Small steeds

MOSES LAKE — It was miniature horse and Shetland pony galore at the Grand County Fairgrounds over the weekend, as hundreds of horses and their owners strutted their stuff.

The Northwest Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Alliance (NWMHSPA) National Area 8, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Show took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

NWMHSPA was formed in October 2014 and saw the merger of the Washington State Shetland Pony Club and Pacific Crown Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Club, both of which are American Shetland Pony Club- and American Miniature Horse Registry-recognized clubs in Area 8.

The show featured people from near and far bringing their beloved horses to the fairgrounds, taking advantage of the sunny skies and nice weather.

“You know I’ve never actually been here to the fairgrounds before. I’ve been to Moses Lake a couple of times, but this really is a great spot and place. It has got everything you will need and doesn’t have a big city type of feel. I’m from Yakima and this is an excellent location to hold this show at,” Victoria Sarane, who came to the competition to support her granddaughter, stated.

The horses were the stars of the show, but more often than not it was their owners that caught the eye of spectators.

“I came out here today just to check it out and see what was going on. The animals are of course magnificent, but I think really what impresses me the most is the training and utmost patience it takes to train and prepare for a show like this. Make no mistake about it, this is just as much of a sport as football or baseball is,” Grace Daniels remarked.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.