NORCO — The 39th edition of the Sierra Empire Arabian Horse Association’s show took a change of venue this year, but the direction was the same: The region’s top Arabians and Half-Arabians schooled and tuned up before heading east this month for the Scottsdale Arabian Show.

The City of Norco welcomed the SEAHA event to its Ingalls park facility, and from all indications, it was a hit by show officials.

“Norco bent over backwards to make us feel at home,” said Sheri Odom, SEAHA Secretary. “Patty Ireland and her staff were remarkable. You know, when you first work with somebody, you don’t usually mesh and you go through some hiccups. The first time we worked with them, it was like we had worked together before.”

The region’s top trainers enjoyed their share of successes, including Debbie Price, Jim Lowe and Katherine Rich-Elzig, whose barn brought home a pair of show championships to go with a reserve.

“We all had a great time at the show,” said Rich-Elzig, who rode Saylor Weidauer’s CSP Worthy Wager to the Open Championship in Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure. “I was anxious about not being familiar with the new venue, but when we arrived I was pleasantly surprised. The entire Ingalls crew was very attentive to the needs of the exhibitors, and the show staff was friendly and appreciative. I will definitely attend the show next year and bring more horses!”

Rich-Elzig’s students who brought home blue ribbons included Sam and Terhi Weber with their Hit The Road Jack, Christian and Akemi Umemoto on their Buggati LOE, Olivia and Camille Welch on KD Contagious+, and Weidauer on “Worthy”.

In halter, the SEAHA combined all champions into a Supreme Halter competition that was taken by WW I’ve Been Spotted, a 6-year-old Half-Arabian shown by Breanne Wheeless for owners Gordon and Paula Jahr of Wrightwood. “Spot” was sired by Famous Echo (by Color Of Fame) and is out of GiaE, an Eternety daughter.

“Spot is extremely well balanced and correct, plus he’s a moving machine,” said Odom. “After Judge Kathy Callahan-Smith inspected the line of champions, she asked them to trot around the arena to judge their motion, and when Spot struck up the trot, the crowd got behind him cheering and applauding.”

A pair of judge’s awards brought delight to their young recipients, as Saylor Weidauer received the Judge’s Choice Award, and Simon Trezona took home the Judge’s Sportsmanship Award, an honor Callahan-Smith requested be given after being inspired by the young competitor.

Saturday evening had a variety of competitions to entertain dignitaries including Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna and two city council members. Carriage driving, native costume and four winner-take-all $100 jackpot classes enlivened the evening.