Bellevue, WA – January 9th, Arabian Horse Association Region 5 put on their first Northwest EquestFest event. This event brought 10 lectures on various equine topics to the community for free. Speakers included LMF feed, two veterinarians discussed nutrition and dentistry, local trainers/judges discussed equitation, equine insurance, equine law, sport horse trends, clipping, how to become a judge with our state B system, how to become judge/steward with AHA presented by Stan Morey, and much more!
Multiple sponsors, including a goody bag Reber Ranch and vendor room sponsor Crescita Capital. Lunch brought a fashion show sponsored by Rich Watson and Morris House, featured attire from many of our vendors including fun ideas of what to wear to the barn for practice along with trends in all the Arabian classes. We pulled in not only Arabian members but 4-H members, Pony Club, other breed competitors, and people just starting in the horses. We had an AHA booth displaying pictures of our versatile horses competing in all the classes. Tables of donated silent auction items from local and national businesses.
We wrapped this event up with our Region 5 banquet. Initially hoping to sell 90 tickets to the event, we ended up having to open a second room with a total of 140 attendees. We had a wonderful master of ceremonies to keep the night going. In addition we were able to get Cynthia Richardson to attend and discuss “The State of the Association,” and Stan Morey give a report on the Judges and Stewart Commission.
The highlight of the night might have been Ron Copple Jr. talking about his involvement with the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund. This introduced the organization to everyone and gave our attendees the chance raise money for a wonderful cause. Our AHDF Cake Auction raised $3,359.01. Additionally our silent auction items raised $1,420 for the Region 5 Youth and $1,581 that will be split between the AHDF, Region 5 Youth, and a local therapeutic riding center Little Bit.
A huge thanks to all those who attended, sponsored, and presented. And can’t forget our amazing master of ceremonies Ian Sage!
This event would not have been possible without the wonderful committee of: Michelle Pease Paulsen, Carrie Olson, Shannon, Bedell, Erika Snewll, N Joy Arabains, and Pat Hough.
What a wonderful start to the 2016 season, and we look forward to doing this for years to come!
See the Region 5 Facebook page for highlights of evening.
Submitted by Shannon Bedell
NW Equine attended and enjoyed this event, and we are looking forward to next year.