Tag Archives: Kyla Jackson

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.