The
Centerline
www.azdressage.org
Vol. 20, Issue 11
November 2020
Fun Show
Arizona Dressage Association
By Michell Combs
The first annual Carefree Farms Fun Show on October 4th had kids who were excited, proud, and a little anxious. ADA member Michell Combs co-managed the show with her cousin Heike Barrett. They approached barn manager Laura Borghesani a few months back pitching the idea of a show for kids and young-at-heart “kids.� Michell and Heike wanted to relive fond memories of similar shows they experienced as kids. The goal was to promote comradery, challenge the kids a bit and, of course, provide lots of laughter. Laura supported the idea and together with the support of Alice Sarno of Desert Sport Horse, who teaches most of the Carefree Farm kids and owns several lesson horses, the idea blossomed into a show date. The day started with an obstacle course. There were four obstacles, including leading horses and ponies forward and then backwards in an L pattern created by ground poles and also walking over a tarp. The kids had to encourage and coax their horses because most of the horses were not fond of backing up in the L, nor of walking on the tarp. The kids had to do a lot of work to make it all happen. Then everyone mounted up for a class Continued on page 3 NOVEMBER 2020 |THE CENTERLINE | 1