When those of us who organize events and shows at the Equestrian Center conjured up the concept of the first Mudball Classic our intention was to host an informal, fun, relatively laid back event where you pull you horse from the pasture or stall, bring him or her to YLP, jump on and ride. The title mudball was indicative of what your horse should look like after a long, cold, wet winter. In general, the horse show season does not start this early in the year and most riders have not had time during the winter to work and perfect their pleasure riding skills.  

   Well, the second annual Mudball Classic held on Saturday, March 31^st, proved to be something other than that. Instead it was a story of how excited the horse riding community is to get back to the business of riding and the competition of showing their horses. Most came polished and dressed, ready to ride and show off their skills with their pleasure horses.  

   All I can say is thank goodness for the crew of volunteers at the Equestrian Center who had all their ducks in a row. We had thirty-four riders participate in the 2^nd Annual Mudball Classic. I estimated that between riders and spectators we may have hosted 130 to 150 people that day. Thanks to Doug Lundberg for his leadership and organizational skills and to Dave Thompson for his expert rig driving abilities, trailer parking went off without a hitch. Under Doug’s direction many more trailers were accommodated and with Dave helping ladies park their trailers, all went smoothly.

    A huge thank you goes out to Amy Plantaz and her crew of helpers, to many to name, for offering food and drinks. Once all the originally purchased food ran out, they had to make a run to the Trading Post and Hillside to replenish the trailer and feed the hungry crowd who stayed well into the afternoon.

    The hard work of all the boarders at the Center made this day a huge success. You know who you are.

    The attendance at the Classic tells me that YLP Equestrian Center is considered a great place to come and show your horse. The show committee is looking forward to a very busy season. Our first Gymkhana took place on Friday, April 25^th and our annual Buckle Series Shows kicks off again on Mother’s Day, May 11^th at 9 a.m.