Innovation and Tradition Combine in Another Successful Sun Circuit

With a little less than 30,000 AQHA entries and almost 40,000 total entries, the 2026 Arizona Sun Circuit not only felt huge; it was huge. AzQHA welcomed 1,800 horses to WestWorld in Scottsdale, February 27 through March 8th, with 10 days of sun, robust competition across all levels and a plethora of awards and added money. A jubilant atmosphere settled over the show from the start, and smiles continued to hold strong even after 10 days, prompting many to claim it was the best Sun Circuit ever.

“Everything came together to create a show that delivered on all levels,” says AzQHA CEO and Sun Circuit Director Doug Huls. “We had fantastic weather, the facilities were exceptional, and we introduced several new classes, giving exhibitors even more options to show their horses. The feedback I and all our staff heard was overwhelmingly positive.”

Across 15 show and warm-up arenas, and throughout all disciplines, schedules ran efficiently even when class entries exceeded expectations. Huls credits his team, saying, “We’re very fortunate to have excellent staff at every level, from office to gate, and our arena managers keep everything moving along.”

Maximizing facilities also helped absorb the large number of horses. Exhibitors in the cattle classes were pleased with the new permanent warm-up arena that Arizona Quarter Horse constructed and financed. Working in close partnership with WestWorld, plans are underway to further expand lunging and riding capabilities.

The core philosophy of Sun Circuit is to ensure a thoroughly enjoyable experience for exhibitors, their friends and family. Added money events, parties and give-aways go a long way to make that principle a reality. Random drawings for five Axis side-by-sides worth over $10k took place, and Prize Patrol offered fun games both in the arenas and around the barns, spreading fun along with thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics, gift certificates, and horse products. A lunch party sponsored by AzQHA and a second sponsored jointly by Ogden Ranch and Kristin Brock Show Horses gave exhibitors an opportunity to mix food with fun.

 

While achieving one’s goals in the arena is a valuable reward, winning cash for those efforts sure makes a show more fun, and this year’s Sun Circuit had plenty of cash to go around. Over $81,000 went to winners in AQHA and NSBA added-money classes, with another $35,700 in AQHA roping. Super Sires brought an additional $14,500 to the table. In addition, 36 saddles were awarded to Circuit and High Point champions along with trophies, silver platters, buckles, pads, Rod Patrick Boots, spurs and champion rings.

Highlighted offerings included the $10,000 Added KRT Show Horses 4 & 5 Year Old NSBA Open Trail, sponsored by Kent Ray Taylor, which has become a spotlight event. Out of 21 horses, Hez Extreme, shown by Terry Cross for Toni Hughes, claimed $3,831.68 and the champion saddle. Reserve honors and $2,634.28 went to Cool Sultry Lady with Tyler Schultz aboard for owners David & Wendy Brodersen. Stoppin For A Invite, shown by Micah Hansen for Kirk & Debra Sharp, was third, winning $2,275.06.

Running concurrently, the Machine Made $2,000 Added Limited Rider division saw Cool Sultry Lady and Tyler Schultz back in the winner’s circle, receiving another check for $1,049.14 and a Sterling Custom Saddle sponsored by Kathy’s Show Equipment and Sterling. A tie for Reserve awarded $725.14 to A Blue Is Coming with Kendra Weis at the reins for Jordan Macan, and to VS Nice Ride with Becky George for Nicole Conner.

Hez Extreme and Terry Cross also won the concurrent $2,500 Added Super Sires division, earning another $1,600 for Toni Hughes. Cool Sultry Lady earned another $1,100, while Stoppin For A Invite won $950.

More money enticed Trail exhibitors by combining scores from each go of Junior in the $7,500 Added VS Code Blue/VS Goodride 5 and Under Maiden Stakes. The Goldenn Girl, owned by Eric Mendrysa and shown by Jesse Jones, put together the rides to claim the champion title and $2,639. Go Swish shown by Taylor Searles for Jim Searles earned $2,233 for the reserve spot, while Brad Ost showed Blue Blazer for Susie Johns to earn  $1,421 for third.

Moving on to the $7,500 Added Nothin But Nett 5 & Under Maiden Stakes Western Riding, it was Dun Gone Southern, shown by Sara Simons and owned by Josh Weakly, who took top honors and a check for $2,864. Susie Johns’ Blue Blazer, shown by Brad Ost, was back in the money, taking second and $1,650. The Goldenn Girl added $1,275 to her earnings in third.

A trio of added-money Derbies and Stakes classes awaited exhibitors in Ranch. Kail Quarter Horses added $2,500 to the 4 Year Old Ranch Riding Derby. After 17 runs across L2 and L3 Juniors, it was Mike Edwards showing Ann Rosato’s horse, Caughtup In A Moment, to receive the champion’s buckle and a check for $1,456. Close behind, CBK Lyle Loves It with Bud Lyon aboard for Kaylyn Sanders cinched the reserve money of $1,144. Laurel Walker-Denton showed her horse All Ice No Chrome for an $884 payday.

Non Pros had their shot at a piece of $2,500 added and jackpot money in the Rancho D’Siete NP Derby. Magnums Peppy, shown by Melissa Brown, topped the scores to take home the buckle and $2,012.50. Kim Lyon and ChillinLikeAVillain were reserve, earning $1,449.00 while Lane Kail rounded out the top three with SS Walk The Line, winning $1,046.50.

Headley Quarter Horses sponsored the L1 Open Ranch Horse Stakes, adding $2,500 to the prize line along with a saddle to the champion. Composite scores from L1 Ranch Trail, L1 Ranch Riding, L1 Working Western Rail plus halter determined the winners. Beth Clemons showed Certified Copy, owned by Sandy Vargo to win the saddle and $1,250.

Mike Edwards was back in the money with Caughtup In A Moment, earning $750 and a saddle pad. Performance boots and $500 went to Great Sparks Of Fire owned by Sherri and Phil Tearney and shown by Laurel Walker-Denton.

The Chas Roberts NSBA Non Pro Ranch Horsemanship had $1,000 added, but the intrigue and buzz of this new class is what drew 42 entries. With only one go, the class resembled a Ranch Riding pattern with spins, transitions, logs and side passes, but the fundamental difference is that Ranch Horsemanship focuses more on the rider, not the horse. Exhibitors remained around the arena after their runs to support one another in a party-like atmosphere. Katie Fox showed Seismic Reaction to top the field and win $550. Right behind them were Sarah Rose Jons and Inferno Joe, tied with Sydney Weaver and Cocktail Per Se, each receiving $341. Prizes were awarded through 13th and cash paid through 8th place, but all exhibitors felt the excitement of being the first in what will surely become a Sun Circuit favorite.

The National Championship of Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation has been a popular, tournament-style competition which culminates in head-to-head ride-offs between the top four finalists from youth, amateur and select in each class. Champions receive a buckle and all finalists are awarded an embroidered leather jacket. In Showmanship, Charlotte Green and Mechanic Parkin Only advanced to the top spot in Amateur, and Heidi Rasor showing Best Gift Yet received the buckle in Select. Youth Showmanship saw Izzy Hostetler and Gimme Ur Best Stuff reach the champion title.

In Horsemanship, sponsored by Cinch, April Gentry and Hez Simply Western were the Select Champions, while Charlotte Green and Mechanic Parkin Only received the buckle for Amateur. Liv Winter and Miss Dark Sparkle topped the Four Finalists in Youth.

The Equine Chronicle sponsored the trio of Equitation National Championships. Estelle McParlan and Cool Made Machine emerged as champs in the Youth. April Gentry’s ride on Hez Simply Western won her a second buckle in Select and Kaleena Weakly with Dun Gone Southern earned the Amateur buckle.

Seeking to inject new opportunities for western performance horses and exhibitors, a new pattern class, Western Versatility, joined Sun Circuit’s lineup this year. With an emphasis on forward movement, judges placed horses with an eye toward a natural headset and a balanced, fluid stride. Riders remarked that the class was both challenging and fun.  Savannah McGuire rode Icandie to the win and took home a Big Screen TV. Margaux Tucker rode The Genuine Draft for second and won a Blackstone Grill.

Sun Circuit welcomed back English Versatility for its second year. Like a Hunt Seat version of a Ranch class, English Versatility is designed to show the fun of riding a versatile, forward-moving horse in a pattern class with poles, cavalettis, and transitions. In the amateur, Kristin Crumpton rode Sleeping With The Best to the win for $500 and a Hever Suitcase, while Cool Made Machine and Hannah Lind won $500 and a Hever Suitcase for the Open.

Sun Circuit offered several NSBA Futurities Pleasure, with Gil Galyean Quarter Horses sponsoring the Western Pleasure. Michelle Monteith showed Feeling Groovy, winning both the 3/4 year Old Non Pro Pleasure and the Limited for a combined total of $1,089.52. Tonya Brown showed Lady Marmalade in the $2,500 3 Year Old Novice Horse for the win of $836.88, while Angie Cannizzaro showing Speck It Out picked up $557.92 for second. In the $1000 Added NSBA 3 Yr Open Western Pleasure Futurity, Clay Arrington rode Ronnie Kent’s horse, Thirsty Thursday to win $836.88, and Gil Galyean piloted J Cool to second for $557.92

Ogden Ranch sponsored the NSBA Hunter Under Saddle futurities with $1,000 added to each. Beth Case and Couture In Chrome received the trophy and check for $757.92 in the 3/4 Year Old Open. Keith Miller showed Jessica Wolfer’s horse, Im Better, to second earning $505.28. Angela Fox and Flat Broke topped the scores in the NSBA 3/4 yr Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, winning $598.05. Kelley Marie Martin showed Bless this Hot mess to receive the second place money of $465.15 while Southern Krymsum and Chris Lagerblade took third for $265.80.

Cow Horse and Cutting exhibitors had the opportunity to score some cash combining the two classes in a series of Spectaculars. Kimes Ranch added $2,500 to both the Junior and Senior divisions. Shadd Parkinson dominated the Senior with Smooth Rey Talker earning $1,372.00. In second it was Royal Stunner shown by Nic Howard earning $1,078.00. In third, Once In A Blu Bay with Jared Jones aboard picked up $833.00. Shadd picked up wins for both first and second in the Junior Spectacular, riding Roses Got Style to the top spot for a $1,288 check and Reyd Bull for second, earning $924.00. Reyzin Stylish Cash and Ken Wold tied Shadd for second and also earned $924.00.

In the $1,000 added Amateur Spectacular, sponsored by Parkinson Performance Horses, Paris Starns and Santanas Rey Gun topped the points, winning $900.00. Matt Kimes rode Hope Shez Catty for second and $720. Amateur Boxers slugged it out for $1,000 in prize money, sponsored by Anchor Cross Ranch. Jeff Wenig and Kit Kat Jule won $1,081.00 for first. Royal Stunner with Jayne Vatcher in the saddle took second for $846.00.

Alea Hansen won $500 in the $1,000 Parkinson Youth Boxing Spectacular riding Million Resonz. Surely This Time with Riley Franz won $300 for second.

Another returning favorite was the Arizona Golden Cowboy which tests a variety of cattle skills by combining scores from Herd Work, Muley Steer Stopping, and Jr. or Sr. Cow Horse. When the dust settled, it was Jake Telford riding Hail Cat taking the title, buckle, and $1,360. Bryce Briggs rode Bois D Arc Tuff for second place, a saddle pad, and $1,020. Jake Telford was back in third with RTR All Rise, winning $680 and a bronc halter.

Sun Circuit is an event that extends well beyond the action in the arenas. AzQHA incorporates activities that contribute to the success of youth in the American Quarter Horse industry as a whole. The show hosted the AQHA Region 7 Youth Conference, a high-energy event designed to inspire growth, leadership development, and connection. Thirty youths took part in games, discussions and presentations, followed by food and fellowship. Arizona youth members held fund-raising events that pay for their Youth World Show stalls and entries each year. Their paid reining warm-up class filled all available time slots, and a 50/50 raffle helped the youth support their many activities. In an effort to engage more youth beyond the show grounds, AzQHYA reporter Bentley Johnson interviewed people with stories of interest to young equestrians.

A large and diverse slice of the extended show family paused on Saturday for a touching tribute and toast to Casey Devitt. The event served as backdrop to The PARD Award, a perpetual plaque in loving memory of him. PARD stands for the qualities Casey embodied: Professionalism, Athleticism, Respect, and Dedication. During an emotional presentation, Curtis Reynolds became the inaugural recipient.

Huls reflects on the show while also planning for next year. He says, “It’s fun to see the enthusiasm brought to the new events. The Non Pro Horsemanship was a huge success and will be an important addition to our schedule in the future. We are also going to continue to build on the English and Western Versatility events. Now that we have gotten those classes introduced and word is spreading about the fun and challenges they present, I think we’ll see growing interest.”

Huls acknowledges it takes a huge team to produce a world-class show. “We can’t thank our sponsors enough for all they do for the show. It is their support that truly enables us to deliver everything we do for the exhibitors. The City of Scottsdale has also been a tremendous partner, and AzQHA is proud to host the largest AQHA circuit in the world in a city that truly delights our exhibitors, their friends and family.”

Complete results can be found at suncircuit.com.