Tag Archives: Western

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.

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.

IHSA Board of Directors Votes to Cancel 2021 Postseason

Photo by Nicole Sullivan.

Gladys, Va. – Jan. 9, 2021 –The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) board of director members convened virtually Jan. 6-8 for their bi-annual meeting. Among the tallied votes on multiple topics, the decision was determined to cancel the 2021 IHSA postseason, specifically Hunter Seat Zone Finals, Western Semi-Finals, and the National Championship Horse Show, due to COVID-19.

“With the ongoing pandemic and numbers on the rise, the board voted with the safety and well-being of the membership in mind,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “We understand how disappointing it is to membership, many who have been unable to compete this academic year.”

Cashman noted the board has been listening to the leadership of its 400-plus member colleges and universities who continue to be challenged with making tough decisions regarding students’ return to campus, participation in sports, and travel restrictions.

“It’s a large organization with 10,000 members,” Cashman said. “The board has agonized over this situation that has forced us to decide to cancel the IHSA postseason for the second consecutive year. We look forward with the hopes that the vaccine will prevent the spread and allow the country to relax restrictions and allow the schools to resume competition in the fall.”

The board announced that the IHSA would offer two online horse shows through DigitalHorseShow.com during the spring semester. The Inaugural IHSA Online Horse Show was successfully held during the 2020 fall semester, providing an opportunity for those members and teams who continue to ride and practice to compete across the membership. The spring events will again be open to all IHSA undergraduate and alumni members and will include a horsemanship element. Show dates and prize lists will be available soon.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.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

IHSA Announces Results for Its Inaugural Online Horse Show

Cazenovia College sophomore Sara Eveleigh. Photo by Haley Bell.

Fairfield, Conn. – Dec. 10, 2020 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) announced class winners and high-score riders of the Inaugural Online Horse Show, powered by DigitalHorseShow.com during the Results Celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 8. During the first-ever online presentation, host and IHSA Vice President Kelly Francfort shared the results of the participating colleges and universities who competed from across the country, interviewed judges, high-score riders, and special guests.

“I am hoping that even though this was born out of the COIVD-19 virus, that this is an opportunity for this kind of event to continue on and give opportunity to riders that don’t normally have an opportunity to compete with each other that chance,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “I want to thank and congratulate everybody who participated and hope that this is something we will see again in the spring.”

More than 100 members and alumni from 23 colleges and universities participated in the IHSA Inaugural Online Horse Show. Riders showcased their abilities in classes ranging from Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences to Western Horsemanship, Ranch Riding, and Reining.

“I thought the quality of riding was good, I definitely had scores in the 80s in every class, which I love,” said USEF R Judge Kat Mulkey. “Everybody did take in the spirit of trying to make it like an actual horse show. I really can’t think of a single horse that I watched that I didn’t like, which is amazing.”

Elizabeth “Fenn” Novicki, a junior from St. Lawrence University, rode barn-favorite Cappy to the blue ribbon in the World Equestrian Center Limit Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences Section 1 and the Champion High-Score Hunter Seat Rider title with a score of 89. Novicki used Cappy’s adjustability to her advantage and rode the inside turns during the course that helped her take the top call.

“Usually we have a lot of horse shows on the weekends in the regular season during the fall,” said Novicki. “But it was really nice to have the opportunity to get dressed up and go around a course and learn courses if you were actually doing a horse show. So I’m really thankful the IHSA put that together.”

There was a tie for Reserve High-Score Hunter Seat Rider. Cazenovia College sophomore Sara Eveleigh rode to an 88 in the World Equestrian Center Limit Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat securing the blue ribbon and Chloe Kershl, a junior from Sweet Briar College, also scored an 88 to win the Open Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences.

Sweet Briar College took home the Hunter Seat Team Champion title. “They were all so very cheerful and excited about it,” said Elizabeth Fisch, Sweet Briar College Equestrian Team head coach. “I’m proud of my riders as always. It was a good, fun time to spend with them. It was good experience and we’d definitely do it again.”

“With the pandemic, this is the best way to do it,” said Rhonda Replogle, who judged the Western classes and holds judging cards for the American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, International Buckskin Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.

“They can watch their video and take it back to their peers or their coaches and have them go over it to see what we’re seeing as judges to help them get better, and that’s what we’re here for,” said Replogle. “They can go back and watch the other videos, the winning rides, to see how they might be able to replicate that.”

Ali Olsen, a junior from West Texas A&M University, rode to the blue ribbon in the Rookie Western Horsemanship Section 1 and the Champion High-Score Western Rider title with a score of 86.

“Bob, he is one of the best horses that WT has. He is such a good sport,” said Olsen. “I’d like that thank everyone that put it on. I think they did a fantastic job. It’s hard to keep a group of competitive girls together and not compete.”

Two Cazenovia College riders tied for the Reserve High-Score Western Rider title. Both scoring a 79 was senior Meghan Marsh who rode to the win in the Level I Western Horsemanship class and sophomore Sara Eveleigh, winning both classes she entered and taking home her second Reserve High-Score Rider honor of the show, was awarded the top call in the Level II Horsemanship.

Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) earned the Western Team Championship. “The kids were upset with COVID and they didn’t get to have that show experience,” said Allie Arrington, MGSU Equestrian Team head coach. “This enabled them to get excited about something, prepare for something, get dressed up in their show clothes and actually compete with their team. They gave it all they’ve got and at the end I told them all they rode better than they have all semester under the pressure of the video and I’m extremely proud of them.”

IHSA alumni showcased their talents in both the Hunter Seat and western classes. Alumni classes included Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat, Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences, Western Horsemanship, and Reining.

Scores in the high 70s and 80s made for a competitive Alumni Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat class. Kayleigh Burke from Virginia Tech University scored an 86 to take the top call. College of St. Elizabeth alumna Sandy Rose rode to second just two points behind with an 84. Rebecca Boorstein from Amherst College rounded out the top three with a score of 78.

In the Alumni Hunter Seat Over Fences, Dartmouth College alumna Stacy S. Klein topped the field with a 77. Sandy Rose from College of St. Elizabeth and Kayleigh Burke from Virginia Tech were second and third with scores of 74 and 72, respectively.

Christa Bramberger, SUNY Cobleskill alumna, won the Alumni Western Horsemanship besting the field with a score of 72. Tammy Cranouski from Westfield State University and Alexandra Stock from University of North Texas rounded out the top three. Stock also competed in the Alumni Reining class.

For a full list of results, click here.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

IHSA Western Riders Shine at APHA World Championships

Nigel Lancaster aboard Tinselena Spark during the run-off round. Photo by EQ Media.

Fairfield, Conn. – Oct. 01, 2020 – Twelve Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Western High-Point Open riders took to the world stage in the IHSA Invitational Class held Sept. 29, during the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Nigel Lancaster from Hilliard, Ohio came away as champion after showcasing his skills in both the reining and horsemanship phases.

“The IHSA High Point Rider Versatility Championship was a huge success today just because it gave us a chance to highlight the best of the best that were shortchanged during the 2020 season,” said Amanda Ellis, IHSA Western Committee chair. “Not only did we have great horses given to us by the exhibitors at the World Show, but the caliber of riding was phenomenal.”

Ellis explained that with many member schools in the country not able to compete now due to COVID-19, she hopes they were able to watch the live stream and are excited and inspired for spring.

The class began with each of the 12 riders performing the reining pattern. The judges rewarded consistent riding on two different mounts and scores were tight after the initial round of competition, with the top three spots bringing in scores above 145.00 points. Lancaster and Ashton Knerr from Plain City, Ohio secured the top two spots with a tied score.

Lancaster rode to duplicate scores of 73.5, aboard Gunnataxya, owned by Deb Oneguard, for a total first-round score of 147.00 points. Knerr piloted Tinselena Spark to scores of 75.5 and 71.5, tying Lancaster’s score of 147.00. Hart Daniels, hailing from Vaughan, Mississippi, took third place on Starlight Driver (Hydrive Cat x Starlights Lynn), owned by Kelsey Delaplaine, just one point behind with 146.00 points.

Then it was time to switch mounts for the horsemanship phase. Riders showcased their abilities on the flat at the walk, jog, and lope both with and without stirrups. Competitors then piloted their mounts through a pattern demonstrating a smooth, effortless ride.

Grand Island, Nebraska native Matthew ‘Matt’ Graves rode to the win in the horsemanship phase. His consistent and polished riding aboard the 17-year-old paint gelding He Thinks He’s Special or “Eddy,” (Special Invitation x Zippos Gold Model), owned by Ryan Urech, stood out among the field. Travis Fortune from Booneville, Indiana took the second spot with A Krymsun Legacy (One Hot Krymsun x Zippos Satin N Lace), owned by Darcie Winiewicz, and Lancaster on Sensational Effects, owned by Amanda Bennet, rounding out the top three.

Knerr and Lancaster, who grew up riding together at Ollie and Debbie Griffith’s Autumn Rose Farm in Delaware, Ohio, rode the reining pattern once more to determine the overall class champion.

“Those two riders have been riding reining horses since they were 7 years old and they’re best of friends, they live within 15 minutes of each other,” said Ollie Griffith, IHSA National Associate Steward. “They’re just amazing. One went to the University of Findlay. One went to Ohio State. And it just couldn’t be better for us.”

Aboard Tinselena Spark (Tin Tin), Lancaster rode the final pattern in beautiful style earning the high score of 148.50. Lancaster’s third-place performance in the horsemanship phase helped secure the championship title.

Lancaster’s winning mount Tin Tin, an 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare (Tinsel Nic x Smart Sparkalena) owned by John McDaniel and handled by Cathy Luse, was awarded the High Point Horse title.

“I love how the two organizations came together and collaborated on this,” said Lancaster. “It’s really nice because we had to cancel the fall season and it was a great way to come and show together.”

Knerr rode the 5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Gunnataxya (Gunnatrashya x Sannie Shine) for her run-off round. Her consistency in the saddle earned her a run-off score of 146.5 and a fourth place in horsemanship aboard Original Barbie, owned by Chris Russell, taking home the overall reserve call.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

IHSA Congratulates Western Riders Competing in APHA World Championship IHSA Invitational Class

Photo APHA/Paint Horse Journal.

Fairfield, Conn. – Sept. 15, 2020 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) congratulates the 12 Western Regional high-point open riders competing in the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship IHSA Invitational Class to be held at the World Championship Show Sept. 29, 2020. The premier all-age breed show will be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 21 – Oct. 4.

“We are so proud of our Western riders competing in the APHA World Show IHSA Invitational Class,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “These determined student-athletes have worked hard throughout a season cut short due to coronavirus and it will be great to see them shine on the world stage.”

The IHSA 2020 Western Regional high-point riders were invited to participate in the two-phase competition consisting of a horsemanship and reining phase. This event is the first time the IHSA will participate in the APHA event and kicks off an exciting partnership between the two organizations.

“Our association with IHSA is an honor for us,” said Billy Smith, EdD, APHA executive director. “These are opportunities that deliver benefits for the entire horse community far into the future.”

The 12 riders participating in the APHA World Show IHSA Invitational Class range from sophomores to seniors representing member colleges and universities from coast to coast.

The IHSA congratulates our 2020 APHA World Show IHSA Invitational Class participants:

  • Matthew (Matt) Graves
  • Travis Fortune
  • Mathew (Matt) Winter
  • Kendall Viel
  • Nathan Sparren
  • Ashton Kerr
  • Nigel Lancaster
  • Hart Daniels
  • Teah (Teah Mae) Taylor
  • Chloe Alhaig
  • Anna Woolsey
  • Sarah Thomson

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

IHSA Announces the Addition of Ranch Riding to the Western Lineup

Photo by Lisa Giris.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – July 29, 2020 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) leadership announced that they will add ranch riding classes to their growing Western division. Ranch riding competition includes the individual performance of an approved pattern. The patterns emulate maneuvers commonly used in ranch work, such as gait extensions and turnarounds with a more forward-moving horse. The goal is to present a smooth and competent horse-and-rider team that could face any job on a working ranch. Tack and attire are simple and workman-like. IHSA’s ranch riding classes will be offered for IHSA Western Level II members.

Ranch riding classes are the fastest-growing segment at American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and American Paint Horse Association (APHA) horse shows. For IHSA members, ranch riding will create a bridge from the horsemanship classes to reining. It will be a fun addition for upper-level riders and help educate those who aim to compete at the Open level, the IHSA’s top Western division.

An IHSA affiliate, the Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA), a competition and education program for Western riders from grade 4-12, added ranch riding in 2016 to their catch-ride competition format and experienced triple-digit increases in participation from middle and high school riders.

“We believe it (Ranch Riding) has helped our diamond (upper-level) division as the riders have more experience when they start to compete in diamond reining,” said Laura Smith, YEDA’s chief executive officer.

The new division will provide jobs for horses that may not be appropriate for horsemanship or reining classes. Suitable ranch riding horses are versatile and should be free-flowing and able to cover ground yet are adjustable and may have a higher head carriage.

“Ranch riding is a great addition to IHSA Western competition for several reasons,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “It is fun and in demand. It helps educate riders that are looking to move up and it helps us give jobs to horses that may not make the cut for our other divisions but make wonderful ranch riding partners. We are excited to add Level II Ranch Riding to IHSA competition.”

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.