Around the Rings Photos and Results – NPHC Fall Spectacular Horse Show

By Jennifer Barbee, NCPHC

Northern California Paint Horse Club held its NCPHC Fall Spectacular Horse Show on September 16-18, at Rolling Hills Equestrian Center in Corning, California.  The show was held next door to the Rolling Hills Casino & Resort, owned and operated by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. Now in its 20^th year, the casino is a major attraction in Tehama County, bringing tourists to Northern California for tournaments, dining, and concerts. As a matter of fact, NCPHC participants were treated to a concert by the rock band, Staind, as they moved in Thursday evening.

NCPHC Fall Spectacular has persevered over the last three years, becoming known for a fun, relaxing show environment with a great schedule. The show ended each day at a reasonable hour allowing exhibitors to play at the casino, dine at the homestyle restaurants, and experience the natural beauty within a few miles of the equestrian center. Judges were Kevin Hood, Nancie Wright, Teresa Pelton, and Jan Larsen. The event was run by Show Manager Jeri-Lou Biggs, Stall Manager Meredith Biasca, and Secretary Jennifer Mendes, along with the NCPHC Show Committee volunteer staff.

NCPHC set up a “Marked for Greatness” hospitality table near each show arena. Exhibitors were treated to soft drinks, healthy snacks, and samples from sponsors like State Line Tack, Mare Magic, Jkd Tack, AT&T and Banner Bank.  NCPHC gave away a free t-shirt promoting the World Ranch Horse Association to the first 5 ranch horse haul-ins on the grounds.

The show kicked off Friday with Trail over a course designed by Brian Biggs of Cottonwood, CA. Brian said the course was designed, “to ask questions and provide opportunities to show off each horse’s best attributes, whether that’s maneuverability, movement, or manners.” Exhibitors had high praise for the rideability of the course and especially liked the unique “walk around gate” obstacle. APHA Open High Point Horse, Come N At Ya Blue, exhibited by Bobbie Emmons for owner Dana Brown of Oregon, made the course flow for a winning ride.

The biggest draw of the show was a variety of APHA and All-Breed Ranch Horse classes. A full Ranch division was offered including Ranch Riding, Ranch Reining, Ranch Rail Pleasure, and Ranch Trail. The High Point All Breed Ranch horse was SM Custom Playchic (QH) owned by Regina Needham. Reserve was Whoz A Whiz for owner Kelly Hamblin. High Point APHA Ranch horse went to Chics Sensationl Spark, a 2019 buckskin tobiano mare, owned by Robin Niles of Sacramento, CA. Reserve was PDF Truly Lonesome, a 2020 bay solid mare, exhibited by Brandi Payer for owner/breeder Susan Wilcox of Rio Oso, CA. High Point Solid Paint Bred Ranch Horse was More White Trash, a 2016 sorrel solid gelding, owned by Amanda Brewer of Palo Cedro, CA.

NCPHC Fall Spectacular featured deep competition for the Yearling Versatility Challenge. Yearlings must show in In-Hand Trail, Longe Line, and Halter to qualify for the award. Earning points in all the events play Tobiano Color, the High Point Yearling Versatility went to Simon N Garfunkle, a 2021 bay tobiano gelding, owned and exhibited by Diane Alves of Ballico, CA. Reserve was earned by Lazy Day Luvah, a 2021 bay overo gelding, owned and exhibited by Stephanie Dixon of Rio Linda, CA.

On Sunday, NCPHC gave away a free stall courtesy of the Goldmine Las Vegas event in October. Congratulations to Toni Dalluge of Fallon, NV who won the stall in a random exhibitor drawing!

Here are the high points:

Thank you to Jennifer Barbee and Kacie Fleeman for some great candid photos from the show. Candids can be purchased through https://kaciefleemanphotography.pixieset.com/ncphccandids/