The Iowa Quarter Horse Association State Show, known as the Mayflower, has added a special class to honor long-time member and supporter, Jim Cooper, who passed away in March. The Mayflower, an AQHA/NSBA Dual-Approved Show will be held April 29-May 3, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, with six AQHA Judges and two NSBA Judges.

The special western pleasure class is open to any horse and any rider, with a low $30 entry fee. A number of Cooper’s friends have come forward with sponsorships for the class already. Ron Shivers, the president and owner of Dee Zee Manufacturing, where Jim worked for many years, has pledged $1,000 that will be paid to the class winner. Jim and Joni Roth, of Roth Show Equipment, whose mobile retail trailer was a common horse show hangout for Cooper, will present a custom headstall to the class winner as well.

Kelly Cox, of Rock Ridge Ranch, has also donated $500 toward the purse. Additional money and prizes are being donated and will be announced as they come in.

“Western Pleasure was one of Coop’s favorite classes,” says Show Committee Chair Barb Delf. “It seems fitting to hold a special class where many of his horse show friends can gather and share a memory or two. This western pleasure class also fits into our desire to include a charitable aspect to our show.” The class will be held on Saturday, May 2 following the Senior Western Pleasure class.

Courage League Sports is a local youth program, located in nearby Urbandale, Iowa, that was close to Jim’s heart. Courage League Sports is a recreational adaptive sports facility specifically designed for children not able to go “full speed” due to disability, illness, or emotional challenges. Their programs provide an opportunity to play in sports leagues, participate in group classes or play around during open gym nights at everyone’s own skill level. From the $30 entry fee to the class, $10 will be donated to Courage League Sports in Jim Cooper’s name, as the memorial his wife, Cindy, and their family selected.

For information on the Mayflower Show visit their website www.mayflowerhorseshow.com. You can also find them on Facebook under IQHA State Show – The Mayflower. Stalls are still available for the show, reservation forms and information is on the website.

To make a donation to the Jim Cooper Memorial Western Pleasure Class, or the Mayflower Show, contact Barb Delf at 563-249-2892 or bdelf1394@aol.com.