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Show results

sea-horse-closeup.jpgWe had a comment/question about where to find class results on the web site. From the appaloosa.com home page, click on Show, then click on National Show, then click on Top Ten Class Results.

I included this photo from the World Championship Youth Show library because I really liked the seahorse and the overall image. The exhibitor is not listed in the program published in the Journal, so I’ll look her up tomorrow. Meanwhile, keep up with class results on the ApHC web site.

Special note: Blogger Guy Chuck Zimmerman is back in town and will be posting audio interviews and observations from the event in Jackson starting tomorrow (Friday). He’ll spend the weekend doing his professional thing to bring you a variety of information and entertainment. Stay tuned.

Adding a splash of color

most-colorful.jpgThe Youth Most Colorful at Halter class this morning was neat to watch and a definite crowd pleaser. It’s always interesting to see how many different coat patterns there are in a class. This particular assignment has to be a challenge for the judges. Each has a personal preference, but each is also given basic guidelines about evaluating the class. Conformation does count, but the most obvious criterion is a pattern that pleases the eye and represents the breed in a positive way.

Categories: Youth World Show

Farmers Market

farmers-market.jpgOne of the bonus features at the World & National Shows in Jackson is the farmers market located on the fairgrounds. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of homemade products and a very good cafe with all the expected Southern treats such as cornbread, butter beans, black-eyed peas and gravy on whatever you want. I’ll keep testing the options and provide a full report on specific menu items.

Deck the stalls

barn-23-stall-decs.jpgThis is Barn 23, where you can find some of our World Championship Youth Show and National Show sponsors. Stall decorations range from really nice to extra nice, not just here, but throughout the Mississippi State Fairgrounds barn areas. We really appreciate the effort and expense by exhibitors to dress up the show and provide this type of image enhancement for the breed.

Southwestern connections in Jackson

george-and-kids.jpgEveryone at the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show is either busy or about to be busy and recuperating from being busy or getting enthused about being busy. I found this assortment of Southwestern folks hanging out in barn 23.

Left to right:George Betancourt, San Antonio, Texas, who’s helping wrangle several youth exhibitors this week. George is also a member of the ApHC International Advisory Committee and has been invaluable to the club in coordinating travel and communications with contacts in Mexico. Next are youth exhibitors: Hattie Msuya, Edmond, Oklahoma; Fernando Vera, Guadalajara, Mexico; Jacob and Zachary Jordan, Seguin, Texas.

Pretty but tough in pink

pink-stakes-race.jpgIf my reading glasses aren’t too smudged, I think this is Lauren Waidner from Orange Park, Florida, getting ready for the Walk/Trot Figure Eight Stake Race, 10 & under. I couldn’t help admiring the pinkness of the ensemble.

Other exhibitors at the World Championship Youth Show expressed their personal style with similarly exotic helmets, shirts and tack. Sure makes it easier to follow the action, but it also shows the adults that competition can be pure fun.

Categories: Youth World Show

Jackson Coliseum

coliseum.jpgThe jewel of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds is the renovated coliseum. Improvements from what folks may remember from the “old days” include a new metal roof, artsy glass panels and some internal upgrades. Our events at the World Championship Youth Show and National Appaloosa Show are taking place here and in the Fordice Equine Center.

In the Saddle Seat

saddleseat-lineup.jpgIt was an impressive line-up in this evening’s Saddle Seat Pleasure, 18 & Under class. But I’ll confess that I’ve always been a fan, from wa-a-a-y back to the days of late night “society” horse shows at the local county fair.

In the case of the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show, we are able to see first-hand evidence of the versatility of our breed and of our young riders. Of course, I also just happen to like the attire — stylish and fancy. What better way to show off a little?

Stick horse rope race

kids-rope-race.jpgThe competition was only slightly fierce, but the scramble for a rope was still hectic at the Stick Horse Rodeo today in Jackson. Just as with the full-scale event there was a bit of jostling at the start line and a display of gritty determination at the finish. Thank goodness there were also sterling examples of good sportsmanship as competitors remained friends when the dust cleared.

Categories: Youth World Show

Taking in the action

ruthie-stewart.jpgLogan Stewart brought his mom Ruthie outside to enjoy the youth stick horse rodeo today at the World Championship Youth Show. The rodeo included a stick horse against stick horse barrel race, a rope race and some roping. The kids seemed to have a great time and each participant received a packet and assorted prizes. Thanks to ApHC staff and AYA directors who helped organize the events. And a special thanks to Logan for coming out and offering his support.

Categories: People / Youth World Show

Support for youth

dawna-harwell.jpgWe managed to coax a quick smile from Dawna Harwell just after she launched another exhibitor into the show ring. She too is an important part of the “backstage” scene at the World Youth Show. Riding herd on youth exhibitors is a challenging task, but the rewards are pretty obvious.

It’s important to mention that the Appaloosa Youth Association honored Dawna this week as the 2007 Youth Supporter of the Year. Congratulations Dawna and thanks for all you do to encourage, teach and lead the next generation of the ApHC.

Categories: People / Youth World Show

A little Tuesday drama

hunt-seat-eq-crowd.jpgThis Hunt Seat Equitation class was “deep” with quality. Judges got a good workout evaluating performances by an impressive group of exhibitors at the World Championship Youth Show in Jackson. As you can tell from the crowd, lots of friends, fans and family were anxious to see their favorites do well. Results will be posted on the show section of appaloosa.com.

Behind the scenes

dusty-and-pals.jpgA whole bunch of activity goes on behind the scenes at an event such as the World Championship Appaloosa Show this week in Jackson. Lots of set-up time is required and a constant whirl is involved in keeping arenas prepped for a wide variety of classes.

A group of folks doing all those things and more is the Jack Owen Arena Team. Jack and Nancy always have a hard-working crew at our shows.

In the photo - Ashley Gerrard, Kacy Rushing and Dusty Fox plot strategy for the next class at the back gate of the Fordice Equine Center. Thanks ladies!

Categories: Youth World Show

John Deere plays with dirt

john-deere-and-jack.jpgAmong the many “chores” associated with putting on a horse show is arena maintenance. At the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Mississippi, this week, we are pleased to have the support of John Deere and the sponsorship of Southern Tractor. Southern is the premier John Deere dealer and service provider for central and southern Mississippi. They have dealerships in Canton, Hattiesburg, Summit, Mendenhall and Bolton. Thank you Southern Tractor! Check them out at www.southerntractorcom.

One of our Bronze Sponsors is Arena Werks. The Arena Werks Collection is manufactured exclusively by Snodgress Equipment. From rotary harrows to custom equipment for a range of farm and ranch needs, Arena Werks can fit your needs. You can see more at www.arenawerks.com.

Sure, this post is a commercial plug for our sponsors, but why not? We can’t get along without them and they are a vital part of the Appaloosa community. They are genuinely appreciated for all the support they give to ApHC members.