“The Sand in My Hooves and Ocean Breeze in My Mane” – Sun & Surf Wrap Up
2015 Sun and Surf Circuit
“Sand in my hooves and the ocean breeze in my mane.”
By: Kathy Davis
People from all over the world want to come to Del Mar, California on vacation, so why wouldn’t you pack your horse too?
Clay and Elizabeth MacLeod once again rolled out the red carpet for exhibitors and produced a show that continues to impress competitors and judges alike year after year. The hospitality and thoughtfulness the MacLeod’s provide to everyone each year is impressive and certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. The long list of sponsors not only generously support the circuit year after year, most of them show as well.
Variety is the Spice of Life and Horse Shows
The Sun & Surf Circuit always offers a long list of class options for exhibitors at every level to show their horses. Whether you’re a beginner or World Champion, young or old, on a limited budget or have some to spare, this show, like most AQHA horse shows, has something for everyone.
There was some much needed rain for California on Friday morning, which had the reverse effect of dampening spirits of competitors. Most exhibitors weren’t concerned, and the sun came out after lunch.
NSBA Futurities
The show also offered NSBA Futurities, and some of the nicest Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure horses came from all over the country to compete for money, Silverado silver buckles, and $250 gift certificates from Wood’s Western.
3/4 Yr OLD OPEN HUNTER UNDER SADDLE FUTURITY
The Open Hunter Under Saddle Champion title went to “Blameitonthe Alcohol,” shown by Deanna Searles for owner Katherine Tobin.
The Reserve Open Hunter Under Saddle Champion was “Embrace The Dream,” ridden by Nancy Alto-Renfro for Shannon Brown-Korkowski
3/4 Yr OLD NON PRO HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
The Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle Champion was “Yeah I Will,” shown by owner Nancy Keegan.
The Reserve Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle Champion went to Katherine Tobin riding her horse “Blameitonthe Alcohol.”
OPEN WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY
The 3 Yr Old Open Western Pleasure Champion was “VS Costar,” shown by Bradley Ost for owners Joe & Karen Moran.
The 3 Yr Old Reserve Open Pleasure Champion was “Moonin The Girls,” shown by Tonya Brown for owner John Ackert.
Ltd OPEN WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY
The 3 Yr Old Ltd Open Western Pleasure Champion was “Hez Lopin Lazy,” shown by Melissa Zanetti for owner Hilarey Bhatt.
The 3 Yr Old Reserve Ltd Open Pleasure Champion was “Moonin The Girls,” shown by Tonya Brown for owner John Ackert.
NON PRO WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY
The 3 Yr Old Non Pro Western Pleasure Champion was John Ackert showing “Moonin The Girls.”
The 3 Yr Old Reserve Non Pro Pleasure Champion was Hilary Bhatt riding “Hez Lopin Lazy.”
Palm Trees and Parties
Always the consummate hosts, Clay and Elizabeth MacLeod organized not one, but two big parties during the circuit. On Wednesday evening, the food and wine was flowing, compliments of The Equine Chronicle for the Sun & Surf Exhibitors’ Welcome Party.
On Saturday evening, the MacLeod’s brought music, food, drinks, fun to the show with the ultimate Sponsors Party. When you have such supportive and generous sponsors, how can you not try and find a fun way to thank them?
Open Trail Futurity & Non Pro Trail Classic
If you want to see some of the best Trail horses in the world, the Sun & Surf Circuit offers spectators that very opportunity. In addition to the AQHA Trail classes, the show also offers both an Open Trail Futurity and a Non Pro Trail Classic.
Champions in these events took home Silverado silver buckles and 100x hats from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Reserve Champions also were awarded with Silverado silver buckles.
This year’s Champions were:
Open Trail Futurity Champion- “A Chrome Cookie” shown by Troy Lehn for Alexandra Chavez
Open Trail Futurity Reserve Champion- “Eye L Be Certain” shown by Gary Roberts for Kellie Dunn
Non Pro Trail Classic Champion- “Traveling Abroad” shown by Stephanie Kofu.
Non Pro Trail Classic Reserve Champion- “Huntin For Fun” ridden by Brittany Lofton-Morgan
Special horse show people who created special memories
The Sun & Surf Circuit also presents two very special perpetual trophies in honor of two individuals that were lost to our horse show industry. The Barry Pashby Memorial Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the Champion in the 3-year-old Open Western Pleasure Futurity. Taking home that trophy this year were Joe and Karen Moran, owners of “VS Costar,” shown by Bradley Ost.
Sun, Sand, and SILVER!
Thanks to the generous sponsors that support the Sun & Surf Circuit each year, All Around exhibitors competed for custom Silverado silver buckles and $100 Blue Ribbon gift certificates for the Champions. Reserve Champions took home gift certificates from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Harris Leather & Silverworks provided some very nice Lucky Exhibitor Awards.
The MacLeod’s contracted TEEM (Total Equine Event Management), who provided a high level of customer service, technological efficiency, and friendliness in managing the circuit.
TEEM reported a few of the horse/rider combinations that took home some of the sought after awards.
All Around Champions:
11 & Under Youth – Sabrina Maas riding Line Us Up
13 & Under Youth – Kaylie Banks riding Dreamin In Blue Jeans
14-18 Youth – Hannah Forbes riding Hotroddin Ona Harley
Youth Level 1 – Jaclyn Landers riding BMQ Decked In Chrome
Junior Horse-Huntin My Zipper shown by Nancy Alto-Renfro for owner Larisa Affeldt
Amateur-Huntin For Fun ridden by Brittany Morgan
Amateur Level 1-Radical Moon ridden by Stephanie Peck
Select Amateur-“Patsys Royal Secret” ridden by Linda Coakley
Open Level 1-“Shameless Invitation” shown by Ryan Kail for owner Libby Williams Haydon
“Super Select” (age 60+)-Katherine Tobin riding RA Undisputed
So if you’ve never made the trip to Del Mar, California, mark your calendar for May 2016. With a horse show facility that is steps from the ocean, and just a short drive takes you to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park, your family and your horse will thank you!
