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California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association

CTFMA is a non-profit organization based in Southern California, made up of farm managers, owners/managers and others who share our interest and love for the Thoroughbred. CTFMA offers educational activities, networking opportunities and a support system that is especially helpful to newcomers to the horse racing and breeding industry.

CTFMA sets up several special events each year. We welcome your participation in our activities! We provide a quarterly E-Newsletter packed with informative articles. Sign up below to be placed on the emailing list. Our latest news is posted here on our official website. For more information, please contact:

CTFMA
P.O. Box 876
Fallbrook, CA 92088-0876
Email us at CTFMA@yahoo.com

CTFMA Officers & Board of Directors
President:
Bob Curtis
Vice President: Linda Madsen
Secretary: Leigh Ann Howard
Treasurer: Marianne Hebner
Board Members: Jeanne Davis, Carol Engles, Steve Hartshorn, Gil Pankonin & Lita Tabish

  


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CTFMA News & Notes 


Join Us For A San Diego Stallion Tour On February 4!

Just in time for breeding season! The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association (CTFMA) will host a San Diego Stallion Tour on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

The tour will visit Ballena Vista Farm (featuring the stallions Bluegrass Cat, Calimonco, Dixie Chatter and Eddington), E.A. Ranches (featuring Haimish Hy and Mr. Big) and Ocean Breeze (featuring Cogito and Square Eddie).

The tour will leave the San Luis Rey Downs parking lot in Bonsall at 8 a.m. The cost is $40, with CTFMA providing transportation, lunch, morning coffee and afternoon snacks.

To reserve a spot, please RSVP to ctfma@yahoo.com. Payment can be made at paypal.me/CTFMA or mail check to CTFMA, P.O. Box 876, Fallbrook, CA 92088.



Join Us For A Day At The Races At Del Mar!

Hello CTFMA Members & Friends!

Thank you so very much for your support of the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association. We hope you have made plans to join us for the very fun “Day at the Races.” We have made reservations for our group in the Sky Room II Palio on the 6th floor (
private seating area) for Sunday, July 31 at Del Mar Racetrack.

We will provide admission, special seats, fun and contests. Food and drinks can be purchased individually from the menu (no host). We have a limited number of tickets; please reserve as soon as possible. Tickets cost $25 per person and need to be paid by July 25, so make your reservations TODAY. Please make checks payable to “CTFMA” and mail to:

CTFMA
P.O. Box 876
Fallbrook, CA 92088

If you prefer to pay by credit card, please email us with your name and number of tickets, and we will send you a PayPal invoice. Hope to see you there!



Join Us For A FREE Pedigree Workshop In February!

CTFMA proudly announces a special event for all interested horse breeders! G1 Goldmine presents a Pedigree Workshop that will discuss:

  • Super Crosses emerging in North America breeding
  • Negative Nicks that should be avoided
  • Which major sire line is terrible with A.P. INDY-line mares?
  • Rasmussen Factor: Fact or Fallacy
  • Inbreeding to STORM CAT is proving a disaster except when…
  • WAR FRONT and TAPIT sons: What mares should we send?

G1 Goldmine is pedigree software that is used by most of the major breeders in the world to research stallions for their mares, or to research mares for their stallion shares. The product is now used by over 2,400 users in 24 different countries including bloodstock and pedigree consultants such as Avalyn Hunter, John Prather, John Sparkman, Niarchos Group and Lord Derby.

“It is an exciting tool which should be added to the library of anyone doing pedigree research. G1 Goldmine allows for pedigree searches that are not available with other pedigree programs.” — John Prather

“It has opened up many doors and in my opinion has allowed me to breed a higher quality of racehorse than any other tools I had before.” — Ryan Norton, Darby Dan

Interested in learning more? Join CTFMA for the following workshop:

Thursday, February 12, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Courtyard San Diego Solana Beach/Del Mar
Solana Beach, California

ENTRY IS FREE, but you will need to register so we can allow for a suitable room and catering, as a light supper will be provided.

To register for the workshop, please email your name(s) to Leo Tsatsaronis of G1 Goldmine at Leo.Tsatsaronis@G1Goldmine.com.


2016 CTFMA Board of Directors

Our 2016 CTFMA Board of Directors and all of the members of our organization are looking forward to meeting you at our next event!


(From left) California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association Treasurer Marianne Hebner, President Bob Curtis, Vice President Linda Madsen & Secretary Leigh Ann Howard


Farewell To CTFMA Leader Keith Card


It is with a sad heart that we must inform you of the passing of our CTFMA Past President
Mr. Keith Card. He passed away on Tuesday, March 8 at his ranch in La Cresta.

 

There will be a memorial on Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at his Hi Card Ranch.

 

He will be greatly missed both as our friend and as a key member in the racing industry.


May 2010 Meeting


On May 18, the CTFMA discussed ideas to promote racing in Southern California. The future of the industry and all those associated with it depends upon the efforts put forth from now on from the inside out. Too much has been taken for granted for too long and the industry needs immediate attention.

 

Members of the CTFMA made a number of suggestions, including:

 

  • Being more involved on-site at the track, encouraging and inviting personal friends to go to the track as often as possible. More industry members from all organizations with vested interest in racing need to do a better job of public relations, the sharing of passes when you have a horse running or working to develop ways to bring new people to the track. Why not have passes available to members to distribute among friends and acquaintances? We need to do letter-writing campaigns to state representatives to bring back tax incentives for breeders of racing stock in order to assure future fields can be filled.

  • Suggestions were put forth to educate the public on “how to bet.” Perhaps some on-site seminars utilizing “betting teachers” or develop videos people can watch at the track to show them the ins and outs of betting.

  • Other ideas included limiting racing to 3 or 4 days per week, taking breaks between meets, better coordination of the condition book, lower the cost for people wanting to attend the races (i.e. an admissions package which includes parking, admission, a program, a seat and perhaps a betting voucher), and better public education and public relations. Racing needs to take a good look at what we can do to get advertising out to the general public, attract new people, and make a day at the races a destination. Thoroughbred owners have got to come together as an organized and cohesive group and consideration should be made to consider a National Racing Commissioner. Very importantly, we need to let people know the industry is working to GET ALL DRUGS OUT OF RACING. We want to promote a safe, healthy environment for the horses on all levels to encourage public support for the future of the horse racing industry. Time is of the essence.


April 2010 Meeting


During our April 20 meeting, Dan Schiffer focused on forms of ownership and the ways the industry does business with “fictitious” owners. With Dan’s leadership, the group discussed different legal entities used in modern situations involving multi-party ownership: syndicates used for stallion breeding ventures, partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations and leases used as ownership vehicles. Each form of ownership, while having different parameters and legal make-up, are separate “persons,” distinct from the owners who hold ownership interests in them.

 

The group engaged as well in a discussion of the relationship between agents and principals in transactions with these businesses. Dan wanted to help the audience gain some perspective with whom and how they should focus their dealings when transacting business with these types of clients. Effective communications will enable both parties to have a clear understanding of the transactions and foster positive dealings between them.

 

This was a well-informed and educational session providing CTFMA members with a great deal of useful information.


Local News Of Interest

 

Family’s Odyssey With Autism Subject Of Film Being Shown In Temecula


March 2010 Meeting


Our guest speaker, Steve Schwartz, did a thorough and concise presentation on the state of horse racing in California during our March 16 dinner meeting.

 

He resigned from his position as president of Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) on February 4. In Steve’s opinion, the industry is not facing the truth about how bad the situation is with regard to horse racing’s future. Some of the industry leaders need to address what is best for the industry as a whole. We have to work to present a united front among all the interest groups involved in the legislative, policymaking, breeding/farm representation, gaming, track unions and all the other core groups currently functioning more independently than as a cohesive group.

 

A very important point Steve made is that he feels many people in our current leadership roles lack core beliefs, don’t have direction or experience in understanding how the industry really works and are not providing direction to improve California racing. Issues we have to address in a timely manner include simulcasts, re-evaluation of the 20-mile radius restriction (making it easier for the public to place bets when they can’t get to the track), the racing calendar taking into account a 30% decrease in horses available to fill race cards, better lobbying for legislative creation of incentives for people in California to increase breeding programs and better communication across the board.

 

Steve believes we are an industry that has got to get to work to “forge the future” of horse racing, and if making changes in some industry leadership is the answer, we have to get to work and make the changes happen.


(From left) Steve Schwartz, Emily Schwartz and CTFMA President Keith Card


February 2010 Meeting


During our February 16 meeting, Rich Mervin led a discussion on a very appropriate topic for this time of year: how to start foals out right. As a former instructor of the Cal Poly horse program, Rich shared his experiences with our group, and gave us each some insights we could apply at our own farms.


Rich Mervin and Linda Madsen


January 2010 Meeting


Our January 2010 meeting kicked off the year with a wonderful speaker. Bob Costigan, owner and manager of Arravale Racing, presented the group with his views on successful racehorse management. Bob began his presentation with his belief that “the reality is, you can’t buy winners!” Mares are the basis of his program. He believes, after hours and years of research, the dam side of a winning pedigree is the most important aspect of a successful breeding program.

Bob shared the speaking role with his daughter, Carolyn, who successfully became licensed as a U.S. trainer in October after many years of working in all parts of the world under some prominent trainers. Together, the Costigans stressed their experiences while facing the licensing process, which can be daunting at best. The need for a friendlier process in the U.S. is evident as well as the importance of training without drugs, hard athletic training to get horses fit and ready and doing the right thing by owners and their horses.


November 2009 Meeting


During our November 17 CTFMA meeting, Dr. Andy Walker gave us an update on the regenerative therapy that has been successfully used in horses both at the tracks and in the show ring. “PRP” (Platelet Rich Plasma) has worked out well, especially when used in conjunction with other modes of treatment such as stem cells. He also discussed IRAP and the best use of Lithotripsy. If you don’t know what any of this means, you should be attending these monthly meetings.


CTFMA Treasurer Marianne Hebner and Dr. Andy Walker


Congratulations, Keith!


During our November meeting, CTFMA President Keith Card was presented with a delicious cake celebrating his huge hometown win with California Flag in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park on November 7. Many of Keith’s friends from the CTFMA were able to get into his huge winner’s circle photo! The next race for this handsome grey gelding is in Hong Kong.


CTFMA President Keith Card at the November 2009 meeting


October 2009 Meeting

Mushroom Matrix is a company operating in San Diego County growing and developing numerous specialized “total food” mushroom mixtures to aid in various aspects of our horse care. They also make products for all mammals out of these mushrooms.

Keith Manfred, vice president of Mushroom Matrix, gave an informative presentation during our October 20 CTFMA meeting, aided by Dr. Sandra Carter. Many of their products were added to our raffle, which were in real demand as the winning numbers were drawn!


(From left) Keith Manfred, Dr. Sandra Carter and CTFMA President Keith Card


A Special Thank You!

Alan Conway is our Irish Librarian and raffle caller.
He is often referred to as “Alan from Fallbrook” on horse racing radio shows.


Alan Conway at the CTFMA October 2009 meeting


September 2009 Meeting

During CTFMA’s September 15 meeting, Scott Pickard and Terri Greer joined us all the way from Alberta, Canada to demonstrate the Hospital & Veterinarian Management System (HVMS) software, which is developed and sold by their company, Business Infusions.

The system is easy to use, and we learned how its application could increase efficiency and improve record-keeping on a daily basis at our farms.

Emily Shields wrote an article about this software for the October 2009 issue of California Thoroughbred” magazine. Click here to read the article.


(From left) Terri Greer, Scott Pickard and CTFMA President Keith Card


2009 Summer Fundraiser Party/Potluck


The CTFMA Annual Potluck at Vessels Stallion Farm on July 21 was very well attended; the food was almost all homemade, delicious and bountiful. The setting, between the stallion barn and the lake, under the huge old trees, was lovely. Next year, we vow to have enough chairs.

 

Each year, Kevin Dickson shows off the Vessels stallions with a flair. The stallions are always gorgeous and seem to love the attention of the crowd. Scoop and Bonnie Vessels, along with their sons, were gracious hosts, explaining the history of the restored farm houses on the old Dulin cattle ranch they now occupy.

 

We were so happy to see President Keith Card and his wife, Barbara, especially after all the health problems Keith has had this past year. Racing Europe’s Doug Thomson was in attendance also. He was making his very first trek to the races at Del Mar. Several of the people who attended his CTBA tour to Ireland a few years ago had a chance to catch up with current trip news.

 

We would like to thank everyone who attended, donated to,
or helped run the annual CTFMA fundraiser “Dine With
The Stallions.”
We had an outstanding turnout of over 200 people, and we earned
just over $5,000 in revenue to be donated to Equine Charities & Scholarships!


Everyone had a great time socializing at the 2009 CTFMA Potluck!


May 2009 Meeting


During CTFMA’s May 19 meeting, Dignitary Downs Manager/Trainer Carlos Cabello III told us all about the farm he manages in Anza. He described the large farm with its 5/8th-mile track, large pastures and breeding facilities. The farm also has a large lake and riding trails. The altitude of over 4,000 feet means the air is clean and there are four seasons, including snow in the winter. Many horsemen like the idea of having their tired horses getting ‘snow therapy’ in the winter.

 

Carlos related how he starts the young Thoroughbreds in their first learning experiences, with the goal being to keep the horses happy. The term “breaking” is not very applicable when applied to the Carlos Cabello training methods.

 

Carlos was accompanied at the dinner meeting by his wife, Kate, and son, Caleb. Caleb was the big winner of the evening in the raffle!


(From left) Caleb, Kate and Carlos Cabello


April 2009 Meeting


Although our scheduled guest speaker, former California Horse Racing Board Chairman Richard Shapiro, was unable to attend our April 21 meeting due to an airline flight conflict, CTFMA members Laura Rosier and Leigh Ann Howard stepped up to lead a roundtable discussion of "The Current State of Horse Racing in California."

Thank you to everyone who attended!


March 2009 Meeting

During CTFMA’s March 17 meeting, attorney Dan Schiffer brought us up to date on the best methods used to handle problems collecting from boarders on our farms.

Number one was the fact that you don’t have to take a boarder or client you think might be a problem or who has been a problem in the past on other farms. Without a doubt, a farm should get references and call those references. Vanning companies and veterinarians are also excellent sources of information.

Once a farm has a problem with a boarder or client, there are several items that need to be done in order to be able to legally sell the horse or horses. Dan explained all the options, safeguards and common mistakes made in handling this issue.

Dan also discussed multiple ownership categories and how to handle each set of circumstances regarding the contracts and accounting.

This was a very informative program and one we need to hear each year.


Attorney Dan Schiffer addresses CTFMA members


January 2009 Meeting

During the CTFMA's January 20 meeting, guest speaker Dr. Marc Laxineta's subject was covered by a Power Point-assisted presentation discussing the variety of foaling problems we all could face this spring. While having foaling issues is not a pleasant subject, it is nice to know we have a very experienced veterinarian just a phone call away.

Dr. Laxineta interspersed his presentation with photos of some of his great scuba diving trips and old downed ship and airplane wrecks on the bottom of the ocean.


New CTFMA President Keith Card (left) and Dr. Marc Laxineta


Meet Our New Executive Board!


CTFMA's 2009 Executive Board includes (from left) Vice President Debbie Winick, President Keith Card, Treasurer Marianne Hebner and Secretary Cyndee Wahlstrom (not pictured)


CTFMA’s November 18 meeting included an excellent presentation by Dr. Larry Galuppo and Dr. Greg Ferraro. These doctors discussed the current stem cell research and work being done at the University of California, Davis Center for Equine Health and School of Veterinary Medicine.

Their information brought us all up to date on the “facts and fiction” regarding the collection and use of stem cells, and equine regenerative medicine. Interestingly, they are corroborating with the human research being done, thereby helping advance this area of study.


Greg Ferraro, Larry Galuppo and CTFMA President Jerry Murphy


The October 21 meeting provided our members with up-to-date information on all the USA working visas available to us. Attorney Lisa Galliath and Luis Gavaldon with the International Law Group LLP provided knowledgeable information and answered a myriad of questions from our group. There are various programs available both at the tracks and on the farm level that can be used by groups of employers.


Lisa Galliath and Luis Gavaldon


"What to Feed When and to Whom." That was the subject of an informal presentation by Dave Spaulding and Gina Anson of Kruse Feeds, a division of Western Milling at our September meeting. 

Mr. Spaulding discussed the nutritional needs of the broodmare in her different trimesters of pregnancy as well as optimum diets for weanlings, yearlings and performance horses. He also spoke about different diets for Cushing Syndrome and overweight or insulin resistant horses, in addition to senior horses. He also talked about the importance of correct vitamins and minerals and their ratios.

One of the helpful services Western Milling offers for some of the larger farms is their ability to custom-blend grain mixes, depending on available forage and what is expected of the horses, performance-wise.

A wonderful time was had by all and the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association wants to remind all horse owners they are welcome to the informative dinner meetings, which are always accompanied by a raffle of horsey items. The meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at Richie's Diner in Murrieta.


CTFMA treasurer and September speaker Dave Spaulding.


The July meeting was our annual potluck on the grass under the huge trees in front of the Vessels stallion barn. The members of the CTFMA group and the equine-oriented people from the communities of Bonsall and Fallbrook combined to make this event a success.  Scoop and Bonnie Vessels wee on hand to visit and parade their important stallions.  Kevin Dickson, the very able manager, did an excellent job introducing and updating everyone on each stallion and the records of their offspring. 
     Here are some photos recording the festivities.


CTFMA president Gerry Murphy


CTFMA's June speaker was Sue Friley.  She presented information on two companies, NaturVet and GreenTree, which produce natural pet supplements.  She was very informed about her products, which only sell through specific distributors.  She had numerous examples of aging animals, including horses, which were living out long lives more comfortably with the help of these products.  The lab where these products are made is regularly inspected by the FDA. 

NaturVet was one of the founding members of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).  NaturVet has received the NASC Seal of Quality for meeting or exceeding the most stringent quality and labeling guidelines applicable to the animal supplement industry. As a special treat she gave each attendee at this meeting a large sample of one of the Arthrisoothe joint supplement for horses.


Sue Friley from NaturVet and past CTFMA president Sid Huntley.


What do the most talented race jockeys have in common with the fastest race car drivers? They both rely on carbon fiber to get them to the finish line first.

The May CTFMA was presented by Ford Kingswood. Kingswood is a saddle maker extraordinaire and  hand crafts all his race and exercise saddles incorporating carbon fiber into the trees. His race saddle tree weighs in at an unbelievable 60 grams and the exercise saddle trees with stirrup bars weigh a mere 1 pound. He uses the finest English leather and they are available in a myriad of custom colors at very reasonable prices.

As well as saddles, Kingswood also makes bridles, martingales, reins and basically any type of equipment desired. Ford Kingswood lives in Fallbrook CA. and may be contacted at 760-728-8722.


CTFMA president Jerry Murphy (left) and guest speaker Ford Kingswood.


The April meeting was an "on the edge discussion" about the newly established CARMA program. This stands for California Retirement Management Account. This outstanding program will allow all owners to donate .03% of purse money to this account. The money will then be distributed to worthy racehorse retirement facilities through a grant process. 

CARMA is hoping that other groups such as trainers, jockeys, and gamblers will follow suit in contributions toward this racehorse retirement program. The presentation was passionately presented by the director of CARMA, Madeline Auerbach. She spoke on her involvement with the racehorses in her life. 

There are approximately 2,400 horses that retire off the California race tracks each year. She explained that TOC now has a code of ethics, which can be viewed on their website. From this code of ethics CARMA's mission statement was formed. It is simply: "CARMA is dedicated to the goal of providing funding for the rehabilitation, retraining, and/or retirement of Thoroughbred horses that have raced in California."


CTFMA president Jerry Murphy and CARMA director Madeline Auerbach.


The March 18 meeting of the CTFMA featured a presentation by attorney Bing Bush, Jr. The traditional "Handshake Horse Deals" which has been standard practice for centuries is actually against the law. He provided an outline and explained what buyers and sellers have to do in California to protect themselves. There were many questions and the group felt they went home with useable information. Bing brought his young son Ben to the meeting, and he was off to the World Cup racing extravaganza in Dubai at the end of the week.



At our February meeting, Dr. Steven Colburn spoke on nutrition of the young horse, particularly pertaining to developmental issues. He is working  with a large local farm on a program to follow and chart the growth weights from birth to two years of age. The goal is to see how weight gains and "hicups" in the patterns of the gains might have on the incidence of DOD and more specifically on OCD's. Dr. Colburn is the lead veterinarian during the foaling and breeding season at Vessels Stallion Farm.

We have new members attending and were very pleased our good friend and last year's president, Sid Huntley, and his wife could attend.  We were so glad to see them looking very healthy and absolutely radiant.

Photos from our February meeting:


From left: Jerry Murphy, president; Dr. Steve Colburn, speaker; Lita Tabish, vice-president; and Mariann Hebner, treasurer.


2008 started off with a bang as the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association enjoyed their first meeting at their new location, Richie's Diner in Murrieta. Alex Hassinger spoke on equine joint health and new ways to prevent injury along with ways to protect injury from occurring in the first place. One of the products Alex endorses as well as markets is Lubrisyn, which is a liquid dietary supplement of hyaluronic acid that supports healthy joint function at a very affordable price. Mr. Hassinger was even kind enough to donate a quart of Lubrisyn to the raffle which is always an enjoyable and fun part of the evening.


The December meeting was our year-end Christmas party, hosted by Keith and Barbara Card at their Hi-Card Ranch. As promised, we had great Christmas gift baskets, outstanding conversation and good feelings, and lots of fun.
     Here's a photograph from the party ...


The November meeting was held on Tuesday the 27th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speakers were Dr. Martinelli, DVM and Josh Parker, of Game Ready Technology. The research and reasoning behind the Game Ready therapy was fully explained by Dr. Martinelli. Then Josh Parker demonstrated the Game Ready therapy wrap on members arms. It was a very informative meeting.


Dynah Korhummel, director of sales of Game Ready Techonolgy, putting the therapy wrap on members Leigh Ann Howard (center) and Josh Parker.


The October meeting was held on Tuesday the 16th at 6:30 p. m. Our guest speakers were Captain D. J. Grove, Humane Society; Lt. Laura Ward, Department of Animal Services; and Jackie Cruz, San Diego Sheriff's Department. They presented a talk entitled: "Animal Disaster Preparedness." This outstanding presentation walked us through the many safety tips to follow if you are evacuated. One important tip was to evacuate with your animals in plenty of time, because if you leave them behind you may not be allowed to return into the area to get them out.

Other great tips were as a last resort to spray paint your phone number across the body of your horses that you were unable to evacuate, leave leather (nylon can melt on the horse) halters on them and turn them loose. Animal services will evacuate all animals they can find and safely remove.

The most important part of the talk was to get prepared ahead of time. Use plastic pencil packs to hold current photos of each horse with name and description listed, also put copies of registration papers and ownership contact information in this carrier. Have this in your barn or tackroom clearly marked. Train all your horses to lead and to load in a trailer. Have supplies set out and ready to go. Have a plan as to how you will leave and where you will go.

This meeting turned out to be the most important one of the year as within one week many of our members and their horses were evacuated due to the wildfires.


The guest speakers at our November meeting.


The July meeting was an open Party/Potluck event at Vessels Stallion Farm on Sunday July 15. This was a fund-raising event to benefit the UC Davis Center for Equine Health as well as various other equine-related charities.

The evening included a parade of stallions, wonderful food, and raffle with outstanding horse-related items up for grabs!


CTFMA board member Jerry Murphy and Georgia Thompson of the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce (calling the raffle ticket numbers).


At the June meeting our guest speaker was author Bill Nichols. He told us all about the real Seabiscuit story and his involvement in it. His book tells the rest of the story, what became of all the people and horses that you heard about in the first Seabiscuit book. He had copies of his Seabiscuit book available for members to purchase, and he graciously signed them. This was a very fun and interesting meeting.


CTFMA president Sid Hundley (left) and


The guest speaker at our May meeting was Dr. Steve Colburn, DMV, from Creekside Veterinarian Clinic. He attended UC Davis, where he earned his BS in Animal Science and DVM degree in 1984. He  presented a talk entitled: "Maximizing Reproductive Technologies."


The guest speaker at the May CTFMA meeting


The April meeting was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was Stephanie Searle from Classic Silks who showed her vast array of racing silks, blinkers, race team apparel, doggie jackets, saddle towels and everything the horse owner might need. She discussed  the history of silks and explained to us all what went into a good design as well as the difference between aerodynamic versus the traditional nylon silks. She also graciously donated a pair of custom blinkers to our raffle.


CTFMA president Sid Hundley with Stephanie


The March meeting was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was Jennifer Collins. Dr. Collins received her DVM from Virginia-Maryland Regional College College of Veterinary medicine. In 2004 she finished her residency in Equine Surgery at the University of California at Davis. She is board-certified in large-animal surgery.
Dr. Collins presented: "Advancements in the Management of the Lame Horse." Her presentation was a wonderful mix of humor and updated information. She covered the four basics of lameness: The Lameness Exam, Diagnostic Imaging, Treatments, and Maintenance.

On the treatment topics she explained the use of many new and old treatment methods such as Shock-wave Therapy, IRAP, Tildren, Acupuncture, and Platelet Rich Plasma. The evening was both informational and very entertaining!


CTFMA board member Jerry Murphy


The February meeting was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was Nancy Yearsley of Yearsley Bloodstock Insurance, Ltd. She gave a detailed report on the types of horse insurance available, the process required to obtain insurance, and the differences between domestic policies and international policies. There was a very lively and informative question & answer session where most of the horsemen present were able to get their personal questions & needs analyzed.


Nancy Yearsley and CEO Garry Spain, both of Yearsley Bloodstock Insurance, Ltd.


CTFMA members under the leadership of Leigh Ann Howard, Board Member attended a mini stallion tour on Saturday February 3rd. The CTBA cancelled the big bus tour, due to a lack of interest. At that point Leigh Ann took over and set up a "drive along caravan" to visit five stallion farms in San Diego County. About a dozen farm managers, mare owners, and breeders followed from farm to farm to view the stallions. The farms toured were; Vessels Stallion Farm, Valley Creek Farm, Irish Oaks Farm, Ballena Vista Farm, and E.A. Ranches. It was an enjoyable and informative day for everyone that attended. A special thanks to all the farms and to Leigh Ann Howard.


Above, scenes from the stallion tour, visiting Valley Creek Farm (top) and Ballena Vista Farm. At right, at the January meeting CTFMA director Leigh Ann Howard visits with guest speaker Peter Hopkins.


The January meeting was held on Tuesday the 16th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was Peter Hopkins of SoCal Infrared. He spoke about Equine Thermography with the new hand held infrared camera. He talked about the development of the camera and it's uses in the building industry. Then he showed how this non-evasive tool can show up all "hot spots" on a horses body. It is a wonderful tool to use on a horse that is just a little off, to pin point the trouble area. The meeting was very interesting with many questions and discussions.


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Stop by one of our regular events, and you may overhear conversations about the rising cost of hay and grain . . . mares who won't cycle . . . that mare who is nearly 12 months pregnant and still hasn't foaled . . . or perhaps some tactful bragging about the good-looking foal who was born last week.

It's just the Farm Managers group talking shop on their night out. It varies according to the season, but the ever-present theme is the challenge of keeping the Thoroughbreds healthy and happy. 

The program may be a veterinarian with a video demonstrating surgical resectioning of a twisted intestine, or it may be a handicapping contest prior to one of the big race days like Breeders' Cup or California Cup. We do try to mix a little fun in with our educational and charitable activities. 

This non-profit organization consists of managers, owner/managers, and "previous" managers of Thoroughbred farms, ranging from single-mare households to large commercial operations. Also, persons who share our goals and interests and are affiliated with the Thoroughbred industry are welcomed as associate (non-voting) members. 

We seek to increase the productivity of our farms, along with the speed and soundness of our runners; to be good neighbors in our communities; and to protect the quality of life of the Thoroughbred. 

Our efforts may be structured, such as our annual contributions to a variety of charitable and research groups that benefit the horse. Or it may be a small individual act such as supplying colostrum to a neighbor whose mare has no milk for her newborn foal . . . or helping a client find a good home for his ex-racehorse. 

We welcome your participation!


Links to websites of featured speakers
at past CTFMA meetings:

Arravale Racing
Barretts Equine Limited
Business Infusions
Classic Silks
Equine Law Office of Bing Bush
International Law Group LLP
SoCal Equine Infrared

 


 

Click here for reports of earlier meetings