Next Generation of Youth Horsemen to Present Demonstration at 2015 Iowa Show Circuit

Iowa Show Circuit

The Iowa Show Circuit is excited to announce the theme of “Inspiration” for our demonstration/clinic that will be held after the Novice Show on Sunday, May 31st at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. ISC kicks off with a Novice Show on Sunday, which will be followed by six AQHA shows June 1 – June 6.

Novice competitors can be inspired by watching two of AQHA’s best “next generation” horsemen as they demonstrate Ranch Riding and Horsemanship patterns and skills. Addison Fjelstad and Klay McDowall will go through their World Show patterns, break them down, and then AQHA Professional Horseman and Judge Kelly McDowall will step in the arena to talk about what judges look for in these classes. Each demo will have a Q&A session. The audience will also have copies of the pattern to follow along and make notes.

At the young age of 16, Klay McDowall is already an old hand at riding and showing Quarter Horses. He has won many awards and qualified for his first AQHYA World Show at the age of eight. He has an impressive Congress resume, having won an 11 & Under Reserve All-Around Championship title and an 11 & Under Championship in Trail. His most recent Congress awards in 2014 include a Congress Championship in 15-18 Western Riding, a Congress NYATT Championship in Horsemanship, and a Congress Championship in 15-18 Horsemanship.

Klay had a stellar AQHYA World Show in 2014 when he was named the World Champion in Youth Horsemanship and placed third in Youth Western Riding. Klay lives with his parents Kelly and Marnie and sister Claire McDowall in Franktown, Colorado. He currently shows his horse, Certainly A Blaze, in Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding. Klay is also on his high school varsity track team and runs the 300 hurdles as well as several relays. He is also active in student council, The National Honor Society, and international baccalaureate programs.

Addison Fjelstad, 17, started taking English/Hunter Jumper riding lessons at the age of seven. Five years ago, she started riding with Monty Bruce at Monty Bruce Training Center in Northwood, IA. Her passion for the performance horse has her diving in head first into Cowhorse, Cutting, Reining, and Ranch Riding classes. Her dedication and love of the sport has helped her win multiple NRCHA World Championship titles, an AQYHA World Championship in Cowhorse Boxing, an AQHYA Reserve World Championship in Ranch Riding in 2014, and a Top Ten finish in Ranch Riding in 2013 on her show horse, Mini Mes Mercedes.

During the past two years, she has been training a two-year-old and a three-year-old with Monty’s guidance. She just sold one of them and will hopefully be showing her other in futurities this fall. In addition, Addison is currently competing in the AQHA Young Horse Development Program. She was awarded a filly from SunUp Ranch, in Brainerd, MN last fall that she is responsible for raising, training, and showing in a Halter class. Monthly documentation on the horse’s progress is required and a final project book will be submitted for judging in September 2016. There are awards for first through fifth place. To showcase her progression through the program, Addison also writes a monthly article that’s published in Performance Horse Digest magazine.

During the event, Progressive Nutrition will present an educational segment led by Russell Mueller between the Ranch Riding and Horsemanship sessions. ISC thanks Progressive Nutrition, Nutrena, and Rock Ridge Ranch for sponsoring an Exhibitors’ Pizza Party to enjoy during the demo/clinics. Additional giveaways and drawings will be held in the Jacobson Arena during the sessions too!

For details about the Iowa Show Circuit’s full show schedule and the latest information, visit IowaShowCircuit.com or connect with Iowa Show Circuit on Facebook.