WACO, Texas – The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is schedule to host the Collegiate Equitation Challenge on Feb 7, 2014. The competition will feature 16 NCEA and IHSA riders in a head to head competition over fences in Wellington, Fla. WEF is the world’s largest and longest running equestrian competition. The 12-week event hosts more than 5,000 horses from 50 states and 31 countries and is held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Prairie Classic: Murray Griggs, Brad Kearns, Gretchen Mathes, Beckey Schooler, Jennifer Thompson, Brent Tincher, Robin Griggs, and Terri Beck.
Heart of Texas Spring Circuit: Jon Barry, Gigi Bailey, Jeff Hill, and Jess Herd.
OQHA Spring Show: Kelly Boles Chapman, Brett Clark, Casey Devitt, Karen Graham, Tanya Green, Brent Maxwell, Gary Roberts, Jimmy Stickler, Sam Rose, Gary Putman, Dawn Casey, and Loreen Mckenzie.

“This was a tough win for us today, so I was really proud to see that we kept fighting, especially late in the meet,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “New Mexico State proved today that they deserve their No. 4 ranking, so we certainly tip our hats to their riders because they showed up today and I thought they rode well.”

Georgia’s dominance of equitation on the flat proved to be difference maker. With the Aggies taking 3-2 wins in equitation over fences and reining, and riding to a 2-2 tie in horsemanship, the Bulldogs were saved by a dominant 4-1 win on the flat.

“A favorite of exhibitors and spectators alike, the class is judged on how well horses and riders perform in a simulated ranch environment. “In Ranch Pleasure, judges look for a perfect, handy horse with manners, versatility and movement,” said AQHA Senior Director of Judges Alex Ross. “There’s a real emphasis on forward movement and ground-covering gaits, while rules of cadence still apply.”

The American Quarter Horse Association is excited to announce the release of OnlineStable.com, a comprehensive, inclusive and all-breeds record-keeping system to help youth stay engaged in the equine industry. AQHA hopes this digital filing cabinet will encourage easy record-keeping from any mobile device and be an accessible and affordable way to reduce clutter and motivate youth to keep track of any horse-related accomplishments.

“This is a great accomplishment for Layla and we are all thrilled for her today,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “Layla has proven herself to be one of the best, if not the best reiner at the college level so it’s always special when you’re able to win at a national show.”

Gotta Good Habit was 10th in the AQHA year-end high-point performance halter stallion standings in 2007 and earned an open AQHA Champion title in 2010. He earned 14 grand championships and 18 reserve grand championships. He has been shown in halter, performance halter, heading and hunter under saddle.

The footing is a mixture of crushed granite, silica sand, and the newest blend of fiber to ensure the almost immediate dissolution of water and rain. It also insures safe, non-slip footing for optimum performances by the competitors.