 drawing on 1st Annual Book |
In 1958 the Inland Empire Quarter Horse Association was
formed by a group of interested Quarter Horse Breeders to promote the Quarter
Horse through breeding, sales, import, & export as well as through horse
shows, fairs, rodeos, and horse racing. The Association put on its first show
in 1959. The format and size of the shows have varied throughout the years, but
our club today, several of whom are charter members, remain dedicated and
enthusiastic about providing a place for all Quarter Horse owners to show their
horses. In 1960 the Association joined with the Diamond Spur Rodeo to have a
joint Rodeo/Quarter Horse Show which was held at the Joe Albi Memorial Stadium.
Barns were needed but financing wasn't available so members lent the `New Club'
from $40.00 to $1,000.00 to build the barns with the faith that the show would
make money and their loans would be repaid with interest. The show was a Great
Success. A few years later the barns burned which ended the show/rodeos at the
stadium. The Show was then held at various public and private arenas for a
number of years. Between the years of 1975 & 79 members of IEQHA were
instrumental in working with the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds Association to
obtain an indoor arena. The club donated the arena speaker system, all the
latches on the horse barns and the window between the show office and the
arena, which are all still in use today.
 Left: Gayle Hennings, Past President; Center: Sherrie McGowan, Riding Instructor; Right: Jim Lewis, Charter Member, Past President |
IEQHA has always been active in the State Quarter Horse Association as
well, donating many dollars and volunteer hours to them and the State Youth
Program. For the last 15 years or so we have worked closely with the State and
other organizations on horse legislation to preserve back country trails for
equine, establishing Industry-Wide insurance, and supporting the equine science
program at WSU. The club also helped with Horsepower, a local program for
Disabled Children when it was active. Today we support Vanessa Behan Crisis
Nursery and The Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children through our annual
breed horse show proceeds.
Since 1985 IEQHA has sponsored an annual schooling show for all breeds and then
combined that with an instructional clinic especially for youth which for a
number of years has been given by Sherrie McGowan. Our Club was the one that
started cow penning in this area, a sport that is now enjoyed by riders of all
ages. In years past, members even helped in ranch roundups and until recently
we had a mounted rescue unit.
 Left: Linda Kirk, Show Manager; Center: Chuck Stuchell, Shriner; Right: Barbara Williams, IEQHA President |
As a club we also take time to enjoy our horses on trail rides. Some short
enough for the younger family riders and some overnighters for the more
experienced. Year end awards are given in many categories of horse and member
participation. We enjoy potlucks and dinner meetings. Our year ends with the
annual Christmas Awards Banquet which begins with a silent auction and ends
with a fun filled gift exchange. An enjoyable evening with Good Friends New and
Old.
For information about IEQHA Call: Barbara Williams 208-683-1617 or Anne Van
Soest 509-922-1712.
