TASHA to Host International Equitation Competition - Correction
Friday, October 27, 2006
Editor's Note: The horse show dates in the original press release were incorrect. Please note the correct dates of the show are Dec. 2-3.
Twelve members of the South African Junior World Cup Team, ranging from 13 to 19 years of age, will face off against riders from UPHA Chapters 6 and 7 in an invitational Saddle Seat Equitation Competition at the Texas American Saddle Horse Association Holiday Horse Show. The event, held Dec. 2 and 3, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, features a full range of classes as well as the invitational three and five-gaited equitation competition.
A.J. Bruwer, Yorkville, Ill., will be part of the special equitation panel as well as marking the cards for the remainder of the show. Michael Craghead, Livermore, Calif., is the second U.S. judge with Elra Tonkin from South Africa rounding out the panel.
The event will be run in the traditions established by the international event organizers. Team members will draw for mounts, which may be either privately owned or academy horses, and have one brief practice ride. Each rider will compete on Saturday and Sunday, with combined scores determining the final winners.
Invitations currently are being extended to riders from Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Names of the South African competitors will be released when the U.S. team is finalized.
The international visitors will get a taste of Texas hospitality in the days leading up to the event. Plans include a tour of San Antonio, a trip to Sea World featuring a roller coaster ride requested by team members, shopping, tours and a museum visit in Houston.
Both teams will be honored at the TASHA High Point Awards Banquet Saturday night.
The show itself features three-gaited, five-gaited and fine harness classes in both the amateur and open divisions and a large pleasure horse division for horses both under saddle and in harness. A full range of academy classes traditionally draws riders from throughout the region.
TASHA was formed in 1973 to foster interest in the American Saddlebred. For more information about the organization, visit our website, www.texasasha.org, or contact Koren Mercer at klmercer@att.net or (713) 392-5253.
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