By Hanna Bowen
(Brookfield, NY – Oct. 2014) A busy 2014 Show Season for the Brookfield Riding & Driving Association will conclude the season with its fourth and final pointed show: the Oct. 18 “Halloween” Show at the Madison County Fairgrounds.
This show will include a special Costume Class (in hand) with cash prizes being awarded. The beginner friendly (for both horse and rider) shows include two youth divisions (“Youth 11 and under” and separate “12 to 17 youth”); “Special” Equitation and Over Fence classes for those in only their first or second year of walk, trot and canter; numerous walk/trot only classes; and Breed Divisions for Thoroughbreds (Jockey Club pointed) and NYS Standardred Associations.
The final club event of the season will be the by high point awards at the Nov. 9 Annual Dinner. Riders who have participated in three out of the four Open Shows will be eligible for awards.
Other events in our Fall show and events card included:
Aug. 30 – Dressage Schooling Show. Excellent weather and a good turnout for an informal, dressage schooling show including Western and event Trail dressage with international show judge and author Mitzi Summers. Definitely a success measured by the requests that we do a repeat program and compliments on the facilities. For many riders this was the first time riding a dressage test. We are planning a similar Dressage program in 2015.
Sept. 6 was the third, pointed Open Show of the season. While turnout was lower due to threatening weather and back-to-school “burnout,” we held a full card of English, Western and the always a favorite gymkhana games (barrel racing, pole bending) with a lot of whooping and hollering. These games are offered at all levels, including walk-trot for children.
A well-received suggestion was made that we include in our 2015 Show Calendar a full day of Western classes and games. Photos can be seen at Tazz Pictures (http://www.tazz.smugmug.com/) and Gray Pony Tack was a welcome addition and well-attended booth, offering a wide assortment of Western Tack.
Sept. 13 – Jeff Dye Memorial Leukemia Fundraiser Trail Ride through the scenic State Lands. This is an annual event in memory of Jeffery Dye, a wonderful young man and important member of our community who would have been 39 years old this year. Despite the rain, over 60 riders, plus families and supporters turned out to remember Jeff and enjoy a day of trail riding, games, food and fun. Proceeds went to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.