SE Wisconsin Minis

I’ve received a few questions about show dates. Most show dates, whether breed AMHR sanctioned or local open shows, have to be submitted to a committee of whatever association they’re with for approval so “official” dates won’t be released until late spring. I do know of a few just to get you in the mood. However, now with very hairy "yaks" on our hands, a chill in the air, and most of us without indoor arenas, it’s time to think ahead to spring and summer 2010. If you’ve been breeding and are going to register the foals, the stallion reports for AMHR are due January 15^th. [AMHA, I believe, is also due around Jan. 1^st]. Don’t forget to put reminders in your calendars for spring shots and coggins papers with enough time to get the tests back (usually 2 to 4 weeks) before your first show.

Of our course to start the year out there’s always the Midwest Horse Fair at Madison. For those that have never attended, it’s not a competition show but a “show-off” of all breeds of horses by various clubs combined with vendors of many various things for horse and human. It is scheduled for April 16 thru 18 at Madison Expo, Madison, Wisconsin.

The first show I know of now is the All American Miniature Horse Club Show held June 19 & 20 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It will be at Kirkwood College, a terrific facility with everything under one roof and the people very friendly. 

The next would be over the 4^th of July weekend at the Minnesota Equestrian Center in Winona, Minnesota. This is another very nice facility where everything is located under one roof – even indoor wash stalls.

One of the closer shows is put on by the H.A.M.E. club which is at Belvidere, Illinois at the Boone County Fairgrounds there; it is scheduled for July 17 & 18. 

The only other date I know of right now is the AMHR National Show at the fairgrounds in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is scheduled for September 9-19 (dates maybe off a day or two). Keep an eye on our club website for information about other shows as we learn about them.

For those that believe that these shows are too big or are overwhelmed by the idea of showing, there are some local open shows and I will be listing their dates too when they become available. Since we opted to try out those open shows this past year we'll be giving some information on what they are like at a later date.

Now since we’re thinking ahead to showing, and with Christmas on the way, this is a good time to make your “wish lists”. You know that there are always one or two people that ask what you’d like for a gift. Well, those “yaks” will need clipping come spring and before every show; so how are your clipper blades? PetEdge.com has a “buy one get one” offer on Oster blades. (These fit Oster, Andis, Conair and Wahl detachable clippers). It reads buy one and get a second blade of the same size and style. So you don’t need 2 blades just alike – get together with a friend and you can each end up with a new blade at ½ the cost of one! 

If you need new equipment, start shopping the web now for deals on harnesses and carts at lilbeginnings.com/saleboard/ads or at eBay. Many people will be trying to sell items to make extra money for their Christmas and if you get a deal in the process, there’ll be two happy people. 

You need to update your show wardrobe? Now is the time to find the fancy dresses and tops and even jackets that could be used for Nationals. Just shop the racks at your local Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul, or D.A.V. stores. I found one of those sequined blouses for $4 and a cocktail dress for $15. Buy the plain suit jackets and add your own bling to them for the halter class. 

Planning on attending the National show at Tulsa? You may want to check on the local hotel rooms now or through the spring. Some of the chains offer deals throughout the year so watch for ads; the rooms may be cheaper several months in advance rather than looking at the last minute. Also save by getting a group together to share expenses for travel or gas for hauling the horses. I know there are several people now thinking about attending that Tulsa show. It would be quite something for our little club to be represented as a whole group at such a show.

There are loads of ideas out there for saving money. Many folks use household items in place of the expensive horse products. If you use something that saves you money or time and you’d like to share this information please let us know and we’ll put it on the website to share.