Making Horse Shows Fun Again
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166 – July/August, 2023
By Kelli Hardy
A Stellar Event
Held from March 22-25th in Lexington, Virginia, the 2023 Spring Breakout and the Virginia Maiden boasted over 6,000 entries and total payouts of $169,000. The show started off with a special event day for AQHA and VRH Ranch classes then moved into a split/combined 6-judge AQHA show. The judges for the show were April and Casey Devitt, Clay MacLeod, Sandy Curl, Rick Christy, and Dolly Chayer. Show management services were provided by Topline Event Management headed by Christian Jauntig.
A show that offered something for everyone, the 2023 Spring Breakout featured NSBA dual-approved classes, a full slate of EWD classes, and a full schedule of over fence, walk-trot and rookie classes. In addition, all-around exhibitors enjoyed a wealth of prizes including custom belt buckles, iPads, and Yeti coolers for circuit champion and high-point awards.
One of the major highlights of the show once again was the Virginia Maiden 3 & Over Western Pleasure class, which offered a total purse of $74,000 and drew 25 extremely talented horses.
The winner of this year’s class was Saay My Name (Machine Made x HP Only The Best) ridden by Aaron Moses for owners Wes and Lindy Ashlock.
This event has been held every year at the scenic Virginia Horse Center since 1984, and show owner Suzanne Gonzales feels its prime location is a big draw for exhibitors each spring. “Being able to hold this show at the beautiful Virginia Horse Center offers a great deal to exhibitors. There are plenty of places to ride, good footing, two indoor coliseums and a covered pen, and many pens to warm up in,” Gonzales remarks. “The horse center is located in historic Lexington, Virginia, with plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby.”
Gonzales also credits the passion and dedication of futurity managers Cameron Van Sickle and Meghan Tierney for the overall success of the show. “We’ve dedicated so much to this show and people see it,” Tierney remarks. “Seldom do people come to our event and not return.”
The Maiden Classes take Center Stage
Click here to read the complete article
166 – July/August, 2023
