The Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit is Welcoming a New Leader!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 18, 2025

After twenty-eight years, long-time show producer Jan Bruner of Cave Creek, Arizona, is handing over the reins to Jarrett Cartee of Whitesboro, Texas.   Both anticipate a smooth and seamless transition.

“Jarrett,” Jan noted, “is the perfect person to take over the Las Vegas Silver Dollar.  He is an experienced Show Manager and Show Secretary, and does many AQHA shows around the country.”  Jan continued to state that “Jarrett is uniquely qualified for the top position at the Silver Dollar.  He has worked with the show for the past six years with Kathy Avolt’s An Equine Production and knows all the ins and outs and details of the Silver Dollar.  Besides, like me, he is an exhibitor himself, so he’ll certainly be able to maintain the show description of ‘a show run by exhibitors for exhibitors.’ ”

“First,” Jarrett said, “I am honored that Jan has entrusted me with what she has created, and to continue growing that level of experience for everyone in attendance.  We have a lot of exciting plans for 2026 and beyond with the show.  Stay tuned for more details of exhibitor parties, new classes, and so much more.”

The Silver Dollar Circuit actually began in 1979, held in a parking lot of one of the casinos.  In 1997, Jan took over the show, which was being held at a county horse park in Las Vegas. Three years later, the show was moved to Reno, Nevada, as it had outgrown the Las Vegas facility.  While the show thrived in Reno, it was never the same as being in its original home.

In 2004, the (then) South Coast Hotel Casino was nearing the end of construction on an equestrian facility to be housed right in the hotel/casino complex.  When the owner of the South Coast, Michael Gaughan, offered Jan the chance to bring the show home again, there was no debate.  Thus, the Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit was reborn.

During the subsequent twenty years, the Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit evolved into a true Las Vegas experience.   One well-known trainer remarked, “Jan built a horse show that everyone loves. As an exhibitor, you feel like the show really cares.   Every year, there has been something new and exciting.  Jan was never afraid to experiment – to try something new.   Like this year, we had the incredible $20,000 Trail Challenge, which was super fun.   But even though Jan plowed new fields in horse showing, the show always ran smoothly.  For my clients, it’s their favorite show.”

The continuity of having the barn, arenas, and the hotel all under one cover provides a weather-proof place to show.  In addition, with multiple movie theaters, bowling, a pool and spa, to say nothing of the many restaurants, the South Point makes Silver Dollar a super family-friendly horse show.

Perhaps most important to the horse show community, however, was Mr. and Mrs. Gaughan’s own knowledge and appreciation of horse showing.  As such, the Gaughans have made continued improvements over the years, incorporating exhibitors’ input and turning the Equestrian Center into a state-of-the-art operation.   Every one of the staff of the SouthPoint Equestrian Center, under the leadership of manager Steve Stallworth, take the posture of “let’s find a way to say YES”.  The upshot is a top-notch facility that is run smoothly and efficiently.

And that is the approach the Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit has had in the past, and will continue under Jarrett’s leadership in the future.

 

For more information, contact:

 

Jarrett Cartee (912) 531-9510            Jan Bruner (602) 370-6979

jcartee.96@gmail.com                          brunergroup@gmail.com