Arizona in the Saddle | Page 27

Exclusively at the Verde Valley Equine Festival Arizona Horseman’s Challenge 2014 Colts for the second annual event are provided by Lazy M Horses L azy M Horses celebrates and instills the philosophy that the Foundation bred quarter horse is a distinct part of our American heritage, which can only be maintained by the careful selection and linebreeding of the legendary lines. Owners Vicki and Jim raise Hancock, Hancock-Driftwood, and Skipper W horses, with a Leo bred homozygous paint and a Dash for Cash running quarter stallion added to the mix. Their breeding program is based on the principles that horses must have good confirmation, be athletic, even tempered, and whenever possible, boast color. At Lazy M Horses, you won’t find stall-bound animals. These horses have freedom of pasture while learning to socialize with an entire herd. Yet each horse is expected to behave exceptionally in both round pen and arena. Rio Verde Roverettes Parading The foundation of their breeding program is reliant on quality mares. Lazy M Horses has selected some of the best Foundation bred Quarter horse mares from other fine breeding programs nationwide. Their stallions have also been chosen from top breeding programs, sharing the gentle, willing attitude that is highly valued. At Lazy M Horses, a fine tradition lives on. Raising versatile horses with an emphasis on ability to perform a job is paramount. The ranch for Lazy M Horses, owned by Jim and Vicki Averill, is located in Willcox, where horses live and grow in the near perfect climate of southern Arizona. You can visit their website at www.lazymhorses.com Connections Therapeutic Riding Posting Colors Creating The Verde Valley Equine Festival T he Verde Valley Equine Festival is the original “brainchild” of the Rio Verde Roverettes. And, what better source to conceive such an all-around equestrian extravaganza then this inexhaustible Cottonwood-based club? Dedicated to promoting good horsemanship, good sportsmanship, the Verde Valley, good health and the western way of life, the Rio Verde Roverettes are indeed the quintessential horse advocacy group. They have participated in many charitable events throughout their history, including scholarship programs, supporting Old Town Mission, Yavapai Food Bank, the Humane Society of the Verde Valley, Boys and Girls Club of Cottonwood, Connections and Horses with Heart, both therapeutic riding organizations. They’ve also been strong supporters of their local FFA and 4-H organizations. As a major proponent of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, they have been a significant driving force in setting the bar higher each year for raising donations. An all women’s equestrian club formed in 1974, the Rio Verde Roverettes have performed mounted precision drill-team routines, while continually being featured in Arizona parades state-wide. The Verde Valley Equine Festival is a project of passion, designed with the desire to evaluate, educate, entertain, demonstrate and advocate, all things horse, from equine to equestrian. AZintheSaddle.com March 2014 27