Poormans Equestrian Services
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The historical facility, Trails End Arena, had been closed for a couple of years. In 1993, Trails End was bought by an investment corporation. I was at the facility helping my friend, Pauli Gilbert, clean the place up as she was planning on opening a tack shop. Well, one thing led to another an Pauli ended up working as the Facility Manager. Since it had been closed for several years, there were a lot of weekends that needed to be filled. Pauli suggested that I put on a show. I thought she was crazy; I'd never put on a show before! She said to simply surround myself with judges and staff that knew what they were doing and it would be fine. (That is advice that I still use to this day!) I also had a little help from a friend that game me a 30 minute course on "How to Run a Horse Show Office" and I was off and running. I figured that most everyone that owned a horse, including me, was "horse poor". I used that concept for the "Poormans Horse Shows" name. I then offered an open horse show over two days. As time went on I found there was a huge demand for walk/trot classes and that the one day schooling shows worked best for a lot of people. It would leave one weekend day open for family time and one day to show. I also used to offer the "Stallion Spectacular". We had as many as 26 stallions and a huge grand finale'. Since our conception in 1993, I have offered schooling shows and Washington State Horsemen "B" system shows at Trails End in Olympia, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds in Elma and Clackamas County Fairgrounds in Longview. In 1995 I branched out as show secretary for an Appaloosa show, Quarter Horse shows, POA shows, Tennessee Walker shows and Paint Shows. Currently, I host monthly schooling shows at Trails End Arena, a summer series of "B" System shows, also at Trails End Arena and am the Show Manager for the WSQHA Quarter Horse shows in Monroe WA. I maintain the Trails End website, as well as the Poormans Horse Shows website and several miscellaneous websites. When there is a crisis or a need, Poormans Horse Shows has donated cash, items and time for the worthy causes. We are a firm believer in giving back to the community. Every year we also sponsor a couple of families at Christmas, hoping to brighten their holiday during their time of need. While "Poormans Horse Shows" is still a "one man show", I do have a steady staff and great friends that help me when I need it. My husband is supportive as well, although he will do just about anything to get out of going to the shows any more! We pride ourselves on offering a friendly staff, "user friendly" schedule and great high point awards. We haven't raised our prices since 2003 and with the continued support of the community we are hoping to stay "affordable". At one time we owned Paint stallions and also dabbled in showing "Futurity Babies" (www.JustaLuckyRanch.com). Several years ago, as I was halter breaking a 2 year old colt that had been born on my place, I realized that i didn't have the time or drive for raising babies anymore. We sold our stallion first, and then slowly sold off our precious mares. I have since bought just geldings (knowing my weakness for breeding) and have even migrated to Tennessee Walking Horses. I now have fun trail riding..... in all my spare time..... on my "Roany Pony" ~ a 16.2H Bay Roan Walker. So if you ever want to go riding, and I'm not at a horse show, look me up! Or we can talk about it at the show should you come to play! |
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