HOT TO TROT

Hot to trot is an understatement for this show that took place at Westworld in Scottsdale.  According to my thermometer, it was 106 degrees in the shade!  But our hosts went out of the way to make us as comfortable as possible.  Cold soft drinks were available in the concession stand along with muffins and other snacks.  The practice ring is covered and had very welcome fans going to keep it cooled down.  In the show ring, our judge was Dan Flowers from Bellville, Texas.  Mr. Flowers was quite knowledgeable about the different gaited horses.  There were Fox trotters (of course), Tennessee Walkers, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Arabs, Saddlebreds and Friesians!  What a group of beautiful talented horses!  There were driving, halter, hunter, trail pleasure, country pleasure, western pleasure, performance, show pleasure park pleasure classes.  Then we had the Championship classes later in the afternoon.  What a fun filled day!  The last class was a Pairs class that was judged on the synchronicity and performance of the horses.  What a fun filled event that was!  Club members Forrest Marsalis, Betty and Bilynda Neal, Judy Kipen and our friend John Koper entered every class possible.  Betty Neal scored her first blue ribbon in the TWH pleasure 2-gait class.  Her smile outshinned the sun!  Forrest took a 2nd place in the Foxtrotter trail pleasure 2-gait maiden class.  The Trail pleasure open event was won by a TWH, while John Koper took the 2nd place and Judy Kipen took 3rd, and Betty Neal 4th. Judy Kipen took a 1st in the Foxtrotter western pleasure 2-gait class with Forrest taking the 2nd place.  The Foxtrotter 2-gait championship was won by Donna Browne, 2nd place went to Forrest and Judy took 3rd.  It’s a shame there weren’t more Foxtrotters competing.  We were way outnumbered by the Walking horses. Hopefully we will have a better showing in their fall shows.  If we want to have foxtrotter classes, we have to show them our support and attend their shows.  Equistar is trying their best to have some great shows and they deserve our support and participation!  Please check their website at www.equistarshows.com for future shows and events.

Judy Kipen