Lufkin horse show aims to show hard work of competitors, educate people on breeds

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - An annual horse show making a comeback after several years - but with a twist.

Granger Durdin, the president of the South-Central Arabians of Texas, said this is the first show they have done in the five years she has been with the club. There is a focus on Arabian, Andalusian, and horses that are mixed breeds of those two.

“That’s what makes this competition of these two breeds putting them together at the same horse show very advantageous for our exhibitors. It allows people to show multiple breeds at the same time,” Durdin said.

There are also competitions for all breeds, which gave 13-year-old Joanna Brassford the chance to bring Bandits Golden Hawk, also known as K.C. They found each other three years ago, but her journey started a year before that.

“I started right when quarantine was happening because it was something to do, and it just became my thing,” Brassford said.

Brassford and K.C. competed in western dressage, just one of the many classes the show offers.

“It’s just so nice to come out here and show all that you have learned and get help with all the tests and scoring,” Brassford said.

So far 73 horses have been registered to compete including the 17 that Laurie Long and her team from Bay Area Equestrian Center brought.

“We had some that wanted to show up before Christmas and have some fun with their horses,” Long, head trainer at Bay Area Equestrian Center, said.

They have also created events like an ugly sweater contest and musical poles, it’s musical chairs but for horses, to add some fun to the show.

“We named this show the Jingle Mingle, and we wanted to bring back some fun into the arenas, so it’s not all competitive,” Durdin said.

They are also using the show as a learning opportunity. People are encouraged to view the show, ask questions and tour the stables.

“We like for people to come out; we love sharing our sport with other people,” Durdin said.

The show qualifies competitors for regionals. Horse owners who are interested in competing in a class that has not yet happened can still register their horse.

“Our goal is to get as many people in the saddle and enjoying horse riding,” Durdin said.

The show is at the Angelina County Expo Center and admission to view the show is free. Competitions will go through Dec 8.