Live From AQHA L1 Championship West With Ericka Schaefer

By: Ericka Schaefer

“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” -Helen Hayes

The AQHA Level 1 Championship shows are the embodiment and celebration of this sentiment for the largest equine breed registry in the world. As you walk down the barn aisles of South Point, you will find horsemen and women in every phase of their Level 1 (Novice) careers. Some have attended the Championships in years prior – perhaps even walking away with that coveted gold trophy. For others, this is their first trip to this event – and sometimes even this venue.

As I mentioned in Wednesday’s blog, I fall into the “First Timers” category. I’ve spent quite a bit of time sitting in the stands of the South Point arena, but this year, I finally get to experience things from the other side of the rail. Luckily, I have a multiple Level 1 Reserve Champion as my equine partner. Last year, Isabella Nunes and Ok Ima Good One (Cookie) brought home the Reserve Championship in both the Youth Hunter under Saddle 14-18 and the Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18. I’m hoping some of that luck will rub off this year!

Taking in the energy and excitement of the South Point equestrian center, I began to wonder…where are the other first timers? So I set off to find them!

Garrell and Preston Williams with Drag It By The Bud.

I first spoke with Garrell Williams of Casa Grande, AZ. who rides with Ryan and Andrea Kail. She and her 6-year-old gelding, Drag It By The Bud, usually show in the Cowhorse classes but have recently added Halter and Ranch Riding to their repertoire. Garrell says her goal for this show was just to hear her name called. The pair have more than surpassed that by already racking up quite the collection of trophies this week. They took Champion spot in the L1 Amateur Performance Halter Geldings and then went on to be crowned Champion of Champions on Wednesday.

Garrell admitted that she was nervous for Halter – her very first class at this show, but it was the biggest surprise of her life walking out of the pen with gold. The show has continued to progress positively for the pair as they snagged sixth place in L1 Amateur Ranch Riding, and they are looking forward to competing today in Rookie Reining.

Garrell would like to thank Ryan and Andrea for all of their guidance as well as her husband, Preston Williams, for “being the best horse show husband there ever was.”

Later in the day, I discovered that we were sharing a barn aisle with another first timer – Connor Barrett of Tucson, AZ, who trains with Tom and Kelly Duke of TK Duke Performance Horses. He is riding SR Valentine (Shana) in the Rookie Ranch Riding and Rookie Reining for PLB Investments. While Connor has been riding since he can remember and showing Cutting horses for years, he and Shana have only been working together since January.

Connor Barrett and SR Valentine.

For the past several weeks, the team has been practicing their Ranch Riding and Reining patterns – paying special attention to the jog and lope transitions as well as their turn arounds and stops. Connor says one trick with Shana is that you have to ask perfectly, but that has made her a great teacher.

His goals this week were along the same line as Garrell – to have his name called in at least one class. The hard work paid off, and Connor and Shana were fourth in Rookie Ranch Riding. He says it would be amazing if they were a finalist in the Rookie Reining as well.

Connor would like to thank Tom and Kelly as well as his parents for all of their support.

L1 Amateur Ranch Riding Finalists.