“I have been showing Quarter Horses since I was 13, but this show was not around as a youth. After taking a break from showing horses while I was in college, I was excited to hear AQHA added this show for the level 1 exhibitors as well as restructuring the novice/level 1 division.”

The show began on Saturday, April 14th at 8 am with Showmanship classes containing entries in the upper 30s to mid 40s. The numbers remained in this range all through the day, even with the rain.

Kids are the future of our industry. The small fry of today is the World Champion of tomorrow. Moreover, they add cuteness to every horse show! It’s always really sweet to watch the leadline class and see so many kids that are enthusiastic about their four-legged friends. But how important is fashion for children?

Being a newcomer to the Quarter Horse circuit, the community has been nothing short of welcoming and supportive. I have been incredibly impressed with my local club and its emphasis on the amateur program. In an effort to foster new competitors, OQHA offers free Rookie classes at each of their shows.

Teal is not one of the “classic” colors you would expect to see in the show pen. It’s a fresh, summer color that recalls sea and tropical islands. It is exotic, but not too much. It can easily liven up a black outfit and can be worn by every rider, no matter the age or the level. Black pads with teal (and purple) patterns are also a must have!

The idea to say bye (at least for one show) to my blingy vest came to mind in an early afternoon of May 2016.