What Happens in Vegas Never Stays in Vegas…

By: Brittany Bevis

The 2014 Silver Dollar Circuit has been underway for a few days, and, so far, the event appears to be running on par with entry counts from previous years. As in the past, the largest classes at the circuit can be found in the trail and western riding disciplines.

Show manager Jan Bruner, of Bruner Group Equine Events, explains why the use of the AQHA Leveling Program with these classes is beneficial not only for competitors looking for extra points but also for those who desire to compete against horses and riders of comparable experience.

Because the Silver Dollar Circuit is utilizing the new and improved AQHA Leveling system, class titles might look a bit different than usual. For example, the previous leveling system utilized titles like Novice, Green, Intermediate, Progressive, and Open. Now, instead of seeing class titles like Green Trail, Progressive Senior Trail, and Senior Trail, the classes are listed as Level 1 Senior Trail, Level 2 Senior Trail, and Level 3 Senior Trail.

“One of the things we do at Silver Dollar, that’s very popular with exhibitors, is that we split the large Level 1 [formerly known as Green] classes,” Bruner says. “Thus, we have two separate classes for Open Level 1 Trail: Level 1 Junior Trail and Level 1 Senior Trail. Similarly, we have Level 1 Select Amateur Trail and Level 1 Amateur Trail.”

“The result is more prizes for more folks, and it keeps a lid on racking up lots of Level 1 points, which most generally don’t want to do too fast, as they would point out of the Level 1 [Novice or Green]  too quickly.”

Yesterday, Bruner confirms the Open Trail pen saw 170 goes, which they ran by utilizing both sides of the Main Arena. Today, the Amateur and Youth Trail are underway, and she estimates 185 goes will be completed by the day’s end.

One competitor who benefitted from the super-sized open classes was Kelly Roberts, who achieved a Reserve Circuit Champion finish in the nine-point Senior Western Riding circuit aboard Watch Me Im Hot, a horse owned by Kim Portnoy.

Tomorrow, competitors can look forward to halter, showmanship, hunter under saddle, and equitation classes. Until then, click here to view results from the show and photos courtesy of Bruner Group Equine Events.

If you couldn’t make it to Vegas, you can still watch all of the action going on at the show, courtesy of live streaming video at iEquine. Click here to watch now.