2002 Arizona Futurity Horse Show is slated for October 18 ­ 20

^{by Paul Newton}

The 2002 Arizona Futurity Horse Show, sponsored by the Arizona Saddlebred Association of Arizona (ASAA) will be held October 18^th ­ 20^th at the world class WestWorld Equestrian facility in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. More than 140 classes are tentatively scheduled for Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians, Hackney Ponies, and Tennessee Walking Horses. This represents an impressive increase of approximately 30 classes from the 2001 show. Chuck Herbert from Evansville, Indiana will be judging Saddlebred classes according to Show Manager, Teri Wicker of Phoenix, AZ. Teri has impressive credentials (most recently as Show Chairperson for the DSHA sponsored Carousel Charity Horse Show), bringing a wealth of experience and professionalism to this year's installment. Futurity Chairperson, Heather Greenbaum promises to deliver on her commitment to grow the quality and reputation of the show for the 3^rd year running.

Again in 2002, the ASAA has selected Horses Help, a community based non profit, as the shows official charity. Horses Help was formed in 1987 in response to family and agency requests. Horses Help provides quality therapeutic and recreational horseback riding opportunities to children and adults with special needs. Originally serving only 15 riders a week in a back yard situation, Horses Help has now grown to over 100 riders per week who are supported by over 150 volunteers. Better yet, they have purchased their very own 5-acre property in N. Phoenix. This expansion has positioned Horses Help to offer additional programs to more people with special needs. ASAA is excited about the continuation of this important relationship, and invites you to learn more at their web site www.horseshelp.org

The annual exhibitor's Progressive Party has become a signature event, and this year will be no exception. Plans are currently underway to incorporate this anticipated event into the show's well know relaxed schedule and atmosphere. Everyone that has been to Scottsdale in October agrees that this is the perfect time of year to enjoy fine horses, sportsmanship, and camaraderie of professionals and amateurs alike. Under the direction of Shirley Chartrand, the association has amassed an outstanding array of 20+ perpetual trophies (including all of the futurity classes) - many with more than 20 years of show history. Reminiscing and sharing "horse show" stories abounds with the distribution of these lovely trophies.

While futurity nominations have declined in recent years ­ there has been a renaissance of sorts lately in large part due to the growth of the Saddle Horse business in central Arizona. The futurity committee is dedicated to accommodating the needs of all Saddlebred breeders in the region, and look forward to input to make future futurity shows grow at an even more substantial rate. If you are interested in more information about this year's exciting show, prize list, or pledging your sponsorship, please contact Show Manager, Teri Wicker at (602) 863-6113 or Sponsorship Chair, Paul Newton at (480) 946-6582

Steeped in history and tradition

While 50 years ago there was a large Saddlebred stable in Mesa, and even the famed Fine harness horse "The Lemon Drop Kid" has a history in Arizona circles, it was in 1975 that the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Arizona was formed. Walter Bush, Kay Braswell, Zip and Louise Prieser and Betty Ehrlich are a few of the individuals who formed the charter club. At that time such trainers as Larry Lewis, Sr., Buddy Shea, Leonard Moore, Sharon and Randy Michael, and Barney Reardon specialized in the high tail horses. Originally, show classes were mostly for English Pleasure and judged by a western judge at the local horse shows ­ but eventually, through the efforts of Saddlebred owners, more and more shows included the "Gaited" classes. The Old Pueblo and S.A.I.L.A. horse shows in Tucson, The Yavapai County Fair in Prescott, and three or four other shows helped promote this Kentucky bred horse in the Phoenix Valley