June 2024

Learn about the new AAEP guidelines for internal parasite control, the complete schedule for NM State Fair horse shows, clinics and demos, free registration for Horse Week TV and other national updates. The 2024 show schedule is filling up, save the dates and invite your friends to join you! Keep reading for all the details!

NMHC Motto: Uniting the equine community.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Partners with ActivateNM to Launch ActivatOR, an Accelerator for Outdoor Recreation Businesses 

Accelerator is redefined for the outdoor recreation business community

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the Economic Development Division (EDD) has partnered with CNM Ingenuity’s ActivateNM to create ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator, a free business accelerator tailored to established outdoor recreation businesses and startups located in or expanding to New Mexico.

The first three weeks of the accelerator are “open sprints” that are free and available to the community, even if they don’t apply for the full accelerator program. By attending the first three weeks, businesses and individuals can determine if ActivatOR is the right fit for them and learn about topics including growth mindset, customer discovery, and Lean Startup Methodology.

“ActivatOR builds on growth incubators and accelerators we’ve done in the past, but what makes it unique is established outdoor recreation businesses can apply as well,” AJ Jones, Deputy Director of New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division, said. “Growth is equally as important for active businesses, and ActivatOR was created to help new and seasoned outdoor recreation entrepreneurs elevate their business.”

Over the course of the 14-week program, ActivatOR participants will attend a series of virtual workshops along with weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry experts that understand the challenges of the outdoor market. Participants will also have networking and event opportunities. The networking component brings together like-minded founders, potential investors, and strategic partners who are all focused on outdoor recreation.

“Hosting an accelerator specifically geared towards the outdoor recreation industry is just another example of the commitment to make New Mexico the location for outdoor recreation businesses and startups,” Lindsay Humphries, Senior Program Manager for ActivateNM, said. “ActivateNM is thrilled to work with these outdoor entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools and guidance they need to continue to grow and thrive, no matter where they are on their business journey.”

ORD is redefining what an accelerator looks like, especially for the outdoor industry, with New Mexico businesses in mind. New Mexico has one of the highest concentrations of small businesses in the Southwestern U.S. and the outdoor sector reflects this. ActivatOR includes both startup and established businesses, which is rare for accelerators. ORD wants to help outdoor businesses at any stage.

“Growth doesn’t always mean adding hundreds of employees overnight or increasing profits,” Humphries said. “The purpose of this accelerator program is to help outdoor recreation businesses identify what growth looks like for them, whether that’s hiring an additional employee, refining their customer base, or creating a succession plan.”

ActivatOR participants who attend 10 out of the 13 workshops or mentoring sessions will receive a free ticket to the September New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference in Las Cruces.

Applications for ActivatOR will be accepted until the end of the day on June 27, 2024. Acceptance to the accelerator will be announced on July 8. Fifteen businesses or nonprofits will be selected. Learn more and apply by visiting the ActivatOR website.

The following graphic was created by the Maryland Horse Council where humidity is often much higher than New Mexico however the principles still apply to New Mexico and hot weather anywhere!

The count down is on to the

Mild Minis and Hot Ponies Show on July 13-14 at Expo NM in Albuquerque!
Classes for AMHR, PtHA, ASPC and All Breeds of ponies and minis!
Check out the Mild Minis and Hot Ponies Facebook page for more info! Premium, entry forms and more can be found under the files tab on that page.

Estancia Valley Ranch Rodeo

Tickets on sale now and ONLY available through the website shown below!

The Fourth Estancia Valley Ranch Rodeo will be July 19-20, 2024 at Rodeo de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Come out to see the best Working Ranch Cowboy Association Teams from New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and beyond come compete at the largest ranch rodeo in the state for a chance to represent their ranch at the World Championship Ranch Rodeo this fall!

Tickets range from $15 for general admission to $35 for box seats to be close to the action. With a collection of Western Vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden, there is something for everyone. Proceeds benefiting the County Fairs of Santa Fe and Torrance County and Horses For Heroes NM - Cowboy Up!

Purchase tickets at www.eastmountainrodeo.com

Reminder: anyone saying they have tickets available in sets are as legitimate as someone saying Cow Patties taste good, so don’t fall for it!

Southwestern Quarter Horse Association

Visit swqha.com/ for more details on each of the 2024 shows listed below

2024 GREEN CHILE CLASSIC...

• Entry Forms - please use one form per horse per breed. If your horse is showing in multiple breeds and/or all breed classes too, you will need to complete more than one entry form.

• Release and waiver

• NEW! To help you get ready - a show entry checklist listing requirements for show entries (at bottom of waiver form).

• Show fees

Please note that ALL show PRE-entry forms and documentation need sent to Berniece Zielke for entry into show software program. Email: viabz@aol.com or mail: PO Box 908, Belen, NM 87002. Discounted office fee for pre-entries (must include all required documentation) received by July 19th. Pre-payment not required (except for cattle reservations).

Entries can be made at show along with any additions or changes to pre-entry information.

Entry Forms available at https://www.facebook.com/Shonto6198 or nmpainthorse.org/

New Mexico State Fair

Horse Shows, Clinics & Demos

September 5-15, 2024

Make your plans to attend the plethora of equine events at the upcoming New Mexico State Fair! There is something for everyone...a huge variety of shows, clinics and demonstrations. This is our opportunity to showcase the New Mexico equine community and show manager, Mariah Wilson, has done an outstanding job developing a well rounded schedule of events. A few highlights...the AQHA show is double judged. National organizations have approved ABRA, APHA, AQHA, ApHC and PBHA shows at the NM State Fair for 2024! This includes all horse show classes held on Sept 12 and 13 and all Ranch Versatility Show classes on Sept 14 and 15. PtHA show classes are also recognized for Sept 12 and 13. All-breed division has classes in everything the fair has to offer as well.

Arena banner sponsor positions are available to show your support of the horse shows!

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/2650772328427583

New Mexico State Fair website includes all of the Premiums (class lists and how to enter)

statefair.exponm.com/p/participate/competitions/horse-shows

(Last updated 05/15/2024)

Guest Worker Visa Reform

The equine industry relies on two major guest worker programs managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the H-2A and H-2B programs. H-2A addresses agricultural workers. H-2B visas are granted to foreign non-agricultural temporary workers. These are complicated programs to access and are becoming increasingly expensive to utilize.

Members of the 118th Congress are considering several measures to reform, streamline, and expand these guest worker programs. AHC has offered its support to several legislative initiatives that are currently in play, including:

A Bipartisan Working Group created by Chairman Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ranking Member Scott (D-GA-13) of the House Committee on Agriculture. The working group released its final report which contains several recommendations to reform the H-2A program.

Legislation to streamline temporary work visa programs, specifically H-2A and H-2B has been introduced by Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) and co-sponsors Representatives Cuellar (D-TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX- 34), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2), James Moylan (R-Guam), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Chris Pappas (D-NH-1).

The H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act proposes to expand H-2A/H-2B labor certification period to three years and permanently authorize waiving the in-person interview requirement for returning H-2A/H-2B workers.

American Horse Council supports this measure with the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity, National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, U.S. Trotting Association, and the H-2B Coalition.

Efforts are now directed at expanding the cap on returning workers under the H-2B program through the appropriations process. Please see letter signed by AHC to House and Senate Appropriations Committee in support of cap relief.

retrieved from horsecouncil.org/issue/legislation-2/#toggle-id-4

Celebrate Hero Horse Doctors

During This Summer’s ‘Good Works’ Campaign

Help the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) honor horse doctors whose selfless acts of service are benefiting horses and the equine community by nominating those individuals for recognition during the 2024 “Good Works for Horses” campaign.

Sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner, Zoetis, the campaign spotlights AAEP-member veterinarians whose volunteer or charitable efforts are making a difference in the lives of horses and creating a positive effect on the equine community.

Individuals and organizations are invited to nominate AAEP-member veterinarians who have contributed their services, expertise or resources in support of such endeavors beyond their daily practice responsibilities. Nominations can be made online beginning June 1 at https://aaep.org/good-works-for-horses/ The last day to submit an entry is August 31.

Three veterinarians will be selected for recognition each month, June through August, in a Win-Place-Show order. Monthly honorees and their nominators will be acknowledged across AAEP’s media platforms, and each month’s winner will receive a prize package from AAEP and Zoetis. A grand prize winner will be selected from among the three monthly “Win” honorees and recognized Dec. 8 during the AAEP’s 70th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.

The AAEP defines “good works” as selfless acts of giving back to the horse, for the sake of the horse and people they serve. Examples may include:

• Offering free or low-cost vaccinations or veterinary services to a community

• Volunteering services or resources at an equine rescue/retirement facility or therapeutic riding center

• Responding to a natural disaster that imperils horses

• Participating in educational programs for youth equine organizations

• Serving the welfare of working equids domestically or internationally

• Assisting local law enforcement and animal welfare groups

“We are very fortunate to have so many members who give their time for the good of horses and the people who care for them,” said Dr. Katie Garrett, 2024 AAEP president. “This is a wonderful opportunity to spotlight those who are often behind the scenes but give so much to the equine industry.”

“I’m extremely proud that our division is partnering with AAEP for the Good Works for Horses initiative,” said Dr. Nathan Voris, Director of Equine Technical Services for Zoetis Equine. “We’ve always known that equine veterinarians are incredibly generous with their time and expertise, and supporting this program is a chance for us to help the AAEP to recognize those who truly go above and beyond by volunteering in ways that help horses and horse people.”

For more information about the Good Works for Horses campaign, contact Sally Baker, AAEP director of marketing and public relations, at sbaker@aaep.org or (859) 233-0147.

The American Quarter Horse Association is launching AQHLearn.com, an online library of horse knowledge for youth ages 8 to 18, with an updated look and variety of courses. AQHLearn provides resources for youth to learn more about horses through an online learning platform.

The site features topics that pertain to all aspects of horses, including horse health, history and basic knowledge. New courses will be released on an ongoing basis.

AQHLearn includes materials for beginner, intermediate and advanced learning levels so people of all ages can gain the most knowledge from these resources. Users can learn new information or brush up on previously learned skills and take quizzes at the end of each section to earn course completion certificates.

As a brand-new member benefit, AQHLearn is free for all AQHA or AQHYA members. Members should visit www.aqhlearn.com to get started.

Youth Can Learn from Equine Industry Mentor During Fall 2024

Amplify Mentorship Program

Amplify Horse Racing is accepting applications for the fall 2024 intake of its Mentorship Program, now through June 30. The program provides an introductory step for youth and young adults who want to learn more about the Thoroughbred industry by matching them with experienced industry professionals who can offer career guidance. The fall session will run from August 1 through October 31.

The suggested age range for mentee candidates is 15-25, with no restrictions based on academic achievement. The program is also accepting potential mentors who can demonstrate substantial and relevant experience in the Thoroughbred horse industry or an applied field, and can meet the program’s minimum training requirements, background check, and time commitment. All applicants must be residents of the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.

Amplify will host a live-streamed Q&A session for potential mentees and mentors on Facebook, X and YouTube on Thursday, June 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET. Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions in real time about program logistics and timeline, or can submit questions in advance to info@amplifyhorseracing.org. Schedule a reminder here.

Amplify will also award travel grants to outstanding mentees of 2024 who complete their intake of the program having demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. Award recipients will have the opportunity to travel to Kentucky for a weekend of behind-the-scenes tours in November, and will be recognized at Amplify’s annual youth and young adult Thoroughbred industry networking event.

“I knew that applying for this program could allow me the opportunity to explore future career paths,” said spring 2024 mentee, Grace Conley. “Through my mentorship, I now have connections to people in equine media and communications if I ever need a letter of recommendation or want to apply for an internship. I was also able to meet a lot of different people and see new places that are important to the industry.”

To learn about the program and apply today, prospective mentors and mentees can visit www.amplifyhorseracing.org/mentorship, or contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information.

Follow New Mexico Horse Council on Facebook

Official NMHC Facebook Page - follow the page for official announcements from New Mexico Horse Council

NMHC Facebook Group - join the group to share your equine events, clinics, and meetings. No sales posts please!