Last Friday and Saturday, (Aug 1-2, 2014) was the annual
Franktown Meadows National & International Hunter Derbies. The Franktown
Equestrian Center is located in the Washoe Valley (NV). It is a beautiful place
of green grass and towering trees on the west side of the valley up the road
from Bowers Mansion & Davis Creek Park.
The event’s show grounds are only used for this event so
the grass is nice and full and facilities clean. On first arrival, one walks
past individual pastures & corrals for the facility horses. I had fun
watching two foals cavort in their piece of heaven while both mares ate grass
and enjoyed the decent weather. Washoe Valley is known for its high winds. We
were lucky: after a few days of thunderstorms, Sat (the day I attended) was
clear and in the mid-90’s. Near the end of the competition, a strong wind
finally made its appearance – at one point blowing a large umbrella to the show
field.
.
The show started off on time with a presentation of the
Red Rock Hounds mastered by Lynn Lloyd. Per pack consists of Walker Tree
Hounds, which look similar to foxhounds. After the colors were presented the
show began. A demonstration of quadrille
dressage was also given. The four riders and their horses performed dressage
moves to music. A grey horse was magnificent with his transitions and flying
lead changes.
The riders and their horses were turned out beautifully.
Each jump was decorated with flowers or items relating to the theme of the
hurdle itself. For example, the wine barrel jump had stacks of wine barrels
alongside the piece. I didn’t know it at the time but the event was telecast on
the web on Loaded TV. If I had been aware of this, I’d have watched Friday’s
events online.
The winner of all of the festival’s classes was a
wonderful chestnut called “Undeniable”. This horse is racking up wins in the
hunter division across the country. No one fell on Saturday making this show
especially nice. Competitors scored some close numbers making it fun to watch.
Two changes for next year would make this a perfect outing: a little more shade
and choice of food vendors. I also wish the organizers would offer a sheet
listing the riders, horses, and their numbers. The only way to know which
person was who was by the announcer.
I’m looking forward to next year’s show.
Until next time, stay safe out there!
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