Western Line

The eighth Charity Open Horse Show to benefit FENCE will be held Saturday, April 9, and is now open for entries. The rain date is Sunday, April 10.

Held since 2012, the twice-yearly Open Shows have grown in popularity each year. What makes the Open Shows special is their diversity: most local shows focus on one or two riding disciplines but the Open Shows include classes in English, Western, Gaited, Hunt Seat, Halter, Showmanship and Trail, with all breeds welcome. The overall variety of the shows makes for a fun experience for both riders and spectators.

The show will begin at 9 a.m. with two arenas running simultaneously. Seven Hunter over Fences classes will be held in Arena A and judged by local trainer Erin O’Dwyer. Thirty-eight varied classes will be run in Arena B, with NCSU-certified judge Barbara Prather of Yadkinville, N.C., presiding. Keeping everything moving in a lively fashion will be volunteer announcer Anita Williamson, back by popular demand for the fifth year.

In addition to traditional ribbons, prizes will be awarded for first place in every class, thanks to donations by local businesses. High Point Awards will be made in six divisions: Gaited; Hunter Over Fences; Western Youth; Western Adult; English Youth; and English Adult.

There is a discounted rate for pre-registration before April 1. Exhibitors can download forms from the FENCE website, www.fence.org.

Making the show possible is an army of volunteers, led by Open Horse Show Committee members Carol Ten Broek, Deanna Ermson, Tracie Hanson, Sandra Hyder, Sally Rock, Judy Schlager, Paula Stathakis and Sue Truitt. The Open Show and its classes are supported by commercial and private donors. All sponsorships are tax deductible and will be acknowledged in the show program and during show announcements.

Volunteers and sponsorships are still needed. For information on becoming a sponsor or volunteer, visit www.Facebook.com/openhorseshowsintheupstate or call FENCE at 828-859-9021.

–Submitted by 2016 Open Horse Show Committee