We would like to recognize the achievements and contributions of a very special woman, Harriet Landrum, who has supported and worked within our industry as a horse show secretary for much of her life. West Palms Events is excited to announce that we will be awarding a Perpetual Trophy honoring her legacy at the Central California Memorial Day Classic in Paso Robles.

Harriet Landrum rides in a cart, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara National Horse Show. Photo provided by Harriet Landrum

Harriet Landrum is a life-long horse enthusiast who started working at a local stable in Avalon in the early 1940s as a teen. She fed horses and mucked stalls in exchange for free rides. From there, she moved on to putting on successful horse shows at the stable, “though I had no idea what I was doing,” as she put it. After attending UCLA, Harriet gave up her horse habit to teach school, but soon found herself missing the horses and went back to the business, first with Joe Blackwell, and then with horse show manager Allen Ross. Allen needed help, and Harriet found her true calling, remaining with Allen and helping to manage his shows for four decades. She remembers having great fun at all the big shows of the era: Cow Palace, California State Fair in Sacramento, Del Mar, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. She has seen every breed of horse and pony, even mules, and has loved every minute, declaring, “everyone I have ever worked with has been most helpful and fun to be around.” In 2008, Harriet received CPHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and now West Palms Events is excited to memorialize her legacy with a Perpetual Trophy named in her honor.

From Left: Alan Balch, USEF President, Alan Ross, Hose Show Manager and Harriet Landrum at a USEF Convention. Photo provided by Harriet Landrum

“We are extremely honored that Harriet Landrum will be attending our horse show in Paso Robles on May 28th, and we look forward to presenting the Harriet Landrum Perpetual Trophy to celebrate her amazing legacy in the horse show industry,” Dale Harvey commented. “Harriet has supported West Coast horse shows through her work with Allan Ross for more than forty years, and I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this special recognition.”

When asked about her many years working alongside show manager Allan Ross, Harriet said, “I loved my job, it was such fun – I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning and go to work. I think that’s why I’ve lived so long, it’s been a life of knowing wonderful people and beautiful horses.”

Stay up to date on all our exciting events and the 2016 show season by visiting our website and following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!