Paso Fino Horse News & Notes

May 5, 2010 Press Release Paso Fino Horse Association

Paso Fino Horse Association Hires New Executive Director The Paso Fino Horse Association has hired Don Vizi as the new Executive Director of their association. The hiring of Don Vizi coincides with the association’s move from Plant City, Florida to the Kentucky Horse Park. “We are extremely pleased that Don has joined our association” said Ed Smith, President of the Paso Fino Horse Association. “Don has extensive experience with equine associations, serving as Executive Director of the National Walking Horse Association and the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, and has held positions of President/CEO of Chambers of Commerce and served in the United States Air Force reaching a rank of Lt Colonel” continued Mr. Smith. “Don’s credentials include: a B.S. degree from the University of Kentucky, an MBA from Pepperdine University, and completion of the United States Chamber of Commerce program Institute of Organization Management”. “I am honored to have been selected from 150 candidates that applied for this position, and I look forward to helping move the Paso Fino Horse Association to a new level of membership as well as promoting the Paso Fino horse as a horse for all occasions”, said Don Vizi.

The Paso Fino Horse Association was founded in1972 and has over 5,800 members and over 40,000 horses registered in their registry. The association is divided into 24 regions with membership in South America, Europe and the United States.

The Paso Fino horse reflects its Spanish heritage through its proud carriage, grace and elegance. With its lively but controlled spirit, natural gait and presence, and responsive attitude, the Paso Fino is indeed, a rare and desirable equine partner.

POC: Ed Smith 903-935-5232, Don Vizi: 615-483-0320

Can-Am and Wind Rider Challenge
London, Ontario, March 19 - 21, 2010
Wind Rider Challenge - Camilla is the North American Champion!

You may have heard that my Paso Fino stallion, Mercenario ("Mercy") and I had an awesome time at Can-Am Equine Emporium this weekend. It was the Canadian finals of the Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge. There were 22 finalists, some of which (like us) had pre-qualified by winning a regional competition in 2009.

Mercenario was the only Paso Fino and the only gaited horse, the competition included Quarter Horses, thoroughbred, Morgan, ShireX, Gypsy Vanners, Appaloosas, Arab, Canadian Horse and more. The event took place over the 3 days of Can-Am, with the first stage being an obstacle course.

Mercenario was unbelievably hyper and super-charged for this part (he piaffed all the way through the Gate obstacle) but we held it together and still managed to receive High Score for this portion. The top 3 scores went forward to stage 2, which was a new timed obstacle course and then individual Musical Freestyles. I was thrilled to get to this stage as we had worked hard to prepare our freestyle. Our second obstacle course was a bit of a hot mess, and I felt we were doomed to 3rd, but our freestyle went really well and was a crowd and judge-pleaser so... we were thrilled and surprised to WIN!

Our prizes included a custom Ortho-Flex saddle, an Anivac, new clippers, $, and other cool stuff. So be proud all you Paso Fino owners and lovers... a Paso Fino is the 2010 National Wind Rider Challenge Champion! Now this means we are invited (and paid) to compete in a head-to-head competion for the North American Wind Rider Challenge Championship in Wisconsin (April 16-18th, 2010) at the huge Mid-West Fair in Madison.

Another great promo opportunity for our wonderful and versatile breed. :) Needless to say I am very happy with and grateful for my beautiful horse, Mercenario. I am also so very grateful for all the help and support I got from my great Fina Vista friends, especially Jennifer, Victoria, Leslie, Margaret, Donna, Janet and Marianne (they rocked!). Also a big thank you to Janet Konyer and the lovely folks at Lookout Farm for opening their doors to us and looking after Mercy while we practiced.

Gary shot (thanks Gary!) this YouTube of our Musical Freestyle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVg3rb_6IWo

and a youtube video of Camilla in Winsconsin at the NA Championship

Camilla Willings, President of the CCPFHA

New Gaited Horse Magazine
There is a new Canadian gaited horse magazine "Gaited Canada" available online www.gaited.ca

Diego Bravo Clinic and Books
Dear Members, the CCPFHA is planning a clinic in July with a trainer named Shaw Laney. I have been in touch with Diego Bravo, the Columbian trainer in Florida, who is still interested in offering a clinic for us as well. He now has his US Residency, so there's a greater chance that he'll get a visa to come to Canada. Before he goes through the hassle of applying, and before I go through the hassle of organizing it, I'd need to know if you'd be interested in attending a clinic with Diego. If we did it this year, it would be a second one, and would take place in August or early September. Another alternative would be to plan it for next year.

Please let me know if you'd be interested in his clinic this year, and if so, would it be as a participant or as an observer. The cost would be pretty much what we planned for last time, around $225 per rider for the two days and $60 for observers.

Diego is also offering his book, "Science and Art of the Paso Fino" at a significant quantity discount for a limited time. If you want one of his books, let me know ASAP and we'll order them in. He is offering the book at the rate below, we'll add tax and shipping and there will be great savings from the single book price, which is around $49 US.

Happy Trails! Helen Notzl (416) 975 9424

Top Ten PFHA Sire 2001 and 2009
Sprintime Radiante, a Top Ten PFHA Sire in 2001 and again in 2009, is moving permanently to Canada and will be standing at Artworks Paso Finos west of Ottawa.
157 Rox Siding Rd., Cobden, Ontario
Jo Seggie-Flemming (613) 646-2890

Top Ten Pleasure Riders 2009
Jo Seggie-Flemming, our PFHA Recreational Rider Liason, is one of the top ten pleasure riders in 2009 and will be featured in the May edition of Paso Fino Horse World magazine. Congratulations Jo!

PFHA Recreational Rider Committee liason
Jo Seggie-Flemming is now our Paso Fino Horse Association Recreational Rider Liason. There is more information about available programs in the PFHA Recreation Rider Program Booklet. (Be warned! it's 10 mb.) Contact Jo Seggie-Flemming at Art Works Paso Finos for more i nformation and resources.
(613) 646-2890