AZ Sun Circuit: Trail Time, Secret Passwords, and Bouncy Horse Races

EC Blog by: Gabi Salamone and Kili Crawford

I made it a 3 am morning accompanied by a 5 am flight, but I made it to the beautiful state of Arizona. My name is Kili Crawford, and I show Chasing A Dream, aka “Skittles,” in amateur all-around events, and I get the privilege of blogging with my friend and fellow barn mate Gabriella Salamone. It’s crazy to think back on how long we’ve known each other. I remember being at this show about nine years ago when Gabi was riding her youth horse while she was wearing this gold and purple outfit that I just LOVED. Here we are almost a decade later still showing, cheering each other on, and laughing the whole way to the show pen.

Arizona Sun Circuit is such a unique and fun show that gets everyone involved and excited. Every day there are two AZ Sun Circuit golf carts that drive around the show and inside those carts there are prizes, but only for those who know the secret word or phrase of the day. Today’s word happened to be Expensive Hobby (boy is that true!). Now, these are no ordinary prizes; you might find yourself the owner of a shiny new bit or wash rack supplies. Are you cold? Don’t worry, they give out blankets too! Not only that but the members of show staff driving the carts are always open to having great conversation and even will help you find your way around Scottsdale if you aren’t from here. So if you find yourself hearing a funny phrase in the morning at the show, listen closely and keep your eyes peeled!

Today had a lot of arenas going, but for Gabi and I, it was Trail Time. The Trail classes were HUGE! The Senior Trail had over 100 horses, the Select had over 70 horses, and the Amateur had over 40. After a few practices on our horses, and a game plan that Gabi and I came up with while walking the course, it was time to get dressed. Let me tell you, Arizona did not disappoint as the sun set over the beautiful hills (I mean mountains; they are hills when you’re from Colorado!) I walked into the show pen. The lighting was amazing and boy what a time of day to show and make you realize that the world is a huge place and you get to be a part of such an amazing thing! I can’t wait to continue to show the rest of the week and cheer on everyone around me. I will hand it over to Gabi to continue the stories of the day, and I think there is a bouncy ball horse race coming up next!

It’s true, I had the pleasure of watching the Select Hunt Seat Equitation riders compete in a bouncey horse race today! It was hilarious and exciting. When you’re racing for a pair of Rod Patrick boots, you’re definitely willing to do whatever it takes to win! After bouncing along on inflatable horse toys, Linda Watson smoked them all and ended up the victor, while Jo Ann Ruesch Niffenegger won $100 to Merlots! I love that the Arizona Sun Circuit always keeps things fun and exciting! Showing in Trail was a blast, and I’m so excited for the rest of the week!

EC Blog by: Natasha Blanchard

Day 3

Jordan Davis and her horse, A Lazy Illusion, (Deion) are competing here at the AZ. Sun Circuit. Terry Cross and Deion debuted in Western Pleasure and Trail yesterday. Jordan says she was so proud of them both. She will be debuting in Showmanship Thursday morning. Also, Jordan will be showing Tuesday in 3 to 4 Year-Old Non Pro and Wednesday in the 14-18 Western Pleasure.