The Dixie National Quarter Horse Show expanded its Equestrians with Disabilities (EWD) show to four AQHA shows and two NSBA shows and it is now bigger and better than ever.
This year’s show was held February 9 and 10th where the show invited all EWD participants nationwide to come and enjoy some southern hospitality. This year’s EWD show had 108 AQHA Entries, 78 NSBA entries, and 19 exhibitors. They also had exhibitors participating from Mississippi, Illinois, Texas, and Kansas.
“The EWD is my favorite show to watch or judge,” Tom McBeath told us. “I’m always amazed by the courage these people show and how dedicated they are in their pursuit of dreams of being able to be just like everyone else. Being a Cowboy!”
Forty-nine year-old Rachelle Ferris of Vicksburg, Mississippi participated at the show for the first time. “My wife had a traumatic brain injury (TMI) from a car accident and the therapeutic riding has really helped her improve from her injury,” her husband, Mac Ferris told us. “This type of therapy has helped her way more than any occupational therapy has in less time.”
Mac adds, “She really looked forward to showing and was so proud of herself. She’s still recovering from the show.”
Rachelle showed in four EWD classes in Jackson with her teammate, Sonny. Ferris participates in therapeutic riding at Rainbow Farms in Vicksburg, Mississippi under the guidance of Leigh Ann Nosser.
Decked out in her pink helmet and pink and black outfit, Ferris smiled and had a great time at the show. “Oh my god! Sonny is amazing,” Rachelle told us. “He’s like riding horses from my childhood. Sonny is a new horse for me and I just love him.”
Click here to view candids sponsored by The Rock Stallion and kindly taken by Sally Blackwell Photography
