American Quarter Horse show set in Moses Lake

Grant County Fairgrounds 'stepping up' to house free event

MOSES LAKE - Horses from throughout the region will be making their way to Moses Lake for a four-day show at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

An American Quarter Horse Association-approved show, sponsored by Northwest Summer Celebration, will be in the Kenny Ardell Pavilion at the fairgrounds beginning at 8 a.m. each day Thursday through Sunday.

Association Show Secretary Darlene Chase said the show will have a full slate of classes each day, including show classes, English classes and Western classes.

"Most everybody attending this show is vying for points for the association world championship show in November in Oklahoma City," Chase explained.

Competitors are also vying for Northwest points through the Washington State, Idaho State and Mountain State quarter horse associations.

While another association organization holds the Northwest Interstate Wine Spectacular with futurities at the Grant County Fairgrounds each September, Chase said this is the first time this organization has held its event there.

"They are improving their fairgrounds. They are stepping up and improving their stalls, warm-up arena ground, which is a factor most exhibitors and trainers really look for when they go to a show," she said. "If the ground isn't good, they go away with horses that are sore. So the Grant County Fairgrounds is stepping up and they're keeping their prices competitive plus improving the facility."

Four association judges are flying in.

Youth, amateurs and professional trainers will be competing. The event is open to the public at no charge.

"Horse shows aren't like a rodeo, they're not fast-paced," Chase said. "They're more slow-paced with more detail and finesse to the animals and the dress."

Chase hoped about 100 head of horses would be in attendance.

In the Western and English classes, Chase said judges are looking to see competing horses manage all three gaits with ease and smoothness. In the show class, they are examined for halter, correctness and body confirmation.

Chase said she has been involved in horse shows since the late 1960s, when she competed and decided to pursue horse showing as an occupation.

"My daughter was raised around horses," she said. "It's such a good thing for you. It teaches them responsibility, teaches them patience. Every child I've been around, and I've been in this for like 35 years, has ended up a tremendous person, because they've been taught all of these attributes."

For more information, call Chase at 208-305-6130.