DECEMBER 1995 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 12/1/95; 10:00:00 AM.
Spots of Fun Appaloosa Association
Spots of Fun Appaloosa Association (SOFAA) is comprised of two regional clubs - North Idaho Appaloosa Club and Inland Empire Appaloosa Club. Our members participate in many activities such as showing (on the local, regional and national levels), trail riding, gaming, cow penning and rodeos. Our officers and directors for the 1995 year are: President - Dan Moriarty; Vice-President - Fred McLaughlin; Secretary - Lynn Batty; Treasurer - Kim Schnider; 2 yr. Director - Zara Malcolm; 1 yr. Director - Ivan Tucker; 1 yr. Director Mike Schnider.SOFAA tries to meet the needs of a diversified group of horse enthusiasts by sponsoring as many events as we can fit into an already busy calendar year. In the past, SOFAA has held games shows, clinics, and some of us even introduced our show horses to cattle to help out some of our cow penners and cutters.
Presently, SOFAA holds 2 trail rides a year. Our spring trail ride is held on the first Saturday in May. The duration of the ride is 2 to 4 hours with a stop for lunch. After the ride, a potluck is held. This ride is designed for the young horse as it is usually on fairly level and easy terrain. The fall ride is approximately the same length, with lunch and potluck occurring. This ride can be a little more difficult as most of the horses and riders are now in shape. Anyone who rides a horse is always invited to join us.
SOFAA also puts together 2 shows, one held in Coeur d'Alene Idaho on Father's Day weekend and the other takes place the second week of July in Sandpoint, Idaho. All of our shows are breed and open shows. In other words, our shows offer classes that are strictly for the Appaloosa and classes that are open to all breeds. This has been and continues to be a successful concept for us. It allows our members to compete within the breed, as well as with other breeds.
This show concept also helps us in the marketing of our breed. One year a show participant may be riding another breed, and come back the next year riding an Appaloosa. I personally have yet to see an Appaloosa owner come back the following year riding another breed.
A new activity added to our calendar of events for 1995 was the Easter Social. This was strictly a non-business, non-horse activity geared to re-acquainting ourselves with old friends and meeting new ones, as all members were encouraged to invite any and all who would be interested in an afternoon such as the one SOFAA provided.
Again, potluck was the meal, with more than enough to go around. Easter Egg hunt and coloring contest kept the kids busy and allowed the adults to mix and mingle. A playground was right next door for the kids as well.
As you can tell, SOFAA is an active club with plenty of diversity for all of our 60+ members. If you have questions concerning our events or membership, please contact Lynn Batty at 509-466-6096 or Kim Schnider at 208-683-3676.
