Monthly Column by Carol Dean-Porter |
GRASSROOTS
ORGANIZATIONS
Everyone knows the high profile horse shows
like Spruce Meadows, Indio, West Palm Beach and Devon. There are many small organizations
which are the foundations of our sport and are doing an excellent job of educating and
encouraging young and new riders to the wonderful world of horse shows.
The Orange County Horse Shows Association recently conducted it's Championship Horse Show
at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA. This organization sponsors a show
which requires the members to qualify for various classes by placing first, second or
third in those classes throughout the year at OCHSA approved horse shows. This
organization has more than 600 members.
This year saw an increase in entries - 260 horses competed in more than 100 classes. The
prizes for first were embroidered jackets, for second leather halters and for third
through eighth Giddyap Girls horse biscuits in addition to beautiful ribbons. Most classes
had more than 20 entries and several classes had in excess of 60 riders.
The jumps were freshly painted and beautifully decorated with flowers and shrubs. The
courses were professionally designed by Daniel Abbey, and all AHSA "R" rated
judges are the officials.
High Point awards include beautiful crystal sculptures and custom wood tack trunks.
The organization offers a free drawing open to all trainers for a custom jump. All
trainers are given a free membership to the organization each year.
This show is geared toward the entry level exhibitor, but also offers higher level classes
including a mini prix.
Six judges all using the open numerical scoring system are used, which provides the
exhibitors with a "running total" leader board and is exciting for spectators,
parents and exhibitors.
OCHSA also offers scholarships to deserving riders which are chosen from essay application
by a committee and presented in center ring at the Horse Show.
The goal of OCHSA is to provide new exhibitors with high quality entry level horse shows
and encourage participation in this sport.
Organizations such as OCHSA are wonderful beginnings for many riders, such as OCHSA Medal
Finals winner Richard Spooner, who have gone on to achieve International show jumping
success.
Throughout the country there are many small organizations run by volunteers who work to
make horse shows a reality for the beginners and the young riders. These are the places
for basic equine education.
Carol's
Monthly Columns
