It’s A Wrap! Sun Sets on 2014 AZ. Sun Circuit in Spectacular Style- Final Weekend Results
Photo courtesy of Gordon Downey.
By: Brittany Bevis
As a stunning multi-colored sunset dipped into the horizon last night over the desert sands at WestWorld in Scottsdale, the sun was setting on one of the largest AQHA circuits in the country. Exhibitors who attended the 2014 AZ. Sun Circuit were treated to a full two weeks of fun in the sun, incredible class numbers, and fabulous social events at the newly improved WestWorld complex in Arizona.
Photo courtesy of Gordon Downey.
At the onset of the show, we spoke with Show Coordinator Doug Huls who anticipated that the event would top out at approximately 1,400 stalls and hopefully match, if not best, the record-breaking 16,928 entries in 2013. The final numbers are still being tabulated, but, if the first portion of the show was any indication, it’s a good bet that show management will definitely have something to celebrate this year as well.
In the first three days of competition alone, junior and senior working cowhorse entries had doubled over last year, cutting entries were up by 15 in junior and 10 in senior, amateur western riding saw an additional 17 riders participate, and ranch horse pleasure topped out at 86 entries between the open and amateur divisions. In anticipation of an influx in trail entries, the arena was split into two sections and sign up blocks were utilized.
Photo courtesy of Gordon Downey.
And that was all before youth week began, which amped up the numbers even higher. 23 entries in Novice Youth Trail, 39 in 14-18 Trail, and 42 in 14-18 Horsemanship is just a taste of what the final portion of the show offered to youth participants. Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for the official numbers coming in as soon as they have been verified.
In a touching turn of events, a whopping $120,000 was raised for professional horseman Benny Guitron’s medical expenses thanks to a live and silent auction that took place over the weekend.
Finally, no horse show could be complete without some fun barn rivalry, especially with the last day of the show taking place on Super Bowl Sunday!
Go Broncos! Photo courtesy of Kristin Spinning.
Go Seahawks! Photo courtesy of Kristin Spinning.
Click on the links below to view results from Friday-Sunday.
Cow_Horse_Youth_Am_boxing_0201
HunterUnderSaddle_all_0202 copy
Photo courtesy of Gordon Downey.
In case you missed any of our coverage of the Sun Circuit, check out the links below to view daily around the ring photos and results.
Day 1-3 Photos and Results From AZ. Sun Circuit
