Sometimes we focus too much energy on what might not be perfect about our day or our horse show. Let’s not forget that moments like the one shown here are precisely why we’re here. Sherri Mell and husband Mike Torres were the victors in Non Pro Judged Heading competition and watching them celebrate was tons of fun. Sherri, who happens to be a member of the ApHC Hall of Fame and Cowgirl Hall of Fame, also won the Non Pro Breakaway Roping class earlier in the day.
Thanks Sherri…and congratulations!
For other pics from the World Show in Fort Worth, click on the photo album link at left.
The Appaloosa Horse Club is pretty excited to welcome Dale Chavez, pictured here with some of his saddles, as a “gold sponsor” at the World Show. Known for craftmanship in a complete line of saddles, tack and buckles, Chavez is in Fort Worth to give the Appaloosa community a look at what his artistry and skill can produce. He has a showroom in the Moncrief Building at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Dale and Mark Shaffer are working together to donate a beautiful saddle in one of the western pleasure classes and Dale is providing a substantial number of gift certificates that will be earned by exhibitors throughout the show and in the daily prize drawings for anyone in attendance.
For more info about this California-based company, visit dalechavezsaddles.com.
Thanks Dale and welcome to the ApHC neighborhood!
Be sure to check out the consignments to this year’s World Appaloosa Sale, to be held in Fort Worth next Wednesday the 27th at 6 p.m. Click on the World Sale icon at the bottom of the appaloosa.com home page to view the catalog and all the details. And, if you can’t make it in person, be sure to register for online bidding at www.LiveAuctionsTV.com.
The 2010 World Championship Appaloosa Show (as in the freshly painted sign on the rail at John Justin Arena) is about to begin here in Fort Worth. Events run from Friday the 22nd through Saturday the 30th. A nice mix of classes on the first day…horsemanship, stump race, pleasure, cow horse, reining, cutting, saddle seat, etc. Most exhibitors have moved in and are putting the finishing touches on stall decorations, getting horses prepped and maybe catching a nap before the schedule gets serious.
If you can’t make it in person, be sure to check out the webcam option for viewing the show. Click on the World Show icon at the bottom of the home page of appaloosa.com, then click the “webcam” link.
By the way, in case you didn’t know it, the ApHC has the very best show management team and support staff in the industry. I’m always amazed by the thousands of details and countless unseen chores that get handled without anyone else having to worry. Thanks to all of these folks — and to our intrepid exhibitors — it will be a great show.
We received a call today from a member in Texas who needs help. Because of a partner death and assorted complications that go with it, she is asking for assistance with feed costs for her eight Appaloosas. Some are previously rescued horses and several are from well-known bloodlines.
We don’t necessarily make it a practice to get involved in every situation like this that arises, but I promised that we’d at least issue the plea for help. If you would like contact information to make your own evaluation of the circumstances, give me a call or send an email: 208.882.5578 x249 or staylor@appaloosa.com.
I had the opportunity to take a short drive from Lexington for a brief visit with participants in this year’s Sheltowee Trail Ride. Thanks to the hard work of Roland and Mary Tom Haun, there were 60+ riders enjoying the accommodations at Red Hill Horse Camp. As you can guess, the terrain provided lots of uphill and downhill riding and some very pretty scenery. Not quite the ideal fall foliage yet, but still really interesting country. Riders came from Washington, Utah, Texas and various other spots on the map to enjoy another week of trail pal-hood.
One more note about the World Equestrian Games in Lexington. I heard the region closed schools for at least a couple of days so that kids could attend. This scene shows just one of the groups gathering at Alltech Village to begin the tour. This weekend will feature Para Dressage, Driving, Vaulting and a bit more Jumping, plus the closing ceremonies with Lyle Lovett, among others.
Probably one of the interesting sidelights for me is the mingling of so many different types of horse people. Royalty, local stars, stable hands and daydreamers all shared in the atmosphere and found at least some common ground. Perhaps that’s one of the truly major accomplishments of an event such as WEG.
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