The sixth Open Horse Show, benefiting FENCE, will be held June 6(with a rain date of June 7). Entries are now open and pre-registrations received before May 29 will qualify for discounted class fees.

 

What makes the Open Show unique in our area is that it features many disciplines instead of focusing on one or two. With 10 classes added this year, the June 6 show will have a total of 50 covering English, Western, Gaited, Hunt Seat, Halter, Showmanship, Trail and more.

 

The 2014 Spring and Fall Open shows were so popular that they ran past 8 p.m. under the lights. While popularity is a nice problem to have, show organizers have made some changes to make the show more efficient.

 

Two arenas with two certified judges will run for the morning session. Jumping classes will start at 9 a.m. in Arena A with Janna Ritacco of Greenville judging. Western classes will also get underway at 9 a.m. in Arena B, with Tom Cochran from Chapel Hill judging. Mr. Cochran will then continue to judge the afternoon portion of the show, which will not start before 1 p.m.

 

A new show-specific computer program has been purchased to streamline entries, generate class sheets, and calculate the high point awards for youth and adult.

 

Exhibitors can pre-register by downloading forms from the FENCE website, www.fence.org, to receive their discounted fees of $8 per class (instead of $10).

 

A rain date of June 7 has been scheduled. If weather is questionable, updates will be available on June 5, on the show’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/openhorseshowsintheupstate.

 

Traditional trophies will be awarded for each class, as well as Youth and Adult High Point Awards for those exhibitors earning the most points for the day.

 

Volunteers continue to make the Open Shows run efficiently, and it takes dozens to do it well. Positions are fun and include ribbon presenters, runners, show office personnel, gatekeepers, ring crew, parking directors and barn attendants. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. For information on volunteering, call the FENCE office at 828-859-9021.

 

Sponsor support helps offset expenses, keep entry fees low, and maximize the contribution to FENCE. Sponsor support for the 2015 Spring and Fall Open Shows has been amazing, with sponsors not just locally but from California, Pennsylvania and Texas. Sponsors are still needed and tax-deductible sponsorship levels range from $25 to $1,000. All sponsors will be acknowledged in the show program and during announcements at the show. For sponsorship information, visit www.fence.org or the show Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/openhorseshowsintheupstate.

 

– Submitted by FENCE Open Show Committee