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Horse Park events boost local economy |
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Saturday, 06 June 2009 |
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By BRIAN HAWKINS
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The Mississippi Horse Park has created an a local economic impact of more than $2.4 million since the beginning of the year, and the most recent event held there added to that impact.
Since the beginning of 2009, Horse Park events have resulted in a local economic impact of $2.4 million and seen some 20,000 people attending or participating in events there.
Barrel racing continues to be as popular an event as ever at the Mississippi Horse Park, and last weekend’s June Jam NBHA Super Show proved that in spades, park officials say.
The June Jam, held for the ninth year, drew 996 contestants from 11 states to compete in two days of barrel racing action. The June Jam is one of multiple barrel racing competitions held at the Horse Park each year that are organized by promoter Mary Jane Carpenter of Prairie.
“This ninth annual event, produced by Mary Jane Carpenter, is the longest consistently running barrel race at the Horse Park and has attracted contestants from all over bringing people to our community year after year,” said Horse Park Manager Bricklee Miller.
In barrel racing, competing riders ride a course of three barrels placed at opposite points from each other in a triangle formation in the arena. The riders must ride around each of the three barrels without knocking them over in the shortest amount of time possible.
Offering a total of $42,379 in prize money to be divided among the winners, this year’s June Jam saw several riders from Mississippi and Alabama perform solidly in the Horse Park’s covered arena.
Joanna Parker of Opelika, Ala., with her horse, Sizzlen Bar Six, won a combined $1,594 for the weekends after placing first in the Open Class race last Saturday and second in the Friday race.
Victoria Williams of Kiln and her horse, Dallas Oklawaha, won $2,209 for the weekend by placing in the teen and open races. Kilm was the highest money winner in the March Madness Barrel Race earlier this year.
“With the fastest time of 14.21 seconds in the teen race Saturday, Williams proved yet again that she and her horse were an unstoppable combination,” Miller said.
Kent Miller of Benton was another youth rider who performed well during the June Jam, placing second on Friday and winning the Saturday youth race with the fastest time of 14.589 seconds. Manor carried home $414 in winnings.
Upcoming events at the Horse Park include a therapeutic riding day for Camp Jabber Jaw on June 10. Sponsored by Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center, Camp Jabber Jaw aims to provide a fun way for individuals to develop improved interactive communication skills.
June 10 to 12 will also see a certification program of North American Riding for the Handicap Association held at the Horse Park, during which instructors will be certified to teach therapeutic riding programs.
Those interested in NARHA certification can call Mary Riley at 325-1695.
For more information on upcoming events at the Mississippi Horse Park, visit http://www.mshorsepark.com or call the event information line at 325-0508.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 June 2009 )
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