by Leigh Ballard
The Heart of Dixie Palomino Exhibitors Association (H.O.P.E.) held their spring show at the Lee County Agricenter in Verona, MS April 21-22. The organization was started four years ago by a group who wanted a place to show their Palomino horses. They put on two shows per year, with the fall show planned for the first week in November.
The H.O.P.E. shows are open to any breed, flat-shod gaited horses and stock-type horses are welcome, as well. Gaited horses are shown in gaited classes, not alongside the stock type horses.
An Open Show is held in conjunction with each Palomino Show. Classes are combined so that Paints, Arabians, and other breeds are shown in the same class with the Palominos. Although they are all in the ring together, Palominos are placed separately from horses competing in the Open. Points are awarded for horses registered in the Palomino Horse Breeders Association (PBHA). For registered Paint horses that place in their classes, Paint Alternate Competition (PAC) points are awarded. The Pinto Horse Association also awards similar points.
Vice President Cheri Clark explains, “The H.O.P.E. shows accommodate all disciplines and breeds. Hunt Seat classes include Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Hack, and Equitation. Gaited Pleasure Horse classes include a Parade class. Western Classes include Pleasure, Trail, Reining, and more. Halter Classes, Speed Events and Youth Fun classes are on the schedule, too. Competition typically goes late into Saturday night, and resumes with a breakfast on Sunday morning.”
For more information about H.O.P.E. contact President Sam Williams 662-690-3955, or Secretary Helen Fleming 662-871-1976 or visit them on Facebook.
The Heart of Dixie Palomino Exhibitors Association (H.O.P.E.) held their spring show at the Lee County Agricenter in Verona, MS April 21-22. The organization was started four years ago by a group who wanted a place to show their Palomino horses. They put on two shows per year, with the fall show planned for the first week in November.
The H.O.P.E. shows are open to any breed, flat-shod gaited horses and stock-type horses are welcome, as well. Gaited horses are shown in gaited classes, not alongside the stock type horses.
An Open Show is held in conjunction with each Palomino Show. Classes are combined so that Paints, Arabians, and other breeds are shown in the same class with the Palominos. Although they are all in the ring together, Palominos are placed separately from horses competing in the Open. Points are awarded for horses registered in the Palomino Horse Breeders Association (PBHA). For registered Paint horses that place in their classes, Paint Alternate Competition (PAC) points are awarded. The Pinto Horse Association also awards similar points.
Vice President Cheri Clark explains, “The H.O.P.E. shows accommodate all disciplines and breeds. Hunt Seat classes include Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Hack, and Equitation. Gaited Pleasure Horse classes include a Parade class. Western Classes include Pleasure, Trail, Reining, and more. Halter Classes, Speed Events and Youth Fun classes are on the schedule, too. Competition typically goes late into Saturday night, and resumes with a breakfast on Sunday morning.”
For more information about H.O.P.E. contact President Sam Williams 662-690-3955, or Secretary Helen Fleming 662-871-1976 or visit them on Facebook.
