news roundup

Jessica Lohman is New Equine Marketing Manager

Signaling a new era of expanded service to equine customers, Jessica R. Lohman has been named manager of equine marketing for Richmond-based Southern States Cooperative, Inc. She was formerly an equine feed sales and technical representative.

“I am a lifer at Southern States,” Jessi says. “I’ve been here since I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000. Southern States is just a fabulous company to work for.”

“Jessi’s coming to this position is an expression of Southern States’ focus on and commitment to equine customers,” said Steve Patterson, Southern States Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Jessi’s horse involvement and expertise goes beyond her job. She has her “small r” judging card for Hunters and Hunt Seat Equitation. She also braids horses’ manes and tails at shows and is a free-lance writer for horse magazines.

“I am really excited about Southern States’ new push to be positioned as a leader in horse feed and equine health products,” she says. “We have so many resources – horse feed, animal health, pasture management, farm/barn supplies.”

Jessi promises, “Big things are coming to Southern States horse customers!” She can be contacted at Jessica.Smith@SSCOOP.COM.

Lamb is Voted Horseman of the Year

Madison customer David Lamb was voted 2005 Virginia Horse Council Horseman of the Year.

Kudos to TRF

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for sound fiscal management.

Founded in 1982, the TRF’s mission is to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. Today, the TRF is the world’s largest, best-known and most respected organization devoted to equine rescue. It houses 1,300 permanent residents at farms in 13 states, predominantly at its five large farms at correctional facilities, where inmates benefit from groundbreaking vocational training.

Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America, cited the TRF’s “ability to efficiently allocate and grow its finances” in announcing the rating. Its executive director, Trent Stamp, went on to say that “Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible. This exceptional rating from Charity Navigator differentiates the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation from its peers and proves that it’s worthy of the public’s trust.”

The TRF relies entirely on charitable donations to fund its various rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and retirement programs. All contributions are tax deductible. For more information, contact the TRF at (732) 957-0182 or info@trfinc.org

Siding With Susanne

Southern States’ very own Susanne Clifford was champion in the Ladies Side Saddle division at the Keswick Hunt Horse Show (VA) on May 17th on Sally Lamb’s horse Sea Salt. Keswick is a AA World Championship Hunter Rider Show. Susanne is an Equine FSA for the Charlottesville Coop.

Tommy Garland Teams Up With Southern States

Southern States has begun an alliance with Arabian Horse trainer Tommy Garland of Powhatan, VA. Garland’s horses are nourished with Legends® Equitech 10 and Triple Crown® Senior.

Garland has earned multiple national championships. His most recent championship came at the U.S. Arabian Nationals in 2005 with Midnight Magnum, who won the Western Pleasure Junior Horse title. “Southern States is looking forward to working with everyone at Garland, Ltd., in the future,” said Jessica Lohman, manager of equine marketing.

Isley is Elected President of PtHA

Jim Isley of Reidsville, NC, was elected president of the Pinto Horse Association of America at its national convention in Oklahoma City, OK, in March. Isley is a customer of the Reidsville Southern States store.

PtHA maintains a registry of more than 124,000 horses, ponies and miniature horses, and conducts a full range of programs and services for Pinto owners. PtHA shows held in the eastern United States include Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Florida. For more information, visit www.pinto.org.