"The Regional are Coming! The Regionals are Coming!"

 

Kristi Howes & WN Milagros+/ in Western Pleasure

 

Not as famous as the battle cry of April 1775, the slogan is still appropriate to those Arabian owners and enthusiasts in the valley and the state some 226 years later. The International Arabian Horse Association Region VII Championships enter their 4th year at WestWorld in Scottsdale. The show starts with the final Regional qualifying show (ASHO4U) on Tuesday April 24th through Thursday April 26. Then the Regional Championships commence with reining on Thursday evening April 26 and classes in the other disciplines lasting through Sunday April 29.

IAHA's Region VII encompasses the states of Nevada, Utah and Arizona although there will be plenty of exhibitors and their horses from California, New Mexico and elsewhere around the west. The Region VII Championships were formerly moved annually from state to state each year but the superior show facilities of WestWorld was the prime selling point in making the Championships reside in Arizona for the past 4 years.

The location of course is a boon to most exhibitors in Arizona who have to only haul their horses, tack and equipment to Scottsdale. But even better is the chance of spectators to enjoy the action for free. Owners and their horses are competing for regional honors and the chance to qualify for the US Nationals to be held in Albuquerque in late October. So the competition will be enthusiastic and entertaining.

Of course, hosting the Regional Championships in Arizona means that the local clubs will be turning out the volunteers to help staff most of the important positions. If you have some time that you could help out for a morning, afternoon or evening session please contact Bruce Johnson at 623-386-6381. 

We would like to congratulate VSAHA's Amy Wilms on her recent election to Region VII Youth Director. Our VSAHA Youth Group activities continue to sail along. Amy Wilms chairs the Youth group with help from Sara Depert and Sally McCarthy. The next VSAHA Youth Group meeting will be an ice cream social scheduled for April 2, 2001. Upcoming events include a Breyer Model Horse show scheduled for May 6, a workday at Castaway Treasures Animal Sanctuary in Tucson on June 9 and a Youth fun day at Waterworld on July 12. For information on any youth group activity, contact Amy at 480-614-8812.

Preparation continues for the 2001 version of the VSAHA Mini Circuit shows. These are open schooling shows held on the following Saturday nights; May 19, June 16; July 21; August 18 and September 15. All shows will be held again at Horse Lovers Park (formerly Reach 11). The park is located on Tatum north of Union Hills. Each Saturday night show starts with Halter classes at 6:00 PM followed by English and Western divisions alternating between months. Food and Drinks are available on the showgrounds. For information or a premium, please contact Sally McCarthy at 480-473-2136 or Layna Taylor at 480-838-6605.