The show hosted all the typical disciplines, but a special addition was the inclusion of fun classes like the Youth/Trainer Boot Scramble, Youth Egg and Spoon Race, and Youth Three-Legged Race. These fun youth classes were limited to those entered in the SOQHA Scholarship Challenge classes and only a $5 entry fee was needed to participate. All of the proceeds will go to benefit the SOQHA Youth Association. Other fun events included the Friday night Exhibitor Party and SOQHA Awards Reception and tasty treats of bagels and donuts on Saturday and Sunday.
Thanks to Kristin Spinning and the hard working staff at the Arizona Sun Circuit, we have lots of fun candid photos to share from around the rings! The 2021 Sun Circuit began over the weekend and will continue throughout the rest of this week in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. Stay tuned to www.EquineChronicle.com as the week […]
Continue reading …Despite the cold and rainy weather, there were GREAT numbers, even BETTER food, and FANTASTIC prizes. Exhibitors came from many states (FL, NC, SC, TN, TX, LA, NY, and KY) to participate in this six-judge show held in the Perry National Fairgrounds climate controlled Perdue Arena.
Continue reading …The horse world lost a bright light on November 20, 2020 when professional horseman, Douglas ‘Doug’ John Carpenter, succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 64. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Rhode Island, Doug was drawn to horses at a young age. When he was only 13, he hitchhiked from Rhode Island to Columbus, Ohio, to see the 1970 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Little did he know at that time, that in just a few years, he would not only be back at the Congress as a participant, but that he would win his first big title at the event.
Continue reading …There is an old saying, “How do you make a million dollars in the horse world? Start with two million.” Anyone who is active in the equine industry can definitely vouch for this statement. But why is this statement true? Why is the equine industry notorious for high-effort, low-profit?
Continue reading …Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many groups struggled to host competitive equestrian events that yielded a profit large enough to be considered “successful” and provide the opportunity for future shows to grow. A best practice for planning the financial success of a horse show requires that the revenue generated from stalls should pay for the rental of the facility. Most clubs start with a working budget from the profits made off the previous year’s show. This money covers the upfront costs associated with the show, such as the hiring of judges, show staff, and for the purchase of awards. If a group is fortunate enough to gather sponsorship money, that has a significant impact on the ability for them to “profit” from hosting the event.
Continue reading …The Arizona Sun Circuit is ON and planning for an even BIGGER equine extravaganza than ever before! There are classes and awards for every level of exhibitor. Sun Circuit offers eight AQHA shows, large class sizes, and NSBA, NRCHA, NRHA approvals all in a premium facility with great weather. You can amass points, show your best, and enjoy a fun break with your family and friends in Scottsdale, Arizona- February 27- March 7th, 2021.
Continue reading …Every year, riders are plagued with limb injuries to their equine partners. Sometimes, this is a small blip in the training schedule. Other times, it spells the end of a competitive season.
Continue reading …Before we delve too deeply, let’s review the mechanics of the four, basic gaits. The walk, the slowest of course, is a four-beat, lateral gait. Each hoof will touch down independently, giving the four “beats.” The term “lateral” indicates that both left side legs will move and then both right (or vice versa). This is in contrast to some other animals, such as salamanders, which move at a “walk” with diagonally paired leg movements.
Continue reading …When you were a kid, there was nothing better than a snow day. Remember back to your childhood. You’d wake up early in the morning, prepared to get ready for school, only to look out your bedroom window and discover that the world had turned into a winter wonderland over night!
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