Arizona Fall Championship Exceeds Expectations Once Again

From AzQHA:

The Arizona Fall Championship notched yet another banner year this September 18 through 22 in Scottsdale. The atmosphere buzzed with exuberance throughout the arenas and barns of WestWorld. AzFC didn’t simply feel larger this year, the numbers confirmed it. With a 26% increase in exhibitors, and 125 additional horses compared to last year, the show exceeded all expectations. A broad array of added money, incentivized classes, a deep prize line and inclusive events ensured many exhibitors had their moment to shine.

Arizona Fall Championship is a magnet for exhibitors throughout the West, Pacific coast and northwest. The ‘Show For Everyone’ truly offered something for every level and division of exhibitor. “AzQHA loves to give back to our western region,” commented Doug Huls, show producer and CEO of Arizona Quarter Horse Association. “We have always made it our mission with this show to offer a world class experience, yet have a fun and welcoming environment that supports first timers and world champions alike.” A major component of that positive environment is the experienced and dedicated staff who keep the show running efficiently, yet takes time to flash a smile, answer questions, lend a hand and offer encouragement.

While the show enjoys a stellar reputation, a couple major changes were undoubtedly factors in the massive increase of horses and exhibitors. New added money classes were offered and the schedule was adjusted to allow all classes to be run indoors with minimal conflicts.

The entire North Hall was devoted to arenas this year. The Ranch show arena with its own warmup arena was constantly bustling with riders and their crews. A separate All Around show arena, with its own dedicated warm up arena, catered to the needs of rail, trail and pattern classes. Reining, Cutting and Cow Horse were held in the Equidome. This layout proved very popular with trainers and exhibitors as it was convenient, cool and efficient. Outdoor covered arenas were also available for exercising and congregating.

This year’s added money was spread liberally, with $55,000 going to everything from Rail, Trail, Western Riding, Cow Horse, Roping and Ranch classes. “A lot of people commented that the added money really sealed the deal on them coming this year,” added Huls.

A returning favorite at AzFC for cow horse fans and owners was the $10,000 Heaven Sent Ranch NRCHA Futurity which welcomed 15 3-year olds into the arena to show off their talents in herd work, reining and fence work. Andrea Fappani, who was last year’s HSR Futurity champion, took both the champion and reserve titles this year. With the high score in all 3 components, his 224 on DT Lil Big Time, earned $4,350 for DT Horses. Another impressive run on Wright Kinda Voodoo marked a composite of 221.5 earning  $3,625 for owners Wagon Wheel Partners.  Tecates Rebel with Jared Jones at the reins and HSR Metallic Kit Kat shown by Ricky Nicolazzi both scored 220. Jones placed third and Nicolazzi fourth, earning $2,537.50 each.

There was more money to go around in the Cow Horse Spectaculars. Bet Shesa Playmate with Garrell Reilly aboard notched solid scores in herd work, reining and fence work to win the Amateur Bridle Spectacular and a $680 check. Lori Boaz showed CR Tuff Star War to win second in the Amateur and $510. The Open Spectacular saw Brad Barkemeyer at the top of the leader board with Teles Were Dreamin, picking up a $680 check for their efforts.  Christa Hampton and Whose Tuff accumulated the highest composite score to win $750 in the Amateur Boxing Spectacular.

The $10,000 Added Bar 54 3yr Old Ranch Sweepstakes returned for 2024 with a talented field of young horses competing in Ranch Riding and Working Western Rail. Kendall Woellmer dominated both events with Midnight Marley, owned by Mike and Kris Stevens, placing first under all three judges in the Ranch Riding portions, and 2 out of 3 in the Western Rail. She claimed the round money of $500 for each and $4,100 in the composite. He Man and Ryan Kail took second in both classes, receiving $300 for each round and $3,075 in composite prize money. Toomanyamps and Eva Ritter were third for $2,050.

The Markel $10,000 4 & 5 Yr Old Ranch Riding Derby, sponsored by Markel and Debbie Cooper Performance Horses had 18 horses chasing cash and prizes. Laurel Walker-Denton and Nancy Gillette’s Cash On The Line edged out Avalanche ridden by Kendall Woellmer by a half a point to be crowned champions and received a check for $3,808 in center arena. Avalanche added $2,992 to earnings. Taylen Marler aboard Designerr was third, earning $2,312.

Cash On The Line was back in the awards presentation for the $3,000 Added L1 Open Ranch Stakes, sponsored by Kristin Brock Show Horses. The stakes class combined scores from Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding, Working Western Rail and Halter. The team picked up another $1,020 and the champion buckle. Reserve Champion AzQHA Spurs and a check for $810 went to Cocktail Per Se shown by Sydney Weaver. Mild Revolution with Gary Roberts were third earning $600.

Amateur exhibitors had a shot at the money in the $2,500 Added Chas Roberts 4 & 5 Year Old Non Pro Ranch Riding Derby. Kyrah Bowker rode Spooks Smokin Gunn to first place, claiming the buckle and $1,360. Matt Kimes and HotNRebellious took home the Reserve spurs and $1,080. Avalanche was back in the arena with Melissa Brown in the saddle for third place money of $800.

There were cash incentives in more ranch classes. Always Do and Dana Avila took the top money of $340 in the $1,000 Added Select Ranch Riding Sweepstakes. Sydney Weaver and Cocktail Per Se won $340 in the $1,000 Added Amateur Ranch Riding Derby. The Senior Ranch Riding Derby had $1,000 added and the top check went to Jimmy Dario aboard Cowpuncher Cadillac.

Three Trail futurities spread around more money. Jimmy Dario switched gears from ranch to poles to win the 5 Year Old Futurity and $600 aboard Luck Of The Irish. The 4 Year Old Futurity saw Selfmade Millionaire, owned by Cassie Riggert and shown by Kelly McDowall win $340 for first. McDowall was on a Futurity win streak, riding Sharon Conway’s Made Headlines to first place in the 3 Year Old Futurity.

Pleasure, Western Riding and Hunter Under Saddle exhibitors had the opportunity to win money paid over 5 places. Gary Roberts piloted Whiskey In The Dark, owned by Kim Portney, through the pattern in Saturday’s Senior Western Riding and won the $340 first place prize money. Saturday’s $1,000 added L1 Open Western riding saw Karen Lee Tegner-Manseth’s horse, Blessed With The Best, and Kelly McDowall place first under all three judges and win the $340. Nancy Renfro rode Alexandra Chavez’s Jessica Rabbit to win $340 in Senior Pleasure, while Andrew Sharp rode Code Of Many Colors for Tanya Relander to claim the first prize money in L1 Open Pleasure. L1 Open Hunter Under Saddle rewarded Katherine Reed $340 after Karen Graham’s lovely ride on Monty Carlo. Kelly McDowall showed Blessed With The Best to first place in the $1,000 added Senior Trail class, earning another $340.

Fostering new friendships and camaraderie across the levels, the Sami Fine Jewelry Ranch Team Challenge randomly drew entrants into 26 teams and combined their scores for a slice of $1,000 in added money plus gifts from Sami. Kendall Woellmer and senior horse SJRSmooth Rio partnered with L1 Amateur Sydney Weaver and Cocktail Per Se. Kendall’s 242 combined with Sydney’ 241 topped the leader board for first place honors in the awards ceremony. Youth Kayla Dawson rode Dreamin In Hollywood to a score of 227.5 and was partnered with Woellmer on Customized Jack who scored a 238. The combined score of this team landed them is second. Lil Gun Smokinoak with Amateur Stacy Potter had Select teammate Ann Shriver riding Shiney Jersey to win third place.

The AzFC Non Pro High Point Saddle awards had an added bonus this year of $1,000 that paid over 5 places. Piper Anderson and Keep It To Yourself won the L1 Non Pro saddle along with $340. Amateur High Point saddle and champion check went to Ciera Bennett who had a great show with Set On Kruze. Sharon Conway, riding CR Hershey Bar, took home the Select Amateur saddle and check.

Celebrating the achievements of our Youth Ranch exhibitors, Kimes Ranch sponsored a High Point trophy buckle. Kendall Dawson was the champion in 11 & Under Walk Trot. Danica Anderson was the 13 & Under high point champ and Taylor Hinely claimed the 18 & Under high point award.

Exhibitors who racked up the most points across their division were thrilled to receive Rod Patrick Boots along with a Cinch Jeans & Shirt Certificate in the Best Of Show awards. Runners up received a Professional Choice/ Bob Avila Collection gift certificate. AzFC congratulates the following on their hard work and excellent show:

 

Open All Around Division – Justa Fancy Machine owned by Brooke Webster and shown by Kelly McDowall

 

Open Ranch/Reining & Cattle Division – Cash On The Line, owned by Nancy Gillett and shown by Laurel Walker-Denton

 

Amateur All Around Division – Ciera Bennett

 

Amateur Ranch/Reining/Cattle Division – Dana Avila

 

Select Amateur All Around Division – Kim Portney

 

Level 1 Amateur All Around Division – Brenda Schlote

 

Youth 18 & Under- All around Division – Piper Anderson

 

Youth 18 & Under Ranch/Reining/Cattle Division – Taylor Hinely

The awards booth was a place of non stop smiles with all the prizes. Circuit awards were presented in 130 classes. Champions had their choice of a trophy or a gift certificate from Equine Oasis. Reserve circuit award winners receive a logo’d pull over.

The AzFC fun and winning extended to the barn areas as well with the infamous Prize Patrol roaming the grounds with inventive games and challenges open to all. Players could win electronics, products, and gift certificates from vendors and sponsors.

Big, fun, competitive, rewarding, friendly and inclusive, another Fall Championship is in the books and exhibitor’s experiences are etched deep in the memory vault. This year’s tremendous growth solidifies AzFC’s place as a great show for the western region and for the AQHA industry at large.

Full listings of awards can be found at azfallchampionship.com.