Pilot Club horse show set for this weekend

Published 11:59 pm Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Pilot Club of Andalusia will host the fifth annual South Alabama Charity Horse Show this Friday and Saturday at the Covington Center Arena.

The two-day show features 62 events, including Racking and Tennessee Walking Horses in a variety of classes. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. both days and show time is at 5:30 p.m. each day.

General admission is $5, reserved seating is $7.50 and children 6 and younger are admitted free.

“This is our largest fund-raiser of the year, and one we are very proud of this year,” said Benny Jo Sasser, Pilot Club member and show manager “We’re excited about the number of participants, many of whom are new faces who have never been to Andalusia before.”

Proceeds from the event help fund projects that raise awareness about brain-related disorders, and help other local charities as well.

Sasser said the show is a unique experience not often seen in Covington County.

“There is an exceptional beauty to these animals,” she said. “The crowd will be able to see these beautiful creatures perform a variety of gaits and styles. I would have to say their performances are ‘majestic.’”

In addition to the show, there will be a silent auction. The club is accepting donations of items for the auction, which are not necessarily horse-related. This year, there will also be vendor booths featuring a variety of items, such as jewelry, embroidered pillows and other handmade items.

The Covington Center Arena will have a concession stand available for food and drinks. Also, the Pilot Club of Andalusia members will sell individual servings of homemade brownies, cookies and cakes.

“We extend an invitation to everyone to come and enjoy this evening of family fun,” Sasser said.

For more information on the show, contact Sasser at 334-222-9623 or 334-504-2188. Anyone who wishes to donate an item for the silent auction or set up a vendor booth should call Diane Blocker at 334-222-0420.

The show is affiliated with the S.H.O.W. Commission, and is a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association’s Horse Show Development Program, the Racking Horse Breeders’ Association of America and the WHTA Riders Cup.