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April 2013 on the Road

On the road and we are currently in California. It's a great thing to be able to meet new people and see old friends again. Travelling may be tough, but it's worth it. Next week we have a clinic in Encinitas, CA. We met wonderful people and now many of whom I would call my friends. Looking forward to meeting many new friends too. The International in Omaha was an incredible event with some of the best show jumpers in the country competing. The Del Mar show went really well too.It is a top notch facility and show. I got to work for the first time with a legend in the rodeo specialty act business, John Payne, the one armed bandit. He brings in the most unique thing with a daredevil flair. Other acts may copy roman riding, trick riding and even a monkey, but most won't train or haul longhorns or buffalo. What a sight to see 2 buffalo running the arena free and then jump up on the top of John's trailer. I worked with buffalo at the Wild West Show in Paris and I know what buffalo are capable of. His acts are very original. It was a pleasure working with him and seeing what he does personally.

Everything went great for the show. All 5 acts were flawless. Pokerjoe is still at the top of his game, and Blade, Maverick and Cutaway were a big hit. Chantal and I do Liberty with Ace and Joker, and in that BIG arena they were perfect. They focused on us and worked so well! We really love it out here in CA. Looking forward to the show at the LA Equestrian Center on Saturday Night. William Shatner and his wife, Elizabeth are equestrians in their own right and they put together a charity fund raiser to raise money for his charities. Last year Bill raised over $350k. I am glad to be part of this incredible and worthy event.

Just a quick point. When I stopped in to the AG station when we were leaving Florida, they mentioned that there was a quarantine in Ocala. Horses were getting sick. Now, people think I am a bit harsh when they hear that I don't let people pet my horses unsupervised when at a show. I ask people not to pet them or touch their mouths. This is the reason why disease spreads between people just walking from stall to stall touching horses and horse to horse contact. That is why I make sure I don't have contact with other horses and minimize human contact on the mouth. I can't afford to have my horses quarantined or sick. Plus, it isn't fair to them to put them at risk, just so someone can love on them. They have signs up in Omaha that say "DON"T TOUCH THE HORSES" and people still reach in the stalls and give them a pet. I walked up to my stalls and there was a man touching blade on the mouth. I asked him to please not do that. His response was "I have 10 horses at home and I do it with them, I didn't think it was a big deal." That is precisely why we don't want you doing it. He could have fed and pet his horses on his farm in the morning and them 2 hours later is touching mine and getting them sick and I wouldn't have had a clue on how they got sick. Please, take a photo, watch them or better yet ask one of us at the stalls. We will gladly open the stall and give you a great photo opp or a pet on the neck. We want you to love our horses, but at the same time we are trying to minimize their risk and keep them performing for everyone. Ride Fast... Take Chances!

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 4/25/2013 12:06 PM

2013 Going Great!

What a way to start off 2013 with the training and filming of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses for the 2013 Superbowl Commercial. I followed that with performing at one of the best rodeos, the National Western Stock Show in Denver. The Night of the Horse and rodeos are 2nd to none! We then trained 5 mini horses for a commercial for Tires Plus in Tampa. The Horse World Expo in Harrisburg was as great as ever with this years Theatre Equus bringing in some incredible talent. Guy Mclean, Sylvia Zerbini, and Jerry Diaz were great additions to the show. The crowds that come out to the demos during the day are incredible. I wish I could talk with each and every person there. The fans in PA/NJ/NY are the greatest. Bob and Denise put on the best horse expo around. I am looking forward to making next years show even bigger and better. We were happy to add a new show to our line up this year. We love working with people in the industry who love and care about horses as much as we do, so doing the Southern Horse Bonanza in Mufreesboro was wonderful. This was the first year and a great effort by Brenda, Pat and Chase on putting on a show to really give the people in the area a truly well rounded show to go and learn, shop and love the horses. See you all next year.

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 3/26/2013 5:43 PM

Winding Down the end of 2012

Time has just flown by for 2012. It is tough doing a schedule for 2013 when 2012 isn't over, but looking ahead, we go from one show to the next without much of a break in between shows. We did everything from expos, shows, rodeos, parades, clinics, our own show "Amazing Horses" , TV series stunts and horse training. (and this was a slow year!). We hope to continue to travel down the road all over the US and Canada to meet all the fine folks out there who share a common bond with horses. Hope to see you down the road, hope fuel prices get back to $2 a gallon and hope we make a lot of you smile.

Upcoming in 2013??? We're hitting the State Fair circuit along with the PRCA show, so it's anybody's guess where we will be. Check my schedule on www.equineextremist.net for up to date schedule info.

Thanks again for all your support. We added a few more great sponsors to help us get down the road and keep our heads above water. For those of you with horses, you know that it is truly a love that cannot be described. I hope to be able to share my life with my horses with you and show you how you can have the same connection as I do with my horses.

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 10/12/2012 7:06 PM

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado

Gotta Love Colorado Rodeos! Just a week ago this place was surrounded by fire, but as rodeo cowboys go, these people are tough and wouldn't let anything stop the big show. What a great rodeo with lots of supporters, helpers and great people. It is so nice to work with a group that appreciates what you do and has fun the entire time. Thanks again PPOB rodeo. Hope to be back soon.

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 7/16/2012 6:50 PM

Greening of Whitney Brown Movie Poster

This is the movie I trained and shot with Odd Job Bob, the Gypsy Vanner horse. The Greening of Whitney Brown. It will be in theaters in November and in Walmart stores in December. You'll get to see an incredible horse along with his sweet sidekick, Sammi Hanratty. It was challenging working with a kid that never rode before, but I used it to my advantage and got her to understand what to do while being her character and getting that genuine feeling of how it feels to be on a horse for the first time.
I see Odd Job Bob didn't get listed on the poster, as I feel he is the star of the movie (Bob is in about 90 % of the scenes). You'll also get to see Maverick too. I hope all you horse people go out see this movie. It is a great family film with a lot of lessons your "teens and tweens" will take to heart. If you fall in love with Bob, as everyone does, you can get your own Gypsy Vanner horse at www.gypsyvanner.com or just go there to check out Bob and his friends. Friend Bob on FACEBOOK too. Thanks to Ed Fitts and Sue Rathbone for the opportunity to work with such beautiful horses.
Keep an eye open for the premier. I'll be there. Ride Fast... Take Chances! tommie

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 8/16/2011 7:53 AM | Add Comment

Monmouth County Fair

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 8/10/2011 12:20 AM | Add Comment

Back to the Ranch

Here we are at the Monmouth County Fair in NJ. My niece gets a nice photo on Blade. She is a
cowgirl in the making with that smile.

We just back to Liberty Horse Ranch after being on and off the road all year. We set up a clinic here in Sept and have many movie projects in the works. We have a lot of things going on and are starting to book up 2012. It is going to be a busy year with many new things coming. We have podcasts, tv show, training dvd's, new product and apparel coming plus more than I can tell you now. Check out my new production hub link on the navigation bar and our website at www.equineextremist.net. Sign up for our email list to make sure you get notified of new clinics, shows and more. Thanks again for all your support and hope your training is going well. Remember, you are the trainer. Think ahead and think simple. It doesn't have to be a long process or 4 year study program to create a relationship with your horse. Ride Fast... Take Chances! tommie

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 8/9/2011 1:34 PM | Add Comment

IMPORTANT INFO

Hey gang, most of you probably already heard about this, but I wanted to include it here to keep it fresh in peoples minds. This outbreak is a big eye opener as well. If you ever wonder why you need to have health certificates and papers for your horses, this is a good example of why. It is also why I limit the contact my horses have with other horses and people. Prevention is the best way, but when it does happen we need to quickly get this under control. It could effect many horses if people don't stop to think about these things now
Please read on and take this seriously. Thank you.

To: PRCA Members

Re:       Equine Health Alert

Date:    May 20, 2011

From: Cindy Schonholtz, PRCA Director of Industry Outreach
            719-440-7255
            animalwelfare@prorodeo.com

The PRCA continues to monitor the EHV-1 outbreak in the Western States; this is the second update on the issue. The first update can be accessed here:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs014/1101303344550/archive/1105560416151.html

We take the health of all livestock very seriously and have been in contact with many state animal health officials and are monitoring all official information from states that are reporting on the issue. At this time all of the information that we have is that all of the confirmed cases can be traced to the National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah from April 30 to May 8 or horses that have had direct contact with those horses. Additionally, no restrictions on horse transportation have been put into place, any change in these two factors will cause the PRCA to send further updates and reassess the situation.

Please contact Cindy Schonholtz at 719-440-7255 or animalwelfare@prorodeo.com with any questions or concerns.

Tips for All PRCA Members:

The PRCA wants our membership to make informed decisions and do what they and their veterinarian feel is best for their individual circumstances!

1. If there is even a chance that you know of that your horse may have come in contact with any of the horses that attended the Ogden, UT or if the horse has any of the symptoms, isolate, call the veterinarian and do not move that horse. This is very important. This is a highly contagious disease that has an incubation period of 2 - 10 days. There is not a vaccine for the neurological form of the disease and no cure, but the symptoms can be treated and the earlier the detection, the more successful that treatment is likely to be. If your horse has any of these symptoms while at a rodeo, DO NOT LEAVE, isolate the horse and contact the rodeo veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms to look for:

· Fever above 102 degrees with no other explanation

· Decreased coordination

· Urine dribbling

· Loss of tail tone

· Hind limb weakness

· Leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance

· Lethargy

· Inability to rise

2. If you choose to travel:

· Contact your veterinarian for advice if it is safe for you to travel with your horse
· Avoid nose to nose or close contact with other horses

· Do not share equipment, buckets, brushes, bridles

· Wash or sanitize your hands often, you can transmit the virus on your hands, shoes or clothing if
you come into contact with a horse that has the disease.
· When you return home with your horses isolate the horses that have been traveling from other
horses for 10 days and take their temperature twice daily.

3. Before transporting horses interstate, contact the State Veterinarian in the state you are traveling to insure there are no travel restrictions.

Directory of State Veterinarians

http://www.avma.org/disaster/state_veterinarians.asp

4. Join Pro Rodeo Livestock Facebook group for the very latest updates
5. Resources:
Excellent article on the Subject: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18264

Guide to EHV: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf

TIPS FOR PRCA RODEO COMMITTEES

1. Contact your State Veterinarians Office to ask to be included in any email update lists and let them know of your upcoming event and ask if there is any news or travel restrictions that may affect your event. If state animal health officials or local veterinarians recommend cancelling your event contact PRCA Rodeo Administration immediately.

2. Work closely with your on-site rodeo veterinarian to institute bio security plans as well as any other suggestions they feel will assist in keeping horses safe.

3. Have a plan for handling media inquires regarding the EHV-1 outbreak. Ask your veterinarian to assist you in preparing a written statement on the issue that can be use.

4. Email animalwelfare@prorodeo.com with any information you obtain in your area that you feel would be helpful to the PRCA.
5. Have available to all contestants the attached flyer on the subject. Download flyer here.
6. Work with your rodeo veterinarian to have a plan if a horse at your event shows any symptoms.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES

California Dept of Food and Ag

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

Colorado Department of Agriculture

http://www.colorado.gov/ag

Colorado is requiring importation permits, info available on the link above

Idaho Dept of Agriculture

http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Animals/animalHealth/healthehv.php

New Mexico State Livestock Board

http://www.nmlbonline.com/

Oregon Department of Agriculture
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/AHID/equine_herpes_virus.shtml

Texas Animal Health Commission

http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/pr/2011/2011May_EHV1NationalInvestigation.pdf

Utah Department of Agriculture

http://ag.utah.gov/news/index.html

Washington Department of Agriculture

http://agr.wa.gov/News/2011/11-10.aspx

Wyoming Livestock Board Release
Note: They are requiring extra transport requirements read this release for more info

http://wlsb.state.wy.us/NewsReleases/WyomingRequirementsHorses%5B1%5D.pdf

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 5/20/2011 1:17 PM | Add Comment

Rehearsal for WEG

We are at the Kentucky Horsepark getting ready for the World Games. We
have been going over the rehearsal for the opening ceremonies. I also
did a couple of shows at the park. It was a lot of fun. Tomorrow we
leave for Des Moines for the Gold Star Futurity. 700 miles on the
road, followed by 3 days of shows and then Discovery is flying me to
LA for a tv shoot on Sunday. I return Monday to drive the 1300 miles
back home to Florida, after we stop in to the Kentucky Horse Park for
a few more rehearsals with Dan James. Should be a good week. If you are in Des Moines,
stop by and say hi. Ride Fast... Take Chances! Tommie
>
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Posted by Tommie Turvey at 8/31/2010 11:31 PM | Add Comment

Testing new updating

Technology and me don't get along so good, so anything that makes my
life easier is a good thing. I love my iPhone and now blogging is
easier too. This is just a test, but I hope it works. It will save me
a lot of time and steps.
Thanks to my tech Jamie
.
Tommie

Sent from my iPhone

Posted by Tommie Turvey at 8/23/2010 9:43 AM | Add Comment

Older Posts

Who I Am

I am a horse trainer, equine entertainer and stuntman. This is my life, not a side-line. I live every day with my horses; cleaning, caring, feeding, and riding. They are my family and my life. I have been working horses since I was 5 years old and they have taught me a lot. I own 14 horses of all breeds. My favorite horse is Pokerjoe. He and I have been through 14 years of performing together. I perform around the world at horse expos, rodeos, horse shows, state fairs and equine events. My training style is direct, to the point and well thought out. I do things for a specific reason, or for what it doesn't do. There are many ways to train a horse, but I think of the things beyond the days training and what effect it has on other behaviors. I respect all trainers, but trust only those who have the experience and credentials to teach their craft. Listen to everyone, but learn from those who have been there and proven themselves. Most of all, have fun and enjoy your horse. I want you to love your horse as much as I love mine. RIDE FAST... TAKE CHANCES! tommie

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