Santa Rosa, CA - It was exciting for all of us who worked diligently and long hours in planning for the 2010 West Coast Connemara Show (WCCS) to be recognized last January as "the USEF Breed Affiliate Favorite USEF Breed Competition Winner, 2010." What encouragement it gave Lee Webster to get an early start in organizing the annual West Coast Connemara Show for 2011!

All was proceeding according to plan for an early June show at Twin Rivers Ranch, Paso Robles, CA, until several days prior to the closing date for entries, May 15, 2011. It was a huge disappointment for the Horse Show Committee when California Food and Drug announced an outbreak of the EVA-1 virus in a number of western states. U.C. Davis veterinarians supported the decision to "travel horses only when emergency treatment was required." With everyone's best interest in mind, our carefully planned June show was canceled.

Hardly a day passed before our enthusiastic young, American Connemara Pony Society, (ACPS), Region X Chair, Ms. Megan Lepper, a May college graduate, grabbed the ball and said: "I want to see our annual show happen in 2011, and I have the time to begin the re-organization." She accepted the challenge to do so, and took on the responsibility of becoming the Organizer for a re-scheduled show!

Closer to her home, Megan contacted the owner of the Santa Rosa Equestrian Center, Tracy Underwood, and secured the dates of August 5-7, 2011, for a re-scheduled three-day West Coast Connemara Show! It was a challenge, indeed, so late in the show season to find everything from a competent Show Secretary to supporting USEF Officials and USEF approved Dressage, Breed and Performance Judges!! But, she DID it, and the annual West Coast Connemara Show, 2011, is "A GO!" The closing date for entries is July 20, 2011.

If you are in our neck-of-the-woods, come join us in Santa Rosa, CA, for this re-scheduled West Coast Connemara Show, featuring Friday's day-long OPEN 3*** USEF/USDF/CDS Level 2 Dressage Show, Saturday's USEF-recognized Connemara Breed and Performance classes and Sunday's non-USEF Jumper and Trail Classes. There will be a total of 76 classes offered in the three days of competition.

Also, as I write, the ACPS Inspection Committee is working overtime to locate qualified Inspectors to conduct an Inspection of nominated purebred Connemara breeding stock for admission to the "Inspected and Approved" section of the ACPS Stud Books. This Inspection was in place for the June show, but finding and securing available Inspectors for August 5th is still not guaranteed. Stay tuned to the WCCS website for updated information: www.westcoastconnemarashow.com.  

For the second year, all First Place prizes have been created by ACPS Region X member and Connemara breeder, Darian Hall, Windsor, CA. Competitive spirit is high as exhibitors additionally vie for High Point Dressage Champion, Divisional Championships and Reserve Championships, plus 15 coveted perpetual trophies.

A table, virtually groaning with exciting and useful donated items, will be set up to entice all comers. Proceeds derived from sales will be used to provide seed money for next year's show! There definitely is "something for everybody" at the annual West Coast Connemara Show!

Saturday is full to the brim. At the end of show day on Saturday, there will be "fun" classes -- our "Celtic Caper" -- highlighting an always well-attended Costume Class. The evening festivities will begin with a hosted complimentary Wine and Cheese Happy Hour, followed by an Exhibitor's Dinner and live music by the Sonoma County "Desserters."

Sunday is more laid back, but with energetic jumper classes to watch as well as the entertainment provided by In Hand "Obedience" Trail Classes for young stock and advanced "Ridden" Trail Classes to be negotiated by the more seasoned riders, horses and ponies. These classes are open to all ages and breeds.

A sincere "thank you" is extended to Megan Lepper, our hard-working Organizer and to our valued Sponsors and Donors! Y'all come to ride in this USEF-recognized and Fun-for-All annual West Coast Connemara Show, August 5-7, with classes tailored for all interests and levels! Except for Dressage Day, post entries are welcome, too!