AMHERST - Maltby Stables will be in the spotlight later this month when it hosts the first Super 8 Open Horse Show.
The show is set for July 25 beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will feature riders competing for more than $2,000 in cash and prizes.
Kathy Maltby decided to organize the show when she learned the popular Hay Days horse show was not going ahead this year.
She feels the show will be a good opportunity for local riders to display their talents.
"I know that a lot of riders looked forward to the Hay Days show so when she decided not to hold her show, I decided to have one here," said Kathy Maltby.
The event will be part of the Greater Moncton Equestrian Circuit and will be a pointed show and will feature 37 classes including gymkana games like poles and barrels and will also include numerous English and Western classes such as equitation and pleasure riding. There will also be a pony division.
"We've had a lot of interest already and we're expecting more than 50 competitors," said Maltby. "We've had calls from one end of the Maritimes to the other with calls from Yarmouth and Bathurst."
Maltby expects the show will attract a lot of riders from throughout the region and should also provide a bit of an economic boost for the community. Along with accommodations, she expects area restaurants will be busy during that weekend.
She's also appreciative of the amount of support the show has been receiving from local business, many of whom have donated items to be used as prizes.
The show is also likely to include are large number of local competitors. Maltby said there are numerous riders across Cumberland County, crediting groups like 4-H and several stables for fostering a love of the sport among the participants.
"Cumberland County has always had a lot of riders, 4-H and the various stables in the area have done a terrific job," she said.
For registration forms or information, contact Maltby at 667-9395 or e-mail smaltby@eastlink.ca.
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