Crowning Jewel of the Northwest- Emerald Show and Masters Futurity- Draws Crowd to Washington

By: Brittany Bevis

What could be more appropriate to kick off one of the northwest’s most anticipated horse shows than the Seattle Seahawks’ first game of the season?! Although the horse show was already underway yesterday, that didn’t stop diehard fans from donning the blue and green and proudly displaying 12th Man flags to show their support for the home team.

With a final score of 36-16, winning their first game against the Green Bay Packers, last year’s Super Bowl XLVIII champions provided a great start to what is sure to be an exciting weekend at the Washington State Quarter Horse Association’s Northwest Emerald Show and Masters Futurity.

The show is scheduled to continue through September 7th in Monroe, WA. at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. Judges for yesterday and today are John Briggs, Charlie Cole, and Chad Evans. Judges for Saturday and Sunday will be Karen McCuistion, Jill Newcomb, and Daren Wright.

There are so many special classes and exhibitor hospitality parties planned for the four-day event, that we almost don’t know where to start! For those looking for adult refreshment, this morning, a Champagne Brunch has been sponsored by Denise Callahan Show Horses and Genny Miller Performance Horses. Also, today is FREE Read Friday, so be sure to pick up your free copy of the latest edition of The Equine Chronicle on the show grounds. Pose for a picture with the cover and it just might appear on our EquineChronicle.com website or in a future edition of the print magazine!

A fun versatility competition will take place this evening where a team of three (one horse and two riders) along with a pit crew will compete in an english-to-western quick change class. Gather up your team and enter for $20 at the gate. $10 will go to the club and $10 will go to the jackpot.

NSBA All Breed Futurities take up most of Saturday’s show schedule, with judges Cole, McCuistion, and Wright officiating. Classes are as follows.

• 301 Yearling Longeline Futurity- $500 Added Money Sponsored by South Sound Property Group
• 302 NSBA All Breed Western Pleasure 2 YO Open- $500 Added Money Sponsor Dave Smith Motors
• 303 NSBA All Breed Western Plsr 2 YO Non Pro- $500 Added Money Sponsored by Remax
• 304 NSBA All Breed HUS 3&4 YO Open- $500 Added Money Sponsor The National Snaffle Bit Association
• 305 NSBA All Breed Western Plsr 3 YO Open- $500 Added Money Sponsor EMO Insurance Agency
• 306 NSBA All Breed Western Pl 3 YO Non Pro- $500 Added Money Sponsored by The Equine Chronicle

The main event is the Emerald Masters Futurity, which has been sponsored by Machine Made and Cranbrook Dodge. One change to the Futurity this year is a move to a Saturday evening performance. While you’re watching the class, you can enjoy refreshments during the Masters Wine and Cheese Party at 5 o’clock, hosted by Machine Made, Dr. Candice Hall, and Dr. Cory Seebach.

The Futurity will take place in one go and will be judged by Charlie Cole , Karen McCuistion, and Darren Wright. It is open to two-year-old Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas that have never been shown before. Added money for the open rider division is set at $3,000 and added money for the limited division is set at $2,500.

Just like in the past, 100% of the entry fees will be added to the total purse. In addition, winners of the open and limited divisions will be presented with NSBA bronze trophies. The official word from show management is that there are ten entries in the class, including some new faces, and the total purse will be $17,500.

Once the winner of the Masters Futurity has been crowned, the show will continue with fun events like the I Love My American Quarter Horse Party on Saturday and Trainer’s Showmanship on Sunday evening. Also on Saturday, WSQHA will host a Stall Front Party, Trainer Silent Auction, and Live Destination Auction. 100% of the proceeds will go to the AQHA Region One Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Great prizes like ringside backpacks, a custom leather briefcase, Alaska Airlines gift certificates, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery gift certificates, a Blue Ribbon headstall, Woods’ Western gift cards and much more just top off the reasons why you should be showing in Washington this weekend!

Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for complete results and photos coming soon from the show.