Sugar Show slated

Published 2:00 pm Friday, August 16, 2013

Horses and riders will abound Saturday as the SugArena holds its monthly Sugar Show.

The monthly show, which runs each month from March through October, features numerous horses and riders showing off their competitive skills in four divisions — youth, masters, novice and open — as they compete for the year-end awards which will be announced in November, according to SugArena director Tim Guidry.

The show begins at 9 a.m. with the halter classes. Speed classes start at 5 p.m. and continue through approximately 11 p.m. Anywhere between 200 and 300 exhibitors will compete, Guidry said.

Halter classes involve judging horses on their confirmations, followed by showmanship classes

“It’s almost like a beauty contest,” said Guidry. “It involves how well the horses follow commands and how they show themselves.”

Right after that is the roping competition which includes breakaway, tie down and calf roping in three divisions — 13 and under, 14-18 and 19 and over

Speed events include barrel racing, pole racing and stake race.

There is also the lead line class, which includes kids 8 and under and starts about 11 a.m. Saturday with the little ones on horses with parents leading them around the arena.

“That’s the future of the Sugar Show,” said Guidry. “The kids all go around the arena and everyone involved gets a prize. Everyone shows ups with the cameras to record it.”

Admission is free and concessions will be sold.