We would like to thank everyone who attended UP Equifest. 2008 was the best year ever for Equifest attendance. We want you to know that without your support, UP Equifest would not be posible.

We want to especially thank all of the volunteers who helped pull this event together. Truly without your dedication and time, this event could not happen. We still need your help if UP Equifest is to continue and we are looking for more people to get involved in the planning stages. We look forward to working with the people who have stepped forward to start planning UP Equifest 2009.

We want to congratulate Ryan Rose on winning the Second Annual Colt Challenge. The Challenge was a close race and he just edged out Sherri Miller and TJ Clibborn. Special thanks to our colt challenge participants. Special thanks also to the people who donated colts for the event.

Winners of the Parade held Friday evening at U.P Equifest were: 1st Charlotte Ridge Haflinger (ghosts) from Dafter, MI, 2nd Kate Lindow (Arabian), 3rd Pierce Mayville (Mexican), Escanaba.

New this year was the Amateur Freestyle Event held Saturday night. A 3-5 minute musical performance with a horse was judged on ability and originality. There were four entries and the winner was Giddy Up and Go Gang 4-H Club, Escanaba.

The popular art contest was back for the second year with numerous entries. Winners were: Jr/Sr. high school-- 1st place Amanda Feliciano, Gwinn High School, 2nd place Ann Reese, Gladstone High School. Elementary winners: 1st place Kayla Rae, Soo Hill, Escanaba, 2nd place Abigail Steger, Franklin, Escanaba.

The Breyer Model Horse Show was a huge success this year growing from 85 entries last year to 332 entries this year. We thank all who participated in this event and look forward to growing even larger next year.

We definitely had some growing pains this year. The Champion of Champion Horse Show was much larger than expected and caused some serious scheduling problems. We will be addressing your concerns regarding the scheduling for 2009. We do appreciate all of your comments that you expressed to us over Equifest weekend. These comments certainly will help us to grow.

We can use your ideas and support. We invite you to attend the next meeting of the Equifest committee which will be announced in the near future.

A BIG THANKS TO OUR VENDORS:

Wisconsin State Horse Council
Great Lakes Arabian Association
Mark Nelson - KLMN Ornate Ponies
Rose Saddlery
Superior Horse Talk
Circle M Country
Spring Valley Ranch
Cherry Lane
Critter Clicks Photograqhy
Wondering Cowboy
Ryan Rose Training
Sherri Miller Training
Tracy Porter & TJ Clibborn
Jerry & Rose Hampton, Party Pets
JR Blanket & Horse Wear
Upper Peninsula 4-H Clubs
Upper Peninsula Youth Quarter Horse Association
Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Assoc - UP Chapter
Elmcrest Acres
Hip Hop Horses
Spruce Valley Tack
Northwoods Trailers
Northgate Equipment
Lucke Ranch
Great Lakes Rodeo Association
Marq. Horseman's Assoc. - Used Tack Sale
Donut Diner

Run On Over to U.P. Equifest and See What All The Excitement is About!

Next Meeting:
Tuesday, April 21st
6:30 PM
Cherry Lane, Escanaba
WE NEED YOUR HELP
To Continue to Grow
UP EQUIFEST

Fun Day &
Problem Horse Clinic
Saturday, May 2nd
U.P. State Fair, Escanaba
Clinic will be a horse
& rider clinic limited
to 10 horses.

Trail Ride
Saturday, July 25th
Pine Martin Run
Come ride with us!