ESC Foundation Supports Salina Charity Horse Show
Equine Sports Council Foundation is pleased to be able to provide sponsorship support for this historic horse show that is home to the American Saddle Horse Breeder’s Futurity of Kansas and Oklahoma.
With the Futurity at risk if the show was cancelled, ESC Foundation partnered with area breeders to raise $2500 in sponsorship funds. The show is under new management with Kelly Smith at the helm, and she is working hard to ensure the longevity of the event.
The ONLY American Saddlebred show in Kansas, it is held at Kenwood Park in the Agricultural Hall, an arena that was built in 1929. Twenty years ago the Kansas Saddle Horse Association partnered with a long-standing all-breed horse show association that was established in 1941. The Salina Charity show has been running for over 80 years.
You won’t find a bigger supporter of the Salina Charity than Louise Gilliland. Her Windsdown Farms of McAlester, OK brings two trailer loads of young horses for the Futurity. “It’s my favorite show of the year!” she exclaimed. “It’s old-timey and people have a really great time.” Gilliland helps to fill the 27 Futurity classes offered.
“The horse show world has become specialized in so many ways, leaving out a lot of people who would like to show but can’t afford the fees and travel to get to the big shows,” said Kelly Smith. “In our case, our diversity is our strength, because there’s not a lot of American Saddlebred people in this area of the country.”
Saving A Part of History: “A few years ago they were talking about tearing our arena down. When the city held their meeting about it, the horse community showed up in a big way, filled the room and made their case about why it needed to stay,” Smith shared. The show gives back to the community as well as their charity, as the local restaurants and hotels get a big boost from visitors. The local Shriner’s group works the concession stand and the show committee is all volunteer-based.
“Because this show is home to the Kansas/Oklahoma Futurity, we felt like it was important to step in and support it,” shared Jackie Hale. “We are hopeful that by continuing to diversify and include more breeds and disciplines, this grassroots show can not only survive, but thrive, and continue to offer a home for the Futurity.”
If you would like more information about the show, visit https://www.schshow.org/. It’s not too late to make your entries, or a donation!
