EQUINE AFFAIRE

The Lippitt Morgan was proudly promoted, displayed, and featured at Equine Affaire-Columbus, Ohio in a joint marketing effort due to the enthusiastic support of the Lippitt Club and the Lippitt Morgan Breeders' Association. The Marketing Committees of each group voted to underwrite the cost of a stall in the Breed Pavilion.

The Ohio Morgan Horse Association made display space for literature, membership applications, stallion lists, sales lists, and club brochures available to us. Our stall location at the end of an aisle provided additional display space, effectively a 10 x 10 wall, which we decorated with two 30 x 30 posters of each clubs' logo and many photos and collage/posters of Lippitts in action. Club members provided the photos, and they demonstrated every facet of our beautiful Lippitts: with children, CDE, western, hunter, dressage, at liberty, classical, driving, etc. In addition, there were two photo albums on display: one from the Lippitt Club promotional kit maintained by Heather Pinet, and one from the LMBA with stallion pages, pedigrees, copies of the Guide and Bulletin, Lippitt Country Show memorabilia, and Lippitt Club Newsletters.

Judy Long, secretary of the Lippitt Morgan Breeders' Association spearheaded the effort and took the lead in planning and organizing the Lippitt presence at the event. Judy's stallion, Baroncrest Nuggeteer, and Linda Ashar's mare, Kustom Dondei Echo, were our breed ambassadors. During the breed demonstration, Echo was shown in-hand while Baron was presented western. A nice crowd gathered to watch as Baron showed-off (for Echo, as much as the crowd) to the upbeat music of "I'm a Believer" by the Monkees!

Judy ensured additional Lippitt promotion by presenting Baron in every available opening in the Youth Pavilion during the four-day event. This provided many additional opportunities to read the prepared script and let Baron charm the crowd. The Youth Pavilion was one of the busiest areas at the expo, and the children gathered around Baron to pose for pictures and pet him. He loved every minute of the attention, and could not have been a better example of Lippitt beauty and charm. In the midst of many little hands reaching to touch this beautiful stallion through the pavilion fence, I overheard many comments of amazement at his perfect gentlemanly composure and sweet nature: comments not unfamiliar to Lippitt stallion owners.

This was a remarkably successful event, and a wonderful example of how by pooling resources the Lippitt Club and LMBA can promote the Lippitt Morgan to the equine loving public. Plans are already underway for next year, when, with the support of the two groups, the Lippitt Morgan will have its own display booth in addition to stalls.

Thanks to Judy Long, Linda Ashar, Todd Fleming, Molly Hoye, Mara Hoye, Debbie Hilen, and Kathy Smith, Baron, and Echo for a great Lippitt week!