Skip to content

Cascading Into The Far West



The Deschutes County Fairgrounds located in scenic central Oregon welcomed exhibitors to the 47th Far West Regional on June 15-19. The breathtaking scenery, high desert climate, and outstanding show ring competition have made Far West a favorite for many west coast exhibitors. The show again boasted some of the finest competition west of Oklahoma as horses from the western United States as well as Canada vied for the AMHA Region 8 Championships at Far West. The competition was perfectly placed with the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains surrounding Redmond as the backdrop for the Far West Regional. The chamber of commerce must have ordered the weather with sparkling sunny, warm days and cool, clear evenings. The weather was ideal for many exhibitors who combine the horse show with a summer vacation enjoying a variety of tourist activities in Redmond and the surrounding area. They have the chance to take in over 200 classes of outstanding show ring competition and also use some of their time to play golf, go river rafting or fishing, or simply enjoy being a tourist. The fairgrounds feature a spacious coliseum with an attached warm up area, an outdoor ring, and many barns throughout the grounds with temporary stabling. Exhibitors were well prepared for navigating the large fairgrounds with golf carts and scooters being the travel modes of choice by many. The four-year-old facility continues to make improvements to host a horse show of this caliber with more fine tuning still needed. The 2004 Far West Regional marked the end of an era for two ladies who have helped to make the show what it is today. On Saturday evening, show manager Sally Plumley and show secretary Edrah Spielman were honored in center ring for their dedication and hard work on behalf of Far West. Sally Plumley and husband Neil were presented with a scrapbook with many notes, cards and photos in appreciation of their service and dedication to Far West, Region 8, MHAO and the Morgan Horse community. Shelley Bullard welcomed Sally and Neil Plumley to the show ring, "We would like to thank all the fabulous people who have helped to make Far West such a great show. There are two people whose names have become synonymous with Far West - Neil and Sally Plumley. Their commitment of time, energy, and money has been extraordinary. This is Sally's final year as Far West show manager, but we are delighted that she will co-chair the show in 2005 to help with the transition. We know we can count on both Neil and Sally to continue as committed members of the Morgan Horse community for many years." In addition to Sally Plumley and Edrah Spielman, the Far West officials also included; Bill Carrington and Phil Goulet (announcers), Casey McBride and Vern Serex (photographers), Adele Maurer (steward), Vern Serex and Gene VanDyke (ringmasters), Bill Hazen (paddock manager), Bob Covington (barn manager), and Carole Bradford (center ring design). Mike Carpenter and Rob Wilson marked the cards in the nearly 200 classes that made up the Far West show ring action while Donna Longacre scored the dressage competition, and Judy Wright officiated in the reining, trail and hunter over fences competition. The Far West Regional was presented by the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon for the benefit of the large animal teaching hospital project in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University. A busy show ring schedule as well as numerous stable parties and get-togethers kept exhibitors on the grounds for many hours each day. The Friday evening session came to a close with another memorable edition of the annual Far Out Far West exhibitors party. The Region 8 Championship Dog and Pet Show was a Saturday highlight with the Bunny Plumley Challenge Cup going to the crowd-pleasing Murphy Young presented by Lynn Pichette. The AMHA/USEF Rules Forum attracted a large crowd in the stands who got to enjoy watching the pet show as well. The rules forum as well as a productive UPHA meeting were held under the direction of Sandy Sessink.

More Stories

  • Letter To The Editor

    Dear Kentucky State Fair Board,

    My name is Melissa Moore; I am an American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse trainer. I am a second generation horse trainer whose family is deeply immersed in this equine industry and has been for over 75 years.  

    Read More
  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More