South Daytona, FL (April 18, 2016)

“Every year since 2002, the horse community has brought attention to the visionaries in the horse industry,” says Christine W. Brune, AHP executive director. “In recognizing these nominees, we learn of those whose dedication and service have impacted our industry and our horses in a positive way.”

The six members of the Equine Industry Vision Award Committee reviewed the nominations and narrowed the list of 16 nominees to four candidates. The committee selected the following finalists:

• Tootie Bland, creator, owner, and producer of Road to the Horse, the original colt-starting competition;
• Gary Carpenter, NRHA Commissioner, whose lifelong career impacts nearly every facet of the horse industry including AQHA, AAEP, The Jockey Club, Arabian Horse Trust, and Colorado State University’s equine programs;
• EQUUS Foundation, a foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal; and
• Retired Racehorse Project, a charitable organization that facilitates placing ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the riding markets and serving the farms, organizations and trainers that prepare them for second careers.

“A nomination for the Equine Industry Vision Award is an honor in itself,” says Brune. “It recognizes these individuals and organizations for making a significant difference in the horse world.”

The Finalists will be judged on their performance in relation to the achievement(s) cited and their demonstration of the following attributes and abilities: 1) The vision and innovation of a true pioneer; 2) Leadership, commitment, dedication and willingness to serve; 3) Original and effective ideas and/or products, services, programs; 4) High moral, ethical and professional standards. The AHP Board of Directors and a representative from Zoetis will vote to select the winner.

The official announcement of the winner and presentation of the award will be made at the Equine Industry Vision Award Breakfast on Friday, June 17, 2016 during the AHP May the Horse Be with You Seminar in Orlando, Florida. The recipient will be presented with the Equine Industry Vision Award Trophy created by master artisan Peter Wayne Yenawine.

Previous recipients of the Equine Industry Vision Award are Alexander Mackay-Smith in 2002, Don Burt in 2003, the American Quarter Horse Association in 2004, John Ryan Gaines in 2005, Stanley Bergstein in 2006, David O’Connor in 2007, Sally Swift in 2008, Charlotte Brailey Kneeland in 2009, John Nicholson in 2010, Robert E. Cacchione in 2011, Equine Land Conservation Resource in 2012, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) in 2013, Patti Colbert in 2014, and Gayle Ecker in 2015.

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American Horse Publications is a professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in equine media and better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. For more information, please contact: Chris Brune, American Horse Publications at ahorsepubs@aol.com or 386-760-7743 or visit the AHP Web site at www.americanhorsepubs.org.

Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2015, the company generated annual revenue of $4.8 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.

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Winters won Round One displaying outstanding horsemanship and incurred no penalties. Although it was not a popular choice, Anderson did incur a score and time penalty after a Violation of a Rest Period for his colt. This resulted in both a penalty to Anderson’s score in Round Two and a reduced working time in Round Three. Road to the Horse has always placed, and always will place the horse as first priority.

Dowers’ captivating personality and inspiring training philosophies captured the hearts of every horse lover in the stadium. Seven Attraction seemed to collect as many fans along the road as Dowers. This outstanding, intelligent and athletic sorrel colt had something special, the same something special fans saw in Dowers. If fans didn’t know who Nick Dowers was before, they certainly know now.

Not only did Dowers walk away with the World Championship, he was also awarded the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award. Awarded and presented by Jack Brainard, this award goes to the horseman or horsewoman that excels in their power of observation to correctly analyze the best approach and then apply that method as smoothly as possible for the horse’s best interest.

Brand new in 2016, fans of Road to the Horse also enjoyed a LIVE broadcast by www.bonkotv.com as well as a LIVE play by play radio coverage by www.HorseRadioNetwork.com. Replays are available on both platforms.

In true Road to the Horse style, Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland surprised the crowd by announcing two competitors for Road to the Horse 2017. Both Sarah Dawson and Barbara Cox were named as competitors in a very special ladies only version of Road to the Horse which is scheduled for March 23-26, 2017.

Sarah Dawson, daughter of Road to the Horse 2009 World Champion Richard Winters will return to Road to the Horse in 2017. Dawson is a past competitor to Road to the Horse, having competed in 2013. A seasoned clinician and competitor, fans are excited to welcome Sarah back to the round pen.

Barbara Cox, wife of four time undefeated Road to the Horse World Champion Chris Cox, will enter the Road to the Horse round pen for the very first time in 2017.

Tickets on sale now. Click here.

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Fans will get a chance to kick off Road to the Horse 2016 with a St Patrick’s Day celebration in the dirt! They’ll meet the competitors and the horses, and enjoy fun activities on the arena floor. The AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch, will enjoy some free time in a large section of the arena, where the fans can meet them face to face for the very first time. AQHA President and 6666 Ranch Resident Veterinarian, Dr. Glenn Blodgett will be on hand to answer questions and introduce the colts.

All Road to the Horse 2016 activities on March 17, 2016, are FREE to the public and doors will open to the public at 1:00pm. Fans will enjoy shopping in our largest Marketplace ever as the Mounted Shooters of America, kick off the action at 1:30pm. A special early Meet and Greet will start with the competitors from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and the arena floor will be opened for the Shamrock Remuda Carnival from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Tickets are required for the remaining schedule from March 18, 2016, to March 20, 2016. Limited tickets remain!

Road to the Horse 2016 is already an epic battle in the making. In an electrifying mix between past World Champions and new blood, this is a World Championship of Colt Starting title that will come down to the wire as veteran Horseman’s Host Richard Winters challenges 2x Road to the Horse World Champion and well known Australian Horseman, Clinton Anderson. Add Road to the Horse newcomer and NRCHA Open Futurity Champion, Nick Dowers to the mix and the race for the World Championship of Colt Starting Gist buckle is wide open.

Road to the Horse 2016 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 18 – 20, 2016. Road to the Horse 2016 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.

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“Road to the Horse judges are selected from every facet of the equine industry. While some have experience with ranch, rodeo and performance horses, others have experience with breeding, educating and research. Combined they create the ultimate judging panel to determine who will win the title, prestige and honor of being named the next Road to the Horse World Champion!” states Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland.

The judging of Road to the Horse is based on specific colt starting criteria, while protecting the well-being of the horse. Judging takes into account that every horse is an individual and that there are many methods of horsemanship that are “natural” or respectful of the horse, its nature and how they learn.

Judges watch and score every moment of interaction at Road to the Horse, it is not just the performance in the obstacle course that decides the next World Champion but every step and breath taken from beginning to end.

An event like no other, the judges put their reputations on the line deciding who has done the best job developing a partnership built on trust and respect.

The Road to the Horse judges include Jack Brainard, Dr. Jim Heird, Craig Cochran Haythorn , Cody Lambert, Barbra Schulte and Jeff Williams. Assisting the judges at Road to the Horse 2016 will be Judges Steward, Stormy Mullins.

Jack Brainard: Trainer, Breeder, Judge, Leader, Teacher, Author, Mentor and Friend are all accurate labels of Jack Brainard of Tioga, Texas, long known for his contributions to the equine industry and his lifelong commitment to horses and the people who enjoy them. Jack Brainard has bred and trained horses for over 53 years and judged for a variety of national horse associations for over 40 years. A true veteran judge of colt staring, Jack Brainard has never missed a year at Road to the Horse. He has judged every competitor, at every event.

Dr. Jim Heird:  Dr. Jim Heird is Executive Professor and Coordinator of the Equine Initiative and holder of the Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair at Texas A&M University. Dr. Heird has an international reputation in the field of equine sciences. He has lectured on numerous topics both nationally and internationally. He has been a successful judging team coach, teacher, researcher and extension specialist. Road to the Horse 2016, will be Dr. Heird’s third year to judge the World Championship of Colt Starting.

Craig Cochran Haythorn: Craig Cochran Haythorn is a fourth generation rancher. He has contributed significantly to the Quarter Horse industry, while preserving his heritage and the western way of life. Craig’s many honors include: Outstanding Rancher award, the Western Horseman’s “Horseman of the Year”, Remuda Inaugural Award presented by AQHA in 1992, a three time winner of the Longhorn Best of the Midwest and the Legacy Award presented by the AQHA. Craig’s understanding and excellence in developing the foundation of successful working horses makes him the perfect candidate for the Road to the Horse Judges Panel.

Cody Lambert: Cody Lambert, a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and ten time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding and saddle bronc riding, Cody has a long and storied history in the world of horses. Cody is the Livestock Director for the Professional Bull Riders and served as Vice President of the PBR Board of Directors. An accomplished horse trainer in his own right, Road to the Horse 2016 will represent Cody’s fifth year judging the World Championship of Colt Starting.

Barbra Schulte: Barbra Schulte is a professional Cutting Horse Trainer, Personal Performance Coach, Author, Speaker, Clinician, and Equine Consultant. Barbra has published four books, Cutting, One Run at a Time, The Gift, The Little Book of Cutting Tips, and Healing Thoughts on Loss, Grief and Horses. In 2012, Barbra was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. The perfect role model for women in the equine industry, Road to the Horse is proud to welcome Barbara Schulte to the Judges Panel, where she will be the fourth lady to judge the World Championship of Colt Starting.

Jeff Williams: Jeff Williams has been starting colts for numerous long-time clients that include the Haythorn Ranch, King Ranch, Beggs Ranch, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch, and the Muleshoe Ranch for over 20 years. Not only does Jeff Williams have an in-depth and lifelong understanding of the elements that create a perfect foundation for a developing colt, this is a cowboy who lives every day in the saddle. This combination, makes him the perfect candidate for the Road to the Horse 2016 Judges Panel.

View the full profile of each individual judge here. 

Road to the Horse 2016 is already an epic battle in the making. In an electrifying mix between past World Champions and new blood, this is a World Championship of Colt Starting title that will come down to the wire as veteran Horseman’s Host Richard Winters challenges 2x Road to the Horse World Champion and well known Australian Horseman, Clinton Anderson. Add Road to the Horse newcomer and NRCHA Open Futurity Champion, Nick Dowers to the mix and the race for the World Championship of Colt Starting Gist buckle is wide open.

Road to the Horse 2016 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 18 – 20, 2016. Road to the Horse 2016 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.

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“If there’s a veteran of Road to the Horse, it’s Craig Cameron” states Road to the Horse Owner and Producer Tootie Bland. “Craig’s role as a competitor at Road to the Horse has spanned over eight years. Craig’s megawatt smile, captivating personality, unbiased opinion and expert colt-starting knowledge made him a perfect fit to join Host Matt West, as our new Horseman’s Host in 2016.”

A Native Texan, Craig Cameron is on the road more than 44 weeks a year, covering 80,000 miles demonstrating the style of horsemanship he has perfected in the last 23 years. Craig dedicates himself to those who educate their horses by first educating themselves. At an age where most have long since retired the thought of starting colts, Craig Cameron, known as “The Cowboy’s Clinician,” starts hundreds of horses each year; plus hosts multiple four-day clinics held at his ranches in Bluff Dale, TX, and in Lincoln, NM, which are blended with education and entertainment. Craig’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Working Cowboy of the Year award by the American Cowboy Culture Awards Committee. Craig is also featured weekly in Hoof Beats on cable TV and is a regular on RFD-TV. Cameron’s cowboy humor, often compared to Will Rogers, and his common sense approach are opening the eyes of horses and horse enthusiasts world-wide.

Road to the Horse 2016 is already an epic battle in the making. In an electrifying mix between past World Champions and new blood, this is a World Championship of Colt Starting title that will come down to the wire as veteran Horseman’s Host Richard Winters challenges 2x Road to the Horse World Champion and well known Australian Horseman, Clinton Anderson. Add Road to the Horse newcomer and NRCHA Open Futurity Champion, Nick Dowers to the mix and the race for the World Championship of Colt Starting Gist buckle is wide open.

Road to the Horse 2016 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 18 – 20, 2016. Road to the Horse 2016 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.

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“Road to the Horse is an event that I’m always proud to be involved with” states the well-known Australian horseman. “Tootie puts on a world-class show, and I’ve enjoyed working with the colts I’ve gotten over the years, educating the crowd and stepping up to the event’s challenges. I’m looking forward to throwing my hat back in the ring for the 2016 competition.”

Clinton Anderson is a clinician, horse trainer and competitor. He’s dedicated his life to helping others realize their horsemanship dreams and keeping them inspired to achieve their goals. He owns and operates Downunder Horsemanship based in Stephenville, Texas. The Downunder Horsemanship Method of horse training is based on mutual respect and understanding and gives horse owners the knowledge needed to become skilled horsemen and train their horses to be consistent and willing partners. Clinton instructs horsemanship clinics, presents Walkabout Tours across the country, produces a television show, hosts an internet TV website and is constantly creating comprehensive study kits and training tools to make learning horsemanship as accessible and easy as possible.

“We may just blow the roof off the Alltech this year” states Road to the Horse Owner and Producer Tootie Bland. “When you welcome back a past champion, horseman, equine educator and inspirational horseman like Clinton Anderson, the only guarantee is there are no guarantees. From the first competitor at Road to the Horse, to the first in education and innovation, Road to the Horse will test one of its best this year. This would not be the year to miss.”

Road to the Horse 2016 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 18 – 20, 2016. Road to the Horse 2016 tickets are available online at RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.

The post Historical Head to Head at RTTH 2016 as Anderson Faces Dowers appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Dowers enters Road to the Horse already crowned a champion. A NRCHA Open Futurity Champion and a NRCHA Futurity Open Hackamore Champion, Dowers has not only has demonstrated his ability to build the perfect foundation, he has demonstrated his ability to develop that colt into an elite athlete. With over $250,000 in NRCHA earnings, Dowers has proven he has mastered the complete process from conception to perfection.

Humble beginnings in Nevada’s Fish Lake Valley taught the 33-year- old cowboy that hard work, patience and perseverance were the tools for success. Dowers began riding at a young age, using horses on his family’s Triple D Ranches in the Great Basin. This background instilled in him a sincere appreciation for the horse as his partner, as well as a belief that work outside of the arena is crucial. After studying under well-respected horsemen and women, Dowers pulled the best from each to develop his own training theories. Equipped with the knowledge he gleaned from mentors like Bryan Neubert, Joe Wolter, Andrea Fappani and Annie Reynolds, Dowers set out to establish a program with a balance of natural horsemanship and performance horse training techniques. His end goal is to build a partnership with each horse that results in a balanced and confident athlete.

“I am so excited to introduce the fans of Road to the Horse to the talent of Nick Dowers” states Road to the Horse Owner and Producer Tootie Bland. “Dowers is an amazing all around horseman, he is the real deal. He is a working cowboy, he is a gifted horseman and he is a refined performer but most of all he has an unyielding passion for the horse, it’s like he was designed for Road to the Horse.”

Road to the Horse 2016 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 18 – 20, 2016. Road to the Horse 2016 tickets are available online or by calling 877-772-5425.

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