watch.  It’s all good!
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AFTA Board Meeting Notes for February

AFTA Welcomes New Members and New Board Members!

The Directors and members of AFTA would like to extend a warm and hearty welcome to the following new AFTA members:     

McDee Catalina, AZ

Bill Eisenberg, Rio Verde, AZ

The Board and Officers of AFTA would like to thank the following members for volunteering their time and effort to further the goals of AFTA by serving on its Board:
     Sandy Hollis, Steve Gordon, Jennifer and Jon Rinaldi

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IN NEWSLETTER

Members: 3 line ad/3 months (no photos) – Free
Mail info to AFTA, P O Box 605      Wittmann, AZ  85361
or e-mail to cavecreekking@aol.com.

Non-members: 3 line ad/3 months (no photos) - $15 pre-paid.  Mail check payable to AFTA, send check and information to AFTA, P O Box 605      Wittmann, AZ  85361
  ____________________________________________________

AFTA MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
* Shirts - $8.00   * Hats - $10.00   * License Plates - $15.00

* Contact: Karen King, 623-465-7577

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Thank you for your support!

Have a change of name, address, etc.? Please contact our Membership Committee.

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