Road to the Horse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Road to the Horse
(325) 736-5000
press@roadtothehorse.com

For high-resolution images of Rick Lamb and Larry Mahan:
www.roadtothehorse.com/2008/ricklamb.jpg
www.roadtothehorse.com/2008/Larry_and_Diana_Mahan.jpg

THE COWBOY AND THE COMMUNICATOR: ROAD TO THE HORSE’S DREAM HOSTING TEAM BRING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES TO EVENT

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., January 17, 2008: When Rick Lamb and Larry Mahan take to the announcing booth as co-hosts for this year’s Road to the Horse (March 1–2 at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum, featuring competing trainers Chris Cox, Ken McNabb, Tommy Garland and a mystery competitor), the audience is in for a rare treat. Lamb and Mahan are the products of two very different backgrounds—a fact that just might shine through as together they narrate the happenings of the colt-starting event.

It is true that Lamb was a horse crazy kid who didn’t have the chance to be around horses until he was an adult, while Mahan was practically born on a horse, competing in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding as a teenager.

And Lamb used his talents as a communicator to break into the horse industry, starting the radio program The Horse Show with Rick Lamb in 1997, while Mahan channeled his talents as a horseman into becoming a professional rodeo cowboy at the age of 21 and eventually winning six World Championship All-Around Cowboy titles between 1965 and 1973.

The two men even differ in their Road to the Horse preparation styles. Lamb has hosted the event since its inception in 2003 and says he feels as if “I’m now qualified to sort of be the link between the trainer who is busy with the horse and the audience who might not understand what they are seeing.” Meanwhile, Mahan jokes that he’ll “just wait to see what comes out of my mouth after they finish the National Anthem.”

So, will there be peace in the Road to the Horse announcer’s booth? Can the cowboy and the communicator, well, communicate?

The answer is yes. It turns out that Lamb and Mahan may be more alike than appearances suggest. That commonality comes to a point in their shared regard for both the Road to the Horse setup and their passion for the welfare of horses.

“I always want people to understand the commitment to the welfare of the horse that is part of Road to the Horse,” says Lamb. “This is meant to be a celebration of the horse and a way of honoring the horse through natural horsemanship, which is something we’re all committed to.

“I think that this event really is a great forum for showing what natural horsemanship really means because the trainers who work most effectively with the nature of the horse are the ones who are generally the most successful.”

Mahan agrees.

“Road to the Horse is a beautiful thing,” he says. “These horseman have to be able to communicate with their horses, to train them with intelligence and try to understand them.

“I can’t help but believe that an audience member who is watching them do this may take a little bit of that home with them—and that is going to make a lot of horses’ lives better.”

Lamb and Mahan also both take seriously their role as hosts and narrators, and they claim they’re just as excited to see the event as everyone else.

“I’m going in with an open mind that I just want to observe them all,” says Mahan. “I’m not a judge. I don’t play politics very well. So, I’m just excited to see how they get the job done. It’s the element of the unknown that makes Road the Horse exciting.”

“This is the mother of all colt-starting events,” adds Lamb, “and, from what I see, the audience is always just so thrilled to be there. The energy, the electricity in the air is palpable. People are happy and that makes this event a real joy for everyone—no matter their background.”

Additional information about Lamb and Mahan’s colorful lives can be found in their biographies. Lamb’s Human to Horseman: A Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Celebration will be available for the first time at this year’s Road to the Horse and Mahan’s They Call Me Bull is scheduled for release next year.

For more information about Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call (325) 736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/Ride the Remuda Productions. Sponsors for 2008 include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Mustang Heritage Foundation, Samson, Wick Buildings, Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch/Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, Valley Vet, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Mfg., Horsecity.com, Get Certified, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, Lubrisyn, John’s Ariat Country, Nutrena, Horse South, Horse Exchange and Hoofbeats.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Road to the Horse
Owner/ Producer Tootie Bland
Ride the Remuda Productions
tootie@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000

Press Credentials Available for Road to the Horse

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., December 10, 2007— Road to the Horse Producer and Owner Tootie Bland invites members of the press to attend the 2008 event to be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee March 1-2, 2008. Defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) returns to the round pens. He’ll meet a packed house at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum as he challenges newcomers Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA) and Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) for prizes totaling over $15,000.

Watch four clinicians work horses at the same time—how does each trainer approach a similar horse differently? What different-yet-kind methods do they use to get the same results? And, most of all, what do these trainers know how to do that allows them to get so far with a horse in such a short amount of time? What’s the culture like as far as atmosphere, pressure, and the need to be relaxed so the horses respond well and the trainers accomplish the most possible?

The 2008 event is loaded with surprises. The mystery competitor will be named Friday before the event during the free shopping night. Look for a release about the soon-to-be-named clinician by 7:00 EST on February 29, 2008.

Please complete the Press Credentials Request Form, which can be downloaded at <a href=”http://www.roadtothehorse.com/media/rtth2008_press.pdf”>http://www.roadtothehorse.com/media/rtth2008_press.pdf</a>, and return by February 1 or as soon as possible. Return to: press@roadtothehorse.com, FAX: 208-361-2049, 5811 Osman Rd., Cridersville, OH 45806

For more information about Road to the Horse 2008, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325 736 5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wick Buildings, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Horsecity.com, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, LubriSyn, Valley Vet, Samson, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Manufacturing, Rocky Boot Ranch, Horse South, Horse Exchange, and Hoofbeats.

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ride the Remuda Productions
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000

Road to the Horse Announces 2008 Fort Dodge Animal Health Charity Challenge/ Next Mystery Competitor Clue Announced

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., September 27, 2007–Ride the Remuda Productions Owner/Producer Tootie Bland announces Fort Dodge Animal Health—makers of QUEST® Gel and QUEST® Plus, combating internal parasites–will sponsor the 2008 Charity Challenge. Each year, the Road to the Horse winner selects a charity to receive $15,000. Returning champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) and newcomers Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) and Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA) –as well as a yet-to-be-named mystery competitor—will compete for the philanthropic cash March 1-2, 2008 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

In 2005, Clinton Anderson won the first-ever Charity Challenge, posting his own money and later donating the then $10,000 pot to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). In 2007, the Charity Challenge returned and champion Cox selected National FFA Organization as the recipient.

For 2008, Bland knew the Charity Challenge must be part of the two-day colt-starting event—adding excitement and integrity to the educational show. “We founded Road to the Horse to revolve around education and charity,” Bland says. “The Fort Dodge Animal Health Charity Challenge makes it easy for the trainers to focus on the integrity of their training methods. The challenge also adds some friendly competition.”

Each clinician chose his/her own charity—the charity that will get the $15,000 if he or she is named the winner.

If returning champion Cox is named 2008 Road to the Horse winner, he’ll again name the National FFA Organization as money recipient. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. http://www.ffa.org/

“I support the National FFA Organization because they are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people through agricultural education and developing their potential for growth, leadership and success,” Cox explains.

Ken McNabb designates the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation. 4-H offers youth equine projects focused on education and bettering an industry. Youths pledge their heads, hearts, hands and health to improving their community and becoming productive citizens. http://4-h.uwyo.edu/

“I firmly believe that 4-H members are the hope and the future of the equestrian industry. I greatly benefited from my involvement in 4-H and it’s my desire to return some of those benefits.”

Tommy Garland chose the Victory Junction Gang Camp—a camp designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The camp provides life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. The year-round camp serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues. During the summer, up to 125 kids attend per session. Everything at the camp has a racing theme. At Jessie’s Horse Power Garage campers ride horses and work with many animals. Whether taking a gentle pony-ride on one of the specialized horses or spending time petting a newborn donkey, campers can experience the unconditional affection of four legged friends. http://www.victoryjunction.org

The Mystery Competitor (who will be named on the Friday, February 29, 2008 during the free shopping night) chose Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship. Since its inception in 1980, Camelot has offered one-on-one education, with instruction tailored to the individual needs of the student. The student learns riding, grooming, training, showing, breeding, vet care and stable management. Camelot Ranch is located on 14.5 acres. The barrier-free facility makes it possible for students to saddle, ride and groom the horses with minimum help. http://www.camelot-th.org

About Fort Dodge Animal Health:
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a leading manufacturer of animal health products for the equine industry, is proud to sponsor the Road to the Horse Charity Challenge. Fort Dodge is committed to meeting the needs of veterinarians and horse owners worldwide by providing innovative products, such as QUEST® Plus gel with moxidectin, an equine dewormer that helps control today’s parasites. Only QUEST® and QUEST Plus gel with moxidectin can provide one-dose control of encysted small strongyles. Other key equine products include West Nile-Innovator®, the first vaccine developed to protect against equine West Nile virus, Innovator® combination vaccines and the Fluvac® Innovator vaccine line. For more information, call 1-800-477-1365 or visit www.fortdodgelivestock.com <http://www.fortdodgelivestock.com> .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000

One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., July 27, 2007: The Road to the Horse Mystery Contestant will be revealed Friday, February 29 before the March 1-2 Road to the Horse event in Murfreesboro, TN–during the show’s Shopping Extravaganza. Before then, Road to the Horse Producer/Owner Tootie Bland will announce a clue to help you guess who the crew member-turned clinician will be. Here are the first clues. Log on to http://roadtothehorse2008.blogspot.com/ and join the Road to the Horse mailing list at http://roadtothehorse.com to be the first to find out the newest clues.

If you’re the first to be correct with your post on the blog (and include your name and a way to contact you—phone or e-mail), you just may get a special prize, TBD. Please don’t respond if you’re affiliated, past or present employee of RTTH or any participating clinician.

First Clue

The competitor’s name is listed within the 2007 RTTH souvenir program. For your clue research. . . . The 2007 RTTH program can be downloaded as a PDF if you’d like to see who’s listed.
http://www.roadtothehorse.com/images/2007program.pdf

Second Clue

The mystery competitor lives West of the Mississippi River.

Third Clue

The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply.

For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000

Road to the Horse Supports the 2007 National Day of the American Cowboy—Fans Awarded for Writing to Government, Supporting 2008 Holiday

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., July 27, 2007: Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland has a special connection to National Day of the American Cowboy, held on July 28, 2007. Bland’s late husband, Steven “Dooky” Bland was a cowboy. By supporting this holiday, Bland says she’s honoring Steven, his ranch, the life that he lived, and the ideals and concepts that formed Road to the Horse.

“My husband said he was a cowboy and that’s all he would ever be,” Bland says. “For him, that was far from a limitation. Being a cowboy, to him, meant a life of honor and respect, a knowing that your word is your bond, and having a courageous spirit. He was one Hell of a cowboy.”

The holiday must be approved by Congress and designated as a national holiday each year. To make the holiday permanent, please write a letter to your mayor, Governor and Congress Representatives to ask that the holiday be repeated in 2008. See the attached sample letter to help you get started. Visit http://www.house.gov/writerep/ and http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/ to find out to whom to write and where to send your letter.

Write and Win!
Send one copy of your completed letter to a government official and one copy to the Road to the Horse headquarters (1300 CR 160, Sylvester, TX 79560). For each letter you write, the copy you send to Road to the Horse will serve as an entry for a drawing to win one of two 2008 Road to the Horse DVD sets. The drawing will be held during the 2008 Road to the Horse, March 1-2, 2008 in Murfreesboro, TN—you need not be present to win. Your name and address as well as the name and address of your government official must be present on your letter. You may send a copy of your letters to your mayor, governor, House, and Senate representatives for a total of four entries per person. Hardcopy letters only—no e-mailed entries. Letters must be received by December 1, 2007.

Sample Letter
[Government Official’s Address]
[Today’s Date]

Re: National Day of the American Cowboy

Dear [Representative/Governor/Mayor/etc.]:
For the past three years, the 4th Saturday in July has been designated as the National Day of the American Cowboy. We are asking for your support to name July 26th, 2008 as the 4th annual day to celebrate contributions of the American cowboy in the history of the United States. The 2007 resolution (S. Res. 130, sponsored by Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming) passed in the Senate and House. We would like your support in naming this Day an annual holiday and making it an official [STATE/CITY/COUNTY] holiday as well.
Ongoing efforts are aimed at getting this Day named as a perpetual American holiday and to expand the celebration across the country. Local and state efforts will help in this goal. In addition, it is hoped that people from all parts of the United States will embrace the Western lifestyle and values in their everyday life.

We would like to ask for your support in continuing the National Day of the American Cowboy!

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS]

Holiday History
American Cowboy magazine initiated a campaign in 2004 for a day to acknowledge the historical significance of the American cowboy. Thanks to Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming, as well as several other politicians from Western states, the legislation gained the necessary momentum and recognition on Capitol Hill.

In July 2005, President George W. Bush designated the fourth Saturday of July as the official day to honor and remember the American cowboys and their contributions to the American West.

“We celebrate the cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West,” President Bush said. “The cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”

For more information on the National Day of the American Cowboy, please visit http://www.cowboyday.com <http://www.cowboyday.com> . American Cowboy is a sponsor of the 2008 Road to the Horse to be held in Murfreesboro, TN March 1-2, 2008.

For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions.

Third Clue:
The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply. Post your thoughts at http://roadtothehorse2008.blogspot.com. If you’re the first to be correct (and include your name and a way to contact you—phone or e-mail), you just may get a special prize, TBD. Please don’t respond if you’re affiliated, past or present employee of RTTH or any participating clinician.
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