Monthly Archives: September 2013

Jump the “Big House” & Butch Cassidy Shootout host horses at Prison    

Laramie, WY –  Horses large and small will be highlighted this weekend September 13 – 15, 2013 at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. The public will have a unique opportunity to not only watch  amazing equestrian athletes maneuver difficult courses but also view a model horse show featuring Breyers, Stones, china, resins and other custom model horses.  “If you love horses this is the place to be. Something for everyone.” says Deborah Amend, Superintendent.

The 4^th annual “Jump the Big House” Three-day Eventing features horses and riders from five states competing in a trio of riding disciplines: dressage, cross-country jumping and show arena jumping. The popularity of equestrian sports through the centuries has resulted in the preservation of skills that would otherwise have disappeared. Each discipline has its own day of competition where riders and horses of all different levels compete against their peers. Riders and horses who participate in eventing must master a variety of skills even at the lowest levels of competition. The Windy Wyoming chapter of the regional Mountain States Eventing Association (MSEA) organizes this annual licensed event.

“Butch Cassidy Shootout” is new this year on Saturday, September 14, from 9am – 5 pm and will be held in the historic Horse Barn featuring model horse collectors from around the region.  A model horse show is much like a live horse show except that models are shown!  Of course what is really being judged at model horse shows is the knowledge of horses and everything that goes with them. Most people think of model horses as toys without realizing that those household Breyers given to horse-loving children are all hand-detailed and are unique from each other.

Not child’s play.  At model horse show, judges’ study a show table filled with entrants, looking for good conformation, breed type, and quality. Judges are experienced in both living and model equines. Model horse exhibitors may enter Original Finish divisions or Customized division where plastic models are altered and painted by artists into individualized, one of kind creations. There are also show classes for artist resins produced by talented sculptors specifically for the model showing and collecting hobby.

This event is a NAN (North American Nationals)-qualifer where competitors who place first or second in their class will advance to regional and national competitions.  Event organizer, Caitee Cox says, “I have been participating in shows for the last couple of years but have had to travel to other states in order to compete. I am excited to bring this hobby to Laramie and Wyoming so that others who love Breyers, Stones, China, resins and other custom model horses can see that there is much more to collecting than just lining them up on your shelves.”

Admission fees will apply $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for 12-17 year olds, Free ages 11 and under.

For more information about this event call Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site 307-745-3733 or visit http://www.wyomingterritorialprison.com.  Located at 979 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY, open daily 8am – 7pm May 1 – Oct. 31.