OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2023

14 OklahomaHorses • September / October 2023 On one weekend day, “the Edmond Animal Shelter comes in with adoptable dogs looking for new homes,” Oplotnik said. “At the same time, there is a dog show and a stick-horse show going on for the exhibitors and anyone else who wants to participate.” The October 11 evening performance is dedicated to those who have served or are still serving the nation. Traditionally, a color guard precedes the singing of the national anthem before classes begin at 7. “Thursday [October 12] is a really fun day for the kids because it’s our Breyer Fun Day when kids can paint their own model horses, and then there’s a contest at the end,” Oplotnik said. “That evening is our big shopping extravaganza. A lot of the vendors put on special sales for the event, and the exhibitors come out to support them.” To kick off the crowning of world champions for the weekend, the afternoon of October 13 brings about the custom class. “It’s a judged class, but it’s also an informal way for everyone to have fun,” Oplotnik said. “People with small children who want to see horses will enjoy this class. It shows how much this breed is game for anything.” Coming after the fiftieth anniversary last year, the special events in 2023 pale a bit in comparison. However, even subtle changes will have a huge impact on this year’s event. “Last year, we changed venues for the exhibitors’ party so we could have more space, but we didn’t realize we would have such an overwhelming response,” said Tony Lee, co-chair of the show committee. “We had close to 1,000 people attend the event last year, so we had to move it to an even larger space this year. We try to make changes that make things easier and more enjoyable for everyone.” The committee and the entire association are looking forward to using the brand- new facility at the OKC Fairgrounds in just a few years. Some of the photos from the Grand National were used in artist’s renderings for the new arena. “The fairgrounds have always been supportive of the Morgans and our show,” Lee said. “It was fun to see our show featured in those renderings.” An Adaptable Breed Dubbed America’s breed, the Morgan horse has drawn together a community that is quite large in Oklahoma, although not as prevalent as quarter horses or Arabians. Almost every corner of the state boasts several Morgan horse barns. “We really have a good base of oppor- tunity for the Morgan horse in the state,” said Oplotnik, who lives just south of the city and not only works for the breed but also has a few Morgans of her own. “It’s a grassroots breed — families come into it and then stay for generations. The breed’s community is accepting and inclusive for all.” Secondarily called the Labrador of the horse world, a Morgan horse aims to please. That is part of the reason why a Morgan can be shown in such a wide variety of disciplines and can excel in them all. “They are agreeable and adapt to whatever their owner wants,” Oplotnik said. “They’re probably the premier carriage and combined driving breed, but they can also do ranch work, rodeo, therapeutic riding. They’re a confident breed that’s perfect for the entire family.” In Oklahoma, Morgan horses carry the load of many lesson and therapeutic riding programs. “They’re such good options for those because they’re so versatile and agreeable,” Oplotnik said. “They can almost change their temperament based on the rider’s ability.” Although smaller in stature than other breeds, the Morgan horse certainly makes a name for itself. The Grand National helps with that endeavor, but it’s the people who perpetuate the breed in the state who do most of the work. “There are so many Morgan horse barns in the state where someone could be exposed to the breed,” Oplotnik said. “I think they’re the perfect first horses for families looking to start riding, no matter what their interest might be.” Just as soon as the curtain closes on the 2023 Grand National, the 18-person show committee will start to plan for next year. “I’ve been coming to this show since the early 1980s, and I’ve been on the committee since the 1990s,” Lee said. “I’ve watched the show grow and evolve, but Oklahoma City has also changed dramatically in that time. It’s all been good changes, and it’s been fun to watch.” Next year’s event will be back in Oklahoma City, and it doesn’t look like that venue will change any time soon. “Everyone is always excited to come to Oklahoma for the end of the year,” Lee added. “It’s the peak of the show year, and everyone plans for and looks forward to it all year long.” The American Morgan Horse Association turns on the spotlights to crown world champions each year.