Local horse kids and their families celebrated Ellis County Equine Association’s 25th birthday with a party on March 1 at the Flying Dollar Ranch in Italy. Participants enjoyed cake, ice cream, a horse shoe tournament and a rowdy game of “hot potato.”

Also on the agenda was the election of 2009 ECEA youth officers. The new officers are Maddie Hinds, of Waxahachie as President, Chesley Hinds of Waxahachie as Vice President, Hunter Hinz of Italy as secretary, and Sadie Hinz of Italy as treasurer. The new officers hope to meet once a month for a meeting and fun horse activities. The next ECEA youth meeting will be Saturday, April 18, for a pizza party and open ride night at the Flying Dollar Ranch.

ECEA is open to all horse enthusiasts of all ages. Adult meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce at 7:30 p.m. The ECEA’s 2009 Open Horse Show Buckle Series are scheduled for April 4, May 2, June 6, and July 11 at the Navarro County Exposition Arena in Corsicana. Competitions include halter, western, english, trail, leadline and yearling classes. For more information you may log onto www.elliscountyequine.org.

ECEA would like to thank Ellis County Home Inspections and Vance Hinds Attorney at Law for sponsoring the 25th birthday party.