Mary and July del Norte brought home the Paso Fino Pleasure Championship from the Evergreen Gaited Horse Classic in Puyallup, WA on July 19, 2009. Yeah for us!!! This was the first year that the Evergreen Classic was a “pointed show” for the Paso Finos and the first ever riding championship for Mary’s Alaska Paso Fino Horses. July was Bella Forma (halter) Paso Fino Champion at the Oregon State Fair in 2008, but the thrill of a riding championship was overwhelming and 11 years in the making.
And, riding partner Molly Brockway brought home the blues in spades with Lucero del Norte. Molly rode Lucero to a third place championship in the Paso Fino Pleasure Championship, a first place in English Pleasure 2-Gait, competing against all gaited breeds, another blue in Paso Fino Country Pleasure and yet another blue in Open Equitation, demonstrating her excellent riding skills. Friend Laura Moy provided July with a relaxing massage, cheered us on, provided “room service,” for the horses, and trudged back and forth with equipment, loading and unloading. Thanks Laura for your support crew efforts. 
We also enjoyed visiting with all our Paso Fino friends from far and wide. The Paso Finos were represented by 17 horses from WA, OR, and ID. Great turn out. Thanks to everyone for representing the Paso Finos so beautifully, for the good sportsmanship, and good chatting.
