Around the Rings Photos and Results – 2023 SAQHA Saguaro Classic

By Delores Kuhlwein

The Southern Arizona Quarter Horse Association recently wrapped up their multi-judge show held January 25-29, 2023, at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Park in Queen Creek, Arizona.

The show was approved by: the American Quarter Horse Association, the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, the Southern Arizona Quarter Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association and the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association.

It featured a Double Judged VRH Show, AQHA Rookie Classes, Rail and Trail Classes, Ranch, Reining, Cutting, Halter & Showmanship, 2 Rounds Roping Including Open Breakaway, All Breed Classes, Walk/Trot Classes, NRCHA Classes Ranching Heritage Classes in Roping, Ranch Horse, Ranch Riding & Cutting, and more!

Judges: John Briggs – Texas, Sandy Jirkosvsky – Texas, Mike Jung – Utah, – Mark Sheridan – Arizona, Leo Fourre – Arizona Doug Allen – Arizona.

The ever-popular circuit in the Valley of the Sun, managed by Carol Whittaker, grew again this year.  “I expected to be up about 40 or 50 horses, but I didn’t expect to be up 100!” Whittaker explains.  “It’s a good thing and I’m glad to see more reiners and more rail horses this year.”

Show High Points:

 

L1 Youth:

High Point:  Hangin Easy with Bentley Jackson

Reserve:  Very Smart Idea with Jack Kimes

 

Youth:

High Point:  Hangin Easy with Bentley Jackson

Reserve:  The Best Ryde with Madeline Rippeon

 

Walk Jog:

High Point: Lazy Butt Perfect with Jami Rodriguez

Reserve:  SST Lollipop with MJ Donovan

 

Rookie Amateur:

High Point:  SH FishingInTheDark with Carla Steichen Vetter

Reserve:  Xtra Fun Surprize with Kaitlin Bowen

 

Level 1 Amateur:

High Point: Xtra Fun Surprize with Kaitlin Bowen

Reserve:  The P I Guy with Jodi Luft

 

Amateur:

High Point: Magnums Peppy with Kristen Syburg

Reserve: Sleepin Withthe Best with Kristin Mangosing

 

Open:

High Point:  Pretty Smart Dude with Jacinda Roybal

Reserve:  Customized Jac with Kendall Woellmer

Complete Results:

 

Halter and Showmanship Results: Halter and Showmanship

 

Show 1:  Show 1-compressed

 

Show 2:  Show 2-compressed

 

VRH Results: VRH

 

Thank you to Jacklynn Matthews of JM Photos for the great gallery! Find Jacklynn’s photos from the show, organized by back number, here: Photos By Jacklynn Matthews (pixieset.com)

For more information about SAQHA, visit: Southern Arizona Quarter Horse Association (saqha.org)