New Things in Store for 2017 March To The Arch…
By: Brittany Bevis
Over the past decade, the March To The Arch has raised $600,000 for cancer research with the help of judges and show staff who donate their services; vendors and sponsors who donate their goods; and competitors who show their support, making this event one that’s not to be missed.
This year, there are plenty of new things in store for the 2017 edition of the MTTA. This year, The Equine Chronicle has sponsored the main event of the show, the $10,000 L1 Non Pro Western Pleasure! Also, making an appearance this year is the $7,500 3 and Over Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure, which will award Highest Placing Intermediate and Limited Rider awards.
This year’s MTTA will take place March 23-26 at the National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis, MO. The judges who have generously donated their time and services include: Randy Wilson, Sandy Curl, Bruce Walquist, Jan Hoskin Hay, Shawn Hays, Jerry Erickson, Rick Meredith, Pam Scott, Ryan Kail, and Chris Arentsen.
On Saturday, Showmanship and Halter competitors will compete (Halter shows once to all six judges.) Those classes will be followed by Trail, Western Pleasure, and Horsemanship. Sunday’s classes wrap up with Pleasure Driving, Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, Reining Western Riding, and Ranch Horse competition.
The prizes for the show this year are outstanding including Port-A-Cool Cyclone 100s, 40″ Westinghouse LED 1080p Smart HDTV, Style Stable Horse Coolers, Beats Solo Headphones by Dr. Dre, Bluetooth CD Boombox Radio, trophies, jackets, and more.
- Port-A-Cool Cyclone 1000: All Around Open, Amateur, Select, 14-18, 13 and under, Novice Amateur, and Novice Youth
- 40″ Westinghouse LED 1080p Smart HDTV- Reserve All Around Open, Amateur, Select, 14-18, 13 and under, Novice Amateur, Novice Youth, All Around Riders With Disabilities and Independent
- Style Stable Horse Coolers- third place- All Around Open, Amateur, Select, 14-18, 13 and under, Novice Amateur, and Novice Youth, and Reserve All-Around RWD Assisted and Independent
- Beats Solo Headphones by Dr. Dre- All Around Small Fry
- Bluetooth CD Boombox Radio- Reserve Small Fry
- Trophies- All Around Small Fry, HighPoint L1 Amateur Walk Trot, High Point L1 Youth Walk Trot
Show Manager and Founder, Doug Landon, is happy to report that stall reservations have already been coming in and the indoor vendor space is already overbooked. We asked him why he thinks this show retains such a following year after year.
“Personally, as bad as I struggled with cancer, this disease affect everybody,” he says. “Years ago, when I walked into that hospital in St. Louis, I had an apple in my throat when I saw all the babies and children. At our Exhibitors’ Party, we always invite parents to come. It changes everything when you see those kids. You don’t think about how much time you’ve put into putting on the show. All you think of are the families.”
Doug was inspired to create an entirely volunteer-based, fundraising horse show after being diagnosed with cancer back in 2004. “I had 18 weeks of chemotherapy and it was horrible. I lost 87 pounds.”
He suffers from a few side-effects to this day, but he’s remained cancer-free for over a decade, something he’s very thankful for. That’s one of the reasons why special importance is placed on the Survivors’ Recognition Ceremony that takes place each year during the Exhibitors’ Party. It’s a way to honor those who have been lost and to celebrate life. “We always try to find a way to make this show fun. That’s why we have such a good following.”
The March To The Arch website is currently under construction, but please visit the March To The Arch on their Facebook page. For information about stall reservations, contact Flossie Ale at FlossieAle@gmail.com or 609-970-7209. For vendor inquiries, contact Sandra Huebner at 636-474-9308. For donations, contact 573-489-3850.
