65th Sonoita Quarter Horse Show, May 17-20

Richard Collins on Sir Jacky Wade & Manuel Murrietta on Welcome Mister at May 2000 Sonoita Quarter Horse Show. Guy Walters 'observing'

by Betty Barr

The Sonoita Quarter Horse Show, honored as one of the nation's oldest continuously running shows by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), will host its 65th annual event May 17-20 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. New for this year will be the Reined Cowhorse Derby sponsored by the Ironhorse Ranch on Wednesday 9:00 a.m., May 16. The derby is NRCHA approved and will offer open and non-pro classes for four and five-year old horses. Owner and rider must be paid 2001 NRCHA member. For information on the derby call Conny Chance and 520-457-9361.

The Sonoita show promises to continue its tradition as a friendly, fun place to exhibit and is expecting over 200 horse entries again this year. Circuit awards will be presented in each of 100 classes, custom made leather breast collars for High Point Amateur Working Cow Horse, and High Point Open Working Cow Horse, along with thirteen High Point Buckles will also be presented.

A complete roster of cattle classes, including heading, heeling, calf roping, breakaway roping and working cow will be offered all four days. In addition, youth classes will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday.

A special highlight of the event is the traditional Friday night dinner honoring the Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Volunteers. The evening features cocktails and dinner, music, a short auction and a Calcutta for the next day's working cow horse conducted by local auctioneer, Tommy Gilbraith. Over 300 invitations have been issued and additional tickets for family and friends are available at the door for $5.

Diane Collins is heading up the activities for the sixth year. Her hard-working committee has made some improvements to the arena including painting and installing attractive plywood panels to shield the cattle area from the horse competition and building new obstacles for the trail course.

Classes begin with roping each morning at 8 a.m., followed by working cow in the Grandstand arena and trail and halter events in the second arena. There is no charge to watch the events and everyone is welcome to stop by and see excellent horsemanship and beautiful quarter horses in action. For more information call Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 520-455-5553.