Silver Dollar Recap With Miss Las Vegas, Herself, Kina Tavary

EC Blog by: Kina Tavary

The Silver Dollar Circuit marks the beginning of the new show season for most West Coast exhibitors, and it’s quite a phenomenal way to start it at that. The horse show takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and naturally the city’s largest equestrian complex is set perfectly under a fun, southwestern themed hotel and casino, “South Point.” With multiple restaurants, bars, a bowling alley, and even a movie theater, it’s perfect to bring the family.

Las Vegas, most commonly known as the most dazzling city in the country, as well as my hometown, is a perfect setting for the most glitzy and blingy set of people, horse show exhibitors. This is my second year competing at the Silver Dollar Circuit, and, I have to say, it’s always one of my favorite shows. The general mood is always light-hearted and free-spirited. After all, it’s kind of hard to be serious in the City of Sin.

This year was my first year competing as an Amateur in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship on my equine partner, Pass The Black Gold. After competing as a Novice in every event last year, I must admit I was a bit anxious for what this transition to a more difficult level might entail. My new level wasn’t the only change Speedy and I made this show year. After a long and hard decision, I decided that, in order to be able to ride, practice, and spend more time with my horses, I needed them closer and more easily accessible. So, the horses made the move in the winter, or lack thereof, to beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. to live with Ryan and Andrea Kail.

Silver Dollar was the beginning of the show season for many competitors, but it was the beginning of a lot of new things for Speedy and I. If I said I wasn’t nervous, I would be lying. My first day of showing consisted of my two events that I had leveled out of, Pleasure and Horsemanship, which are also are my best classes. As I jogged into my first Western Pleasure class as a Level 2 amateur, Ryan said to me, “Just sit back and show him like you always have.” Those words of encouragement stuck, and my fears suddenly subsided. I rocked back in the saddle and let out my reins, fearless and proud to be showing my beautiful, black beauty. Our highest placings out of the two days showing in Western Pleasure were two seconds and two thirds. I was incredibly proud to be in the high placings with such talented horses and riders. We were just one point shy of the Reserve Circuit Champion. Courtney Archer and A Good N Hot Machine were honorable Circuit Champions in Level 2 Amateur Western Pleasure and Pleasure With Class with Brook Hokana were Reserve.

The Level 1 Amateur Western Pleasure class had an incredibly large turnout with three splits and 38 shown. As I said, there were many changes at this first show of the year. One of them was that my Mom, Karen Minow-Tavary, made her debut on Speedy in the Level 1 Amateur Pleasure class. It was such a cool experience for me to play Show Mom and to get to watch my Mom live out her dream and show for the first time in a decade. She was beyond excited to make it back to the finals and land in the Top 5 placings. The pen was incredibly deep with over 20 horses making it back to the finals.

I found that this show was not only fun for us horse people to watch, but it was easy for “non-horsey” people to engage in. I met quite a few spectators in the stands who asked questions about our sport. The Silver Dollar organizers did a great job of marketing the show and drawing in an array of people. Even if your friends or family weren’t able to attend the show, they could watch and support online via LiveStream, which allowed my grandparents to tune in from Montana.

I think providing a great atmosphere for friends, family, and everyday people to watch is a great way to gain interest and growth in the AQHA. I was also very impressed by the exhibitors who let visitors pet their horses and ask questions. I even saw one gal let a little girl, who was a complete stranger, sit on her horse and take a picture.

This particular horse show was not only fun for us horse enthusiasts, but fun for everyone. Upon the completion of the Amateur events, there was an Exhibitor Party in the Cinch Saloon in the main arena area complete with complimentary appetizers and hamburgers as well as beer and wine. There was live entertainment, with a band and karaoke for those brave enough, or drunk enough, to serenade the audience.

Although I had a lot of personal changes at this show, I also had a lot of growth. The Silver Dollar Circuit is a perfect place to start the show year, gain confidence, have a fun time, and let your inner Vegas Showgirl really shine!

If you’d like to write an EC Blog like Kina Marie, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.