In the Warm-up and Staging Areas...

There was almost as much to see outside the arena as in. We saw a replica of the Wells Fargo stagecoach, (Wells Fargo was the sponsor) and ropers practicing, members of the Charro group whose horses lie down on command with the riders mounted, a very patriotically decorated Western pony, and the Arizona Miniature Horses preparing to enter the ring. And, there was the opportunity to get up close and speak to some of the riders while giving their horses a pat. The cute and very friendly paint horse was a big hit with many kids. Larry was quite intrigued by the blue-eyed appaloosa mare, and we both fell in love with Annie, the 17.3 hand Shire mare.