The Arena Atmosphere

Chuck Zimmerman

Show RingI overheard someone say that a horse show isn’t a spectator sport. Well, tell that to the people here in the stands. There usually aren’t a lot. Mainly people interested in the current class or event but they do get loud when they cheer for their family or friends.

One of the things that impresses me about a show like this is how peaceful the atmosphere is most of the time. The arena just absorbs sound so it’s kind of quiet. It’s air conditioned. Except for races the action is very relaxed and calm. You can sit in here and forget about the outside world.

I’m sure the competitors on the horses aren’t all that peaceful inside though. They have a lot of concentrate on including managing a very large animal.

Where you see the most activity is in the barns though. Out there you’ve got fans, dogs barking, people scurrying all over on golf carts and scooters, people walking, washing and brushing horses. That’s a the busy place.


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Horses

What A Farrier Does

Chuck Zimmerman

Kirk KnowltonIf you had asked me before today I would have told you that a farrier has something to do with horseshoes but that’s about all I could have told you. Now I know a lot more about it. That’s because I met Kirk today in between jobs where he’s set up as a show farrier in one of the barns. You can find a good definition of what a farrier does on Wikipedia if you’re curious.

It sounds like Kirk has been busy here at the National Show. He is very passionate about what he does and that comes through when you talk to him. He says that having a lame horse come to him and go away sound is one of the things that gives him the most satisfaction in his job. Besides this show Kirk also works the World Show and ApHC trail rides.

You can listen to my interview with Kirk here: appaloosa-national-07-knowlton.mp3


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Horses

Pleasure Horse Clinic Video

Chuck Zimmerman

Tim ZuidemaI think I’m learning a whole new language here at the National Appaloosa Horse Show. For example, take pleasure horses. There are actually several different classes here in the show for pleasure horses. At first I thought it might have something to do with horses on which riding is a pleasure but no . . .

It has something to do with the horse being judged as opposed to the rider. In fact, the term goes back a ways and I’m not sure where it comes from. If you know please feel free to comment and fill us in.

Anyway, one of the many things you find here at the National Appaloosa Horse Show is a pleasure horse clinic. You can watch Tim Zuidema conduct his clinic. This little YouTube video is less than 5 minutes.

One thing is for sure. It’s a real pleasure to work out of the announcer’s booth here in the main ring arena in the air conditioning.


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Horses, Video

Dogs at the Horse Show

Chuck Zimmerman

DogI’ve been joking that maybe we should call this the National Appaloosa Dog Show. There are dogs everywhere. All kinds of dogs. I’m a big dog lover and there are some beautiful animals here. For the most part they seem very well behaved.

I guess dogs and horses just go together. I’ve seen a lot of puppies too. Fortunately nothing that I’ve been told is for sale or else I could get in real trouble at home. We’ve got two there now.


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Horses

Steve Taylor Talks Appaloosa

Chuck Zimmerman

National Appaloosa Horse ShowDo you remember this guy? Steve Taylor, now CEO of the Appaloosa Horse Club. He’s also the guy who got what I think is the first ag group blog going while he was managing the Missouri Beef Industry Council. He’s blogging in Idaho now as the head of this international breed organization and invited me to their National Show.Here he is giving his report at the annual meeting of the organization.

Steve talks about how the show is going here in Oklahoma City. He says that participation is up and everyone is adjusting well to the weather and construction challenges in the facility. He says his number one priority is to become the number one cheerleader for the breed. He thinks that international involvement in the show presents some challenges and opportunities. For one thing the language issue becomes a challenge but he sees ways to overcome that and hopes to create new relationships internationally that will benefit the organization.

Steve also wants to further develop marketing strategies for the ApHC that include better media relations and more web based activity. He says that some of the promotional materials have been translated into different languages and the internet allows for greater outreach on an international level.

You can listen to my interview with Steve here which runs about 12 minutes: appaloosa-national-07-taylor.mp3


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Horses

Michael Peterson Remembers America

Chuck Zimmerman

Michael Peterson's I Remember AmericaIf you want to be one of the first to see a very patriotic new music video by Michael Peterson then you need to go to I Remember America. You can watch or purchase the video. After a day of driving and working I needed something to make me feel more in the mood for the holiday. You’ve got a winner there Michael!

As national spokesperson for the American Legion’s “American Legacy Scholarship” Peterson and Primoris Records are launching www.irememberamerica.com. The site will host several contests over the course of the next year, but initially will conduct an essay contest asking Americans of all ages to share their fondest memories of our nation and their ideas about making a positive contribution to our future. The top three essay writers will divide $4,000 prize money for furthering their education or the education of someone they love. Courtesy of Michael Peterson and Primoris Records.

The new video of the song “I Remember America” (from the forthcoming CD “In Black”) can be viewed at the site. $1.00 from the $5.00 purchase price of each specially released “I Remember America” DVD single and .25 cents from each individual download of the song will be given to the American Legacy Scholarship fund.

Uncategorized

President Dean is Happy With The Show

Chuck Zimmerman

ApHC President Dennis DeanIt’s time to leave the ring for today. But before I go here’s an interview with Dennis Dean from Apple Valley, CA. He’s currently president of the Appaloosa Horse Club. Dennis presided over the annual meeting of the association this afternoon at which members were provided an overview of organizational activities and plans.

You can hear his perspective of how things are going here at the 2007 National Show. Dennis says that even with some of the weather challenges the show is doing really well with increased participation. He said that interest in the breed is strong and that he can’t believe how many people are interested in buying horses right now.

My interview with Dennis runs about 6 minutes: appaloosa-national-07-dean.mp3


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Horses

Horse Show Blogging

Chuck Zimmerman

National Appaloosa Horse ShowI’m here in Oklahoma City and the National Appaloosa Horse Show is in full swing on Independence Day. This is one big show that takes place over a couple weeks since it’s combined with the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show. I’m just going to be spending a couple days here at the end.

One of the main reasons I’m here is to post content onto Appaloosa Blog Spot, the blog of the Appaloosa Horse Club. In part I’m doing it to show a way they can use the mechanism we built for them for events like this one. The organization has others throughout the year. I’ll be taking pictures, doing interviews and cross posting here and on their site.

Now, I’ll admit up front that I’m not “horsey” as some people like to call it. It’s not that I’ve never ridden a horse. I have many times but it’s going to be a challenge to talk the lingo. I’ll let you be the judge of how I do.

Of course all my photos from the event are being placed online in a photo album. Be sure to check it out. Shooting a moving target inside from long distance under some less than ideal lighting is a challenge. Hopefully I’ll learn how to handle it.


2007 National Appaloosa Horse Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Horses

Happy 4th of July

Chuck Zimmerman

Happy 4th of JulyI don’t know about you but I think it’s time to relax and start celebrating our Independence Day.

Cindy and I wish you a very happy and safe 4th of July celebration wherever you are.

Pretty soon it will be time to fire up the barbie here at ZimmComm World Headquarters.

Remember to stay AgWired!

Uncategorized

Zimfo Bites

Laura McNamara

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