KAREN GRIFFITHS’ HORSEPLAY COLUMN: Port Angeles stables open for schooling show

DON’TCHA HATE HOW it’s been raining on our parade almost daily this summer? Bring us the sun!

Although, as much as I enjoy really hot days, I have to say I’d rather have the cold rain and plenty of water to drink than worry about a drought like most of those states struck with intense heat waves.

But hey, for most living on the Peninsula, rain is no problem when it comes to riding; we have lots of foul weather gear to wear, right? A few even enjoy riding in their own indoor areas. (Can you tell I am jealous?)

Each year, Baker Stables in Port Angeles can be counted on to host its Winter Schooling Shows so folks can keep their horses tuned up year-round.

Stable open

The stable is also open to folks who trailer in to ride for a day (for a small fee) and is a major supporter of 4-H youths.

The recently formed Peninsula Performance Horse Association hosted a schooling show at Baker Stables earlier this month.

Schooling shows are just that: a show — hosted by an organization to practice for formal shows — that has the potential to propel a rider up the ladder of wins to compete at state, or even national, competitions.

Sequim’s Sue Carver and PPHA vice president, said the local club associated with Washington State Horsemen and its regional club, Olympic Peninsula Zone. It promotes Western performance horse events for both adults and youths.

Closer together

“It’s designed to bring the equine community closer together by hosting shows, educational clinics and fun events,” said Carver. “Our goals are many, and we’re taking the time to put all our ideas into action.”

PPHA recently held a donation drive for the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society.

“We were able to have several businesses donate gifts for the drawing that were held during the schooling show, and all you had to do was to bring items for the Humane Society and your name was entered into a box and eligible for the five drawings that day,” said Carver.

PPHA President Diana Gagnon and Carver Vice took approximately $400 worth of items that included assorted pet food, blankets and cleaning supplies to the Humane Society after the schooling show.

“It was a great feeling that we were able to give back to our community and look forward to this month’s food bank donations program,” said Carver.

“As we grow as a club, we hope to accomplish many things for the equine community. We’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get this club started and for the financial support by businesses and members of PPHA.”

For more information, phone Diana Gagnon at 360-457-9896 or visit www.ppha1.webs.com.

This Saturday and Sunday, they are hosting a show at the Clallam County Fairgrounds in Port Angeles. It will include many Olympic Peninsula Zone classes and great prizes for the sweepstakes and evening classes Saturday.

Jefferson County

■ Saturday through Sunday, July 30-31 — The Jefferson County 4-H Horse Program is hosting its annual Open Pre-Fair Horse Show at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Port Townsend.

Performance classes start at 9 a.m. July 30, and Western games will start at 10 a.m. July 31. Classes are $5 each for performance and $4 each for gaming classes for entries postmarked by Monday.

There will be an additional $1 fee per class for entries postmarked after Monday and the day of the show. High-point trophies will be given for adult, senior, intermediate and junior divisions both days.

Concessions will be available both days.

Show forms are available at most feed and tack stores and at WSU in Port Hadlock.

For more information or show forms, phone Tanya Schweitzer at 360-301-3559.

ACTHA

I am so excited that Becky Siebel, owner of Spirit Horse Ranch in Port Angeles, is hosting an American Competitive Trail Horse Association competition Sept. 9-11.

Both the indoor and outdoor arenas full of obstacles will be open for play Friday to Sunday.

“We’ll have a potluck dinner plus a campfire meet-and-greet on Friday night (bring your own guitar or fiddle or cowboy poetry), continental breakfast and chili lunch available Saturday provided by Peninsula Chapter Back Country Horsemen and an equine massage therapy clinic before the awards,” said Siebel.

“Plus, Spirit Horse Ranch will offer dinner on Saturday night with campfire and entertainment to follow. This should be a fun and informative weekend.”

Attention: They are looking for sponsors. Sponsor an event or even an award to get your business name engraved on it. All donations are tax-deductible as the Peninsula Chapter of BCH is helping host the event and is 501(c)(3).

“Please help out if you can. If you donate money, items and/or gift certificates, yout name and/or company will be added to our website, ACTHA’s website and all fliers made for this event,” said Siebel.

Awards include Buckle First Prize Open Division and prizes to sixth place.

Divisions: open, pleasure, junior, plus a jackpot.

Spirit Horse Ranch is located at 207 Mountain Valley Lane in Port Angeles.

For more information, contact Siebel at 360-670-1550, spirithorseranch7@gmail.com or www.actha.us. All riders must register online at www.pbchw.org to participate.

I plan to compete in my first ACTHA event on my Indy. Hope to see you there

Manure

I just received an email advertising a manure vacuum to pull behind a riding lawnmower, ATV or golf cart. Not sure if it’s a great invention or an inducement to laziness, but check it out at www.greystoneusainc.com.

Events

■ This Monday and Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 — 6 p.m. start. Chimacum Creek 2011 Summer Barrel Racing Series at Chimacum Sadderly on Chimacum Road. Phone Bethel Moore at 360-301-1547.

■ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 — Freedom Farm Trail Ride and Picnic, 493 Spring Hill Road in Port Angeles, 360-457-4897.

________

Karen Griffiths’ column, Peninsula Horseplay, appears every other Wednesday.

If you have a horse event, clinic or seminar you would like listed, please email Griffiths at kbg@olympus.net at least two weeks in advance. You can also write Griffiths at PDN, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

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