1.) Describe your involvement in the Arabian horse breed as a volunteer, and what your accomplishments are:
Over the past several years I have been active in promoting Adult Equitation. I feel this class provides another option for amateurs. It allows people currently showing to have another class to enter and it acts as a gateway class for those new to the industry. They can lease a horse for equitation or purchase one in a reasonable price-point as you do not need an expensive horse for these classes. It also provides a new job opportunity for those horses that may not be as successful as they once were in the big show pen. Success with this has been increasing over the last couple of years and in 2015 we had Adult Western Horsemanship for the first time at US Nationals. Moving forward we are starting to bring in Saddle Seat EQ and it is now offered at the Scottsdale Show.
Region 5 has been holding mini conventions for years. The last one was in 2006, however this year, after nearly a ten year hiatus, we put a spin on it. For 2015 we called it Northwest EquestFest. I was the chair for this event. A small group of us started planning this event in mid 2015 and the event took place on January 9, 2016. This event brought 10 lectures on various equine topics to the community for free. Speakers included LMF feed, two veterinarians and a farrier who discussed lameness, understanding the hoof and dentistry, local trainers/judges who discussed equitation, equine insurance, equine law, sport horse trends, the art of clipping, how to become a judge with our state B system as well as how to become judge/steward with AHA which was presented by Stan Morey, and much more. We wrapped this event up with our inaugural Region 5 awards banquet.
2.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments involving the Arabian horse for you in 2015?
We had 200 people through the day. Then for the awards banquet Initially hoping to sell 90 tickets to the event, we ended up having to open a second room with a total of 140 attendees. The highlight of the night might have been Ron Copple Jr. talking about his involvement with the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund. This introduced the organization to everyone and gave our attendees the chance raise money for a wonderful cause. Our AHDF Cake Auction raised $3,359.01. Additionally our silent auction items raised $1,420 for the Region 5 Youth and $1,581 that will be split between the AHDF, Region 5 Youth, and a local therapeutic riding center Little Bit.
As I outlined in the previous question. My success with adult equitation has spanned over the years and in 2015 we had adult western horsemanship for the first time at US Nationals. Moving forward we are starting to bring in Saddle Seat EQ and it is now offered at the Scottsdale Show.
3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
They would said that I am a very ambitions person who is passionate about our industry. I am organized and like to get others interested in our activities. Also do not ever tell her that she cannot do something as she will go out and prove them wrong.