Newspaper Article from the Meriden Journal Record

SOUTHINGTON - The riding ring at Hayes Equestrian Center on South Main Street was the site of nearly 50 competitions Sunday ranging from the popular egg and spoon contest to the leadline showmanship challenge. The "Schooling Show" was open to all breeds and all abilities, attracting riders from throughout the state as well as Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The show was organized by the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut.

The egg and spoon contest requires a rider to balance an egg in a plastic spoon while the judge tells him or her to walk, trot or jog the horse. The goal, of course, is to not drop the egg. Club president Barbara Reynolds of Centerbrook said her love for horses began in childhood. "My Dad read me "The Black Stallion," and that day I said, 'I'm going to ride horses.'" She achieved that goal and now owns her own Arabians.

Near the concession stand, 7-year-old Emma Libera of Portland was waiting to compete in the "leadline equitation" class. The class allows the trainer to go into the ring with the rider to provide encouragement for youngsters. "It's fun to ride. Once you ride, you don't think about how tall they are," Emma said. "I like to brush them." Jodi Libera, Emma's mother, said her daughter rode a pony at a party and fell in love with them. "Since then, she's been horse crazy. She's kind of shy and this gives her confidence." The area was full of little girls delighted at the chance to ride a horse in a competition. The uniform of the day seemed to be pink coats and violet pants, with some riding helmets sporting sparkly rhinestones. The most exotic clothing, however, was worn by Michelle Laudano of Clinton. She rode in the "native costume" class, which requires the rider and horse to be dressed in Arabic clothing. Laudano's horse, whose formal name is PS Padrons Warior, was decked out in a green velvet cloth that held bells, gems and tassels. Laudano became interested in the native costume competition after she was asked to model a costume a couple years ago. Her horse loves it, she said. "He thinks he's going to the prom. It's wildly fun. That's why a do it." Back in the ring, seven riders waited for the judge's decision. In the "Green Rider, Walk/Trot/Jog Pleasure" class, ten-year-old Jackie Jakubowski from Colchester won her first blue ribbon. A green rider is someone in their first or second year of riding, said Reynolds. Jakubowski was riding a horse named "Grandma," a crowd favorite.
The club's next show at the Hayes center will be held on Nov. 2. For a calendar of other show locations and dates, go to the club's Web site: www.arabianhorseclubofconnecticut.org.

lhutchison@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2214