Striking Gold in AZ and CA at 2016/2017 Goldmine Circuit

By: Michelle McKay

Carolyn Dobbins has spent her life loving and being involved in horses. She has served on her local equine board; she has been involved with APHA for over 35 years; and she has been a multi-breed carded judge for over 26 years.

Carolyn had an idea over six years ago. She wanted to create a show that was fun, promoted family togetherness, and offered more awards than anyone would expect at a horse show. She worked hard as the show creator, manager, promoter, vendor coordinator, etc. and her tireless hard work has paid off. Her idea has blown up into what is known as The Goldmine Circuit. Through her time and hard work she has created one of the most successful horse show formats in the state of Arizona offering open breed and also breed level classes. Last December, the show was held at WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ to an astounding 1,213 entries.

After all the success in her home state and much prompting from her California supporters, she decided to offer a show there too. So, in March, 2016, she held her first California horse show in Burbank at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Numbers can’t lie – there were 1,197 overall entries with APHA entries at 423 per judge. At the end of the year and after all the numbers are totaled, The Goldmine Circuit will be the #1 APHA show in the state of California! That’s a great success for her first California show!

Now, she’s at it again. December 1-4, 2016 she will be hosting The Goldmine Circuit at the beautiful Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center in Queen Creek, AZ. Carolyn is partnering with the Phoenix Pinto Horse Association and the Arizona Appaloosa Association for this show. Carolyn knows the importance of supporting local clubs and their value in our communities. This show will host APHA, PtHA, and ApHC approved classes along with plenty of All Breed class offerings.

AZ event page link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1041523499274784/

Then, just a few short weeks later, The Goldmine Circuit heads to The LA Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA, January 11-15, 2017. APHA, ApHC, AQHA, PCQHA-approved, and All Breed classes will be offered. But, she doesn’t stop there for her exhibitors. Things then move to the Brookside Equestrian Park, in Elk Grove, CA, July 27-30, 2017 in partnership with the San Joaquin Paint Horse Club for another great show. You can find out more details and stay up to date on all The Goldmine Show details by going to Carolyn’s website at http://www.thegoldminecircuit.com. Also, you can find all the show details on the Facebook page for The Goldmine Circuit Horse Shows.

These horse shows have opened the door for all equine enthusiasts, owners, trainers, and exhibitors across the wide spectrum of breeds to come together, at one show and just have some good, old-fashioned fun again! Whether you own an AQHA, APHA, ApHC, Pinto or another amazing breed, The Goldmine Circuit offers something for you and your special horse.

The Goldmine Show Dates:

December 1-4, 2016 – Queen Creek, AZ

January 11-15, 2017 – Burbank, CA

July 27-30, 2017 – Elk Grove, CA

What Can You Expect?

• Over 1,100 entries
• 150+ trail runs
• 82+ entries in one class alone! A walk/jog all ages class gave away a show saddle to a lucky exhibitor.
• Great vendors
• Exhibitors’ party
• 13 saddles given away
• Endless awards such as embroidered jackets, silver show halters, silver headstalls, Maytex show pads, blankets, coolers, and a treasure chest that contained up to $100 cash!
• Six sweepstakes classes
• Awards for 1st – 10th place
• All awards for saddles, cash, etc. were given out at random.
• Proceeds supported the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.