The Illinois Horse Fair was held March 2nd & 3rd in Springfield, Illinois. Attendance at the Fair was very good, with a large variety of Breeds represented. The Spotted Saddle Horse Association of Illinois, in cooperation with the SSHBEA, had six decorated stalls, along with a visitor reception area. Each day five Spotted Saddle Horses exhibited to a "standing room only" arena. Traffic to our barn and stall areas was quite heavy following each exhibition. Over 100 people engaged in detailed conversation with our folks, asking for more information and literature on the Spotted Saddle Horse. The exposure was great, with many just walking by our horses and admiring their natural beauty.

Our exhibitors and horses included: Cathy & Gary Stoops, exhibiting Dr. Lori; Wilma & Hal Stuller, exhibiting My Mystic Warrior; Danni Perry, exhibiting Pistols Excalibur; Don & Dee Hasler, exhibiting Leilanis Pride; and Robbie & Lula Robertson, exhibiting Dusty's Gentleman Traveler.

It was quite obvious that these folks worked very hard and spent a great deal of time preparing their Spotted Saddle Horses for the event. They gave a great performance, in addition to being present at the barn all day Saturday and Sunday to welcome visitors.

Special thanks are deserving of our Fair Chairperson, Dee Hasler, for her dedication to this event. Also, Peggy Moore, Chairperson of the SSHBEA Promotional Committee, for supporting the Illinois Horse Fair with funds and materials, and Janice Prince, at our SSHBEA office in Shelbyville, TN.