Welcome to the Georgia Draft Horse Association

PRESIDENT : JOHN AYERS
VICE-PRESIDENT: JILL MALONE
SECRETARY/TREASURER : ROXANNE JANES

Please contact any officer or Board member
if you have questions, comments or suggestions.
Remember, the GDHA is YOUR club!

Our Purpose and Goal

The Georgia Draft Horse Association is a non-profit organization with the primary objective of
promoting the use of draft horses throughout the State of Georgia.

Our goal is to bring individuals with a love for these magnificent animals together at a variety of events and
venues where they can exhibit and enjoy their horses in the company of like-minded people.
We offer a number of events throughout the year including shows, field days, riding days,
harnessing & driving clinics, seminars and demonstrations.
Membership is open to any person interested in the breeding, showing,
use or promotion of draft horses and is unrestricted as to residence.

History
The Association was originally formed in the mid-1980's by a group of people
interested promoting and using draft horses and mules in Georgia.
Then known as the Georgia Draft Horse & Mule Association, many programs were set up
involving shoeing, grooming, harnessing and training the horse and mule for work and pleasure.
There were field days, wagon trains and draft horse and mule shows where the public was invited to
observe, with the main objective being social and promotional.

In 1995 the name of the association was changed to the Georgia Draft Horse Association with the purpose
being much the same as the original founders - supporting and promoting the draft horse, establishing friendly
relationships between members and promoting the exchange of knowledge and ideas pertaining to draft horses.

In the past the association has introduced thousands of people to draft horses via the
Gwinnett County Fair through exhibits and shows.
In 1994 the association was invited to the National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia ,
where our draft horses were exhibited to the public. Since that time, we have held a
Class C Draft Horse Show each year in mid-October at the Georgia National Fair.

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ATTENTION

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES TO THE 2010 PERRY SHOW

GDHA Perry Show Changes for 2010:

1. The show classes will be divided into divisions as follows:

Heavy Draft (HD) – This will ONLY include purebred Belgians, Clydesdales, Shires, and Percherons.
Light Draft (LD) - This will ONLY include Haflingers (taller than 14.2), Suffolks, Fjords, Brabants, Spotted Drafts, and American Creams. Note, Gypsy Vanners, Fresians, and Cleveland Bays are EXCLUDED. This division will also include draft half-crosses. Draft half-crosses must exhibit common draft characteristics such as heavy muscling, feathering, height, and weight.
Draft Ponies (PD) - This will include draft type ponies (Haflinger, Welsh, Fell, etc. ) and draft-pony crosses that are 14.2 hands and under. Again, ponies should exhibit common draft characteristics.
Any one horse CANNOT enter more than one division.

The ringmaster will have final say so as to eligibility of a horse in the arena. If there is any question concerning which division your horse should go into, please see the show coordinator prior to entering the class.

Any class designated as “open” means the class is open to all three divisions of horses as well as open to all ages of exhibitors except children under the age of 8 years. The minimum age for exhibitors is 8.

2. The performance classes will have a further designation for the following:

Show (S) - hitch wagon or show cart, show harness with scotch collars, with shoes
Pleasure (P) – two or four wheel vehicle, pleasure type harness, farm or parade harness, shoes optional

3. Due to the additional costs associated with hiring a “riding” judge the following changes have been made for the riding classes:

There will be an English Show Hitch Under Saddle Walk/Trot.
There will be an English Pleasure Under Saddle Walk/Trot.
There will be a Western Show Hitch Under Saddle Walk/Trot.
There will be a Western Pleasure Under Saddle Walk/Trot.
The Walk/Trot/Canter class will be for heavy and light drafts.

In the past the association has rotated judges based on the judge’s ownership/experience by breed, i.e. a Belgian judge one year, a Clyde judge the next and a Percheron judge the following year. This will change beginning with the 2011 show so that the show committee will interview heavy draft judges who also have riding judging experience regardless of breed association.

4. Due to the large number of refunds given to exhibitors and the chaos this caused in bookkeeping and stalling last year, the show committee has decided that NO refunds will be given for any reason beginning in 2010. When an exhibitor sends in their entry form by the deadline of September 15^th, this reserves stalls for their horses and guarantees class fees at the lower rate of $6.00 per class even if the exhibitor adds more classes at the show. Those wishing to enter that may not be certain of their ability to attend the show can always enter the day of the show but at the higher class fee of $10.00 per class.

5. Last year the show committee added the open barrel racing class to add some spice to the show. Since the class was well received by exhibitors the committee has added a new class for “Open Costume Anything Goes”. This class will be for exhibitors 11 years old - adult. Judging will be by the audience and first place will receive $100.00 in premiums.

Thank you for your understanding of how many demands are placed on the show committee each and every year. Through many meetings, discussions, and compromises the committee has distilled what we hope will in some way satisfy our exhibitors and our customers, the spectators.

Carla Beckom,
Perry Show Coordinator
GDHA Perry Show Committee

GEORGIA DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION

No. 3 _____________________________________________________________________________ May, 2010

THE SPRING SHOW

The spring show was a blur of rain, wind and fun. After many days of perfect weather leading up to the day of the show, the day came with the predictions of an intense rainstorm and that is just what we got! The storm was an all day affair and it was a real “gully washer,” with between 3 to 5 inches of rain falling at the Murray County Saddle Club facility. Personally, I am still cleaning sand and mud out of my spokes!
Luckily, the facility has a large, covered arena with stalls nearby, plus it has covered seating and even room for some exhibitors who “trailered-in” to prepare for the show under the eaves. It also has a small restaurant, which allowed time for everyone to gather and socialize during lunch while watching the rain POUR down. I think we all enjoyed being able to get out of the rain, hang out in one place and talk “horse” for a while! Of course, the fact that is was Candy Morris’ 50th birthday and her mama got her a surprise cake just added to the fun (Candy -now you can enter the senior exhibitor’s class)! Despite the rain, there were many happy faces. It seemed that most people really did have a good time.
We had 22 draft horses come to the show but we had about 15-18 exhibitors cancel due to the extreme weather conditions. We had no draft ponies enter (and only one last year) and only one horse in the light draft horse division and that horse showed in a single class. Given the weather conditions, I am thrilled that so many people showed up and supported this venue!
First, I am sure that I will forget someone who did a fantastic job helping with the show –there were lots of people who volunteered and I am so grateful! But here are some people I specially want to thank. Julie Lanning volunteered to do ribbons, and as usual, she did a stellar job. Kevin and Danthanh helped with obstacle and gate keeping. Polly and Andy Jennings supplied a wonderful buffet on Friday night for the meet and greet. Spencer Malone tirelessly worked on ribbons, obstacle, gate and registration. He also cheered us all on with his guitar playing. These people worked in extreme conditions, with a smile on their faces and I can’t even begin to describe how much I appreciate all of their hard work! THANK YOU!!!
Finally, we had a number of horses that qualified for the versatility award. In order to be eligible, the horse must have entered in a halter, hitch and a saddle class. The award is based on the horse’s eligibility, not the exhibitor’s. The first place winner was Cielo Azure’s Corbeau (owned by Robert and Jill Malone)- with a

score of 4, Second place went to Vixie (Polly
Jennings/Double J Farms) - with a score of 6, third place was tied between Spirit (Candy and Shane Morris) andDraco (Brittany and Richard Edgerton) -with scores of 7and fourth place went to Sampson (Jordan Legacy). Theaward winner will be announced at Perry.
A Job well done by all who participated!
I hope to see you all this summer and certainly for the
Perry show, which should be a good one.

Submitted by: Jill Malone,
Draft Horse Spring Show, Chairperson

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2010 PERRY SHOW CHANGES

After much discussion, Show Committee Meetings, and
after taking all suggestions received into consideration,
attached please find a list of the Perry Show Changes for this fall.

Submitted by: Carla Beckom, Show Chairman

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INVITATION FOR FUN WEEKEND!

We’ve received an invitation for a great opportunity from
Janet Saxon, who is a member of the Fun Driving and
Riding Society. We’ve been invited to attend an event on
May 22 & 23 in Newnan, GA. It’s open to all
interested folks and looks like a great venue for driving
or riding our big horses. There will be quite a few
familiar faces from the GDHA there, so come and join in the fun! Robert & I plan to be there at least one of the days, if not both!
Contact Janet Saxon (404-861-3100) for complete information. There’s no charge this time, so just come and enjoy.

Great Oaks Address: 2836 Mount Carmel Rd.,
Newnan, GA 30263

Submitted by: Jill Malone
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PAPPA JOHN’S BBQ FESTIVAL:

Come out for a BBQ Festival and Draft Horse Demonstration in Augusta, GA. When: Saturday May 29 – All day festival starting at 8:00 a.m. ending with a concert that night! We have several GDHA members that have volunteered to represent our club with their horses for a Draft Horse Demonstration! For more information, directions, or if you would like to bring your drafts and join in on the fun for the demonstration, contact John Ayers! Or, just come for some great food, good music, and have fun while cheering for the GDHA drafts!

Submitted by: John Ayers (678) 753-0737

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NOTICE OF EQUINE AUCTION:

There will be a GA Dept. of Agriculture Equine Auction of 10 rescue horses to be held on June 5, 2010 at Foxhall Farms. (various breeds including a 7 year old clyde grade gelding) There will also be a benefit trail ride that morning to raise money for the GDA Equine Impound for horses for abuse and neglect. See attached for more information.
Contact Christina Gilham (770-605-6753) for complete information on the trail ride. (pre-registration ends 5/25)
For information on the Auction horses, contact the GDA @ 404-656-3713 or www.arg.georgia.gov

Submitted by: Katrina Adams
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HEY MEMBERS - LET’S GET THINGS MOVING!

Members, it’s our club – let’s get together and start some new programs for more draft horse activities for all members. The Show Committees have always been in place with their interested members taking the lead for the shows, however, we don’t have anyone working on organizing other activities. We also don’t have anyone working on other essential functions for the club. Just a few members working together in each area will keep our club active and exciting.
I have received permission from the Board to contact members regarding starting up various club committees. In the next couple of weeks, I will be contacting the members that have expressed interest in being part of specific club committees as they have marked on their membership form. The following committees that need help and guidance are:

1. Events/Activities 4. Fundraising
2. Membership 5. Newsletter
3. Advertising 6. Shows

If you are not contacted in the near future and would like to be involved in one of the above committees, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with the committee members. The only Committees that are currently filled

are the Show Committees, however, they always need more volunteers, as it’s the volunteers working in the background that make everything run so smoothly. So let us know if you would like to help out too! Each group will be directed to get together, choose a Committee Chairman, and start brainstorming suggestions and ideas to help our club! Every little bit of help would be appreciated, so if you can provide any assistance with any of these, no matter how small, please let us know.
Submitted by: Rebecca Cannon (423-339-0694)

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THE GREAT HORSE PLACE

Info for you for a new website to sell or buy anything horse. Sell your stuff, or buy some stuff. List your horse for sale, equestrian real estate, services, facilities & more. This great classified site is just for horse folks. (www.TheGreatHorsePlace.com)
Contact Carla Elvington for more information:
(admin@thegreathorseplace.com)

Submitted by: Carla Beckom

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DRAFT HORSE DAYS – PLOWING CONTEST

We’ve received an invitation to come to the Sixth Annual Draft Horse Days and US Plowing Contest located at Carriage Hill MetroPark Farm in Dayton, OH. There will be log skidding, obstacle courses, plowing and much more! Contact Mr. Rick Musselman (937-277-4834) for a complete information and entry packet.

Submitted by: Carla Beckom

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2010 DRAFT EVENTS CALENDAR:

May 12–14 – Southern GA Horse, Carriage & Antique Auction, Perry, GA
Contact: (812-486-6197)

May 22-23 – FDRS Riding/Driving Social
Newnan, GA
Janet Saxon (404-861-3100)
Charlene (770-253-1201)

May 29 – Pappa John’s BBQ Festival
Augusta, GA
John Ayers (678-753-0737)

June 5 – Murray County Saddle Club Open Show
Contact: Brittany Edgerton (423-255-3267)

June 5 – GA Dept. of Agriculture Benefit Trail Ride and Equine Impound Auction
Foxhall Farms, Douglasville, GA
Ride Contact: Christina Gilham (770-605-6753)
Auction Contact: (GDA 404-656-3713)

June 12 – ACTHA’s Ride for the Rescue
Social Circle, GA
Contact: Katrina Adams (770-207-4496)

June 18 – Topeka Summer Carriage Auction,
Topeka, IN
Contact: (260-593-2522)

July 2 & 3 – Horse Progress Days, Topeka, IN
Contact: (574-825-5769)

August 7 – Murray County Saddle Club Open Show
Contact: Brittany Edgerton (423-255-3267)

August 28-29 – Sixth Annual Draft Horse Days 2010
Carriage Hill MetroPark Farm - Dayton, Ohio
Contact: Rick Musselman (937-277-4834)
(rick.musselman@metroparks.org)

Sept. 4 – Murray County Saddle Club Open Show
Contact: Brittany Edgerton (423-255-3267)

October 1 – Topeka Fall Carriage Auction,
Topeka, IN
Contact: (260-593-2522)

October 2 – Murray County Saddle Club Open Show
Contact: Brittany Edgerton (423-255-3267)

October 15 & 16 - GDHA GA National Fair Draft Horse Show, Perry, GA
Contact: Carla Beckom (770-358-2678)

October 18 & 19 – NC State Fair Draft Horse Show
Raleigh, NC
Contact: (919-839-4701)

October 25–31 – World Percheron Congress,
Des Moines, IA
Contact: (740-694-3602)

November 2-5 – Topeka Fall Draft Horse Sale, Topeka, IN
Contact: (260-593-2522)

November 10-12 – Southern GA Horse, Carriage & Antique Auction
Contact: Paul Raber (812-486-2786)
(sgaauction@yahoo.com)

November 12-13 – NAILE Draft Horse Show
Louisville, KY
Contact: 502-595-3166 (kfecnaile@ksfb.ky.gov)

November 26-27 – Dixie Draft Horse/Mule & Carriage Auction – Troutman, NC
Contact: Dean Beachy (330-893-3541)

(If you know of any draft horse related events that you think any GDHA members would like to attend or would possibly be interested in participating, please contact Rebecca Cannon with the information & date to be added to this calendar.)

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VOLUNTEER’S NEEDED!

If you have any suggestions, ideas, or would like to volunteer to host a meeting, please get in touch with an officer or Board Member.

2010 Officers:

President: John Ayers (678) 753-0737
Vice President: Jill Malone (770) 735-1549
Sec./Treasurer: Roxanne Janes (770) 479-7110

Board Members:

Carla Beckom: (770) 358-2678
Jack Beckom: (770) 358-2678
Barbara Branch: (706) 677-2712
Ken Janes: (770) 479-7110

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THE NEWSLETTER STAFF:

Roxanne Janes (770) 479-7110 rjanes@alltel.net
Lawana Smith (770) 422-5142 DoubleSFarm@aol.com
Rebecca Cannon (423) 339-0694 fairwindsclydes@gmail.com

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The Perfect Husband

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A mobile phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

MAN: 'Hello'
WOMAN: 'Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?'
MAN: 'Yes'
WOMAN: 'I am at the tack store and found this beautiful saddle. It's only $2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?'
MAN: 'Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.'
WOMAN: 'I also stopped by the Trailer dealership and saw the new Living Quarter Models. I saw one I really liked. It even has a fireplace!'
MAN: 'How much?'
WOMAN: '$90,000'
MAN: 'OK, but for that price I want it with all the options.'
WOMAN: 'Great! Oh, and one more thing...the Farm I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking
$980,000.'
MAN: 'Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of
$900,000. They will probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 80 thousand if it's really a pretty good deal.'
WOMAN: 'OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!'
MAN: 'Bye! I love you, too.'
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths wide open!
He turns and asks: 'Anyone know who this phone belongs to?

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