WESTFIELD, Mass., June 7, 2016 – The Westfield Riding Club (WRC) hosts its 4H and Open Show on Sunday, June 12 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the club grounds located at 29 Fowler Road in Westfield. The show is approved by the Open Horse Show Association, the American Paint Horse Association, and the Pinto Horse Association of America. The main judge is Ray Hackett and the trail judge is Barb DiPalma.
Western Pleasure riders will be judged on how balanced, smoothly and freely the horse moves. (Photo submitted)
More than 55 riders are pre-registered for Sunday’s event and spectators are welcome. “We are delighted with the excitement and support that continues to surround the Westfield Riding Club’s shows each year,” said club president Sarah Bonini. “We really try to listen to our membership and provide opportunities that suit our member and guests needs, as well as provide incentives to keep showing with us. There are many new classes and awards this year and we are looking forward to seeing all the minis, ponies, horses, and riders competing.”
New divisions this year are 4-H Walk/Trot, for riders who do not canter or lope yet, and Leadline, which requires handlers to accompany riders eight years old and under and with any special needs. The show also features classes and prizes in disciplines including Hunter, Western, Saddle Seat, Registered Breed and Driving. Non-division “challenge” classes will include Jackpot, dressage suitability and team equitation challenges. The Founders’ Day Perpetual Trophy also will be awarded.
Cute ponies always draw a crowd. (Photo submitted)
This year, riders will also be able to compete for the Adam and Alice Liptak Sr. Scholarship Award. The award was created in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Liptak Sr., who donated the Fowler Road property to the Westfield Riding Club in 1949. This award recognizes the horse and rider/handler pair that consistently demonstrates versatility, sportsmanship, and excellence in horsemanship. Candidates must be members of the Westfield Riding Club by September 11, 2016, and they must be nominated by someone who is not a family member (self-nominations will be accepted). Nomination papers are available via the WRC website. All nominations and criteria must be submitted no later than October 1, 2016. The WRC Board of Directors will select the winner. A minimum of three applicants is required to present this award annually.
The WRC is a non-profit organization founded on the eve of World War II in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts whose intent was “fostering interest in the use, care, breeding and protection of horses.”
The club organizes educational activities, programs, shows, trail rides, and other events to enhance the understanding of correct horse management and riding, as well as appreciation of the horse with particular emphasis on youth participation at all levels.
“We are very fortunate to have such an active club, one that owns its own property and can bring horse owners and enthusiasts together all year long for shows, trail rides and other events,” said Bonini.
