NYSQHA Celebrates Equestrians of All Skill Levels During Liberty Circuit
By: Anna Culver
During the week of July 4th, AQHA competitors gathered in Cobleskill, New York for the annual Liberty Circuit, an event hosted by the New York State Quarter Horse Association (NYSQHA). Exhibitors competed to a total of six judges over the course of three split combined shows. Featured events included added money classes, circuit awards, and the addition of an Open Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) Walk Jog Pleasure class.
The youth association hosted a spaghetti dinner and a make-your-own-sundae fundraiser with the generous assistance of Glens Concessions, the circuit food vendor. The amateur committee hosted an exhibitor party with D.J. Bruce Dean and catered hors d’oeuvres from Justine’s of Cobleskill on Friday night.
Sponsored AQHA classes included Halter, sponsored by the Agency Specialists Insurance, and Hunter Under Saddle, sponsored by the Center for Holistic and Mental Health and Susan Howe Professional Equine Services. While open stake classes were held in Working Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle, Ranch Riding and Western Pleasure. Individual circuit awards were also earned in individual classes.
The Open EWD class was a new addition to the show schedule. Circuit award winner, Kyle Gay, was proud to share his success with his horse show family, Andy Wilson and Christina Lewis of Weatherwatch Performance Horses, who helped him achieve his goals. Everyone turned up ringside to cheer on his first time competing. With this resounding support Kyle was congratulated by judges and exhibitors alike. Show photographer, Megan Stapley, added a collection of photos to Kyle’s prizes.
NYSQHA was pleased to welcome Megan Stapley Photography to Cobleskill for the first time. Megan’s photos ranged from traditional ring shots to many artistic photos that incorporated the historic buildings of the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. Anyone who missed out on their proofs can contact Megan at www.meganstapleyphotography.com.
NYSQHA wants to congratulate the winners of High Point and All Around awards. This year’s winners of the Small Fry High Point include Victoria Bunn and Thumb Uprising, Rhianna Gilligan and Addicted To Chocolate, as well as Megan Prochazka and Good At Cruisin. The AQHA Rookie Youth High Points were Isabella Raux and Obviously Very Tuff and Morgan Hipkens riding Ultimately Magic. Novice Youth All Around was presented to Skylar Sabo with Soft An Hot and Isabella Raux with Obviously Very Tuff.
AQHA Youth All Around was presented to Isabella Raux and Obviously Very Tuff, Skylar Sabo and Soft An Hot, and Anna Culver with Artful Cha Cha Cha. The Rookie Amateur High Point was awarded to Robn Gay with Loping Only, Lynn Martin and Im Vested In Gold, and Nicole Keppler with ShowMe Gucci. Novice Amateur All Around awards were presented to Kourtnie Clark and Good At Cruisin, Melissa Frasier with PS Yes Your Honor, Renee Kiger with Believe To Achieve, and Nicole Keppler and ShowMe Gucci. Amateur All Around awards include Julie Cole riding Size Matters. Select All Around awards were presented to Melloney Birkett with So Invited and Cynthia Walstedt with CertainSummerSurpriz. Open All Around awards were presented to Julie Cole and Size Matters.
Upcoming shows for the NYSQHA include the August show from the 11th to the 14th with five judges. The show features open stake classes in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle and Working Hunter. There will be a youth sponsored chicken barbecue dinner during the show. The NYSQHA September show on the 10th and 11th features Shootout classes. Shootout Classes are Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Equitation Over Fences for exhibitors who have placed 1st or 2nd at the May, Liberty Circuit or August show in the novice, rookie, amateur, or youth division. $500 dollars in added money pays out the top three places in each of the chosen classes.
