Celebrating Mom During SLOCQHA Mother’s Day Circuit
By: Kayla Ghidnelli for Total Equine Event Management (via AQHA Publicity)
This year marks 53 years since the San Luis Obispo County Quarter Horse Association was founded. The club has grown over the past 53 years and is now well recognized for holding the Mother’s Day Circuit, which spans five days into Mother’s Day weekend every year!
Horse Heritage That Gives Back
Many of the SLOCQHA members have been working together for years and when it comes to preparing for the Mother’s Day Circuit, they work day and night to ensure they give exhibitors the best show possible!
Club President Don Crow made the following comments regarding the show this year: “The board of SLOCQHA is an all-volunteer group that works tirelessly year-round to make this horse show the best it possibly can be. With TEEM Equine Show Management and Bill Enk as show manager at the helm during the week, the board of directors has the utmost confidence that everyone is afforded the opportunity to have a great experience in beautiful Paso Robles. Thank you to all of our wonderful exhibitors. Without you there is no show, and we appreciate your support.”
Linda Zohns, who works closely with the club president, had this to say regarding the show. “The Mother’s Day Circuit held this past week in Paso Robles, CA and hosted by the SLOCQHA was a show to remember. After a year long planning effort, a few challenges, the staff and SLOCQHA Board, plus all the volunteers made it a very enjoyable show. Thank you to Farm Supply Co. for the Exhibitors Welcome BBQ Thursday night. Can’t beat their Q!”
Many exhibitors and the judges even shared their thoughts on the show this year.
Judge Sandy Jirkovsky stated, “Best show staff ever! Beautiful fairgrounds. Be sure to put this show on your calendar next year!”
Judge Mario Boisjoli echoes an exhibitor’s thoughts, “It was a great show, lots of fun!”
Judge Kim Borzone also added, “Very proud of the members of the Cal Poly Equestrian Team for returning the favor to a great organization that provides them with so much support! Thank you SLOCQHA!”
“Very nice show!” chimed in Judge Laurel Walker Denton.
One proud exhibitor, Patsy Gilbert, champion of the Non-Pro Wester Pleasure Maturity praised the show and stated, “I love that show!”
Wine-O for the Mom-O
One part of the show that’s unique compared to other shows is that the mothers, who we all know work tirelessly day in and day out, whether they are at a show or not, get to be honored and gifted with a bottle of wine! However, there is a catch to getting the bottle of wine. In order to receive the gift, the mom’s (and possibly even a few dad’s) must enter the free “Mother’s Day All Breed Pleasure Class” in memory of the late Kathy Hunt. This is a walk/jog pleasure class, which doesn’t take much convincing to enter once they find out every rider gets a bottle of wine from one of the local award-winning wineries in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles Coast Is the Place To Be
If you’re coming to the show and looking for some extra activities while you’re visiting, then Paso Robles is the ideal place!
The show grounds is a premier location to bring your horses and your family. Paso Robles has mild temperatures, a vast number of world-renowned local wineries, Hearst Castle, restaurants of several award-winning chefs, luxury golf courses and is situated along the beautiful Pacific ocean.
Cash, Buckles and Bronzes! Oh My!
With over $15,000 in awards and cash prizes, the Mother’s Day Quarter Horse Circuit is definitely a show you don’t want to miss. The prizes range from buckles to custom SLOCQHA jackets, to trophies, and $250 circuit award cash prizes.
A few special awards include a bronze trophy that’s awarded to the Reserve Select Amateur All Around rider in memory of Larry Mitchell. Long time past club president, Marie Miller, also donates a bronze trophy that’s presented to the Circuit Champion in Amateur Level 1 Trail.
Don also added, “The 2019 Mother’s Day Circuit was another successful horse show for the San Luis Obispo County Quarter Horse Association. Great weather, awesome awards, and the always excellent welcome tri-tip BBQ (thank you Farm Supply) made the 53rd year a hit. We would like to thank some of our sponsors – Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Wood’s Western, The Hanchett Family, Michael Hoyt Performance Horses, Busick Quarter Horses, Zanetti Performance Horses, Mike Weaver Performance Horses, Dan Perez-Brother Jackson, Cynthia Cantleberry, Best Western Black Oak, Adelaide Inn, Dr. Sadie Ziel DVM, Borjon Auto Center and all of our sponsors that make this show the success it has become.”
When planning their horse show calendars, many exhibitors choose the Mother’s Day Circuit and combine it with a fun trip for the entire family to celebrate Mother’s Day or bring their non-showing spouse to enjoy a romantic escape.
Zohn’s ended her review of the show by adding, “Not enough can be said to all the volunteers that make this show run well, the wonderful sponsors, fair staff, office staff, judges, vendors, etc. See you in May 2020!”
