2009 SAHJA Awards Banquet

On Sunday, January 24th the 21st Annual SAHJA Awards Banquet was held at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, CA. The awards presented recognized the outstanding achievements in the sport of Hunter/Jumper.  Awards went to David Crowley-Gold-Walk Trot 8 and Under; Katelyn Crowley-7th place-Short Stirrup; Sabrina Voeller-9th place-Short Stirrup; Savanna Little-5th place-Kindergarten Jumpers and 9th place Training Jumpers; Kim Bare-4th place-Training Jumpers and 7th place-Junior Equitation. 

Clients from Equine Unlimited created a lovely basket full of donated items for the SAHJA Barn Competition.  Donations included:  halters, lead ropes, horse treats, bell boots, Ariat socks, a mane comb, body brush, crop, feeding bucket, feed scoop and much more.  In addition, a gourmet picnic basket was put together and donated to the SAHJA silent auction complete with wine, snacks and plates.

Grebitus Challenge Cup Award, Malinda Kregoski, Kim Bare and Savanna Little

The highlight of the afternoon was when Kim Bare and Savanna Little walked on stage to accept the 5th Annual Grebitus Challenge Cup Award; Greta Evans and Amy Balsley were unable to attend the banquet.  The entire Equine Unlimited barn was proud of their achievement. 

Congratulations Equine Unlimited riders for an amazing 2009 show season; your dedication, hard work and patience paid off with the following division achievements:

• Kim Bare/Casino Royale-Training Jumpers 4th place; Junior Equitation 7th place
• Amy Balsley/Gambling on Colors-Child/Adult Jumpers4th place
• Abigail Beck/Telynau Pirouette-Short Stirrup 3rd place; Junior Pleasure 6th place
• Spencer Beck/My Morning Mocha-Junior Pleasure 9th place
• David Crowley/Clover-Walk Trot 8 and Under 2nd place
• Katelyn Crowley/Hollywood-Short Stirrup 7th place
• Kelsey Golding-Qualified for the 2009/2010 SAHJA Medal Finals
• Savanna Little/Sonny Crockett-Kindergarten Jumpers 5th place; Training Jumpers 9th place; qualified for the 2009/2010 SAHJA Medal Finals
• Sabrina Voeller/Royal Star-Short Stirrup 9th place

Katelyn, Abigail and Spencer

Once you and your trainer have decided that your child is ready to attend a horse show, it’s important to plan ahead for the big day.  Below is a partial list of what needs to be done, items to bring and what to expect the day of the show.  Please review this list with your trainer prior to your first horse show.

• Bathe your pony one day before the show
  • Completely wash the ponies entire body, mane and tail.
  • Do not spray Show Sheen on the ponies back where the saddle will be placed.  Show Sheen is very slippery and the saddle may slide.
  • Place your pony into a stall to stay clean.
• Oil/polish/organize all tack and place into the horse trailer
  • Saddle
  • Saddle Pad
  • Girth
  • Bridle
  • Martingale (for jumping classes only)
• Extra items that you will need to bring along:
  • Lunge line
  • Two buckets with snaps
  • Halter/lead rope
  • Hay bag with hay
  • Grooming bag complete with hoof oil, various brushes, hoof pick, two rags, a bottle of water, sunscreen, chap stick, saddle tight, money for snacks, fly spray and camera
  • Spurs
  • Crop
  • Registration form
  • Your checkbook-you will need to leave an open check with the show office.
  • Water and snacks for you and your child
  • A change of clothes and shoes for your child
• Make sure all riding attire is clean and ready to go
  • Breeches/Jods (jods are for younger children not yet wearing tall boots)
  • Shirt/rat catcher
  • Jacket
  • Tall boots (or jod straps for younger children wearing jods)
  • Helmet
  • Hair net/hair band
  • Tie (for boys)
  • Leather gloves
• Miscellaneous expenses:
  • Lease of an Equine pony or horse $25.00 per day
  • Transportation (within 30 minutes of Cameron Park) $60.00
  • Trainer Rail Fee $50.00 per day
  • Feed/shavings/trainer split-prices vary
  • Braiding-tail and mane-approximately $85.00 (for rated shows)
  • Groomer-usually at multiple day shows-$50.00 per day (for rated shows)
  • Registration fees-prices vary
    • Pre-register online at www.horseshowtime.com or mail your registration form to the appropriate show office
  • Association fees-prices vary

• Be Prepared for a long day
  • Plan on arriving at the show location at least an hour and a half before the show begins.
  • Check in at the show office, confirm classes, confirm class times, leave an open check and pick up rider’s number.
  • Bring appropriate pony paperwork:  Measurement cards, membership cards or numbers (for example: USEF, USHJA and SAHJA). For more information please visit the following websites:  www.sahja.org, www.usef.org, www.ushja.org. (Also for rated shows)
  • Lunge your pony for 15 minutes to burn off extra energy
  • Tack up your pony
  • Head to the warm up arena 20-30 minutes before the first class begins
  • Listen for class announcements: gates and times can change rapidly
  • Arrive at the show gate 5 minutes early
  • Make sure your trainer is aware of each class/time when your child will be riding.  Your trainer will need to be on the rail for safety and instruction.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most people are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
• A partial list of popular horse show locations in the Sacramento Area:
  • Starr Vaughn Equestrian Inc. www.svequestrian.com
  • Leone Equestrian Inc. www.leoneequestrians.com
  • Brookside Equestrian Park www.brooksideshowpark.com
  • Rancho Murieta www.murietaequinecomplex.com
  • Historic Nelson Ranch www.historicnelsonranch.com
  • Royal Crest Stable www.royalcreststable.com
  • Willow Creek Horse Park www.willowcreekhorsepark.com

HAVE FUN AND RELAX!

Written by:  Teresa G. Crowley, www.ponyweekly.com