Stable hosts horse show in Decatur

DECATUR — Legends Equestrian Center, east of Decatur, hosted a Hunter Jumper Horse Show on Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers traveling down Arkansas Highway 102 east of Decatur over the weekend, were likely to see riders jumping their horses over bright colored fences in the arena next to the road.

This is the fifth year the Legends Equestrian Center has held the show in Decatur, according to owner Heather Swope. The show offers a variety of classes for beginners through advanced levels and is sanctioned by the Northwest Arkansas Hunter Jumper Association.

Hunt seat is a classical form of English riding based on the traditions of fox hunting. Somehunter classes are judged on the horse’s form and movement over jumps or on the flat, while others are judged on the rider’s skills. Jumping classes are judged by how quickly a horse can complete a round of jumps and points are deducted for errors.

Legends Equestrian Center offers riding lessons and boarding, according to Swope. The stable will also be holding summer day camps, which is a great way to introduce children to the world of horses, she said.

Emergency Medical Technicians from the Decatur Fire Department stood by at the show in case of an accident. The Gallery Cafe donated a snow cone machine for the event, and all of the flowers and shrubs were donated by Bogle’s Garden Center in Bentonville, Swope said.