Around the Rings – 2023 Georgia On My Mind

April 11, 2023 | Filed under: Around The Ring Galleries,Featured,Show Results & Gallery | Posted by: Delores Kuhlwein

Photo credit: Cody Parmenter Photography

The 2023 GQHA Georgia On My Mind show ran from March 31 – April 9, 2023, in Conyers, Georgia, and this year’s schedule offered exhibitors the ability to show every third day!

It also offered ten complete AQHA shows, 2 AQHA World Show Qualifying Shows, and 3 NSBA Shows, and it was AQHA, NSBA, HQHA and GQHA Approved.

The judge pool for such an enormous event was equally impressive: Nancy Sue Ryan, Terry Cross, Chris Jones, Jamie Dowdy, Gayle Lampinen, Sarah Simons, Shaun Gloude, Lindsey Soderberg-Geiger, Tom Robertson, Jeff Greaves, Jerry Erickson, Kelley Wainscott, Brendon Brown, Kelly Chapman, Brad Leubben, Nancy Renfro, Tina Anderson, Brent Tincher, Robin Frid, John Pipkin, and Jessica Gilliam.

Cheyenne Scoot Augsburger with Huntin For Candy

In addition to such amazing competition opportunities, the fun was not forgotten, with The Peter Cotton ‘Trail’ Eggstravaganza on Wednesday, April 5th.

They were all set for a hopping good time with a Man of Trail pattern with ten obstacles, involving special maneuvers like taking an Easter Bunny through the gate, and dismounting at the end to hop into the box, turn a 360, hide Easter Eggs, and hop out of the box! Their basket and attire were judged, entry was free, and all ages were welcomed.

When all the eggs had been hidden and everyone finished the Eggstravaganza, Cheyenne “Scoot” Augsburger and Huntin For Candy won the class!

Kathy Avolt was a good sport as usual! Photo credit: Cody Parmenter Photography

“The last obstacle was fun, being able to drop the eggs in the box,” says Scoot. “I liked that most of the horses just stood there while the riders got off and hopped in the box!” Scoot also explains the class is definitely something to keep doing at the show, since it was so much fun to get ready for and to participate in.

Sampson!

If you look closely at her winning attire and Easter basket, you’ll notice the basket is actually a Highland cow! Scoot says she picked it because she has a mini Highland cow at home as a pet, and his name is Sampson! We had to share Sampson’s photo, since his inspiration was a factor, too!

Congratulations also to the following Peter Cotton ‘Trail’ Eggstravaganza winners:

Amateur Champion
Cowboy Kruzer
Melissa Chasteen

13 & Under Champion
Hot Lil Assets
London Nietzer

Jill Thomas and Thomas Lamson, the winners of the youth versatility challenge fundraiser!

Then on Friday, April 7th, the Georgia Quarter Horse Youth Association produced a fun versatility challenge open to everyone.

Each team consisted of two people, each using a horse of their choice, participating in three classes, including:

A costume contest (choose any costume of your choice), an egg and spoon challenge and a ride a buck challenge (keep a dollar bill under your thigh bareback while riding in a class). The entry fee was $20, and there was a Calcutta beforehand, with 60 percent going to the youth and 40 percent going to the bidder of the winning team. The winning team also won a prize!

The dessert bar was sponsored by All That Show Clothing.

All That Show Clothing also sponsored a dessert buffet and GQHA put on a cash bar during the event.

The winners of the Georgia Youth Versatility Challenge: Jill Thomas and Thomas Lamson!

“They won the overall event, which consisted of an egg and spoon class, a ride a buck challenge, and a costume class. They may not have had a costume but they did great in every other class! We raised over $3000, as it was a fundraiser event for the Georgia Quarter Horse Youth Association,” says Cydney Benes, GQHYA Youth Advisor!

Thank you to Cydney for the results, and congratulations to GQHYA on a successful fundraiser!

Of course, we have some high points to share with you!

High Point Champions (click to enlarge):