REGION 7

By: Pat Melton — Region 7 Director

Hello friends. To say that I’m immensely proud of what our Region 7 members have accomplished is an understatement. When I moved into the regional director position late last year, my first wish was that WE would explode in the area, and thanks to many of you, the fuse has been lit. Here are just a few facts about what has transpired so far in 2024 (and this is simply what I know about)

• The 2024 Eastern Zone Championship Show was held at Three Bulls Farm (Bulls Gap, TN) in early October. Thirty-seven competitors from over a dozen Regions 5, 6, and 7 states participated. 
• Region 7 hosted FIVE licensed USAWE shows this year:
  • May-Three Bulls Classic (TN)
  • June-WENC Summer Solstice (NC)
  • August-Wild at Heart #1/2 (GA)
  • October-Working Equitation Show at Three Bulls (TN)

• Eight WE Schooling Shows were held during the year:
  • Dreamcatcher Farm (SC)
  • Foothills Riding Club at FENCE (NC)
  • Shining Hope Farm (NC)
  • Stone Creek Equestrian Center (NC)
  • Wild at Heart Ranch (GA) 

• Clinics hosted in SC with Alberto Conde (CA) and Rolf Jansen (Germany)
• Clinics/Ride-A-Test opportunities with regional superstars, including Polly Limond, Rebecca Algar, Jody Fontanetta, Jane Renner, Laurie Wilson, Heather Waters, Kasey Riddle, and Megan Malan.
• Dozens of obstacle practice days and cattle clinics in addition to private lessons
• Mounted instruction and non-mounted presentations given to local US Pony Club and 4-H groups

In July, a large contingency of Region 7 members participated in BreyerFest at the Kentucky Horse Park. USAWE’s presence at BreyerFest, was the brainchild of Youth Development Chair, Kasey Riddle (NC), and Marketing Committee member, Morgan Osbaldeston (GA). The BreyerFest crowds were treated to ridden presentations featuring Jane Renner (TN), Jody Fontanetta (TN), Laurie Wilson (GA), Landyn Riddle (NC), plus Region 6 member, Stephanie Jennings (VA). The team amazing team of ladies was brilliantly supported by their spouses, children/grandchildren, and fellow riders, Joann McBride and Duffy Yarbrough. My fellow Region 7 members, Betty Tedder (NC), Karen Heist (NC), Toni Corn (TN), and I had the great pleasure of meeting and speaking with hundreds of families at our USAWE networking booth.

Following BreyerFest, Kasey remained at the Horse Park to expose the thousands of US and international attendees during the 2024 USPC Festival Championship week. USAWE is actively working with the US Pony Club with the hopes of having Working Equitation added as a recognized PC discipline. 

All events, from clinics to licensed shows to exceptional events like BreyerFest, depend on participants and volunteers. Those who plan and coordinate these events do it voluntarily, for the love of the sport. If you want more competition or instruction opportunities, please support those organized by registering to ride. If you’re not riding, consider offering your time and expertise in a volunteer capacity. I’m confident the organizer will be pleased to hear from you. If you have any questions, please email me at R7Director@usawe.org.