Celebrating the Fifth Anniversary
The weatherman said there would be a major cool down. I momentarily regretted not packing a jacket, then he followed that statement with “temps in the mid 80’s” Now that is Scottsdale in October. Arriving at WestWorld, with trailers neatly parked, vendors unpacking and exhibitors enthusiastically greeting each other, it was hard to imagine that already this was the 5th Anniversary of the Scottsdale Classic. It felt like a comfortable old pair of jeans, but it seamed like just yesterday we were all doing this for the first time.
Though the show has grown over it’s 5 years, it maintains its friendly atmosphere, in part because much of the staff is the same, and they take great pride in being a part of the Classic. Some of those folks shared their thoughts about the show.
Carol Moore, the show secretary, looks forward each year to October in Scottsdale. “We have a really good crew, and the office runs well,” she said Thursday as the show was getting underway. By Thursday morning, she said there were already over 1,000 stalls, indicating that the overall numbers would be up over last year. “Well, it’s a great facility,” she commented, “every one has a good time, and so each year more and more people want to come.”
Mitzy Paul has been a familiar face at the Classic. She keeps the crew stay well feed and well watered running things from one arena to another. She also attributes the growth the friendly atmosphere of exhibitors and everyone involved. “Special thanks to Jerry and Ray for putting on this show, I really enjoy it.”
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John the Medic enjoys the show too. He takes time off his job with the fire department each year to be on hand for emergencies. He is glad he hasn’t had to utilize his skill often during the show. “Everybody rides pretty safe here,” he said looking back over the 5 years.
Coordinating the Classic can be like managing a three ring (or 5 ring) circus. Barb Dietz has been coordinating all the details of the show since its inception. No job is too big or too small for Barb. As she was arranging flowers for the lunch tables, Barb reflected on the growth of the show. “This year it is bigger in part because of having the (NRHA Southwestern) affiliate finals, but also the reputation of the show has grown. Its known as exhibitor friendly, and people know they are going to be competing against top quality horses. There is a party every night, and there are lots of points to win here too.” She added, “It is a pleasure to work with two great gentlemen, Ray and Jerry,” referring to founders Ray Roles and Jerry Kimmel.
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Though the Classic welcomes all the new faces, many exhibitors have made the annual trek to Scottsdale since that first show in 2003. Cleve Wells shared some thoughts while in between mounts in the NSBA Western Pleasure Futurity. “It’s definitely something we look forward to each year, and our customers do to. Even though it has grown, it has stayed relaxed. They’ve done a good job maintaining the hospitality.” Cleve also likes the facilities. “It’s a good, ethical show for the horses. There is enough room to ride, and to work, and your horse isn’t on concrete all the time.” Cleve appreciates that he doesn’t have to work a horse at 2:00 am just to get some arena time. He added, “This show gets a tremendous amount of individual support. It is horse people taking care of horse people.”
That sums it up. Horse people created this show, and horse people work this show so that horse people can enjoy this show.
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Cleve Wells, what will you be watching this year?
Cleve: "I'll be watching the $50,000 NRHA 3 year old futurity"
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