Signs and banners are in place.  Trophies and ribbons have been delivered.  Jumps and barrels are ready for the upcoming Open Horse Show, Saturday, Sept. 22 at FENCE. This will be the first Open Horse Show held at FENCE.
Class schedules with details of the more than 48 classes are available at both locations of The Hay Rack, The Farm House, Little Mountain Farm Supply, Re-Ride, Calvert’s Restaurant and FENCE, as well as at www.facebook.com/OpenHorseShowSeptember22. Classes include Halter, Showmanship, English, Hunter Jumper Fences, Western, Gaited, Trail and Sport. You’ll see horses from minis, ponies, gaited and nongaited to mules.
Class schedules list the show rules and regulations, stall and tie-out fees and entry fee information (cash or check only). A valid Coggins is required by North Carolina State Law.
Gates open at 7 a.m. on the day of the show, and classes start at 9 a.m. The Hare and the Hound will have food for purchase all day. Spectators are invited to bring a chair and cheer on the participants. There is no charge for spectators.
During the opening ceremony, the American flag will be presented by the award-winning jumping white mule Queen Elizabeth. Anita Williamson will sing the national anthem. The show judge is Elizabeth O’Briant from Dunn, N.C. The show announcer is Tom Cochran from Chapel Hill, N.C.
Trophies will be awarded for first place and ribbons presented up to sixth place. For the barrel races and pole bending classes, it will be a 50/50 payback. High point awards will go for 17 and under and 18 and over.
Riders and nonriders (8 and under) will have fun participating in the Young Wranglers competition with no entry fee.
The Open Horse Show is presented by the Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol (PCMP). Some of the proceeds will benefit the Polk County Sheriff’s Benevolent Fund, which provides fans, home fuel, food, blankets and clothing to those in need in the county. Some of the proceeds will also help fund the PCMP’s annual costs.
Volunteers are still welcome. For additional information about the show or volunteering, contact Sue Z. Truitt, show manager at 864-457-2718 or suetruitt@manegate.net.
– article submitted
by Peggy Lyons