Horse Show Spring 2009

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Inauguration of 250 Meter Competition Track in LA

A christening bottle of champagne wasn’t broken over the rope gate of the latest traditional Icelandic competition track built in the US, but it certainly was enjoyed at a celebration at the hosting barn at the end of the inaugural show on the track.

Valhalla Icelandics and the Los Angeles Icelandic Horse Association co-hosted the first show on a 250m track finished literally the night before the competition started March 28-29, 2009 at Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in Lake View Terrace, CA. Halldor Victorsson judged 36 horses and 25 riders, in 15 traditional classes. There was a great mix of adults and youth, pros, amateurs, and novices, hailing from northern California down to San Diego County.

Something new to California shows was the presence of a good number of spectators on both days. The track is on the public outside of the equestrian center property, so onlookers on horseback, on foot, and in cars were attracted to the sight of nattily clad riders zooming around the track on horses with tails and manes flying, and the sound of techno-pop, jazz, rock, and traditional Icelandic folks music with strong beats to tölt, trot, canter and flying pace too.

A group of more than 60 people enjoyed a celebratory BBQ at the Hansen Dam EC club house on Saturday night, organized and sponsored by the LAIHA, and executed by the talents, hard work, and creativity of LAIHA member Heather Skopnik. She organized and delivered an amazing meal of tri-tip, chicken, salads, potatoes, and desserts, all presented in a culturally rich setting of Icelandic horse and Viking artifacts.

And food wasn’t all at the BBQ! Live music! Antonia Bennett and her band provided great entertainment, in a setting not exactly ideal for folks used to performing in clubs! On the patio of a club house, overlooking an arena … the best for horse people, but challenging for musicians.

Stay tuned for dates for a fall show at HDEC. In the meantime the track will be landscaped, and mightily enjoyed by riders lucky enough to be local or close enough to ride it for fun. Tölt on!

Congratulations to all! See the results of the weekend!