Notes From The Back Gate by Kristen Spinning
Photos courtesy of Kristen Spinning of AzQHA.
AQHA L1 West Championships and AzQHA Pinnacle hosted another pair of successful shows in May 2025 at South Point Arena. For the first time, read about the sense of community and camaraderie in the atmosphere at this show from the keyboard of Kristen Spinning, longtime AzQHA Media Coordinator.
I am used to horse shows being an amalgam of intense determination, shared purpose, hanging with friends, and most importantly, fun. At this year’s AQHA L1 West Championships, there seemed to be a greater intensity to that formula: more smiles that crinkled all the way to the eyes, more exuberant belly laughs, more timeless stares while fingers gently swept silken cheeks.
I have been providing media coverage of AzQHA produced shows for over 20 years. In that role, I see and experience the shows a little differently than an exhibitor or trainer. I see them through the lens. Sometimes quietly, capturing a tender moment between horse and human. Sometimes boisterously, encouraging the fun and sometimes down right silly things that go on around the rings. I love capturing and sharing the memories, telling our stories through images and words.
Roaming the arenas of South Point, the difference in feeling became clearer day by day. Subtle at first, then stronger as the sense of community grew. Every team at this show had their own journey, yet they traveled the path together. Each one vulnerable enough to live their commitment in front of a thousand or more sets of eyes. I admired their dedication and fortitude. I questioned if I would ever have that level of resolve.
My lens caught exhibitors riding out of the arena swinging a finalist medal with the same level of excitement as someone who landed a jackpot pay line on the slots. I also felt the moments of crushing disappointment barely held in check. Yet I knew as that individual rode past in a wordless stare, their determination, their love for what they do, would have them back in the arena to try again.
I value the stories shared around the rings and embrace the roller coaster of emotions that often accompany them. I was struck by how much more meaningful the stories were this year, and how willing people were to tell their story. If anyone questions the impact horses have on health and well being, one only has to spend an hour roaming the rings and barns of a horse show.
I admit that my eyes glazed with tears interviewing determined Walk/Trot exhibitor Karen Loesch who, at 81, credits her horse Jet for saving her life. Jet, a good minded gelding who never had a problem, dumped her in the dirt at their first show together, which led to an ER trip for Karen. A couple of X-rays showed she broke no bones, but had a suspicious shadow on her kidney. Follow up studies diagnosed cancer. Without uncharacteristic Jet’s mishap in the pen, Karen would not have been riding him in that class, or anywhere, that day. Their love, their bond was palpable.
I was inspired by Elizabeth Paul who was told it would be tough for her to ever walk again after a spinal cord injury. Yet she proved everyone wrong and won a Reserve trophy in Select Showmanship. Horses played a significant role in her recovery. Her thousand pound therapist helped with the physical, mental and emotional aspects of healing. The pride of her accomplishment and knowing her horse got her there gleamed far greater that the trophy she held marking the occasion.
There were countless stories of horses who made significant impacts on the exhibitor’s lives. Sometimes an incident so small or quick could easily be overlooked, yet for the person who saw it, who felt it, that moment was life changing.
There were the horses who put everything they had into a class, responded to every cue, then switched gears to bring absolute joy to a lead liner. There were riders who related how their horse had been a stubborn knot head in a class, yet they still gazed lovingly at their partner in the telling, content with the knowledge that is all part of the deal.
That spirit, enthusiasm and joy is what permeated every corner the 6 day show. These are the people who come to a L1 Championship. For certain the stakes were high, pressure loomed, but there was fun and excitement and authentic connections that balanced it. The show offers a place were dreams can be realized and new dreams can be created.
It was a humbling challenge to capture the essence of this show in 1/400th of a second segments. How can a photo ever do justice to the years of practice and heart wrenching setbacks endured just to get here? How does one shot convey the power of purpose, the joy of accomplishment on display all around? It can’t: perfection is impossible, growth is the goal. Like every exhibitor, I celebrate when everything goes right, vow to get better when I miss my goals, and look forward to being in the arenas to do it all again the next time.
See more coverage from the one and only Kristen Spinning on AzQHA’s websites and social media pages:
Pinnacle Circuit – and AQHA L1 Championship
Arizona Fall Championship – The Show For Everyone!
Arizona Quarter Horse Association
Kristen Spinning and Awards Chairperson Penny King bringing joy to exhibitors at Arizona Sun Circuit!
