Tag Archives: Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Crowns Season with Successful Record-Breaking Event

Kim Burritt and Do You Have a Winner, Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 31, 2021 – The 2021 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit culminated a successful season with another record-breaking event showcasing the nation’s top Quarter Horses and riders from all over North America. Under the show management services of An Equine Production, more than 500 exhibitors and 20,000 entries competed in the renowned horse show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center from December 27-31.

Competitors at the five-day event enjoyed beautiful weather and ideal conditions while earning significant year-end points and phenomenal awards. High Point winners in 15 divisions received sought-after Porta Cool Coolers and Reserve High Point received a comfortable sling chair. The overall third place in each division received a backpack, useful for riders of all ages.

Kim Burritt of Murfreesboro, Tennessee was the Select High Point Award Champion with her horse Do You Have a Winner. This was her first appearance at the Gold Coast, making it memorable by walking away with the Porto Cool cooler. Competing at the Gold Coast has been on her bucket list for years, and she felt that the time was right to compete this year.

The Youth 14-18 High Point Award Champion was Alexa Black of Springfield, Ohio riding Huntin a Hot Cowgirl. The 18-year-old was third in the division last year and was very happy that it all came together at the 2021 Gold Coast. The week was especially important for Black as she is nearing the end of her competing as a Youth rider.

Rachel Trebesh of Fairhope, Alabama also walked away with a coveted award after riding No Doubt I Shine to the Senior High Point Award Champion and Amateur High Point Reserve Champion. The pair moved up in the standings during Friday’s competition to close out the show. Trebesh spoke highly of her horse, noting how much he loves his job and enjoys competing.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Canadians Trek 37 Hours to Compete at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Blair Woodley and Mister Wise Guy, Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 30, 2021 – Circuit Awards were presented in several divisions on the fourth day of the highly anticipated Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit. With riders traveling from across North America to compete at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the Woodley family from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada showed their dedication after traveling 37 hours for a chance at the ribbons. Blair, Judi, Justin, and Tanya drove with three horses in tow to the Florida State Fairgrounds, leaving temperatures of -21° Celsius at home, approximately -6° Fahrenheit, to enjoy a balmy 80° in Tampa, Florida.

“We were more than happy to leave the weather at home behind,” Judi said. “We love this show. The weather is beautiful and the organization, the facility, and the people make it worth the trip.”

“This is our second visit,” added Blair. “We came in 2018 but could not come again until this year because our borders were shut down due to COVID-19. We had to be double vaccinated just to hit the border this time. We’ll need to fill out more paperwork and get tested before we cross the borders to get back home, but it is worth it. We love to show our horses here.”

Unlike his parents, Justin is showing at the Gold Coast for the first time. He said, “It’s fantastic here, an excellent change from our cold weather up north. It’s nice to be able to come here and do what we love in such a beautiful environment and beautiful facility.”

Blair will compete in the Open Trail and Western Riding, while his wife Judi will participate in the Select Amateur Trail and Select Amateur Showmanship. Their son Justin will ride in Amateur Trail, Western Riding, and Horsemanship. Justin’s wife Tanya also made the 37-hour trek to cheer the Woodley family on and offer added support.

As a highlight to Thursday’s competition, Circuit Awards were presented to top competitors. Jayna Lagace, 16, of Higganum, Connecticut won the Level 3 14-18 Youth Trail on Huntin Hotty Tottys. She has been competing at the Gold Coast since she was three years old and believes this is her best year yet.

Trainer Jamie Dowdy of Marshfield, Missouri made her first appearance at the Gold Coast. She brought five horses and students with her to show, and so far, she has already earned Champion or Reserve in three different Circuit Award divisions, including champion in the L2 Junior Western Pleasure riding Bestseatnthesouth and the L1 Green Western Pleasure Reserve Champion with Southern Decadence.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Amateur Riders Make Time to Shine at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Jeanie Presler and Lovies Lil Rey, Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 29, 2021 – Unlike professional horsemen, amateur riders need to make a plan in order to take time away from their careers and attend the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit. Throughout the week they come to Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds to enjoy what matters the most to them, spending time with their families and riding their horses in one of the most prestigious Quarter Horse shows in the country.

Kaleena Weakly of Shelbyville, Illinois is a part-time graphic designer and a stay-at-home mom. Weakly has a lengthy and successful show record at the Gold Coast. She took a four-year break to care for matters at home, and now she and her family use the five-day event as a holiday vacation. Weakly won the Amateur Hunter Seat Equitation class with her horse Definitely a First, making the family vacation a memorable one.

Jeanie Presler of Nokomis, Florida is a Mixed-Animal General Practitioner. She returns to the Gold Coast after a 20-year hiatus due to a demanding school and career schedule. The VRH Amateur Ranch Horse divisions were new to Presler and her Reined Cow Horse Lovies Lil Rey. It worked out well as she and her eight-year-old birthday present finished on top in the VRH Amateur Ranch Horse Reining class.

Leah Roehl of Ruther Glen, Virginia is busy as a government worker and a mother of five children. It took a great deal of planning for Roehl to make it to the Gold Coast. The support she receives from her family and friends makes the herculean effort to compete all worthwhile. Roehl and her gelding AlDoWhatYouLove won the Senior Pleasure Driving and L1 Novice Amateur Working Hunter classes.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Rodger Call Is Super at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Rodger Call, Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 28, 2021 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit is renowned for hosting Quarter Horse competitors of all ages at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center vying for the coveted year-end awards. This year, the five-day event includes a unique participant, Rodger Call of Midway, Utah, the only Super Select rider out of the more than 500 exhibitors and 20,000 plus entries at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

“To be a Select rider you have to be 50 years old, and to be a Super Select rider you need to be at least 70 years old. I am the only Super Select rider at this show,” Call said proudly. “I turn 80 years old next month.”

Call has been competing at the Gold Coast for decades, even though it means taking two flights in two different airport terminals to arrive in Tampa.

“This show is one of my favorites. I have been coming here for years,” said Call. “I can remember when the hedges around the arena were really short and now, they’re huge! Years ago, there were elephants in the barns behind the arena that were part of the parade.”

Call will be competing in the driving and hunter divisions. He has been training with Chuck Briggs since 1989, although he receives additional support both in and out of the arena.

“We’re like family here; we all encourage each other,” said Call. “Trainer Linda Crothers rode my horse, Go Big Sky, to High Point Horse of the nation and Sandy Vaughn coaches me when I compete in the pleasure driving. Even though I don’t have my horses at her barn, she offers to help. We have a good group of people. Sometimes we go out to dinner after the show and have a great time.”

Horses have always been a family affair for Call. He grew up in Northern California where his father imported some of the first King Ranch Quarter Horses. On Friday nights, he and his dad would enjoy competing in team roping jackpot classes. When his son Robert wanted to ride in the jumping events, Call changed from riding Western to English.

Call added, “I also used to compete at the Gold Coast with my wife Ann before she passed away in 2007. We would always have both a junior and senior horse to show. Next year, my junior horse becomes a senior, so Chuck found me a junior horse that has a lot of potential. That is what keeps me going: potential and having fun. That’s what riding does. It keeps me active, happy, and looking forward to tomorrow.”

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Competitors Enjoy Ideal Conditions on Opening Day

Kyla Jackson and Cadillac in Black. Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 27, 2021 – Beautiful weather and top showing conditions greeted the nation’s best Quarter horses and riders on the opening day of the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Monday. Showcasing two “in-hand” divisions at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the first day of the five-day event featured classes in showmanship and halter at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Gold Coast is considered a significant stop in the Quarter Horse Circuit. Under the direction and show management services of An Equine Production, the Florida Gold Coast Horse Circuit was awarded the coveted distinction of top American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) quarter horse show in 2020. This renowned event continually attracts competitors from across the country to vie for coveted circuit awards and valuable year-end points.

One of the competitors traveling from coast to coast was Kyla Jackson. The 17-year-old trekked all the way from Vacaville, California to claim the circuit award championship in L3 14-18 Showmanship at Halter with her horse Cadillac in Black. It was her first time competing at the Gold Coast and her mother, Maureen, appreciated her dedication. It took all day to make it to the Sunshine State, arriving just a few hours before her class.

Another first-time competitor, Penni Himes, captured two circuit awards. After watching her daughters Grace and Isabella ride in the Gold Coast for the last four years, Penni felt it was finally time for her to take a turn in the arena. The Bristol, Indiana resident was named circuit award champion in both the L1 Novice Amateur Showmanship and the L2 Select Showmanship with Grace’s 10-year-old gelding Essentially Good.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Concludes Memorable Year with Record-Breaking Event

Laina Banks & Strawberri Wine. Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 31, 2020 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit celebrated another record-breaking season in one of the more memorable years at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The weather was perfect for the five-day event, which recorded thousands of entries featuring the nation’s top Quarter Horses and riders vying for coveted awards and year-end points at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

High Point winners in 12 divisions received a gift certificate for Rod Patrick boots worth $995. Reserve High Point competitors received chaps conchos designed by Holly Spagnola. Third place recipients were awarded with a beautiful wool cooler.

This year, Laina Banks of Schulenburg, Texas rode her horse Strawberri Wine to the winner’s circle in every circuit award category, a feat that made this year’s Gold Coast truly special. She and her husband Ken Banks occasionally compete against one another, which can make for exciting competition. However, this year, the pair rode in different events and each was able to capture a high point award.

Laurie Stewart of Ocala, Florida has been riding since she was eight years old, but she only returned to the show ring a few years ago. Winning the Level 1 Amateur W/J high point on her horse Suddenly Goodtherapy was a dream come true.

Eight-year-old Alyvia Kladny of Westminster, Maryland enjoys competing with her horse Dangerously Famous in the horsemanship classes. Even though the young talent won the Level 1 Youth Walk/Jog high point award, she likes to lope whenever she gets the chance.

The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit concludes a memorable event and looks forward to continuing tradition in 2021. For more information about the Gold Coast, click here.

Allyson Lagiovane
(561) 753-3389 | al@phelpsmediagroup.com

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Honored as Top Three Quarter Horse Show by AQHA

Canada’s Dr. Carole Joubert Gaboury and My Precious Gab competing in 2019. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – July 1, 2020 – The management team behind the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit is thrilled to announce that the record-breaking 2019 event has been awarded the coveted distinction as one of the top-three Quarter Horse shows in the nation, as ranked by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Out of countless shows from across the world, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, the highest non-ranking cattle event, ranked third behind only the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the Arizona Sun Country Circuit, high-quality company for an event that has consistently made the top ten leaderboard for years under the direction and show management services of An Equine Production.

“We are so pleased to once again have these shows recognized as some of the best in the country by the AQHA. It truly takes a village to accomplish such a designation, and we have to thank our exhibitors, staff and supporters for all of their hard work and dedication. We are looking forward to an even greater event in 2020 and can’t wait to see everyone back in the show ring,” commented Kathy Avolt of An Equine Production.

Expanding even further in 2020, the event will include a whole host of new classes such as AQHA Ranch Trail, L2/L3 Amateur, Select and 14-18 Showmanship and Horsemanship. In addition, the 2020 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit will feature a series of amazing awards and parties, including a New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Save the date for Dec. 27-31, 2020, and then check flgoldcoastcircuit.com for schedules and forms when they become available in August.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Celebrates Another Successful Year

Bob Johnson and A Busy Affair. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 31, 2019 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit celebrated another successful year with a tsunami of entries throughout 2020’s five-day event, which was an extra day due to the incredible popularity of the event. Taking place at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, top Quarter Horses and riders from North America and Europe traveled to the Florida State Fairgrounds to compete for coveted High Point awards, Circuit Champion awards, and valuable year-end points.

High Point winners received a Porta Cool Jetstream 220 Cooler worth $999.95, and Reserve High Point honorees received a beautiful satin cooler, while third place overall received a custom garment bag.

Impressively, the Bob and Karen Johnson Quarter Horse barn took home two Porta Cool coolers. Bob was the High Point winner in Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) Open with A Busy Affair, and his student, Anna Mackay, captured the championship on Gunna Wreckya in the VRH Youth for the second consecutive year. Bob’s wife, Karen, was the Reserve Champion in the VRH Open on Gotta Hot Gun.

Taylor Kungle and Krymsun Belle marked their final year in the Novice Amateur classes by taking home one of the Porta Cool coolers as the High Point Champion. She is looking forward to moving up to the Amateur division next year.

Sandy Vargo won Senior High Point Award with her 8-year-old gelding, Dancin N The Dirt. Although the Ohio resident hands the reins over to her trainer Chuck Briggs and her good friend Terrie Booth in the show ring, she enjoys their victories as much as if she were in the saddle.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit their website.

National and International Challengers Compete at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Switzerland’s Philipp Roos and Good Luck Only. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 30, 2019 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit features world-class competition, a top-notch facility, and great weather, which annually attracts the nation’s best Quarter Horses and riders, as well as contenders from foreign soil. On the fourth day of the five-day event at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center showcased a group of competitors who traveled great distances to take part in this renowned event.

Philipp Roos, hailing from Zürich, Switzerland, has been coming to the horse show for four years. His 8-year-old gelding, Good Luck Only, has amassed more frequent flyer miles than most people, coming to the United States on connecting flights that included a 10-hour flight from Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Marie-France D’hondt, of Gembloux, Belgium, has traveled to the event for nearly a decade. She believes that showing in the U.S. is like spending time with family. To her, winning is secondary, and taking part in the sport is what counts.

Dr. Carole Joubert Gaboury made the journey from Montreal in Canada because of the level of competition that the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit offers. The veterinarian is especially proud of her mare, My Precious Gab, a fifth-generation home-bred.

The Kennedy clan, of Seattle, Washington, did not cross any borders on their inaugural journey to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit. However, Phillip, Anne, and their two daughters Taylor, 15, and Camille,12, felt the trip to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit was worth the trek. After a life-altering event, they realized that time was too precious to be apart, so they coordinated their work and school schedules in order to experience the show circuit as a family.

Watch all five days of the 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit live, sponsored by Morrissey Management Group, on the home page of the horse show’s website. The daily feed will rotate rings so that viewers are able to view competition in each ring at some point throughout the week.

To view the all-new 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit schedule of events, please click here.

Families Face Fierce Rivalries and Friendly Competition at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Kenneth Banks. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 29, 2019 – Families have been competing, some against each other, at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit with the nation’s best Quarter Horses for more than half a century. Each year, hundreds of riders participate in the renowned event at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, so it is not unusual to find siblings and spouses vying for the top spots. One would expect them to be rivals, but in the case of the Banks family and the Potts family, the rivalry is more friendly than fierce.

This year, Kenneth and Laina Banks, of Schulenberg, Texas, trailered five horses to compete at the Florida State Fairgrounds in the Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH), Pleasure, and Western Riding classes. They live together, ranch together and, several weeks out of the year, show together. They wouldn’t have it any other way. The couple takes turns in the spotlight, but win or lose, they offer each other unending support.

The Potts siblings, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, have been coming to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit ever since they first sat in the saddle. Alexis, 14, and Riley, 10, have been past Circuit Champions and occasionally competed against each other. Instead of a fierce rivalry, the brother-and-sister duo have only respect and admiration for each other, making for friendly competition.

Watch all five days of the 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit live, sponsored by Morrissey Management Group, on the home page of the horse show’s website. The daily feed will rotate rings so that viewers are able to view competition in each ring at some point throughout the week.

To view the all-new 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit schedule of events, please click here.