In October of every year hundreds of Iberian horses and their owners gather in Ft. Worth, TX, at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center to compete for national titles in numerous disciplines. The schedule includes many classes—from carriage to English and Western, from hunt seat to Doma Vaquera and much, much more. Every year the schedule of competition is exciting, educational and beautiful to watch. There are also many unique shopping opportunities oriented toward Iberian horses that will be available. You will find books, tack, equestrian clothing, artwork and more to take home with you. The public is always welcome and admission is free to spectators. Join others in this week of competitions, exhibitions, seminars, banquets and fun.

There will be national show qualifying classes held on Tuesday, October 16, and the National Championship Horse Show will begin Wednesday, October 17, and run through Sunday, October 21, 2007.

The judges for the national show will be as follows:

National American Judges:
—Joan Harms of Sterling, IL
—Jim Havelhurst of Oregon City, OR
—Judy Wright of Yucaipa, CA

Spanish Specialty Judge:
—Joaquin Rodriguez Moreno of Albacete, Spain

Portuguese Specialty Judge:
To be announced

Dressage Judge:
—Paula Lacy of Arcata, CA

National Qualifying Classes:
—Walter De La Brosse of Los Angeles, CA

National Show Raffle
Every year there is a raffle horse offered to the public to help support IALHA programs and the National Show. The 2007 National Raffle Horse is donated by Alexandra Dees of Cavalo Real Lusitanos. Balachine CR (Pincelim II X Noventa Do Top) is a 2006 buckskin Lusitano gelding. His initial ground training and conditioning has been generously provided by Bruce Howard and Nancy Nathanson from The Park. His estimated value is $15,000. Tickets are available through the IALHA office or one of our regional directors for $10 each or 11 for $100. Call or e-mail today to get your winning raffle ticket. You do not have to be present to win, but Balachine CR does have to leave for his new home by the last day of the show.

There will also be a Denim &Diamonds Awards Banquet held on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, at the Rivercrest Country Club. Cocktails will be at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. dinner will be served. There will be a live auction with live band during the evening. Reservations are recommended, and the cost is $60.

The National Show is also one of the sites where the IALHA Board of Directors meets. This is a good opportunity to join us at a board meeting to meet your representatives and catch up on the progress being made with various projects the board of directors has worked on in the past year. The General Meeting of Members is held on the final day of the National Show and is also when the 2008 board members will be announced.

We also have sponsorship and patron opportunities available. Please contact Nadine Tilley, Nancy Latta or the IALHA office for further details at International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association, 101 Carnoustie North, # 200, Birmingham, AL 35242; or call (205) 995-8900; or e-mail [email protected].