Wellington, Florida-- When the announcement was made that the
prestigious National Horse Show was moving from its home in Madison
Square Garden many enthusiasts wondered whether the magic of the
old event could be replicated in the new locale of Florida. It
appears that the doubters should not have worried. More than 50,000
spectators witnessed some of the best riding in the country from
November 26- December 1. Among the attractions was "The Romance
of the Carousel," a quadrille of eight Friesians and their
riders that gave four performances to music for the enthusiastic
fans.
"The pinwheel was just one of the maneuvers performed
at the National Horse Show by Shaana Pritchard and her fellow
Friesian fans."
"When it was announced that the National Horse Show was moving
from Madison Square Garden to Wellington, I was ecstatic!"
said Shaana Pritchard, who approached Gene Mische, President of
Stadium Jumping Inc., about providing entertainment for the 119th
National Horse Show. "I remember the excitement I had felt
as a young girl each and every time we would go to New York City
and be part of the festivities surrounding the horse show. I always
dreamed of one day riding at the Garden. That dream came true--
albeit many years later, and in, of all places, Wellington, Florida."
Ms. Pritchard is a member of the United States Dressage Federation
Freestyle Committee and owner of Frieze Frame Friesians. In just
a few short weeks Ms. Pritchard put together a group of eight
riders and eight horses from several states, designed the performances,
and worked with Equisong.com to provide a moving musical score
for the powerful black horses. "The troupe had never before
performed together," Ms. Pritchard said. "But I had
great confidence in my riders." Her confidence was justified.
The performances were met by cheering crowds that came to their
feet as the bejeweled horses performed difficult maneuvers in
unison including the 360-degree pinwheel.
"Shaana
Pritchard with her Friesian stallion Talisman at the National
Horse Show."
Ms.
Pritchard was able to enlist the help of several sponsors that
made the event possible, including Tropical Rider who provided
the full seat deerskin breeches for the riders to wear during
the performances. "When we rode before 13,500 cheering spectators
on Friday night the noise was like a college football game,"
Ms. Pritchard said. "Thank goodness we had on the Tropical
Rider full seat breeches because we all stuck to the saddles like
glue!" Tropical Rider also sponsored the USDF Freestyle Symposium
in November and was pleased to again be involved in such a successful
event. "We were very excited to be associated with the Friesian
Carousel at the National Horse Show," said Tropical Rider
CEO Sheree Ganske. "We are big fans of the freestyle and
also wanted to support our sport as this important show comes
to a new venue." The Tropical Rider line is made in the USA
of quality European fabrics and washable deerskin and comes in
a variety of styles and colors suitable for the hunter, jumper,
and dressage rings. For more information on Tropical Rider visit
their website at www.tropicalrider.com
Ms. Pritchard and her follow Friesian fans hope to be back at
the show next year. She said, "I'm glad I was able to do
my part to show those skeptics that Wellington can be the new
'Garden of Eden.'"
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