As the Sun Sets on Scottsdale… AZ. Fall Championship Blog With Kili Crawford
EC Blog by: Kili Crawford
The 2017 Arizona Fall Championships received a facelift thanks to a new building, which is now home to the three main arenas for the show. This allowed the scorching 99 degree first day of the show to be enjoyed within the air-conditioned arena. The weather cooled down after the first day and turned out to be beautiful.
The 2017 event took place at the well-appointed WestWorld facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, September 20-24. Judges for the show were Will Knabenshue, Judd Paul, Leonard Berryhill, Brett Clark, Kelly McDowall, Robin Frid, Larry Kasten, Tom McBeath, Pam Scott, Bob Johnson, Greg Hale, Mark Guynn, and Mark Sheridan.
With the show taking place in the indoor area, there was almost unlimited space for riding and practicing elsewhere on the grounds. The schedule was easy and well organized allowing most classes to be done around 6 pm with plenty of time to go to dinner and rest up for the next day’s events.
The numbers were good with over 100 Western Riding runs and one of the largest Amateur Western Pleasure classes I have been a part of all year. No doubt the lavish trophies and cozy jackets that were awarded as prizes brought a huge draw.
One of the champions that was named during Saturday’s Trail classes was Brianna Heckle with Good On the Range. They came away with the Level 3 Amateur Trail Circuit. Carly Estreich and Hes Cool rang victorious in the Amateur Level 2. The Trail courses were unique and tough, which helped to prepare those headed to the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the AQHA World Show this fall. They tested the horses with high poles and the riders with quick transitions and complicated maneuvers.
The Horsemanship patterns also had intricate elements, looking for extended lopes and multiple spins, providing difficulty and allowing a champion to rise to the top. It was also perfect practice for the upcoming big shows. Carly Estreich came out on top in the Level 2 Amateur Horsemanship finishing off her show here strong. In the youth pen, Wearin Only Moonlight and Hannah Olaussen brought home the trophy.
After the Horsemanship concluded, there was a bouncy horse race for youth exhibitors, for the chance to win a TV. It always draws a crowd to see the kids race, fall over, laugh, and have a good time, all for a chance at a prize.
As the beautiful Arizona sun set on Sunday night, the trailers pulled away and the show came to a close until next year.
Stay tuned for complete results coming soon on EquineChronicle.com.
