Elizabeth BoatmanWhile out visiting Cal Poly University a few days ago, I stopped by the W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center and attended my first horse show in thirty years. Yes, this is all part of the story about Mr. Kellogg and his ranch. When he ceded the land to the state of California it was with the understanding that his prize Arabian horses would always have a home on the land. But more importantly, as part of the deal, the state agreed that Mr. Kellogg’s Arabian breeding program would play a role in the school curriculum. Did I know there was an award winning Arabian program here? Nope. But I do now. It’s an impressive center with national prizes to attest to its excellence.
On this day I purchased my ticket and sat in the shaded grandstand which holds about 500 people. This is a small show, held on the first Sunday of the month, October through May. Mr. Kellogg made certain his sunday shows continued! Of course we started with the Presentation of the Colors and the national anthem.
All the horses in the show are Arabians, naturally enough, bred and born on the campus. At least that’s my understanding. The riders are students who are enrolled in programs in Animal Sciences or are involved in equestrian activities.
It was difficult to get photos from the stands, but I made the attempt just the same. 
These Arabian horses were truly beautiful to watch. Riders were using either English or Western tack.
This rider and horse below were very good and went through a series of obstacles involving stepping over logs, backing up in a narrow turning corner, and as illustrated, getting the mail. We were asked to hold our applause as they went through the challenges.
The horse will wait patiently while the rider leans over the side to open the box and retrieve the letters.
The hit of the show was this week-old foal. She didn’t stray far from her mother’s side as the student paraded her up and down in front of us. Having her that close was good because the audience could see her and not so good because the fence was in my way. She was a cute little thing and certainly is already displaying the qualities that mark an Arabian…arched neck, tail held high. 
After the show we were invited back to the stables to see the horses. “Pony rides” on the Arabians were available for the children. Drat, it’s times like these that I regret being so old. But we were allowed to get close and pat the horses and have a good chat. They certainly were easy going.
Those who had been working in the arena are seen here getting a bath and cool down. The visitors found this fascinating too. People lined up right in front of the bath stalls. I just managed to squeeze in a shot from an angle.
There is one more show for this school year. I’ll try to attend. Perhaps I’ll find a better vantage point and get rid of that fence!
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