2021 Sun Circuit Smashes Records
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By Kristen Spinning
The 2021 Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit exceeded all expectations while delivering the biggest horse show in its 47 year history. The nine day equine extravaganza was held February 27th through March 7th at the expansive WestWorld facilities in Scottsdale, AZ. A perfect storm of pent-up desire to show, a tremendously diverse slate of classes, and a destination-worthy location drew exhibitors from all corners of the country to this event. Returning exhibitors joined many who made it to their bucket-list show for the very first time. The dramatic increase in attendance was apparent before the first classes even started. Additional stalls were erected, more trailers filled the parking lots, and more horses were acclimating to the mild Arizona weather as they casually exercised in a dozen arenas.
Sun Circuit is a premier event in the equine industry for youth, amateur, select and open exhibitors. There were 26,108 AQHA entries and 4,561 NSBA class entries, including Color Breed classes. NRHA and NRCHA classes also saw increased numbers. Once the numerous special events, added money classes, and 2D jackpot classes were tallied, a whooping 38,841 entries were recorded. That’s nearly a 20% increase over 2020’s total class numbers. The explosive growth pressed Sun Circuit management to creatively utilize every inch of the West World show grounds. Several adjustments had to be made to the schedule and additional arenas were opened. Classes were held in a total of 11 arenas and additional areas and pens were available for warm-up.
Innovation is always a hallmark of Sun Circuit, and this year’s show was full of fun and lucrative opportunities. Leann Rhodes was the lucky winner of the fully customized Western Hauler Crew Cab Chevrolet LTZ in the Western Hauler Truck Bonanza Raffle. Sun Circuit also kicked in $4,500 to cover taxes and registration fees for the winner. The entire package was worth about $90,000. Only 500 tickets were sold. Each raffle participant drew a raffle ticket from a box with a number between $1 and $500. The number they drew was the amount they paid for the ticket. All proceeds after expenses went into the pot for the Western Hauler Western Pleasure Truck Bonanza class.
There were 17 qualified horses and riders from L1 Open, Junior, and Senior Western pleasure, in the class. Each Open rider drew a horse’s name as his or her mount. If a rider drew his or her own horse, or a horse he or she had ridden in the past, a re-draw was made. After a few minutes spent getting acquainted, these new teams competed for a slice of nearly $50,000. Payouts were made to all 17 participants and winnings were split equally between the rider and the horse’s owner. Katie Green easily clicked with Susie Johns’ horse, KM Flat Out The Best, to rack up the most points under three judges. Katie and Susie split the top payout of $9,132.34. In second place, Becky and Gil Galyean’s horse, Made Sleepy, gave Rusty Green a smooth ride and earned $5,580.88. Good Vybes, owned by Amy Lynch, and shown by Ty Elrod, finished in third place for a $4,566 check. At the end of the class, the champion, Katie Green, had the honor of pulling the winning raffle ticket.
