Northwest Aside Group

The spectator turnout for this parade was bigger than we have ever seen it!  Perhaps the good weather had a lot to do with that.  Regardless, this was also the noisiest we have ever seen this parade.  We were gratefull for our groundcrew - namely Dick Hastings, horse holder extrodinaire!
 
The NAGs did triumph once again, winning the "Best Novelty and Costume" award and receiving a huge rosette for the honor. 
 
Everyone came through safe and well with Dick's boot soles, and now slightly longer arms,  the only casualties.    Well done NAGs!  Now we will turn around and be back in the Spokane area next weekend (the 22nd - 24th) At FAB Quarter Horses in Mead, WA for the Ride The West Horse Fair & Expo.  See you there!

Judy Hastings writes;
"We won first place in the parade and also a ribbon for creativity.   So we won two ribbons.   It felt great.  I didn't know that they give a creativity ribbon.  Eight rode and we all did great in the parade.  We all stayed in line and looked really nice. I cant' wait for the Spokane parade."
Riding high on this latest success the Northwest Aside Group is planning and ramping up for our next fun adventure - Ride The West Horse Fair & Expo at it's new location, FAB Quarter Horses near Mead, Washington.  NAGs will be providing a series of clinics on fitting and riding sidesaddle as well as performing our new drill routine.  Come join us there for a FABulous time!
 

The NAGs braved cold weather, snow, and rain to give a terrific performance in the outdoor arena at the Back Country Horseman's "Back Country Horse Show" held in Lewiston, ID. in Mid March 2009.  The two one hour sidesaddle riding clinics they also provided at this event - thankfully indoors - were very well attended with an involved and attentive audience.  One gentleman was even pursuaded to give sidesaddle a try, and to his surprise, found it comfortable and secure.
Despite the weather, the Northwest Aside Group really enjoyed being able to take part in a beautifully coordinated and planned event close to home for many of our members.  THANK YOU BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN!!!!

Horse Affairs Expo in Boise, Idaho - Feb 20 - 23 was an unqualified success!  They loved the shortened routine and new jazz music in the evening performances on Friday and Saturday.   Four equines was a much better fit in the small arena, than the six animals we had last year.  
Both of the seminars on measuring and fitting sidesaddles presented by Judy Hastings - and added at the last minute - was very well attended with an enthusiastic and interested crowd.  The clinic was also a huge hit!