Annual Mountaineer Open Horse Show hopes to educate attendees

REEDSVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — Around 50 people attended the WVU’s J.W. Ruby Research farms’ annual Mountaineer Open Horse Show over the weekend, the first of three in a series.

The two-day event featured English riders on Saturday followed by Western Pleasure and ranch riding on Sunday. These two events have different etiquette, saddles, outfits. Western Pleasure paid special attention to how a horse may perform on a ranch.

Organizers said all are welcome to attend these horse shows as people had the chance to participate in Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) classes as well as lead line classes.

Robin Ward, a show mom and competitor, is grateful for the learning opportunities the event provides for her kids.

“We love this open horse show series because it gives our kiddos the chance to be in a relaxed setting and really learn how to do what they need to do as far as the AQHA circuit is concerned,” Ward said. “But then we have an open relaxed feel here so it lets the kids really settle in, focus on their job and it’s a great teaching experience.”

Those in attendance got to participate in as many or as few competitions as they liked. The next show in the series is scheduled for Aug. 3 and 4. More details can be found here .

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