Norwegian Fjord Horses

Hello everybody,

For those of you who may not know, the show packet for the 2008 Northwest Fjord Show is posted on the PNFPG website. I am writing this note to each of you to let you know of something new we're doing this year at the show and asking for your help.

 

One of the things I wanted to add to this years show was a "Family Fjord Award". This award was based on the number of family members who rode the same fjord in different events or divisions within the same event. My thought being that the fjord horse is not only versatile but is also the ultimate family horse (you can read the description of the award in the show packet) I also was hoping to get more family members (particularly more youth) involved in the show.

 

So the committee and I came up with the criteria for this award while we were putting together the show. Well several weeks ago we lost a young lady, who along with her family, has been very involved in the promotion of the fjord horse. She has shown at Libby, ridden in parades and miles and miles of trails. Her name is Kelsi Cook and was the daughter of Aaron & Greta Cook both active members of the PNFPG.

 

When we heard of the loss of Kelsi, it shocked us all and after a few days we decided (the show committee) that we wanted to do something in memory of Kelsi and her family. It was decided that we would establish a "Kelsi Cook Memorial" award. With further discussion we decided to have a perpetual trophy and have it be awarded to the "Family Fjord Horse" winner. A number of people stepped up and said they'd donate money to make this happen because we didn't want it to be a cost to the show or the PNFPG.

 

Ursula Jensen was going to Norway and said she would get a carving and have it mounted with brass plates for the winning family's name to be engraved. (sorry, I thought I still had the information of the artist for the carving but I don't) It ended up costing Ursula $550 to get the carving and I'm guessing another $150 to have it mounted into a trophy.

 

To date we have $375 donated toward the cost of this award. I know there are several people that have approached me for information on how and/or when to donate...and now is the time. I know some of you that are receiving this email didn't know Kelsi and might not know her mom or dad, but I'm sending this to you anyway in hopes you'd like to be part of something that will be perpetual in it's giving.

 

If you'd like to be part of this, please send donations to Dan Watanabe in care of the "Kelsi Cook Award" fund...thanks so much for your time. If you have any questions please get ahold of me...if you'd like to see a picture of the carving I'm sure Ursula or Dan could direct you to a site where a likeness would be available.