Trainer Jane Hannigan and Region 8 Junior rider Rachel Littauer, fashion show participants (Dunn Photography, LLC)

USDF Region 8 girls had a great time and raised money for continuing education as well as their upcoming competition The North American Junior Young Riders Championships that will be held in Lexington, Kentucky in July. The Fashion Show was held May 3, 2014 at the Ashby Stock Farm and hosted by Nancy and Matt Lavoie. Many wonderful people stepped up to help make the night a fantastic success. We are very grateful to our sponsors Elite Equine Imports, Teresa Davidson, Bear Spot Farm, Mark Shinberg, Ruth Poulson and “Not only did we raise money, but we showcased wonderful outfits, the girls had a terrific time and our guests were thoroughly entertained” Nancy said.The Riding part of the Fashion Show included many spectacular outfits provided by Dover Saddlery, The Stone Pony and Black Horse Creations. The designs were first shown on horseback with cutting edge saddles provided by Custom Saddlery and colorful boots by DSB.  After showing off on horseback the girls walked the red carpet first in their riding outfits and then their Stepping Out designs. One of a kind dresses, colorful pant and top collections as well as capes and finally a wedding dress finished the night. The beautiful designs were provided by NATI Boutique of Leominster and Eleni Fashion of Lowell.The generosity of all of the companies that contributed outfits was overwhelming. The juniors and young riders of Region 8 are so lucky to have such an amazing support group.

Paul Eason our MC and organizer Nancy Later Lavoie (Photo: Dunn Photography, LLC)

The Fashion Show was held on the same weekend as a training clinic with Conrad Schumacher.  Conrad Schumacher from Neu Isenberg, Germany comes to train Nancy and the other clinic participants three times throughout the year. He is a very dynamic instructor and has a lot to offer for dressage riders of every level. The arena was filled with auditors all weekend and then Monday Mr Schumacher led a Trainers Work Shop. Participants in the clinic were Kristin Schwaegerle, Susan Mercer, Christine and Larry Poulin, Doris Carlson, Ariella Espana Gross, Maggie Mann, Alison Redston, Bonnie Padwa, Claire Murphy, Eliza Gardener, Meghan Drysdale, Hope Cooper, Gayle Paquin, Emily Smith, Brian Russell, Susan Raineville, Angela Rice and Linda Parmeter.After the clinic Saturday the arena was quickly transformed with the help of Linda Powers, Karin Swanfeldt, Paul Eason and Michael Lavoie of Powerhouse Sound and Lighting. The models were treated to hair care specialists Melanie and Marlene of Chateau Cheveux in West Boylston. A scrumptious dinner followed the fashion show as well as $800 worth of raffle items were given away courtesy of Dover Saddlery. Participants in the fashion show were Emily Smith, Jane Hannigan, Bill McMullin, Rachel Littauer, Ariella Espana Gross, Maggie Mann, Claire Murphy, Marissa Pellegrino, Mary Louisa Jones, Callie O’Connell, Eliza Gardner, Alison Redston, Kristin Schwaegerle, Kate Schwaegerle, Gayle Paquin and Gail Price.For more information about upcoming events please go to www.nancylaterdressagehorses.com.