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