ACTHA Monthly | July 2015 | 28
ACTHA CHARITY of the Month
By Jen Wenzel
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The Story of FOSH
FOSH was founded in 1998 by a small group of bold and committed horse lovers to fight the abusive practice of soring and to promote sound gaited horse shows and events. The decision to form FOSH came after many years of failed attempts to facilitate change from within the status quo (the Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse Show World and the Breed Registry). Enough was enough and something more had to be done about the abuse of these majestic horses. A clean break and a strong opposing force from the groups and organizations that supported these abusive practices was necessary, thus the birth of FOSH. The Mission Statement was simple, and the brilliance of simplicity allowed for the growth and expansion of FOSH over the years while maintaining its primary purpose – to protect the whole horse emotionally, mentally and physically.
Examining the history of FOSH, we are impressed by of the unwavering commitment to the horse. From the early days, decisions were made to provide the tools and resources needed to support a Sound horse show circuit. The IJA Program (Independent Judges’ Association) provided show rules and licensed Judges’ who rewarded the athletic and natural gaited horse. The FOSH HIO (Horse Industry Organization) provided licensed DQP (Designated Qualified Persons) inspectors, assuring show management and exhibitors that sored horses would not be allowed to compete at a FOSH Sanctioned and Affiliated event.
FOSH is A Champion for All Gaited Horses and remains a unique, all volunteer non-profit organization committed to supporting the welfare of the whole horse. All decisions and actions are based on what is in the best interest of the whole horse. FOSH embraces all gaited horses and is a full resource for education, gaited horse competition, personal riding and education programs. There are no closed doors or barriers - all gaited horses are welcome whether registered or unregistered.
FOSH Programs
The FOSH Gaited Sport Horse Program is about appreciating the talents and accomplishments of gaited equine athletes and promoting the gaited horse’s ability to participate in all equine sports and disciplines.
The Gaited Distance Program records, recognizes and honors the gaited horse in the sport of veterinarian supervised competitive trail, limited distance and endurance rides. Launched in 2013, the program is the first distance program to recognize and reward all gaited horses on a national and international level.
The FOSH Gaited Dressage program was launched in 2014. The IJA Manual for Gaited Dressage was developed in 2009 by the Independent Judges Association. It is the only comprehensive manual for Dressage with Gaited Horses. It includes 46 traditional and western tests so Gaited horses can compete in the discipline of Dressage as a gaited horse and not as a horse that was required to trot or treated with disrespect for not being able to trot. Tests are comparable to the USDF Tests in regard to skills and movements, but are specifically written for all gaited horse without breed specific reference to gait. This program is acknowledged by USDF as a resource for gaited dressage judges and competitors. IJA trains and certifies Judges for Dressage with Gaited Horses. Recognizing that not all Dressage shows will allow a gaited horse to compete, FOSH partnered with North American Western Dressage in December of 2014. This partnership allows for virtual testing for any gaited horse riding a Dressage test specifically written for gaited horses. Tests are judged by Judges’ licensed for dressage and gait.
Gaited Equine Agility.
Gaited dressage, judged trail rides, trail obstacle courses, equitheater, drill team competition, natural horsemanship, traditional rail classes, educational clinics and equine retreats are just of few of the activities supported by FOSH.
In addition to an active show program, FOSH trains and licenses Judge’s the Independent Judges Association.
FOSH is highly respected for its humane efforts in working closely with the USDA, American Association of Equine Practitioners, The Humane Society of the United States and Horse Inspection Organizations (HIO) to enforce the Horse Protection Act. FOSH is the only organization that provides public comprehensive information about individuals ticketed or suspended for soring.
INSERT LINK www.soundhorseconference.com
FOSH was the founder and creative force behind the first Sound Horse Conference in 2008. Representatives from the USDA, various HIOs, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and other gaited breeds were brought together to hear information on the current soring status and to work together to eliminate such suffering in the future. The fourth Sound Horse Conference was held in Tennessee in 2014.
Each year, FOSH reaches out to others promoting sounds horses by offering financial support and information. One year FOSH offered monetary rewards to writers doing effective and educational stories and articles on soring, its impact or alternatives. The following year, FOSH offered financial incentives for youth who submitted written and video reports of their own sound training programs. In 2008, three girls scouts earned their Gold Award for a moving DVD on soring called “See it Through My Eyes.” FOSH helped provide information for the video’s creation and later supplied funds to have it reproduced and sent to girl scout troops in states most know for soring.
FOSH is pleased to be recognized as ACTHA’s Educational Partner.
FOSH not only supports gaited horses, but all horses and riders. FOSH shares and understands the need for support and education for all breeds. FOSH offers education into the proper training and treatment of horses. We look forward to a future of fun and education by helping horse owners and lovers be the best they can be through an awareness of what is best for their horse; emotionally, mentally and physically.
ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!