What is OEF and why am I required to have it?

OEF is the Ontario Equestrian Federation, phone # 1-877-441 7112, you can view the document explaining more about the OEF and get a copy of their membership application
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What is a Coggins Test?

A blood test taken by the vet and sent to a government approved lab to see if the hose has equine infectious anemia (EIA) or commonly called "swamp fever". It is a virus that affects equines but is not contagious to humans. It can stay in the blood of an infected horse for years and can be spread to other horses by that animal through secretions such as milk, semen or blood (e.g.. when using the same needle to vaccinate other horses.) It can also be spread by horse flies, mosquitoes and lice. The virus is very virulent and can live on contaminated objects up to 96 hours. If the horse does not die he can be a carrier for life and may infect other animals. For this reason positive tested horses must be quarantined for life or put down. Horses transported to and from the U.S. and traveling between states in the U.S. must show a negative Coggins test within a 6 month to one year period (depending where you are taking them) on their health papers. As well most horse shows, breeding farms and horse functions require that you show your horse has a negative Coggins test.

Tips for Paso Fino Demonstrations
Collated by E.C.P.F.H.A.

Below are a few tips on doing Paso Breed Demonstrations at fairs, shows, etc. These may appear obvious to the more experienced demonstrator, but for us guys who are new at this, we thought a few pointers might be helpful.

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to do warm-ups and get ready in time for your demo.

Be Prepared to answer questions from the crowd. There are always plenty of questions about the Pasos. If possible, take some free handout literature with you. Business cards are good, too. Try to take an up-to-date copy of the PFHA Farm Directory along, so people can see Canada really HAS Paso Farms. If possible, take along a PFHA Rule Book and an Events Calendar.

Music to ride by: There are many pieces of music that you can use, Latin upbeat tunes are considered the best with this breed.

Work out a simple routine (ahead of time), to include demonstrations of each gait, some backing and some standing time. Don’t try anything in a demo that you cannot EASILY do at home. Now is not the time for anything new. Your comfort level shows!

Coordinate with any other demonstrators just what the routine will be. If possible, have a run-through together, before you are due to present your demo to the general public.

Dress:
To demo a Trail Paso - wear your best casuals, do try to wear a Spanish style hat.
To demo a Pleasure Paso – Collared Shirt, trousers and jacket/waistcoat/vest, dark boots, Spanish style casual hat, if jewelry worn make it nothing dramatic.
To demo a Performance Paso – Formal black pants, Spanish black felt hat, short black bolero-style jacket, bow-tie and matching cummerbund (optional), white tuxedo style shirt/blouse, black boots, hair restrained (IE. tied, clips, net), any jewelry should be non-reflective (no sparkles), lipstick and make-up(demonstrator’s personal choice).
TACK – try to keep tack in Paso style wherever possible (see rule book).

Always keep in good taste. We should NEVER detract from the beauty of the Paso Fino Horse. The other thing to do is definitely take your SMILE along with you!!

Have FUN! People love to see the Paso Fino Horse and we love to show them off. So, Good luck!!