When Kay and Dennis Richter decided to stage an event to benefit the MDA, they weren’t just horsing around.

Tuesday, August 31, 1999

When Kay and Dennis Richter decided to stage an event to benefit the MDA, they weren’t just horsing around. Well, maybe a little bit.

It’s the second year the Conger couple has hosted a two-day horse show to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

&uot;It started when we were sitting around thinking of what we could do to benefit the community,&uot; said Kay Richter. The proximity to Labor Day made MDA the perfect choice.

Sixty percent of the money raised from the horse show will be donated to MDA; the remaining funds will cover administrative fees and pay the judges. A BBQ and silent auction also raised money, with 100 percent to MDA.

Sponsored by the Southern Time Riders Saddle Club, the horse show attracted riders of all ages to the area. While some were drawn by the opportunity to help MDA, the majority of the riders simply came for the chance to compete.

Competitors like Michelle Gintner, 19 of Montgomery, liked the idea that part of the entry fees would benefit the MDA. But for the most part, she was in Conger to compete.

The two-day show wasn’t as large as Gintner had expected, but she was still pleased with its quality.

While Gintner expected a larger show, it’s bigger this year than last, Richter said. &uot;Last year, we just kind of had to fly by the seat of our pants,&uot; Richter said. &uot;This year, Jackie (Greenwood) has been just great, helping us to organize this.&uot;

Greenwood, an MDA program coordinator, worked closely with the Richters to organize the show and promote it.

&uot;We had 168 entries by noon,&uot; Richter said Saturday. &uot;It was easily 200 plus.&uot;

Sunday drew even more competitors. Winners were:

– High Point Pleasure, Jennifer Herman;

– Reserve High Point Pleasure, Leslie Wagner;

– High Point Timed Event, Rodney Bartelds;

– Reserve High Point Timed, Justin McClung.