February 9-11, 2007
Mane Event Equine Education
Ridgefield, Washington

The Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair was held on February 9 -11 at the Clark County Exhibition Center in Washington. The AGHBA was supported by Linda Dennis, Helen Halderman, Cybil DeFord and Matt Davern. Cybil and Linda assembled most of the booth on Thursday night and finished up in the am on Friday in the vendor hall. When the doors opened to the public, it was apparent that the public were interested in the breed. Had compliments on the AGHBA banner which is a giant version of the logo.

Aside from the Clinicians for all angles of horsemanship, the The Mane Event had over 200 exhibitors and vendors.

Helen's gelding "Jazz it Up" and Linda's stallion "Marquis" were participants in the Saturday evening "Equine Experience" in the large arena which featured drill teams, vaulting, breed and riding demonstrations. Helen rode Jazz for his first expo experience. Matt took Marquis out in-hand and then allowed time for him being at liberty. The spectators so enjoyed watching the feathered horses.

The Gypsy Horses shared time in other arenas in the exhibit hall for breed demo times scheduled during the three days. The same script and music was used from arena to arena. The roundpen time with Marquis and the Warhorse Challenge Association members in costume was quite the big attention getter.

The real kick off of the AGHBA fundraiser raffle caught quite a few's attention, with just a poster about the raffle. At the next expo in Oregon "Duncan" will be present to the delight of people who have already purchased tickets during the The Mane Event. They are anxious to meet him in March. "Duncan" visit is already on their personal calendars.

The Expo weekend was great! Next year we get to have more stalls in the horse stalls barn, which means we get to make a bigger presence. See you there in '08.

-- Submitted by Linda Dennis

February 18, 2007
Battle of the Breeds
Bozeman, Montana


WCF Gypsy Diva and trainer Brad Tank

February 18, was the date of the Finals for The Battle of the Breeds in Bozeman, Montana, at the 2007 Wild West Winterfest at the Gallatin Fair Grounds. There were two preliminary qualifying rounds consisting of six challenges each, prior to the Finals. The Finals consisted of sixteen Breeds competing for top honors. They all had to participate in and complete six Challenges with most challenges being timed events; Trot and Tally, Barrels, Jumping Gymnastics, Reining Trail, Ground driving and Cattle Sorting. WCF Gypsy Diva took first place in Ground Driving and first place in Cattle Sorting. She did very well in the other Challenges. Overall with the Judges final tally of all Challenges, Gypsy Diva placed fourth in the Battle of the Breeds. Diva was a beautiful doll and the spectators loved her spirit and grace! Diva’s presentation in this western dominated event, made a big step forward for the Breed. A special thanks to Brad Tank, Custom Cowboy of Bozeman, Montana, for showing Diva to her win.

- Submitted by Michelle Purcell