There is seemingly no end to those surreal horse show experiences that are remembered for years, and referred to with laughter by those who hear about them. Horses that run away with exhibitors in classes, a horse and rider performing a beautiful pattern from the in-gate cone instead of the start cone, or getting all mixed up in a trail pattern are just a few of the bloopers many have experienced. While unintentional, they are great for bringing people together to share a laugh and for creating memories of a great show.
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Her son’s severe sleeping disorder confined equestrian Barbara Wallender to her home. But the situation turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave the self-professed horse fanatic the courage to start her own business. One that’s (almost) all about horses, of course. By Delores Kuhlwein Horses are just a way of life […]
Continue reading …Cases Of West Nile Virus In Horses Are On The Rise
January 19, 2024 Comments Off on Cases Of West Nile Virus In Horses Are On The Rise
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been in this country for 24 years. This disease of birds is spread by mosquitoes and sometimes affects horses and humans as end-stage hosts. The virus entered the U.S. in 1999 with birds brought to the Bronx Zoo in New York. It is a common disease in Africa, west Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
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It’s one of the most anticipated Showmanship maneuvers to watch and the most stressful to per-form–the challenging pivot. The multi-tasking that is involved for exhibitors to execute this technical maneuver correctly can be overwhelming, and it’s equally as demanding for the horses that show in this class.
Continue reading …Celebrating Our Senior Show Horses
January 16, 2024 Comments Off on Celebrating Our Senior Show Horses
Last week, we shared a photo of Bridget Grobosky with Accidental Zipper, her 26-year-old AQHA gelding who is still winning Western Riding titles at Silver Dollar, Sun Circuit, and more. We asked you to share your 25+ year old horses who were still showing and deserve some recognition, and boy, did you ever! The Equine […]
Continue reading …Opening Pathways To Exhibitor Access
January 15, 2024 Comments Off on Opening Pathways To Exhibitor Access
When Select Amateur Debby Brehm set out to write an AQHA rule change proposal that would allow herself and her Amateur daughter to share a single horse, she didn’t know it would take eight years of attempts to make it happen. This annual rule change proposal she brought forth for consideration year after year at the AQHA Convention affectionately became known as “Debby’s Rule.”
Continue reading …Anne Oldfather – A Passion for Excellence
January 13, 2024 Comments Off on Anne Oldfather – A Passion for Excellence
When Anne Oldfather of McKinney, Texas, stood in the show pen at the 2018 All American Quarter Horse Congress–listening to the numbers being called–she was thrilled just to be in the top ten. Then, as all the numbers but hers were called, she realized that she had won the Level 1 14-18 Showmanship championship with her beloved partner, One Exclusive Cookie aka “Cash”. Not only did they win over a talented group of over 150 other competitors, but they did it at their very first trip to the Congress.
Continue reading …The Evolvement of Horse Shows: Have They Become A Luxury Hobby?
January 12, 2024 Comments Off on The Evolvement of Horse Shows: Have They Become A Luxury Hobby?
The discussions online about the expense of today’s shows, and the root of the cause, are rampant. It’s not so simple, really, explains Suzanne Vlietstra, the former owner of Hobby Horse Clothing Co. Inc., for 40 years. She begins with this: Think about shows have changed. Many of us grew up with volunteer-run club shows […]
Continue reading …Two For The Money; Three To Go Show
January 11, 2024 Comments Off on Two For The Money; Three To Go Show
Exhibitors may explore a side hustle when their main hobby or source of income is centered around a four-legged partner. This is done for a multitide of reasons. Whether the side hustle provides a secondary source of income or the opportunity to explore another passion, it also provides a unique opportunity to utilize skills and connections made within the industry.
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Lilly Levesque took creativity and responsibility into her own hands to pay her way to show with her beloved AQHA Henry Ford once said, “Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice.” When high school student Lilly Levesque wanted to show AQHA more than anything, she didn’t ask for money, or expect help, […]
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