American Morgan Horse Institute

For Immediate Release:
Date: October 27, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young - amhioffice@aol.com

The American Morgan Horse Institute is pleased to announce that the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show Committee has established a Trustees Emeritus Committee naming John T. Green and Mona Skager as the first inductees.

“The emeritus status was created for individuals that have had a long-time commitment to the success of the Grand National Horse Show no matter what particular job or office they were assigned. These are candidates who did not have a personal agenda,” said Fred Dills, 2010 Grand National Horse Show Committee Chair. “They are people who have been instrumental in the Grand National's evolution and upon whom the committee can rely for advice and history,” added Georgie Green, 2009 chair.

John T. Green
Born and raised in Dallas, John Green graduated from The University of Texas in 1959 and served in the Army Reserves until 1968. After graduating from college, he began his career as a commercial realtor in the Dallas area where he continues to own and operate income properties. John currently serves on the board of the American Trust Company. His involvement in community service includes president of the Allen Rotary Club, chair of the Allen Chamber of Commerce, and, most recently, chair of the Presbyterian Hospital of Allen. John served on the board of directors of the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) from 1974 to 1976. He served as chair of the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show in 1991 and 1996. He was the AMHA Man of the Year in 1995 and was inducted into the AMHA Hall of Fame in 2007. John married his high school sweetheart, Georgie Fulton, in 1957. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. They moved to a Green family farm in Collin County, Texas in 1970 where they started breeding, training, showing, and selling Morgan horses. In 2006, they purchased land in Erath County, Texas where they now live and continue their Morgan horse operation. John is a member of the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) Board of Trustees.

Mona Skager
Raised and educated in southern California, Mona Skager entered the entertainment business and began her career at an independent television channel in the news and publicity departments. She subsequently met aspiring film students, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas, who were just finishing their college degrees. “Francis decided it would be great to start his own film company,” said Mona. “He was offered a small feature film and I signed on as script supervisor and production secretary.” Mona became a producer on noteworthy films including The Godfather, Godfather II, Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, Hammett, and Onefrom the Heart. She was a principal in the video production company Arelt & Skager, Inc. She became a grower in a vineyard in the Napa Valley for ten years, involved with owning and showing Morgan horses, and invested in rental properties in San Francisco. She has been active in the San Francisco Opera Guild as vice president of fund raising, executive director of the San Francisco Film Festival, chair of the St. Francis Hospital Associates, president of the Redwood Morgan Horse Club of Northern California, and a member of the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show Committee for twelve years. She is currently a member of the AMHI Kentucky Horse Park Committee working on the Morgan Horse Pavilion scheduled to open in 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Mona works with McGuire Real Estate in San Francisco and lives in Pacific Heights. She is a member of the AMHI Board of Trustees.

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 30, 2009
Contact: Shanna Gish - indiancr@aol.com

A little more than a month ago, we were pleased to crown the first Morgan Weanling Gala Champion and announce the very successful inaugural Event held at the Morgan Jubilee Regional. "We were so thrilled with our first class and received many compliments and suggestions for future events." stated Gala Chairman Larry Bolen. "As premiums go in the mail and plans for the 2010 class at the New England Regional are already well underway, it is time to begin collecting nominations for the 2011 class." Bolen shared.

The 2011 Morgan Weanling Gala will be held at the New England Regional Morgan Horse Show and will be open to all weanlings whose sires have been nominated to the program. Again, this event is an incredible and one of a kind way to promote a stallion and his offspring based on conformation and athleticism. The event invites all stallions into the program. "Next year's breeding season will be here soon and those breedings have earning potential if the stallions are nominated to the Morgan Weanling Gala. We hope to have even more stallion owners and breeders involved." Bolen concluded. The payouts are based on percentages of total monies collected, meaning more prize money will be distributed as the number of nominated stallions increases. The nomination fee is $3,000 for new stallions and $2,700 for stallions nominated for 2010. A payment schedule is available and nominations are due December 1, 2009. All major credit cards will be accepted, as well as checks for payment. Committee members will have contracts available at the Morgan Grand National, or they can be downloaded at www.morganweanlinggala.com. Requests may also be directed to Larry Bolen at CedrCreek@aol.com, Paulette Bodnar at Hooligan@mc.net, or Shanna Gish at IndianCr@aol.com.

The Morgan Weanling Gala is an event sponsored by the American Morgan Horse Institute which is a not-for-profit charitable, historical, and educational institution. As a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, contributions are tax-deductible. AMHI activities include awarding educational scholarships; collecting and displaying materials relating to the Morgan breed at the Shelburne, Vermont-based National Museum of the Morgan Horse; and conducting the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show®. For membership information or to make a donation, please contact AMHIOffice@aol.com.

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 15, 2009
Contact: Shanna Gish - indiancr@aol.com

Organizers of the Morgan Weanling Gala are proud to announce the first Gala Champion was crowned on the evening of September 3rd, 2009 during the Jubilee Regional Morgan Horse Show. Whitney and Mark Bodnar of Merriehill Farm led Merriehill Isa Diva, a bay filly by Beethoven and out of Merriehill Isabeau, to victory. This filly topped a crowd of 25 weanling entries from across the country.

"We were so excited about the quality and number of entries that chose to compete in our inaugural event. Twenty-five of the most beautiful foals arrived to compete in the Gala, and we could not be more proud of teh competition." Gala President Larry Bolen stated. "With the generous help of all of our corporate sponsors, and the Jubilee Show officials, we were able to hold the class in the coliseum ring where the foals had plenty of room to show and handlers could position their entries in front of the very enthusiastic crowd cheering from their box seats. It was an exciting event and one that ran very smooth for its first year." Bolen continued.

The 25 competition foals represented 16 of the nominated stallions, and the total purse awarded was $68,000. "In addition to the prize money, we were also able to award Radon sheets, halters, leads, tack shop gift certificates, advertising from the Saddle Horse Report, The Morgan Horse and The Morgan Connection, and clothing from Marsha D'Arriaga," Bolen stated. "The corporate sponsors were so helpful and the bronze trophies created by Maretta Kennedy were absolutely gorgeous," Bolen said.

At the conclusion of the individual judging of each foal, the top ten highest scoring foals were asked back to the ring for the next round of judging. "All 10 were presented to judges Ken Swanson, Karen Homer-Brown and Scott Thacker a second time, and seeing them in the ring together was very exciting" Bolen said. At the judge's request, three foals were brought to the front for one last look. They were the Champion, Merriehill Isa Diva, the Reserve Champion, U-Nanimous, and the third place winner, SpringMill West Point. The three were by stallions Beethoven, Bellerophon and MEM The Patriot, respectively.

"Our excitement for the Gala program just keeps growing, and it is our goal to spread that excitement throughout the breeding industry." Bolen said. "Our Alumni program is also underway, where a majority of the entry fees from each of the competing foals will be set aside until they are four year olds, and in that time point will be calculated for their accomplishments in performance classes over the next three years. Top point earners will then be awarded for their continued show ring successes," Bolen explained.

"we are so proud of the first event and everyone who partitipated. It is truly a program of dedication from people throughout the Morgan industry and one we look forward to continuing for many, many years. The Second Annual Morgan Weanling Gala will be held during the New England Regional in July 2010, and we anticipate another great event." Bolen concluded.

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 8, 2009
Contact: Linda Hall 734-697-5937 - lindahall2@comcast.net

Groundbreaking for Morgan Horse Pavilion Heralds a New Era for the Morgan Horse and the Kentucky Horse Park

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) and the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) shared an historic milestone when ground was broken for the Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park on August 28, 2009.

Slated for a grand opening in advance of the much heralded September 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the Morgan Horse Pavilion will showcase the Morgan Horse, whose heritage traces back to Vermont in the 1700's. It was then that local choir director Justin Morgan's legendary horse, "Figure", became the sole "foundation sire" of a breed that has made its mark on American history and has proliferated in over 30 countries.

"Building a Pavilion to showcase the Morgan Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park has been a long held vision of the Morgan community. The Morgan Horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park will complement the National Museum of the Morgan Horse in Shelburne, Vermont. The Morgan Horse will now be showcased both in the state of its origin, as well as at the heartbeat of the Equestrian World at the KHP," said Robert Morgan, President of the AMHI, who co-hosted the groundbreaking event along with Bill Cooke, Director of the International Museum of the Horse.

Groundbreaking guests were welcomed with a taste of Lexington hospitality featuring donuts from Spalding's. The greater horse park equine community was invited to attend the ceremony.

Members of the AMHI Morgan Horse Pavilion Committee, as well as other members of the Morgan community, traveled to the groundbreaking event from throughout the country to demonstrate their support. Committee Chair Elaine Galatz from Las Vegas was interviewed and featured by local television and print media. She was joined by Committee Members Susan Fu from Dragonsmeade in the Lexington area, Jack Gatewood from Michigan, Frances Pugh from North Carolina, and Jill Smith from California at the ceremony.

"The Pavilion will not only provide a venue to showcase the Morgan Horse, but will also feature an 'Equine Education Center', which will include video conference facilities that can be made available to broader communities," noted Elaine Galatz.

The Pavilion was designed by Kee Fu, a world recognized Kentucky-based architect. The design incorporates such green aspects as geothermal heating and cooling, capture and recycling of rain water for water features, solar panels, and natural air exchange. Interactive exhibits and an immersive theatre are also planned.

Morton Buildings is taking a leadership role in erecting the customized Pavilion. Byron Day of Morton has been instrumental in moving the Pavilion from concept to reality. Executives from Morton's Illinois headquarters were on hand for the groundbreaking, and hosted a VIP luncheon at "The Farmhouse", the historic venue of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The event was also attended by subcontractors Solar Design, Johnson Elecrical Group and Meyer Plumbing.

"As we continue our 'Path to the Pavilion Campaign' in support of the Pavilion and related programs, we welcome the global Morgan community, broader equine communities; business, industry and education to engage, contribute and collaborate with us" said Linda Hall, Pavilion Project Director.

"We are delighted to welcome the Morgan Horse Pavilion to the Kentucky Horse Park and look forward to its Grand Opening in 2010" said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) has signed a 99-year lease with the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) for the site on which the Morgan Horse Pavilion will be constructed. Construction begins next month and will be completed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.

"The Kentucky Horse Park facility is a wonderful opportunity for the Morgan Horse community to showcase our beautiful breed," said Bob Morgan, AMHI President and member of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board of Directors. "Opening our pavilion in concert with the World Equestrian Games gives us a unique opportunity to publicize the horse we love to a worldwide audience."

The Morgan Horse Pavilion, a 22,000 square foot, three-story building, is designed by Yum Kee Fu. Mr. Fu, owner of Winchester, Kentucky-based Dragonsmeade Farm, donated his architectural services. Morgan Building Corporation is the general contractor and builder.

The design focus of the building is to combine the educational with entertainment within the context of a "green" facility based on geothermal principles; Geothermal Contractor of Louisville, Kentucky is the solar designer.

"The open, airy, elegant design will house exhibits with a family-oriented, interactive, educational approach," said Elaine Galatz, Chair of the KHP Pavilion Committee. "The Committee is thrilled to see its vision becoming a reality to share with Morgan Horse lovers and those new to our breed."

For additional information about the Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park, please visit us at www.morganhorse-khp.org.

For Immediate Release:
Date: July 21, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

Named to the United States Equestrian Team for the third consecutive time, Suzy will represent the United States at the World Pony Driving Championship in Greven, Germany next month. "The Morgan Horse has an unyielding competitive spirit that makes them highly desirable as a Combined Driving athlete. I am thrilled to be representing our country with a United States born and bred Morgan Horse," she said. Suzy and "Katy" are going to World Pony Driving Championships undefeated for 2009. Suzy brought home the first individual Gold medal for the United States in Driving in 2005 and a team Bronze medal in 2007.

For Immediate Release:
Date: July 21, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

For Immediate Release:
Date: May 13, 2009
Contact: Linda Hall 734-697-5937 - lindahall2@comcast.net

Morgan Horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park Progress Reported at AMHA Convention

The Morgan horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park Committee of the American Morgan Horse Institute introduced 3-dimensional models of the Pavilion and a comprehensive set of architectural perspectives to those in attendance at the American Morgan Horse Association Convention in Sacramento, California in February.

“The Morgan Horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park Project (MHP at KHP) has achieved several milestones since its initial approved by the AMHI last September”, said Bob Morgan, President of the AMHI Board. “The Kentucky Horse Park approved the building design and plan in January 2009. This paved the way for site surveys, core drilling, and other pre-construction engineering initiatives currently underway.”

This building will be the first “Green” building on the campus of the Horse Park. “The design is not only functional, but environmentally advanced. An example of this is that we will capture rain water and circulate it to water our vegetation and provide a flow in our stream and waterfalls” states architect Yum Kee Fu. We are planning on creating a geothermal heating and cooling system so that our operating cost will be substantially reduced.

“We are grateful to architect Yum Kee Fu of Dragonsmeade for his donation of the design of the Pavilion and for his continued efforts to bring it to life.” said Elaine Galatz, Pavilion Committee Chair. “Kee has worked tirelessly to design the building and to develop the models and perspectives introduced at a Convention Reception sponsored by Pavilion Committee Members Fran Pugh, Jill Smith, and Susie Fu. The enthusiasm and support for the Project continues to build.”

The first floor of the Pavilion will feature an Immersive Theater, four exhibit areas, a Gift Shop, several interactive kiosks, and a “Wall of Honor” recognizing major donors. The second floor will be home to the Pavilion’s “Equine Education Center”—featuring classrooms, a conference room and offices. The Pavilion will be surrounded by a traditional “Kentucky Stone Fence” with pathways winding through Legacy and Tribute Gardens honoring Morgan horses from “Figure” the Foundation Sire to Morgans in our lives today. Commemorative Bricks and Patio Stone in the garden pathways will be engraved to recognize contributors and to honor individuals, family members, and Morgan horses that have touched our lives…from the “Champions in the Ring to the Champions in Our Hearts.”

The goal of the “Path to the Pavilion Campaign” is to raise the $5 million required to build and furnish the Pavilion and Theater, to prepare the Exhibits, and to landscape the Gardens. This goal includes an endowment that will supplement Park and Theater admission fees to support the operation, maintenance, and ongoing development of the facility and exhibits.

There are a significant number of naming opportunities and donor recognition levels associated with the Campaign. Contributors of $1000 and above made prior to the opening of the Pavilion will be recognized as members of The Founder’s Society. Donors of $50,000 and above will receive a limited edition bronze statue of “Figure” created by sculptor and Morgan owner Maretta Kennedy.

“The Pavilion will showcase many aspects of the Morgan experience.” said Project Manager Linda Hall of Carriage House Promotions. “If you have interest in assisting, making an individual or business contribution, or if you have contacts with Corporations or Foundations that you feel may have interest in collaboration and supporting this high visibility project, please contact us. There are full details regarding the Pavilion Project on the AMHA and AMHI Websites and at www.morganhorse-khp.org.”

The Kentucky Horse Park is known as “the National Horse Park” and attracts tens of thousand of tourists annually. Over a million additional spectators will visit the Park next year when KHP will host such events as the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The WEG is being held in the United States for the first time in its history and is expected to attract approximately 600,000 spectators, 60 plus countries competing, 1000 journalists and a global television audience of millions.

Momentum continues to build at the Park. New facilities slated to open there in 2010 include: new indoor and outdoor arenas; the “Arabian Galleries” addition to the Museum of the Horse; the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Building; an addition on the Saddle Horse Museum; and the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope facility. Events are already being scheduled at the new arenas over a decade into the future. The growing number of events at KHP will attract a broader audience to the Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park—showcasing the Morgan for the world to see.

For Immediate Release:
Date: May 6, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

The National Museum of the Morgan Horse (NMMH) is pleased to announce Amber Broderick has joined the museum as the Archivist/Registrar. Ms. Broderick holds a Master of Arts in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her undergraduate degree is from Burlington (Vermont) College in English Literature. As Archivist/Registrar, Ms. Broderick will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Museum’s collection and will plan, prepare, and mount the Museum’s temporary and permanent exhibits.

Effective May 13, the new hours for NMMH are Wednesday through Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Additionally, the office is open on Wednesday and Thursday until 5:00 pm and Friday until 4:00 pm. The National Museum of the Morgan Horse is located at 122 Bostwick Road in Shelburne, Vermont. The National Museum of the Morgan Horse is dedicated to preserving and interpreting all aspects of the Morgan horse breed through educational programs, exhibits, and special events.

The Museum operates under the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI), a not-for-profit charitable, historical, and educational institution. AMHI activities include awarding educational scholarships; collecting and displaying materials relating to the Morgan breed at the Shelburne, Vermont-based National Museum of the Morgan Horse; and conducting the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show®.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 30, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

To preserve and encourage the classical methods Dr. van Schaik promulgated, the AMHI makes an annual award of $1,000 to a Morgan individual wishing to further his or her skill, knowledge, and proficiency in classically-ridden dressage.

Ms. Mangum has been riding Morgans since she was 10 years old. She began specializing in dressage in 1981, after a double hip replacement and her subsequent retirement from jumping. She has successfully competed at the fourth level with her current Morgan and wishes to move to level four in her training. She plans to use the proceeds of the van Schaik award for training with tempi changes and canter pirouettes, and begin work on piaffe and passage. “With this scholarship, I could afford more high quality instruction to further my dressage training and increase my skills,” she said.

The scholarship award is used to further the training and education of the recipient. Eligible expenses include instruction, travel, and living expenses directly related to receiving instruction. The recipient attests that he or she will continue to pursue dressage training on a Morgan for the duration of the scholarship.

Each year the AMHI is proud to sponsor educational scholarships and grants to Morgan youth nationwide. The van Schaik Scholarship is one of the Institute’s awards.

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 21, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

One Hundred and fifty Morgan enthusiasts attended the American Morgan Horse Institute's (AMHI) 14th Annual Dinner Auction on February 19, 2009 during the six-day American Morgan Horse Association Convention in Sacramento, California. Deborah and David Peteler of Corcel, Inc. sponsored the event for the fourth year in a row.

The top bid of the evening at $4,200 secured a five-night, six-day California ocean side vacation in La Jolla. The 24-item auction grossed $23,525 for the Institute.

Donated art work, advertising space in industry publications, jewelry, antiques, and vacation packages were sold to the highest bidder with encouragement from veteran auctioneer Bill Carrington. The proceeds will benefit the educational and breed promotion programs of the American Morgan Horse Institute.

Since 2006, the auction has been generously sponsored by Corcel, Inc. This exciting company offers a wide variety of products to promote champion show horses. Corcel manufacturers custom made horse apparel for training barns, show horses, race horses, and horse owners of all breeds. Founded in 2005, Corcel provides customers with quality products and personal customer service.

The AMHI Trustees held its Annual Members Meeting on February 20, 2009. The meeting, chaired by President Robert Morgan, included committee reports and trustee elections. The trustees re-elected the current executive committee of Mr. Morgan, Vice President Susan Fu, Secretary Mona Skager, and Treasurer Mark Staehnke.

The membership elected six trustees. Trustees elected for an additional three-year term are Susan Fu, Meredith Cox Sloan, Jim Stewart, and Ann Taylor. Trustees elected for a first three-year term are George Arnold and Tony Lee.

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For additional information or a sample copy:
Contact Barbara Young
802-482-5438 — info@morganhorseinstitute.com

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 9, 2009
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) will hold its 14th Annual Dinner & Auction at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento on Thursday, February 19, 2009.

For Morgan horse fans who cannot attend the auction, online bidding is now available until noon on the day of the auction. Thank you to the American Morgan Horse Association for hosting our online bidding. Please log onto www.morganhorse.com/auction to find some of the auction items.

The items include equine works of art, equine jewelry, and travel to beautiful vacation venues. Items of note include a Hand Painted Antique Butter Crock by Andrea Hartmeyer Johns whose work can be found in the American Saddlebred Museum and numerous private collections.

We also are offering a two-night, three-day Wine Country Weekend in the beautiful Carneros Wine region of Sonoma Valley. Check out the inn’s website at www.WindhavenCottage.com and start packing!

Additional trips and works of art are waiting to tempt you. Take a look, make a bid, and help us to raise important operating funds for one of the premier guardian organizations of the Morgan breed.

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For additional information or a sample copy:
Contact Barbara Young
802-482-5438 — info@morganhorseinstitute.com

For Immediate Release:
Date: October 22, 2008
Contact: Linda Hall-734-697-5937 - lindahall2@comcast.net

Shelburne, Vermont - September 16, 2008 — The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) Board of Trustees today adopted a resolution to build an American Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park with a targeted opening of Spring 2010. The AMHA offices and the American Morgan Museum will remain headquartered in Shelburne, Vermont.

“This is a landmark decision for the Morgan world”, remarked Bob Morgan, President of AMHI, and a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board. “The Pavilion will showcase the Morgan breed and stand as a lasting tribute to its legacy and vitality.”

A committee of prominent AMHI Trustees has been appointed to oversee the project. Chairman Richard Hawkins is proud to announce the following members of the committee :Susan Fu, Elaine Galatz , Jack Gatewood, Arthur Perry, Frances Pugh, Mona Skager, and Jill Smith

Designed by the award-winning architect and Morgan owner, Kee Fu of Dragonsmeade, the main level of the 15,000 square foot Pavilion will house an Immersive Theater, exhibits highlighting the Morgan in History; in Art; in Sport and the Morgan today, interactive kiosks showcasing Morgan Farms throughout the nation and a Gift Shop. The upper level of the Pavilion will include offices and a conference room which can be adapted to a classroom for hosting meetings and workshops. The Pavilion will be surrounded by a traditional “Kentucky Stone Fence” and a pathway leading to a “Legacy Garden” honoring Morgan horses who have been the champions of the ring and the champions of our hearts.”

A capital campaign has been initiated to raise the $5 Million required to build and furnish the Pavilion and Theatre, to develop and place the Exhibits, and to landscape the Legacy Garden. This includes an endowment that will supplement the admission fees to support the operation, maintenance, and ongoing development of the facility and exhibits.

“The American Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park is a project that everyone in the Morgan world can participate in…from visiting the facility, to placing a brick in the Legacy garden in honor of a beloved Morgan or equestrian friend to Sponsoring the immersive Theatre and other naming opportunities in the Pavilion”, said Linda Hall of Carriage House Promotions, who has been contracted to provide Project Management and is spear-heading the Fund Raising Efforts. “During the course of a 6 month feasibility study which included preliminary architectural design, identification of building costs, and site development meetings with the Kentucky Horse Park, we have identified potential Corporate and Individual Contributors who have expressed interest in pledging significant support to the Pavilion initiative. We look forward to announcing some very exciting Contributions in the near future and engaging the Morgan community in this lasting tribute to our beloved Morgans and their legacy.”

The Grand Opening of the Pavilion is targeted for May 2010, with full operations coinciding with the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will draw an attendance of 500,000 spectators, 800 exhibitors, 1000 Press entities, and will be televised reaching millions. This is one of many events held at the Kentucky Horse Park, which has an annual Park tourist attendance of approximately 120,000. The Kentucky Horse Park is considered the National Horse Park—Exhibits and programs at the new American Morgan Horse Pavilion will engage people from around the world in sharing the wonders of the Morgan Horse and its legacy.

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For additional information or a sample copy:
Contact Linda Hall, Carriage House Promotions
734-697-5937 — lindahall2@comcast.net

For Immediate Release:
Date: June 13, 2008
Contact: Barbara Young 802-482-5438 - info@morganhorseinstitute.com

Shelburne, Vermont - June 13, 2008 — The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) is pleased to announce the 2008 educational scholarship recipients. Each award is for $3,000. The AMHI is proud to collaborate with the 2008 scholarship donors to assist these outstanding young women in defraying the cost of their college tuitions.

Rocky and Diana Schliefer have been involved with Morgan horses for four years and particularly enjoy the Western Pleasure and Park Harness divisions. They are building their Morgan breeding facility, Wild Rose Ranch, on 100 acres in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Wild Rose Ranch includes 40 box stalls and an indoor arena. With this scholarship, they are pleased to be able to recognize the efforts of outstanding young people involved with Morgan Horses.

The recipient of the AMHI Wild Rose Ranch Educational Youth Scholarship is Lisa Drewry of Farmington, Minnesota. Active in 4-H, Lisa was recognized as a “Top Ten Individual” for her participation in a national livestock judging contest. She was her high school class valedictorian. She participates, and has won awards, as a member of a jazz band ensemble. Among her many equestrian accomplishments, Lisa is most satisfied with her top ten finish in the 2007 Hunter Seat On The Flat Equitation 16 at the Grand National. “When I think of what I overcame to ribbon in that class, I can’t help but be proud,” she said. “I placed in a national equitation championship with an exclusively amateur trained horse. I placed and it means the world to me.”

Shoo-fly manufactures and sells automatic insect control systems popular in stables and barns throughout the United States. Many of Shoo-fly's systems have been in operation for over 25 years. As long time Morgan breeders, owners, and exhibitors, Chuck and Carol Hudson bring years of practical expertise to their business. This scholarship provides Shoo-fly with a unique opportunity to give a leg up to deserving young Morgan owners.

The recipient of the AMHI Shoo-Fly Educational Youth Scholarship is Megan Jurasek. She received her summa cum laude degree in Animal Sciences from Oregon State University (OSU) after three years and is currently a graduate student in veterinary medicine with the goal of becoming an equine veterinary practitioner. Honing her skills as a 4-H member in middle and high school, Megan is the founder, president, and drillmaster of the OSU equestrian drill team. “I have grown to value intelligence, ability, efficiency, versatility, elegance, and a can-do attitude, which attracted me to the Morgan horse. Now, in fulltime veterinary school, continued involvement with my Morgan helps keep my life balanced,” she said.

As the largest equestrian facility in the Kansas City area, Peeper Ranch believes in supporting current Morgan owners and creating new ones. Their riding instruction, training and breeding programs create new World Champions every year. In addition to supporting all of their clients’ dreams at the farm, Peeper Ranch also wants to promote awareness for autism and autism spectrum disorders. They have donated and named this educational scholarship for that purpose.

The recipient of the AMHI Peeper Ranch Autism Awareness Educational Youth Scholarship is Rachel Hamlin. Rachel, an advanced placement scholar with distinction and a national merit commendation student, has received academic awards for both mathematics and humanities. She has volunteered for four years at Root Farm Therapeutic Riding assisting the children in vaulting exercises on horseback. “They wear smiles on their faces as they walk through the door, they leave their mothers’ sides without hesitation, and they are conversational and outgoing. Experiencing their joy in the presence of horses is as soothing for me as riding,” she said.

The AMHI Cy Tirrell Educational Youth Scholarship was so designated fifteen years ago when the AMHI Board of Trustees named the award in honor of Professor Loring V. Tirrell, an animal husbandry professor at the University of New Hampshire from 1920 to 1966.

The recipient of the 2008 AMHI Cy Tirrell Educational Youth Scholarship is Valerie Davis, a member of the National Honor Society and the teacher-selected recipient of outstanding achievement awards in art, geometry, and history. Her versatility extends to the show ring where she has competed in western, hunt seat equitation, and dressage medal classes. She was the 2007 AMHA Youth of the Year at KYOVA and is secretary of the Western Reserve Morgan Youth Group. “I strive to be the best person I can be. I believe the Morgan breed needs more youth and young adults to take the breed into the future and I am dedicated to this work,” she said. Valerie plans to double major in business and equine studies with the goal of being a teacher at the university level.

The recipient of the 2008 AMHI Educational Youth Scholarship is Whitney Childs. An honor roll student throughout high school, Whitney will major in biology and English equestrian with an emphasis in dressage. Her goal is to promote the Morgan breed within the dressage discipline. Whitney bred, raised, and trained her four-year old Morgan gelding and placed in the top ten with him in the 2007 Grand National Dressage Training Level Tests. “I salute the past Morgans in my life who have shaped me into the confident young woman that I am today!” said Whitney.

Each year the AMHI is proud to sponsor over $15,000 in scholarships and grants to Morgan youth nationwide. All AMHI scholarships and grants are available through the generosity of individual contributors and from the proceeds of special events.

For Immediate Release:
Date: April 28, 2008

Contact: Linda Hall 734-697-5937 - lindahall2@comcast.net

AMHI Board Approves Feasibility Study for American Morgan Horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park

Shelburne, Vermont-April 24, 2008 — The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) Board approved engaging a consulting team lead by Carriage House Promotions in a Feasibility Study to determine the potential for initiating a capital campaign to raise $3M in cash and in kind contributions to support the building of an “American Morgan Horse Pavilion” or alternative expanded presence for the Morgan breed at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP).

“This study is timely, as Kentucky Horse Park will be the hosting venue for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will draw an attendance of 500,000 spectators, 8,000 exhibitors, 1000 press entities, and will be televised reaching millions”, said Bob Morgan, President of AMHI, and a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Advisory Board. “Having a broader representation of the American Morgan Horse at the KHP to complement the Morgan Horse statue and riding simulators which were generously donated and already in place, will allow us to showcase our Morgan breed to the large audience visiting the Park and attending events there. It would position us soundly at one of the major crossroads of the Equestrian world, while respecting and honoring our presence at the American Morgan Horse Museum and offices in Vermont.”

“Conducting a Feasibility Study before embarking on a Capital Campaign will allow us to gauge the level of community and corporate interest in supporting such an endeavor, and to determine the scope of presence at the Park—from a American Morgan Horse Legacy Garden to an American Morgan Horse Heritage Pavilion.” said Linda Hall, a longtime Morgan owner and exhibitor, and President of Carriage House Promotions who is conducting the study. “So far the feedback from Corporations and Individuals has been overwhelmingly positive, and we anticipate having very exciting news to share with the AMHI and AMHA members in the coming months.”

“We are delighted that the AMHI has undertaken this study to evaluate the prospects of a larger Morgan presence at KHP. A Morgan pavilion would serve as fabulous backdrop for AMHA’s participation at the Games. AMHA has formed a very distinguished panel of experts and specialists with deep backgrounds in marketing, promotion, motion picture and television entertainment, fundraising, event and project management, and horsemanship to develop several Morgan exhibitions and special showcase events” said Julie Broadway, AMHA Executive Director.

The Feasibility Study has been funded through designated donations of two AMHI members, thus creating no incremental cost to the Institute or Association. The study will conclude in early June with a recommendation to the AMHI Board regarding scope of the project and potential funding sources. If the Feasibility Study reveals support at the Pavilion level, with AMHI Board approval, ground breaking for a new building could be as early as May 2009.

The World Equestrian Games 2010: In 2010, the World Equestrian Games will be referred to as the "ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES" and will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington Kentucky, USA, the world's finest equestrian facility. Comprising over 1,200 acres of rolling Bluegrass countryside, and host to 15,000 competition horses, during 80 horse shows and special events annually, the KHP boasts a cross-country course, steeplechase course, indoor arena and numerous show rings. 2010 will be the first time in the history of World Equestrian Games that all seven disciplines will be held at the same venue.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 23 , 2008
Contact: Shanna Gish at 260-396-2640

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Perrysburg, Ohio – We are pleased to announce that eligible Morgan weanlings will continue to have a venue to strut their stuff and earn substantial prize money for their owners beginning in 2009. With the conclusion of the Morgan Breeders Sweepstakes in July of this year, a group of people that recognized the importance of this class gathered together in an effort to create a new class for Morgan weanlings to compete for honor and prize money. Their efforts were realized earlier this month when the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) offered the group an umbrella to work under. “We are thrilled and honored that AMHI has accepted our proposal to establish a new class for breeders to showcase their foals.” said committee Chairman Larry Bolen.

The new class has been coined “The Morgan Weanling Gala” in honor of the spectacular performances these young horses put on for their owners and handlers. “It is our goal that the yearly event continues to interchange between the Jubilee Regional and the New England Regional, with the premier class kicking off at the Jubilee in August 2009” said Bolen. “Right now, we are contacting stallion owners to gather commitments, and their response has been incredible. People are really excited about the new program and the renewed involvement. We also have extensive marketing plans to promote our nominated stallions not only in print but also with a richer Internet presence.” Bolen concluded.

The class is open to all weanlings whose sires have been nominated to the program. This event is an incredible and one of a kind way to promote a stallion’s offspring based on conformation and athleticism. The event invites as many stallions into the program and the payouts are based on percentages of total monies collected. Initial commitments from stallion owners need to be in place by May 1, 2008. Larry Bolen, Paulette Bodnar, Shanna Gish or Elizabeth Hobby can give anyone more information and a website will be in place soon. “We promise to put together a spectacular, fair and well-run event for everyone to enjoy.” Bolen added.

Please direct all requests to Shanna Gish at IndianCr@aol.com or by calling 260-396-2640.

The American Morgan Horse Institute is a not-for-profit charitable, historical, and educational institution. As a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, contributions are tax deductible. AMHI activities include awarding educational scholarships; collecting and displaying materials relating to the Morgan breed at the Shelburne, Vermont-based National Museum of the Morgan Horse; and conducting the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show®. For membership information or to make a donation, please contact info@morganhorseinstitute.com.

The American Morgan Horse Association of 501 (c) (5) non-profit, tax exempt corporation under the laws of the State of New York.