MARCH 12, 2014
Upcoming Miniature Madness marching to the beat at Westworld
The Arizona Mini Mystique is an elite team of trained Miniature horses that perform precision drill driving with drivers in carts. The group is coordinated by Ron and JoAnne Souza of the TLC Miniature Horse Farm in north Phoenix where they meet on a weekly basis to practice their driving maneuvers. With utmost precision the horses cross paths in X patterns, circles, figure-eights and more without running into each other. Watching their performance is breath-taking for the spectators. It is surely a sight to see and enjoy.
The Arizona Mini Mystique was formed seven years ago, and they have performed at the FEI World Equestrian Games at the Equine Village in Lexington, KY, in October 2010, have been in the Rose Parade four times, and the Calgary Stampede in Canada. Every year for the past seven years the AZ Mini Mystique has put on a spectacular program at the annual Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show held at Westworld of Scottsdale.
On Sunday, March 23, 2014, the AZ Mini Mystique will be performing at the Touch of Class in the Westworld Equidome during the mid-day break. During the same weekend, Miniatures horses from Arizona and neighboring states come together to compete and win awards at the Kick Off Arizona and the 27th Annual Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Shows. One of the largest events of its kind in Arizona, the Kick Off AZ show will be March 20 and the AZ Touch of Class will be held two days, March 22 and 23, 2014, at Westworld of Scottsdale.
Exhibitors can expect to find 80 to 100 classes to make their entries in both shows. The show attendees will see Miniature Horses trained to be driven in carts and fancy carriages, jumping as high as two feet, maneuvering obstacles like wood bridges and logs, running free in liberty classes, and all dressed up in fantasy costumes. Miniature horses measure 34 inches at their withers to the ground. Visitors may even meet and pet the Miniatures and tour the barns. The horse owners and exhibitors have been preening and preparing their horses for the coming out performances at these Arizona shows which mark the beginning of the Miniature Horse show circuit for 2014.
There will be plenty of delicious food and drinks onsite in the newly covered Equidome Equestrian Center. The Kick Off AZ Show will be held in Arena 3 on March 20, Thursday, and the Touch of Class on March 22 and 23, Saturday and Sunday, in the covered Westworld Equidome at 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Each day of showing begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.
Many vendors and craftsmen will be set up on the weekend of March 22 and 23 in the coliseum showing arts and crafts, apparel, jewelry, and horse products. The Miniature Horse Association of Arizona, sponsor of the shows, will have a Silent Auction for all and an exciting Raffle for a “Mini” Computer and Canon printer. The spectacular performance of the Arizona Mini Mystique precision driving team with these small equines hitched to their carts will surely be a memorable experience for all who see it. These special shows are both family-friendly events that will offer something for every member of the family.
Admission and parking will be free for spectators. Premiums via e-mail, write to: [email protected] Show Info: 602-577-7618. Website: www.AZminis-MHAA.com
