Every time I bridle my five gaited American Saddlebred, Quidditch, (aka “Ozzie”), I literally touch Boone County history. How can that be?   Well, Ozzie wears a curb bit that was designed by a native son of Boone County, Tom Bass.  And, over 150 years after Mr. Bass was born, just south of the Boone County Historical Society property, thousands of horse enthusiasts around the world, just like me, are also touching Boone County history on a daily basis because of those same Tom Bass bits.

The connection of horses and history is strong here in Boone County, not just because of Tom Bass.  Horses have played an enormous role in building our community, in making it what it is today.  From the plow horse to the show horse to the lesson horse, they have helped to build our economy and to create opportunities for our citizens of all ages.  And, in 2015, they continue to play a vital role in our community.

To highlight both the historical contribution of the horse to Boone County and the vibrancy of our current-day local equestrian community, the Missouri Horse Shows Association (MHSA) is sponsoring an inaugural “Stables Tour,” scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2015 as a benefit for the Boone County Historical Society.  Horse enthusiasts and history buffs alike will be invited to tour five special stables here in Boone County, each of which will showcase different breeds of horses and the disciplines for which they are utilized, throughout the day.  The offerings in this inaugural year are: Brenda Benner Stables, Fox Run Stables, High Spirits Farm, Jim Dudley Stables, and Stephens College Stables.

At each of the venues, volunteers from the MHSA will provide information about the horses, and volunteers from the Historical Society will provide information about the Society.  More details will be available in late summer, and can also be purchased at any of the venues the day of the event.

Further plans, which may incorporate the school systems, are under development.  Stay tuned!!

Sue Webster for
Janet Thompson
Northern District Boone County Commissioner