“I have really been struggling for the past couple years to keep things together, both mentally and physically. I had truly lost my purpose in life and was simply going through the motions from day to day without any passion or motivation. This clinic allowed me to put my current state of affairs on hold (remove the cell phone, the stress, the headaches, and the bad people) and surround myself with encouragement and good caring people. That simple break allowed me enough room to refocus, find myself again, and chase a dream. It felt like a fire was ignited in me again that I thought was dead.”

“The Adequan® Select World is one of the most prestigious events in the equine industry for competitors ages 50 and older,” said Patti Carter, AQHA senior director of judges. “It is our goal to bring a talented roster of judges together to judge the show, and we couldn’t be more proud of the highly qualified group of individuals selected for this year.”

Edgar, after leading the first day of competition of the USEF/Cacchione Cup, then clinched the win with a flawless work-off round and won the coveted national championship. “I have never in my life cried after a round,” said Edgar. “I came here with a goal and I wasn’t going to let anything affect that and I accomplished it. We’re so lucky. The people who brought horses here have been absolutely amazing. It’s been a great, great experience.”

Are you a former collegiate judge or someone who has always been interested in judging AQHA classes? The American Quarter Horse Association is seeking qualified applicants to test for their AQHA Level 1 judge’s card.

“Zoro has the biggest heart of any horse I’ve ever had; he just wants to try so hard. You have to earn his respect, so not just anyone can get on him and get the best results. His personality is about a mile wide.”

Kail explained that at an AQHA event or an NRHA event they judge the horse. For the IHSA, they judge the riders on how well they present those horses. They rarely ride the same horse and have no opportunity to warm those horses up or to know what they’re like. “They go in there cold turkey,” he said. “That’s a tough thing to do.” Kail said that the IHSA format helps to develop riders. “I’ve trained horses for 35-40 years,” he said. “Every time I rode a horse, it taught me something.”

“It’s an honor to recognize the breeders who are the backbone of AQHA,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. “They have kept the tradition of the American Quarter Horse alive through their knowledge and dedication, and ensure that the success of the breed will continue for many generations to come.”

The 2019 Lucas Oil AQHA World Championship Show is scheduled for November 7-23 in Oklahoma City.