ABOUT US
family's involvement with horses, ventured up and down the East
Coast following the show circuits for over 30 years; moreso following
retirement from the Town Office in Gorham, NH. She and her late
husband Frank "Uncle Tuffy" Toth were as familiar a sight at the
shows as the horses themselves. (Uncle "T" and Sherrel's Dad,
Earl, were Stable Supers for the North Country Horse Show for many
years.) "Aunt" Violet was referred to as "Aunt" by all of the
exhibitors and it's a term of endearment that remains today. Aunt
Violet co-managed the MWVHSC right up until health issues
required her to give it up at the age of 87. An annual Violet Toth
Sportsmanship Award has been established to honor her
committment to the exhibitors. Norman Pellitier was the first winner
in 2006. Charlie Bell is the current recipient for 2007.
Violet also served as Treasurer of the White Mt. Riding Club,
Gorham Womans' Club, the First Congregational Church and
several other civic organizations. Aunt Violet has one son, Michael;
daughter-in-law, Joyce; two granddaughters, Tina and Kathy and one
grandson, Michael.
New: Due to declining health Aunt Violet has recently moved
to the Coos County Nursing Home, Cates Hill Rd., Berlin, NH
035870. Aunt Violet can no longer write or speak; however
she's an avid reader and loves cards and notes. Her birthday
is June 6th and this year she will be 90 years old. Please feel
free to drop her a card or note. Without this fine lady, you
would not have a circuit; it was her idea.
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with horses for over 55 years. Her first serious competitions
were in the Hunter/jumper ranks. Her home bred gelding, Pine
Glen's Rex, was a Champion Equitation and Pleasure horse. He
was the recipient of the #2 Register of Merit in the United States
in Hunter/Jumper for the Palomino Horse Breeders of America
and led the nation in Hunter in 1971. Sherrel moved on to the
saddle seat discipline, in which she competed successfully on
the family Morgans and Arabians with a few Saddlebreds here
and there. Sherrel credits George and Sally Carter of Wedare
Farm for the move into saddle seat riding. She rode George
Carter Sr's Morgan stallion, Long Hill Commander to the Jr. Park
Horse Championship in 1974 and was sold on the saddle seat
discipline. In the late 80s, her Pine Glen Farm also stood the
Champion Appaloosa stallion, Don't Skip Goer and garnered
many awards with the farm's Appaloosa horses, including
Holiday's Final Touch (Chris-photo).
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Pine Glen Farm hosted the Alpine Riders 4-H Club, offered
lessons, board and training to the locals. Emphasis on the
beginning rider was the farm's philosophy. Once riders
developed into successful competitors on the local and New
Hampshire circuits, they were encouraged to seek further
training with farms that extended up into the Regional and
National ranks.
realization that there were very few low-key, affordable horse shows for the local exhibitors to attend. There was a
need for these family shows for new exhibitors, new horses, and experienced exhibitors to brush up on their
performances.
The MWVHSC started in 1982 with a few shows and grew to the circuit of shows in 1987. In those days, each show
was held in a different Northern New Hampshire Town, with the proceeds from each going to a children's charity or
program. The proceeds from the final show of the season went towards an Awards Banquet which was held
mid-winter.
During a period of economically trying times, it was decided to cut down on the shows. The financial burden, plus
the downward curve in exhibitors led the circuit to a single show for several years. The MWVHSC kept one show
which was held annually, at the Lancaster Fair over Labor Day in Lancaster, NH.
In 2005, a survey was given to all potential exhibitors and the resounding success of that survey has given light to a
resurgence in interest in the circuit. So the Mt. Washington Valley Horse Show Circuit has realized a rebirth as
such. Several of the children competing today are the daughters and sons of our first exhibitors.
The shows are open to all, regardless of residence. All seats are represented and no registration papers are
needed. Classes are divided by type rather than pedigree. Horses with associated gaits such as the Tennessee
Walker are welcome in any class eligible.
There are over 45 classes, including Championships, pinning to 6th place. We have chosen the Lancaster
Fairgrounds, Lancaster, NH to hold all shows.
A current negative Rabies certificate is required. Out of State equines must present a copy of a negative Coggins
Test dated within 6 months of the show attended.
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