By Liz Potof
2008 President, CSPPC
 
The Copper State Peruvian Paso Club (CSPPC), now almost a quarter-century old, is still very active and its membership has expanded to all corners of Arizona. Lynn Krepp and I started the club in the late 80's as social "let's get together and ride" group. In this issue of B&B, let's look back over a few highlights of our colorful, fun and interest-sustaining history.
 
At the time there were no grand housing developments taking over the desert and travel from one place to another was relatively easy. We had breakfast rides in what is now The Arrowhead Ranch Development and all-day rides in the Superstitions.
 
One of "Copper State's" biggest undertakings was called Cabalgata de La Amistad (A ride of friendship). People with Peruvian horses from all over the Southwest were invited to partake in the ride in The McDowell Mountains. People came from as far away as New Mexico and Texas. We served breakfast, lunch and an evening barbeque. Approximately 50+ people rode in the Cabalgata and they all agreed it was a "Do again."
 
Another accomplishment for the club was in 1994 when we put on the All Gaited Horse Show at Reach 11. It was held 4 years in a row. The biggest year brought in over 100 horses.
 
Generous with their time and talents, Copper State members, many of whom are still active today, assured that the club would continue on for long-time aficionados and 21st-Century newcomers to the breed.
 
A driving force behind the Club and its success has been Bill and Becky Chase. Bill has since been nominated as Chairman of the Governing Council of NAPHA (North American Peruvian Horse Association). The Club has They have been supported by such hard working members as Nevin and Jenice McQuarrie, Mary Jane “MJ” McCrory, Roberta Governal, Melanie Nelson, Julia and Ron Shepherd, Jeannie Sullivan, Tina Lynn Waddell, Mike and Vilora Walker, Susie Opalinski, Olga Rhodes, Hallie Greer, Gail Gray, and Diane Reid.
 
Copper State has now grown to over 35 members and new people are stepping up to help and participate in the club's activities.
 
Last fall, the club sponsored a Meet and Greet Open House and a Clinic by California's Nola and Lou Giddings who gave talks and demos on everything from hoof care to horse care to riding. Earlier this year, the club sponsored a Trail Ride and a Pot Luck out in the Rio Verde area at BEL Peruvians.
 
At the Carousel Show this year, we held no Peruvian Paso classes, but many of the new members volunteered their time at the Show, including Ibe Nadal, Rick Germer and Andy Hernandez along with long standing members MJ McCrory, Kim Jacobs, Bill and Becky Chase, Roberta Governal and Julia Shepherd.
 
There is renewed interest throughout the Peruvian Paso owners, riders and breeders, not only in trail riding but in showing. Several Copper State members traveled to Pomona, CA, to participate in the Southern California Peruvian Horse Club show in April. Amateur rider Ibe Nadal of Black Canyon City rode Coqueto owned by Andy Hernandez and took 1st in Geldings Performance. Ibe also took 2nd in Bozal, riding Salarosa owned by Rick Germer.
 
As a representative of the "old timers" in show participation, I was pleased to take home ribbons -- riding my old faithful 18-year-young Rayo de CZR aka "Grey boy" to claim Hi-Point Performance Stallion and Reserve Champion Hi Point Amateur Senior Rider.
 
On May 3rd, the Equistar Horse how was held at WestWorld, still cool and a perfect day for a horse show. Again, Copper State members participated with the following results:
 
Zootecnico (conformation)
    1st - BBC Sirocco owned by Bill and Becky Chase
    2nd - BBC Evita shown by Nevin McQuarrie, owned by The Chases
Open Performance
    1st - BBC Sirocco owned and shown by Becky Chase
    2nd - Chalupa owned and shown Ibe Nadal
    3rd - BEL Sagitario owned and ridden by Luis Trujillo
Amateur Performance
    1st - BBC Sirroco owned and ridden by Becky Chase
    2nd - Chalupa owned and ridden by Ibe Nadal
    3rd - RCJ Andanza owned and ridden by MJ McCrory
Breeding Mares
    1st - Salarosa ridden by Ibe Nadal owned by Rick Germer
    2nd - RCJ Andanza owned and ridden by MJ McCrory
Breeding Stallions
    1st - Rayo de CZR owned and ridden by Liz Potof
    2nd – BBC Sirocco owned and ridden by Becky Chase
Gait
    1st - Rayo de CZR owned and ridden by Liz Potof
    2nd - BBC Sirocco owned and ridden by Becky Chase
    3rd - Salarosa ridden by Ibe Nadal, owned by Rick Germer
 
Copper State's next activity will be a general membership meeting at noon on July 12 at Liz and Bernie Potof's BEL Peruvians in Rio Verde. A Potluck and Pool Party will follow the meeting at noon. For directions and more information contact Liz at 602-799-4913.
 
For information regarding the Copper State Peruvian Paso Club call Liz at the number above or Becky Chase at 623-547-2206.