Ranch Trail: Where Practicality Meets Precision
Blending authentic ranch work with show pen polish, Ranch Trail has become one of the fastest-growing western classes. Judges and top exhibitors explain the obstacles, strategy, and horsemanship behind standout performances.
If you’ve attended an APHA or AQHA World Show any time over the past decade, you’ve probably heard these lyrics from I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra playing over the loudspeaker during Halter classes. Why? It’s Bob Cassata’s favorite song, and somehow he has convinced the announcers to play it every time he wins. And Bob wins a lot. So, everyone is pretty familiar with this particular tune by Ol’ Blue Eyes.
Continue reading …From The Publisher – The Art Of Breeding
May 3, 2026 Comments Off on From The Publisher – The Art Of Breeding
I was talking to a famous horseman with over fifty years experience breeding, and he was giving me his philosophy of breeding and judging horses.
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He was beautiful from the day he was born. He’s super flashy, and he grabs your attention. He stands out because he’s so pretty and correct,” Joy Stehney said of Raylan Givens when the young stallion began racking up wins in his weanling year.
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Fifteen-year-old Simone West of Oak Grove, Missouri, exemplifies the very best of the up-and-coming generation of horsemen.
Continue reading …My Life Between The Reins · World Premiere, Hollywood, CA
March 27, 2026 Comments Off on My Life Between The Reins · World Premiere, Hollywood, CA
Filmmaker Marilyn Swick’s documentary, My Life Between the Reins, has been making the film festival rounds, winning awards, and captivating audiences with the story of Paige Baylis, a determined equestrian who doesn’t let cerebral palsy slow her down. Paige is well-known to many on the AQHA show circuit for her indomitable fortitude and infectious positivity. Without her hero-mom, Susie, who has been at her side all the time, and is a fixture at the shows, Paige would not be where she is today.
Continue reading …Taylor Searles Leaves Collegiate Coaching Behind To Return To Her Roots
March 25, 2026 Comments Off on Taylor Searles Leaves Collegiate Coaching Behind To Return To Her Roots
TS is in Her Reinvention Era. And while it probably won’t include catchy tunes and poetic lyrics, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of sparkly outfits.
Continue reading …Training Topic: Leg Yields And Side Passes
March 23, 2026 Comments Off on Training Topic: Leg Yields And Side Passes
While to the casual observer leg yields and side passes may appear similar, their intent, energy, and execution differ–and those differences matter. But successfully completing either movement begins long before a pattern calls for it. Proper training, body control, and clear communication are essential to producing lateral movement that is both correct and credit-earning.
Continue reading …Behind The Clipboard: Seasoned Judges Share Insights From The Center Of The Pen
March 21, 2026 Comments Off on Behind The Clipboard: Seasoned Judges Share Insights From The Center Of The Pen
It’s that time of year when newly carded judges are named – an announcement that should be accompanied by a celebration, as the path to get there is not for the faint of heart, and the responsibility of holding a card is not one that is taken lightly.
Continue reading …Back Numbers: It’s All In The Details
March 19, 2026 Comments Off on Back Numbers: It’s All In The Details
It only takes a moment sitting ringside at a horse show to appreciate the attention to detail that competitors bring to their sand-covered stage. Each crystal-covered jacket, perfectly placed band, tightly wrapped braid, and tangle-free tail creates a picture-perfect image for judges to evaluate. The effort and investment in competing in this sport cannot be overstated. Yet, there is one area that many exhibitors often overlook: the proper display of back numbers.
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