The annual Christmas Open House at the Appaloosa Museum was a big hit again this year. I’m sure the relatively mild temperatures and a nice bit of sunshine helped boost participation, but the event has become a required part of family tradition for lots of folks in the Moscow area.
With Santa’s arrival — on an Appaloosa, of course — things really get started. Youngsters wait in long lines for the chance to sit atop Shadow, the official Museum test ride horse. Then they wait in line again to visit one-on-one with the jolly elf. The card making tables were busy, the horse cookie decorating area was as popular as ever and the refreshments put everyone in a good mood.
Besides Museum staff, board members and family connections of both, a great group of volunteers helped with all the activities.
Be sure to click on the photo album link at the left to view more pics from the open house.
Katharine Beyerlein, assistant director of the Appaloosa Museum is shown as she announces the winner of this year’s raffle horse. The official drawing was carefully observed to avoid even an appearance of ballot box stuffing, voter fraud or inappropriate campaigning. In a semi-private ceremony today at the Appaloosa Museum, a winning ticket was plucked from the unadorned cardboard lockbox. In case you didn’t know, the museum sells raffle tickets throughout the summer. The grand prize is an Appaloosa. This year’s featured attraction is a yearling gelding by the name of E ARROW PAHA. He spent the required amount of time as an exhibit and now
he’s headed to a new home. 
Oh yeah, the winner. Actually, it’s winners plural – Klaus and Jeanne Lueppen of Attica, Michigan. Congratulations to them and thanks to everyone who supported the Appaloosa Museum by purchasing raffle tickets. If you didn’t win, or if you neglected to buy a ticket, there are other opportunities to get involved. Visit the Museum’s website by clicking from the appaloosa.com home page or go to www.appaloosamuseum.org.
One of the favorite activities when horse people get together is comparing photographs. Jim Mischel, official photographer for many, many Chief Joseph Trail Rides, always seems to have a few albums available for viewing. Shown here at this weekend’s Palousey Trail Ride to benefit the Appaloosa Museum are Alice and King Rockhill, Craig Hatley and Jim as they share photos and stories from many years of close connections.
A definite highlight of each year’s Palousey Trail Ride is the Dutch oven dinner. George Hatley is considered the cook wrangler, offering advice and a few specific orders to volunteers who bring a wide variety of good stuff. There’s something extra special about biscuits baked in a Dutch oven. George says the most common mistake is made when folks apply too much heat to the bottom and not enough to the top. All I know is that if George is watching, the cooks pay attention.
Before I try to make a contribution, more practice is necessary, but even the mistakes taste pretty good.
A fund-raising event to benefit the Appaloosa Museum, the 11th Annual Palousey Trail Ride was held this weekend at the Pony Club grounds near Deary, Idaho. The facility is a popular and pretty spot for all sorts of equine activities. George and Iola Hatley, the Museum Board of Directors and a platoon of volunteers worked to make this a fun time for riders and non-riders alike. Mother Nature was kind enough to offer cooler temps and gentle breezes. Besides a leisurely ride, participants were treated to a Dutch oven dinner, cowboy music and good conversation. The Museum also had gift shop items for sale and a silent auction of donated artwork, artifacts and merchandise.
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