Appaloosa Association Hosts Annual Riding Event
Equestrian News Release

San Antonio, Texas-The South Texas Appaloosa Breeders of San Antonio hosted
the 14th Annual Inclusive Riding event at the San Antonio Livestock
Exposition for during the Appaloosa Horse Show Feb. 17, 2007.

The R.O.P.E.R (Riding Opportunities Promoting Exceptional Riders) Special
Olympics Equestrian Team, showed off their riding skills by completing an
obstacle course. Sherri Mell, Cowgirl Hall of Famer soon to be inducted into
the Appaloosa Hall of Fame, coaches the R.O.P.E.R athletes, and prepares
them for events such as Inclusive Riding.

R.O.P.E.R athletes were honored after the competition with multiple gifts
and goodies from various organizations.

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), an international breed registry, became a
part of Inclusive riding for the first time by sending goodie bags for each
participant. The packages contained DVDs, medallions, magazines and a
stuffed Appaloosa Horse, along with certificates. The South Texas Appaloosa
Breeders provided blue ribbons, and each athlete received San Antonio Stock
and Rodeo posters and bumper stickers.

Michael Aguilar, A level athlete and captain of the R.O.P.E.R, team received
a buckle following the event.

Debbie Letham, an Appaloosa Horse Show judge, presented the special awards
to the athletes.

Horses who participated in this year's event included-Dubs Charge, Dubs Poco
Roper, Genuine Lil Judi (owned by Sherri Mell and Suzanne Koch), Lucky
(owned by Morgan and Linda Harper) and Roanie (owned by Krystal Favor).

Thanks go out to all of the volunteers who led, assisted and set up the
pattern, Gary Weers who voiced the announcements at the event. A special
thanks goes out to Merida McClanahan from the ApHC who made the goodie bags
and certificates possible!


PHOTO: Brandon Mosley assisted by Andrea Pearson on Dubs Charge (Charger won the High Point Performance Horse Saddle for the Appaloosa Show)