Well now this sounds yummy! In lieu of the traditional Welcome Party, this year's Medal Finals will feature a potluck cook-off competition. Winners will be awarded in two categories - main dish and dessert. Dishes must serve 20 people. Voting will take place by coupons placed in exhibitor bags. Love a particular offering? You can buy extra tickets to ensure it wins.

The prizes are still being worked out as are some of the finer logistics but you might want to get that cookbook out now and start planning.

Questions can be directed to either Barb Arkin or Val Williams, co-chairs of the Medal Finals Committee.

HELPING HORSES IN THE WAKE OF DISASTER

Hurricanes ripping through our southern states. Fires burning in our western states. The thing about natural disasters like this is we humans feel powerless to help. And sometimes we are. But not this time.

The United States Equestrian Federation is collecting money for its Equine Disaster Relief Fund to support the efforts of emergency response groups and organizations helping horses throughout the U.S., especially those impacted by the flooding from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Developed in 2005 following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund was formed to help ensure the safety and well-being of horses during trying times. Since its inception, more than $370,000 has been donated to aid horses across all breeds in disaster-related situations. All money donated to the fund is strictly used to benefit horses and horse owners.

For more information on the Fund or to make a donation, go to https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/donate-to-usef-equine-disaster....

A bit more locally, North American Equine Services (NAES) out of Phoenix has posted a special page on its website (at this link) offering several resources with links and ways to directly help animals affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Check it out for ways you can other horse (and pet) owners during this difficult time.