You don’t have to be an admirer of only the Quarter Horse to stop by and grab a free seat to watch all of the action Thursday through Sunday as part of the Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association Spring Show.
“We are an all-breed show,” said show manager Marge Tanner about the annual event held in the Coliseum on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition.
“Many of the barns we work with own Quarter Horses and other breeds. Our show gives them an opportunity to double register them, and in this economy every little bit helps. And bringing in other breeds helps us to add more stalls to the show, which also serves as a fundraiser for our association,” Tanner said.
The American Quarter Horse is one of the oldest recognized breeds of horses in the United States dating back to Colonial America, where their heavily-muscled physique made them perfect for working the land. The horse also excels at sprinting short distances and earned its name because of their ability to run a quarter of a mile, most commonly run in Colonial racing, faster than any other breed in the world.
Tanner, who serves as show manager along with her husband, Andy, said there are other reasons to welcome visitors to their show to enjoy the excitement of watching and cheering on horses and their riders as they compete in a variety of classes such as Western, Trail, Ranch, Halter, English and more.
“We want to introduce the public to the horse industry, so they can learn more about it with the hope that they find a professional horseman or trainer at the show who will help them to take riding lessons or maybe even purchase a horse,” Tanner said
“But don’t go into stalls where you see people, who are often busy during the heat of the show, unless you ask them first,” she added.
Classes begin at 8 a.m. and have no formal end time.
“We go until the day’s classes are all complete,” Tanner said.
She noted for those interested in purchasing equestrian supplies or new riding apparel, there will be a tack shop on premises during the show.
The Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association, founded in 1969, was organized for the purpose of educating youths and adults about the horse and to promote performance and competitions involving the Quarter Hose while encouraging sportsmanship and youth activity.
All are welcome to join the club, whether owning a Quarter Horse or not at the time, as a way to network with others, find a new barn for lessons, lease a horse and learning how to get into showing.
For more information on joining the club or to learn more about this weekend’s show, visit the Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association’s website.
