Along with the regular competition during the Dixie Nationals Quarter Horse Show and the special events, organizers are hoping to raise money for a scholarship through the American Quarter Horse Foundation.
“Andrew B. McBeath was only 29 years old when his life ended tragically in a car crash,” Laura Miller of Mendenhall, Mississippi, says. “Andrew went on to leadership positions in Mississippi Quarter Horse Association as well as at the national level. You could always see him at Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, especially helping his father during freestyle reining.”
On February 17 during the freestyle reining competition, a Run for the Roses and Calcutta will raise money for a named scholarship that will benefit youth from Region Nine. Andrew McBeath, and his father Sandy worked together closely for the freestyle reining during the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show.
Riders and sponsors are getting ready for the Run for the Roses that will put them on bouncy horses.
“Riders are contributing $100, and horse owners/sponsors are contributing $500,” Laura says. “The rider who brings in the most donations ahead of the event will receive a 10-foot lead. The Calcutta will be before the race, and 50 percent of the money raised will go to the scholarship.”
Laura and the other organizers are hoping to raise at least $25,000.
Admittance fees from a hospitality center in the equine center during the show will go to the scholarship fund, and a silent auction during February 7-8 Mississippi Quarter Horse Youth Association Equestrians With Disabilities show raised $500.
A live auction at 10 a.m. February 18 will also support the scholarship fund.
The horse show begins February 14 with a special-event roping and ends February 19. For more on the Dixie National, go to www.mqha.org.
Donations to the scholarship fund can be made to the American Quarter Horse Foundation with “Andrew McBeath” in the memo line. The address is Laura Miller, 133 Running Horse Lane, Mendenhall, MS 39114.
