“I like Trail because anybody can win it on any given day. It keeps you on your toes. There is a different pattern every day you show. You have a connection with each horse you get to show in Trail, and you have a great bond and that trust.”

The NSBA $1,000 Trail Champion was Tommy Sheets with Im Real Classie for Elizabeth Maggert. The NSBA $1,000 Western Pleasure Champion was Doug Rath with Happy Tales To You for Brianna Merklin, who tied with Kenny Lakins and Shadesofbatterlecious for Natasha Ordoff. The $1,000 Hunter Under Saddle Champion was Jennifer Burton with Always Hot N Sunny for Jennifer Stoever. 

“Twenty to thirty years ago, our Quarter Horses, Paints, and Appaloosas, who were promoted as the most versatile horses in the world, competed in Halter in the morning and were then rode in Western Pleasure, Reining, Trail, and Roping events later in the day,” says Don Falcon, Executive Director of WCHA. “This is no longer the case because our Western disciplines have become very specialized because certain bloodlines excel in events that suit the owners and trainers that prefer a specific event. In an effort to bridge the gap between Halter bred horses and performance bred horses, we wanted to showcase the all-around equine athlete that could reach into all disciplines.”

Reminiscent of a Moroccan citadel, Los Cedros is a mix of ancient design and modern flair that provided an exotic and casually elegant setting for the evening. About 260 people attended this special celebration event. Enormous hand-hewn timber doors ushered guest into the lush courtyard where dinner, drinks, fun and friends were enjoyed. Members were greeted with goodie bags from Farnam and photo ops resembling a red carpet premiere.