Redbud Spectacular Recap!

EC Blog by: Equine Chronicle Intern Kili Crawford

One of my favorite sounds in the whole world is the clip-clopping of horse hooves. There’s just something soothing and dreamy about hearing the even beats on the hard ground. At the Oklahoma State Fair Park during the AQHA Redbud Spectacular Horse Show, this was a daily occurrence. Horses were taken to be longed, ridden, and prepped for each day’s events. The competition was steep as many people took the rare opportunity to get into the arena that would be home to the AQHA and AQHYA World shows come August and November.

There were a lot of friendly faces and joy that was felt throughout the barns as the Redbud hosted the Progressive Dinner Party, which allowed each barn to bring food and decorate their stalls for the chance to win cash prizes. Bruce Walquist’s barn came away with the win followed closely by Leslie Lange’s barn. On another day, the fairgrounds had food catered in for anyone on the grounds to enjoy.

Red Bud show staff did a great job keeping the show fun. They even got the kids involved by having a daily drawing for anyone entered in the Small Fry or Walk Jog divisions. The awards booth was tucked away in Room #7, but, once you were there, glorious grooming supplies awaited. Circuit champions for Level 1 and 3 were awarded with beautiful, wood and leather chairs. Some of those recipients included Anne Wilson in the Amateur Select Showmanship and Courtney Archer in the Amateur Western Pleasure. Hayley Saul beat out the trainers to win the Green Trail and Makayla Maciejewski won the Novice Amateur Western Riding.

Meanwhile, in the Level 2 classes, beautifully embroidered coolers were awarded to the circuit champions. Paris Nottingham won the Level 2 Amateur Showmanship and Jamie Devoe won the Level 2 Amateur Horsemanship. Delanie Mcclanahan won the Level 2 Youth Western Pleasure and Alysia Nielson won the Level 2 Youth Hunter Under Saddle.

Not only were there great prizes but great numbers. The Amateur Horsemanship had over 35 exhibitors and the Youth Western Riding had over 15 exhibitors. The opportunity for points was abundant. As a bonus, the schedule allowed ample time each day to enjoy a nice dinner, which helped to keep a relaxed and fun atmosphere during the 8-day show. As the show came to a close, it was bittersweet as many were ready to go home, but sad to leave such a great event.

Click here to view results from the Redbud Spectacular.