A proud fairy princess poses after Saturday's Costume Class in the Covered Arena.

The 1997 ACORD Regional Horse Show & USCPAA Eastern Nationals in Georgia were a supreme success. The first show for riders with any disability in Georgia, the week saw 64 riders from 8 Operating Centers and 9 independent riders gathered in Alpharetta, Georgia. Wills Park Equestrian Center was a most hospitable setting, with a staff second to none and the best Equestrian Director we've ever worked with. The weather cooperated, the golf carts were a wonderful help over the rolling terrain, and we had a super covered arena for Dressage and Equitation. Riders interested in the next World Championships rode a borrowed horse in a qualifying dressage test.

Classes were offered in Equitation, Futures, Dressage, Pole Bending, Obstacle and Costume. The weather cooperated, and the Futures and Obstacle Rings ran in outdoor arenas, with Equitation and Dressage under a huge covered arena. The show offered classes to all skill levels, from walk with 3 aides to advanced canter. The largest classes were at the Minimal and Intermediate Trot levels, with 3 divisions of Intermediate Trotters. Training and matching with borrowed horses began on Tuesday, with morning and afternoon sessions through Friday. Friday night's Orientation Meeting and Pizza Dinner answered the questions and wrapped up all the details for the show on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Recruited by Karen Lang (GA), the borrowed horses were wonderful - Danielle Dunmire, with EquiKids in Virginia, said her borrowed horse Ace was "the best horse I've ever ridden". Louie Plagge's clinics were very well received and both days were full of athletes, coaches and volunteers enjoying Louie's unique approach to teaching better riding skills. Jay Johnson (CA), Barn Manager, was assisted by Char Feuerhelm (CA), who also produced an excdellent Obstacle Course. Sandy Robertson, of dreamPOWER Therapeutic Riding (GA) was outstanding with her ability to work miracles putting the show together. Sandy Dota (PA) as Technical Delegate and Nora Grassmyer (CA) kept everything running smoothly and everybody happy. Mary Frankel (GA) was invaluable in recruiting and hauling horses, advising on local topics and gathering up all the goodies necessary for a good show ... then she astounded us on Saturday night by teaching country/line dancing at our big Hoedown! Karen Lang arranged for delicious catered meals ... even real tablecloths! The weekend would up with a hair-raising golf-cart race between Volunteers and ACORD staff.

The Georgia show for 1998 is the ACORD Eastern Nationals, sanctioned by USCPAA and is a qualifier for 1999 Team USA World Championships, July 21 - 26, Wills Park, Alpharetta GA