Pilot Club horse show moved to October

Published 9:27 pm Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Pilot Club of Andalusia’s fifth annual South Alabama Charity Horse Show has been rescheduled to Fri., Oct. 9, through Sat., Oct. 10, horse show manager Benny Jo Sasser said Thursday.

“The postponement of the March horse show was due to the re-organization of the National Horse Show Commission,” Sasser said. “It is now officially known as SHOW, Inc., which stands for ‘Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections and Winning fairly.

“The focus of this new organization is to enforce the Horse Protection Act passed by Congress in 1970.”

The show was originally scheduled for March 13 and 14, and is the main fund-raiser for the local civic organization dedicated to educating the public and preventing brain-related illness and injuries.

“It is especially enjoyable to promote the Covington Center Arena, Andalusia, Opp and other cities to the horse trainers and owners who are expected to attend our show from seven states,” Sasser said. “In the weeks and months to follow, I look forward to working with SHOW, Inc., officials to ensure compliance with the rules pertaining to classification, conduct and operation of the show.”

Pilot Club president Norma King said she was excited to have a new date for the show and promises it will be just as successful as previous years’ shows.

“The postponement of the show was a disappointment for everyone, especially the members of the Pilot Club, who had worked diligently to prepare for the show,” King said. “We look forward to presenting the ‘best ever’ show for the entertainment of the people of Covington County, for those in the Tennessee Walking and Racking Horse competitions and the visitors to our show.

“The Pilot Club extends our sincere appreciation and gratitude to each and every one who has supported and attended our annual horse shows.”

SHOW, Inc., an industry-regulating organization, will continue to work both independently and in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.