PPR Breeding Clinic

[Robbyncita]

OK - here's an idea that we are working on - WHO's IN????

The PPRPFFA, Inc is interested in putting together and hosting a Pure Puerto Rican clinic concentrating on breeding, perserving the blood, improving stock, history of the breed, trademarks of particular bloodlines...

We are thinking of hosting this clinic here at El Cardenal Farm in Mooresville, NC sometime this winter, maybe January before breeding season hits.

What do you guys think? Would you be interested?

Let me know
Robbyn Young
robbyncita@netzero.com

[SandyMM]

What do you guys think? Would you be interested?
Much needed - more good PPR bloodlines/information are always needed.

I'm interested...

[Kerry W]

Got a rough idea of a date? Definitely interested in attending! :shock:

[Abejita]

even though I do not have PPR horses, as someone who would just like to learn more about them I think its a great idea.I probably couldnt go (January in PA means snow..means I must be here to Plow..)so may I suggest having someone video and make an educational video with all the important stuff available for purchase?

[Robbyncita]

We're thinking towards the end of January, but you guys give us your imput, when would be the best - would be better to wait until spring?

We are also wanting to video the clinic so that the Federation can have some info that they can send people interested in this exciting breed!

We are not wanting to exhibit one stallion, one bloodline, we want to invite all, and are even thinking of inviting stallion owners to bring their stallions to exhibit and promote. We want to talk about all walks of the PPR horse - Fino, Pleasure, Versatility & Trail and the Largo horses. Something for everyone!

You can call me for advice, I'm open ears (704) 778-2777

[Kerry W]

The only issue with Spring is....it might conflict with shows. End of Jan sounds good to me...but I'm flexible, and don't have to drive too far. :lol:

[SandyMM]

Also remember - some PPR friends are headed to PR around Jan 17-21...

[Rafael Arbelo]

We are please to announce that we are involved with this effort. We are providing part of the human resources that will take part in the seminar. Is going to be a mutual effort that we hope will provide great momentum to the breeders in the USA. It is important that those interested make every effort to attend this seminar. The people we are trying to gather for the seminar have decades of experience in all the aspects of the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

[pprpaso3]

I own a PPR stallion and would be interested in this seminar. I will be in Fl in Jan through April 2007.

This sounds great to me!

Debbie

[Terry Wallace]

Would you video it for us folks way out west? Will you be "scoring" or grading particualr horses you could video by chance?

[Candice Burger]

I'd like to help and even support it, but two people going to PR in January shouldn't be pause to reschedule it.

My biggest hesitation about January is the weather for travel. I'm very experienced traveling in snow, frozen roads, and ice storms. Rather not though and January is one of the worst months in the Southeast for winter weather. My worry would be if I went, could I get back and vice versa. Last few times I went north I had to race the bridge closings as I headed south again. Almost got stuck out of state more than once.

[Carol Nelson]

Hey, Debbie...love your avatar!

And if I were closer to Fla. I'd love to attend such a seminar. Doubt I'll drive from here to go though. :-?

[pprpaso3]

Thanks Carol! That shot of Frosty was taken in March of 2006 in Fl at an All breed gaited show.

If I was going to the PPR clinic in NC from here in PA it would be about the same distance but the weather would be a lot worse on this end going down and Virginia can be really treacherous in the mountains. Coming from Fl the drive should be a lot better.....pretty far from Texas to NC by car but you could fly down.....just a thought! :lol:

[Carol Nelson]

Oh, that's right ...it's in NC!! Oh dear, even farther!!! :roll:
:(

[Kerry W]

The airport in Charlotte is pretty close to the farm.

[Candice Burger]

I doubt it. I go to TN or did quite a bit in the winter months and finally quit driving or flying the route because of ice storms and icey conditions. I got tired of avoiding wrecks and people who didn't know how to handle icey roads or spending the night in the airports. Believe me, people from FL and southern climes of GA and AL have no clue how to drive on an icey road.

I'm not interested in driving up North when the weather is warmer only to have to stay stuck or leave early to avoid icing conditions. In the South what happens is the weather turns warm, then wet, then cold. It's the change between warm and cold that gets dangerous for either sleet or ice NOT snow. If it were snow, no problem, but it's usually freezing rain. Middle December is the last opportunity to drive up North before the weather gets too iffy for traveling. Or wait for thaw by the end of February.

Bottom line for me, is no winter travel unless it's south or local during the months of January and February. Just remember GA and SC both experience really bad weather--Just ask Stella!

[Robbyncita]

We can do spring, if that's what the people want we'll do spring! The only problem that I have is that we are moving to Charleston, SC in late May, and I can't promise the condition that this farm will be in by that time. The farm was sold to developers and they are doing some heavy duty changes. But if you guys don't mind some eye sores, then I'm all for it.

Lets make a group decision to have it at the best possible times that would benefit everyone - how about March?

[Kerry W]

I just remember the Membership Meeting in January, Robbyn. March might work...but fair warning...it can be boo chilly in the Carolinas in March! :shock: Sometimes even colder than it is in January.

I think we need to keep in mind that Robbyn will have shows to get ready for, not to mention this move (you're not REALLY moving to that other Carolina, are you??? :cry: ). Construction won't bother me, but please don't over extend yourself...we can be flexible! ;-)

[Candice Burger]

I'll attend if I can. AGAIN, there's no reason to change plans because of a few people. Really, it shouldn't depend on that. I'm just saying January/February are bad months to travel long distance for most folks in the United States.

Robby, if I were you, pick some people that you know will work and ya'll plan it according to input as best as you can. No one is going to be 100% happy with whatever you do. Those that believe in the PPRs or are serious about learning will show up. The exercise alone is positive because it will be one of the first serious attempts to provide an environment for exchange to get the PPR back where in belongs in the paso community. For that I think you already deserve recognition for trying to get the PPR back on the map.

I know that Rafael is working on getting some well-established Puerto Rican breeders/trainers to participate and I want to help with a funding campaign to defray costs and boost up the PPRPFFA coffers so that we can do the same thing in Puerto Rico. My concerns are a little more global than traveling, but I'll email you about those.

[dcancel]

Ok now, this is something I would like to attend, once there are some dates and info. please let me know.

Denisse

[Robbyncita]

Alright Dennise - that's the kinda response I'm looking for!

Thanks everyone for the support, and the suggestions - lets set a date. I will talk to Gail Brown and see what we can get set with the Federation and I will post with more details.

Let me know what you would like to see in the clinic - what can we teach you?????

[cristy]

I would come (and bring a stallion) if the weather is safe, but I absolutely would not put a horse in a trailer and start down there if there is even a chance of bad weather!

[Rafael Arbelo]

The date is important for everybody but remember that the HEAVY showing season in Puerto Rico starts in early February with “La Candelaria Show”, then in March there is the “Dulce Sueño Fair” the biggest of them all and and then in April "La Feria del Campo" and so on. What I would like to suggest is to make sure that the date chosen does not conflict with a big fair in PR.

That would guarantee that I can bring a good speaker and even some good participation from some people from PR … just be careful and let's coordinate the date so we have no conflicts of schedules ...

[Kerry W]

April would be pushing it in the states too...especially since Robbyn will be fairly busy with the farm and their show schedule.

As far as what I'd like to see....a narrated demo with detailed explainations of what is correct, or incorrect, in terms of gait expression that is unique to the PPRPF.

I'd also like more info on current breeding lines found in both the US and PR that exemplify the best of the PPRPF, so we'll know what to look for, not just jump at the first thing that becomes available. I think it important to preserve the best of the breed, not just make more of them...if that makes sense.

[Candice Burger]

Well, I can't give input unless I know the mission of the event. What's is the message trying to get out? Is in only about what stallions are available to breed? Then just have a bunch of folks with stallions to look at. Set up some DVD/TV sets and show several available in Puerto Rico.

Is it to discuss how a backyard breeder can train their horses on their own? Will have some trainers there with some horses to show the techniques. Get owners involved in the clinic with their horses.

Is it to discuss bloodlines and conformation. Don't need any horses there per se. Grab a bunch of horse pics and critique away. Mechanics work in any breed. Then bring out pasos to show how mechanics affect gait. My vote is at least talk about conformation. We've got TOO many people who don't know parts of the horse or understand "form to function".

Is it to discuss what is PPR and how to identify the traits in the real world? Then there needs to be LOTS of PPRs to look at in the flesh and on video. And we need to see COL horses too so that people learn how to immediately discern that it's not PPR (certain traits). What's in common, what's different?

But first, since this is going public, may I suggest determining:
1. the organization that is formally hosting the event
2. the people within the organization planning the event
3. the mission and outline of the event
4. the general expenses for the event
5. the general cost for those attending
All of this may put down limits and make the direction more succinct.

Are there going to be speakers? If so, I nominate Dr. Jose Laracuente to discuss gait in detail. He wrote one of the best books that illustrated the difference between paso and trocha. If it's about bloodlines, evaluation, then I nominate Joe Pons. He provides professional services for horse evaluations. If it's about breeding, then I nominate Tito Toro. If it's about training, Negro Kuilin. He's got the best hands of any trainer I've seen in a while.

[Rafael Arbelo]

Folks,
Things are looking up for this seminar. I can't give you details
but as we speak we are working to secure a date in March and a speaker.

The speaker I am trying to secure has been exclusively involved with the PPRPF Breed for more than 40 years. He has plenty of experience in the three major areas we have to deal with in the breed; training, (he was a trainer-rider in the early days), judging and breeding and he has what I considered a very important attribute for this seminar; he is not a salesman!

The seminar will be sponsored by the Federation of America in association with Paso Fino a Puerto Rican Breed Magazine. Depending in how things go in March we may offer a second seminar in fall. I am very excited and I am looking forward to continue to work to promote the PPRPF in any way possible. We’ll keep you informed.

[Candice Burger]

When will the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Federation of America make a formal announcment about where and when?

Who is the contact person for this? Is Robbyn still organizing it for PPRPFFA; should we contact her to volunteer to help?

[Rafael Arbelo]

The Federation will make an announcement once the date and the place is confirmed, meanwhile Robbyn can be contacted to offer her any help.

[Robbyncita]

Thank you very much Rafael for your knowledge and help! With everything going on around here, it has been difficult to sit down and plan!

I think we have a very enthusiastic group working on this, and it's going to be a fun and educational experience.

Any one wanting to help, please contact me - I need it!
Robbyn

[BarbT]

For those who can, why don't you go to PR with Candice Jan 17-21, 2007. It would be very educational - especially if someone took a video camera. Footage from the PR trip could be shown at the meeting/clinic.

I went last year, it was very eduational as wall as fun. See my 2nd post on the Trip to PR item Candice posted.

[dcancel]

any updates on this.....

[Candice Burger]

I can only report second hand information.

Bottom line is there needs to be a demonstrated commitment of attendance for this to succeed.

It takes allot of effort and funds to get this off the ground. I think to jump start, a charge would have to be assessed for those that attend.

How many would travel to see, meet and learn from a PPR trainer or breeder from Puerto Rico?

How many would be willing to pay about $50 to attend a clinic like this?

PLEASE think about this and let the PPRPFFA know that you want this to happen. http://www.puertoricanpasofino.org/ OR post it here!

:oops: :oops: I got side tracked on my political rant and so have not been diligent about follow-up.

[Rafael Arbelo]

This information is FIRST HAND;

1. The Federation of America was interested in the idea of having a seminarist from Puerto Rico come up to do the clinic. I spoke with them but they can't afford the cost.
2. I told them I was willing to put together a fund raiser which could easily provide with about 50 -75% of the costs and the rest it would have to be covered by the Federation. I haven't heard any additional word from them.

Conclusion:
- I can provide the proven human resources and I can organized a fund raiser which could provide 50 - 75% of the cost ... I am waiting for some interested party that is willing to take that offer... :confused

Suggestions or comments are welcome or you can e-mail me privately ... Thanks