A Select Few – Select Exhibitors Tell Their Story

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70 – August/September, 2016

by Susan Winslow

Google and Facebook may be targeting the 50+ crowd with advertisements for Metamucil, creams to get rid of age spots, and tips on how to spot a heart attack, but they have missed an essential element of the baby boomer generation: this demographic isn’t thinking, feeling, or acting old.

This refreshing can-do attitude is reflected in the caliber of riders in the Select division at shows across the country. These are serious competitors who successfully juggle work, family, and horse time and compete at the top of their game from regional circuits to World Show competition. Many have been involved in AQHA competition since their youth days, while others are returning to the sport they love, or realizing a lifelong dream. No matter how they get there, these are riders who love their horses and their sport. And they’re here to win.

AQHA has responded to the demand for classes geared toward mature riders who are still competitive. Chief Show Officer Pete Kyle says, “Select amateur classes are designed to provide an avenue of competition for our more mature amateur exhibitors, and they continue to be some of our most popular classes. According to the AQHA Membership Survey data collected last year, nearly 50 percent of our membership are ages 56 and over. Although not all of these individuals show, it’s important for us to showcase the talented and hardworking individuals who spend countless hours doing what they love, showing American Quarter Horses. Each year, select exhibitors have the opportunity to qualify for the Adequan Select World Championship Show, which is dedicated solely to exhibitors 50 years and over. Exhibitors 70 and over, known as Super-Selects, are also recognized at the show for their achievements, along with our Adequan Level 2 Select champions. We also added additional divisions at our AQHA Level 1 Championships, which includes Select classes.”

With competition in full swing, The Equine Chronicle checked in with a few Select competitors to find out what it means to be a part of this exciting division.

Marilyn Masterson

Marilyn Masterson and her husband, Ken, are the owners of Masterson Farms, LLC in Somerville, TN. Marilyn grew up in Lexington, Kentucky riding and competing with Saddlebreds. It wasn’t until she met her husband, Ken, that she made the switch to Quarter Horses. Ken recalls, “She was really into those Saddlebreds, but I knew if I could get her on a Quarter Horse, she’d love it. I signed her up for a Walk-Trot class and she beat 31 other riders to win. That did it.” Marilyn laughs, “I was hooked!”

Click here to read the complete article
70 – August/September, 2016