USEF/USHJA ZONE 12

On Feb. 23, scores of Alaskan riders and their families met for Zone 12's first-ever Winter Forum at O'Malley's on the Green, Anchorage. (NEW! Photos from the 2008 Winter Forum and banquet setup!) The Forum was open to everybody: USEF/USHJA members, ASH members, Pony Clubbers, 4-H'ers, friends, family, and anyone else who wanted to learn more about horses and horse shows.

Equine veterinarian Dr. Julie Grohs gave an update on the latest news and research findings. Yoga instructor Jane Tibbetts led a Yoga for Equestrians session, teaching exercises to improve balance, suppleness, and posture in the saddle. Trainer Bill Turner narrated a DVD of the 2007 World's Cup jumping competition in Las Vegas. Riders (and their moms) polished their braiding skills under the direction of Kerri Geppert. Trainer Dana Eaton Enz hosted What Not To Wear to a horse show (covering "attire" for both horse and rider). Riders tested their ability to pace out a line of "jumps" (the winning answer: 63', which would ride as a "forward" four strides), identify hunter-jumper bits, and design a horse show course using model jumps. Meantime, their parents found out about horse show award programs and how to become eligible for them (here's an awards program handout with clickable online links).

On the evening of Feb. 23, Zone 12 celebrated the best of the 2007 show season, with 72 people attending (our largest banquet ever!). After a Mexican buffet, awards and ribbons were presented to our champions in 30 hunter, jumper, and hunt seat equitation divisions. Congratulations to all our riders, and may everyone have a challenging, fun, safe show season in 2008!