azqha mag-reader spread.indd

Winter
ter
2013
ARIZONA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
AQHAWORLD CHAMPIONS
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Happy New Year to all our AzQHA Members, friends and Sun Circuit exhibitors!
As I sit here writing the President’s letter for this wonderful magazine I am really looking
forward to a new year!! It’s hard to believe another year has gone by, so many changes, all good
things. One of those changes is the Westworld expansion project. This is very exciting to watch
and for all those Sun Circuit exhibitors there will be a new look in the vendor area and also
around the grounds. There will also be some changes in the parking and some inconvenience
for those exhibitors that haul in, as the north parking lot will be closed.
The Association is working hard to bring the AQHA Region 7 Championship show to
Westworld this summer. Additionally we were saddened to hear that Jerry Kimmell and Barbara
Deitz have decided to discontinue doing the Scottsdale Classic. After a very nice discussion
with Jerry Kimmell, the Board of Directors is looking at the possibility of continuing the
wonderful show that Jerry has always produced. AzQHA is working with AQHA to continue
the horse show but it is still early and all the details are not ironed out as yet.
The Sun Circuit is one of the first shows that will be offering the Leveling program. We are excited to offer the classes but
please bear with us as we work through our learning curve. It should be a great opportunity for all our green horses. There
will be several people on the show grounds to help with this new program.
For any of you that haven’t been to our website I would encourage all of you to look at it. It has a wonderful new look, is
easier to use and will provide an opportunity to view anything new happening with the Association. www.azqha.org
Good luck to everyone at the show. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Barbara
Barbara Truex
Barbara Truex
AzQHA President
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear AzQHA Members and Arizona Quarter Horse readers,
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy hearing, writing about and sharing the stories in this magazine. It is so much fun to
hear the stories first hand about winning, losing, almost winning and how much we love our horses. For this issue I
left some of the stories in the first person, they were just too endearing not to share as is.
The Arizona Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is something I have dreamed about for many years. Thanks to Curt Fender,
HOF Committee Chairman; the HOF Committee; and the AzQHA Board of Directors the
first class will be inducted in 2013. The awards, traveling display boards and honorees are all
a class act. It is truly one of my proudest moments to be an AzQHA member.
The other one is being able to offer this magazine dedicated to the 40th Annual Sun Circuit.
Thank you to all the advertisers who made this issue possible. I hope you enjoy it just half
as much as I do putting it all together. The ad deadline for the next issue will be March 15;
don’t miss out on the spring issue.
Lolli
Laurel Denton
The Arizona Quarter Horse
(928) 442-3290
1
On the cover - Beautiful Maiden and Blended Chocolate - 2012 World Champions
To our Quarter Horse Family:
November 15, 2012
We are often reminded of all of that for which we should be grateful—but we often miss the opportunity to voice our gratitude. We’re
in the process of watching our two daughters prepare to depart for college and places beyond, and we’re realizing that they have grown into two
respectable, responsible young ladies. We smile as we recognize that it wasn’t just us who guided these kids to adulthood. It was the Quarter Horse
community that raised our girls.
You rocked our babies when it was our turn to make a run. You didn’t mind when they converted your flatbeds into Breyer Horse ranches.
You stood all around the fence lines, whispering their patterns to them as they loped by. You didn’t make fun of them when they showed up for the
lead-line and walk-trot classes with rubber on their horns.
You taught them how to braid manes and tails, and even let them learn to clip on your help-horses. You guys let our girls “warm up”
your rope horses, even after you were done showing. You tolerated them as they gathered up all of your beloved dogs for walks around the show
grounds. You reminded them to use their walkie-talkies to check in with us when they followed your kids to your barns.
You helped them practice their 4-H speeches and worked with them on their Spanish homework. You let them use your dogs as
participants in their Science Fair experiments. You drove through a blizzard when they invited you to watch them sell their pigs at the 4-H Show and
Sale.
You taught them how to prank, and how to be pranked, but you always insisted that they be good sports. Your kids befriended them and let
them tag along, even when ours were younger and slower. You taught them how to TP a motor home, launch a water balloon, and drive a golf cart.
You encouraged them when they were nervous, looked out for them when they were in the way, and cheered for them when it was their
turn to learn about the show pen. Even if they hadn’t seen you or your kids for months on end, you always greeted them as though we hadn’t missed
a beat together, and they knew that they would have friends wherever they went. Because of you, they are confident and capable.
How can we thank you enough for your contributions to our lives, and to theirs? We look forward to enjoying many more years in this
community, and we hope that some day we can contribute to your lives the same way in which you’ve added so much to ours.
Have a great 2013!
Sincerely,
Michael and Laurie Boaz
AzQHA COMMITEES
AWARDS AND BANQUET
SUN CIRCUIT DIRECTOR
MARGIE CRUMPTON - CHAIRMAN
DOUG HULS
KIM WRIGHT
JONI HEGEL
SUN CIRCUIT OVERSIGHT
ANICA REDDICK
BARBARA TRUEX - CHAIRMAN
CURT FENDER
JEFF ABBOTT
DORN PARKINSON
BUDGET AND LEGAL
LOLLI DENTON
DORN PARKINSON - CHAIRMAN
JIM SEARLES
DEBBIE COOPER
MARKETING/MEMBERSHIPS
DEAH RUPPLE
LOLLI DENTON – CHAIRMAN
SAMMY ROBERTS
AzQHA PAST PRESIDENTS
JEFF ABBOTT – 2010-2011
RIDES
JONI HEGEL – 2009
CAROL BELMORE - CHAIRMAN
JIM SEARLES – 2008
JJ FLETCHER – 2006
SHOWS, CLINICS & SPECIAL
STEVE HUNGATE – 2005
EVENT SHOWS
CAROL WHITTAKER – 2003-2004
BARBARA RICKERT - CHAIRMAN
MARK SHERIDAN – 2002
DEAH RUPPLE
DONNA POWELL - 2001
DEBBIE COOPER
GAYLE DRENNAN – 2000
MAGGIE MOLEVER
GUY WALTERS – 1998-1999
KAY SNYDER -1997
YOUTH
BARBARA DIETZ – 1996
CONNIE HAY – ADVISOR
MIKE DRENNAN – 1995
MARGE CRUMPTON
BRETT WALTERS – 1994
MARGIE CRUMPTON
WALT KIMES – 1993
BARBARA RICKERT
AL DUNNING - 1992
MAGGIE MOLEVER
2
PETE KYLE – 1991
BOB HAMILTON
PHILLIP BELL
DAVE CLARK
JOHN DOTY
BRANSON STILLION
RONALD ELLIOT
MARJERY PARDO
LAUREL WALKER 1983-1984
DUANE NOBLE
BILL ENGLUND
RICK JOHNS
BILL CRESS
BILL HATCH
CHUCK LAKIN
ROBERT KIECKHEFER
TOM FINLAY
Editor’s note: If you know of exact
dates of Past Presidents or see
anyone who might have been left
out, please let me know. We are
trying to create an exact time line
for AzQHA Past Presidents
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
President’s Letter ..............................................................1
Editor’s Letter ...................................................................1
Letter to AzQHA ...............................................................2
AzQHA Commitees ..........................................................2
AzQHA Board of Directors ..............................................3
2012 Arizona Quarter Horse Events .................................4
Advertising Rates ..............................................................4
Membership Application ...................................................5
2012 AQHA World Show Results ................................. 6-8
Mike Doud and Hickorys Blaze .................................. 9-10
2013 Habighorst Update .................................................11
AQHA World Show Results ..................................... 11-12
2012 All Around Winners ......................................... 15-19
Sun Circuit and America’s Horse Cares..........................21
2013 Arizona National ....................................................22
2012 AzQHA Banquet and Award Winners .............. 23-25
Photo Archives ................................. (center spread) 26-27
2013 AzQHA Hall of Fame....................................... 28-31
2012 AQHA Novice Championship Show-West ............36
10th Anniversary Scottsdale Classic ......................... 39-41
Arizona Sun Country Circuit .................................... 42-44
AQHA Ranch Pleasure ............................................. 44-45
English Pleasure - 70’s Style..................................... 46-47
This N That ............................................................... 48-49
Patt French & Chuck Netherland - Volunteers................50
Scholarship Circuit Results .............................................51
New Members .................................................................51
Ride Report .....................................................................52
Equinne Chuckles ...........................................................52
Arizona Quarter Horse Association Magazine
is Published and edited by Laurel Denton.
Printing by Allegra Print & Imaging.
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Arizona Quarter Horse Association
515 E. CAREFREE HWY PMB#405
PHOENIX, AZ 85085
(623) 869-8037 – (623) 869-7676 fax
2013 Show Dates
JAN 26 - FEB 3
AZ SUN COUNTRY CIRCUIT QUARTER HORSE SHOW
Location: Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ Contact: Mark Harrell 618-397-1388 or
SCC Director Doug Huls 480-390-6867 or Suncircuit.com
FEB 28 –MARCH 3
SAQHA “SHAMROCK” QUARTER HORSE SHOW
Location: Pima County Fairgrounds-Tucson, AZ Contact: Jeanne Paquett
520-544-8791
MARCH 23 -24
AzQHA TRAIL CHALLENGE AND CLINIC
Location: Eloy, AZ Contact Carol Belmore-email tontomtn@hughes.ne
tontomtn@hughes.net
March 23 will be the Challenge day on a 6-10 mile trail with 12 -16 obstacles
Free Clinic on March 24.
APRIL 6
AzQHA AQHA SCHOLARSHIP CIRCUIT #1- NO BLING
Location: Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ Contact: AzQHA office at 623-869-8037
MAY 4
AzQHA AQHA SCHOLARSHIP CIRCUIT #2- NO BLING
Location: Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ Contact: AzQHA office at 623-869-8037
MAY 9-12
SONOITA QUARTER HORSE SHOW
Location: Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, Sonoita, AZ Contact: Larry
Gimple
(714) 444-2918 Track One Events
TBA
AzQHA AQHA SCHOLARSHIP CIRCUIT –
SEPT 7
AzQHA AQHA SCHOLARSHIP CIRCUIT #3
Location: Westworld, Scottsdale, Az Contact: AzQHA office at 623-869-8037
THESE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE CONTACT SHOW MANAGEMENT TO CONFIRM
DATES, TIMES, LOCATION, & YOUTH QUALIFYING CLASSES. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
WWW.AZQHA.ORG FOR THE 2013 YOUTH QUALIFYING: DATES STARTED MAY 1, 2012 AND
END APRIL 31, 2013
REMINDER - AzQHA Dues due for 2013!
SPECIAL ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2013
Front cover: $700
Back cover: $500
Inside cover: $450
Full Page color: $200
Full Page black & white: $125
1⁄2 page black & white: $75
Classified listing (business card): $50
color not guaranteed for classified listing
ARIZONA QUARTER HORSE SPECS:
HI RESOLUTION PDF • 300 MINIMUM DPI
PAGE SIZE 8 1⁄2 X 11 • IF AD NEEDS TO BLEED,
ADD 1/8 INCH OVERALL
PLEASE SEND ALL PHOTOS IN JPG
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MUST AT LEAST BE 300 DPI.
4
5
2012 AQHA WORLD SHOW RESULTS
Everyone knows that Arizona is the one of the
toughest places to compete and win in each of the
Quarter Horse events. The 2012 AQHA World
Championship show proved that to be true once
again when Arizona amateurs, trainers and owners
brought home the AQHA Farnam Super Horse
title, six World Championships and four Reserve
Championships. This year the 2012 AQHA World
Show boasted 3,590 entries from the United States,
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany,
Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Stacy Lane Huls rode Beautiful Maiden to the first
of her wins in Jr. Hunter Under Saddle. Stacy did
not have much time to get to know the beautiful,
dark bay, mare as Alexandra Chavez purchased the
mare on November 10th from Barry Falkenham.
Beautiful Maiden already had Arizona connections
as she is sired by the great sire, Allocate Your Assets
owned by Kathy and G.W. Tobin. Coincidently the
Tobins also sponsored the Jr. Hunter Under Saddle.
Just four short days later Stacy made the finals on
the elegant mare in the Jr. Hunter Under Saddle.
“It has been very much about getting to know each
other this week,” Stacy said in her Journal Winning
Run interview. It must have been a match made in
heaven as the team walked away with the World
Championship the following day, winning under
three of the five judges.
“She’s super-talented,” Stacy said. “She’s great;
she’s fun; it was a good trip. I can’t say enough good
Stacy Huls and World Champion Jr Hunter Under
Saddle Beautiful Maiden. Journal Photo
The star of the show, Stacy Huls laughed at the fact
that she and her customers think she does better
at the World on even numbered years. 2012 might
just be proof to the fact with Stacy bring two World
trophies back home to Arizona.
Stacy Huls and Blended Choclate. Journal Photo
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things about her.” She added: “She’s real feel-y,
she listens to you. She follows your body a lot, and
just has a great feeling underneath you. She carries
herself and is always there 100 percent.”
Two days later Stacy won her fourth lifetime World
Championship, second of this show, with Blended
Choclate owned by Kimberly Lloyd Wright. Blended
Choclate had a successful career as a junior horse
winning the Jr. Hunter Under Saddle as a three-yearold in 2008 and again in 2010. This was ‘Ben’s’ first
time as a senior at the World Show.
After an outstanding career as a junior horse,
Blended Choclate has now left his mark on the
Fourteen time AQHA World Champion RPL My Te
Cheerful and Vern Habighorst. Journal Photo
name who definitely got me here in this position. I
would say Kim was very much the start of the hunter
under saddle success in putting that faith in me and
getting me to where I’m at.”
Vern Habighorst is no stranger to the winners’ circle
at an AQHA World Championship show, whether it
is the Open, Select, Amateur or the Youth with his
granddaughters, Kaylee and Monica. 2012 was no
different for Vern and his horses, winning two World
Championships, two Reserve Championships, and
one third place trophy.
Owner of Blended Choclate, Kim Wright with her
new puppy, Hallie.
Senior Hunter Under Saddle record books. During
her winning interview with the Quarter Horse
Journal Stacy said, “I know him like the back of
my hand. It’s not the first time he’s been here and
done this. It’s his first time to win as a senior horse.
He is the closest thing to a machine, there is. He’s
just a really good horse. And it was fun.” The 2005
chestnut gelding is by Sweet Talkin Chip and out of
Kinda Showy by Sonny Showcase.
RPL My Te Cheerful is now in the AQHA records
books after winning Amateur Aged Geldings with
Vern showing. “Henry” has won more AQHA World
titles than any other halter horse. Combining all the
divisions RPL My Te Cheerful has won FOURTEEN
World Championships. The amazing eight year old
gelding by Hear The Cheers just seems to get better
with age. Winning on three of the five cards, Henry
showed like the champion he is. Vern never thinks
he’s got a sure win, even with Henry. “You always
hope, but you never know for sure,” he said. Vern
plans on continuing Henry’s show career into 2013.
“I’d like to thank all kinds of people,” Stacy said.
“Again, Doug Huls, Alex for buying the horse, Kim
for her belief in me. I have a great support group
within the barn. All the customers are very behind
you 100 percent, give you that trust. I could go on
and on and on. My fellow competitors. They’re a
good group. Everybody supports you and gives you
encouragement. There are just too many people to
Boys N Toys was purchased by Vern after the
striking colts’ Championship win in the Amateur
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Boys N Toys, World Champion 2 year old gelding.
Photo by KC Montgomery
Two Year Old Geldings with then owner Frank
Berris showing. After the purchase Ross Roark took
the lead to win the Open Two Year Old Geldings for
the proud new winning on four judges cards.
Corey Cushing and AQHA Super Horse Rising
Starlight in their runoff win in the Sr. Working Cow
Horse. Journal Photo
and Nabisco Roan tie their score. In the runoff of
the fence work only, Corey and the gutsy bay mare
were even better the second time around scoring
a whopping 227, winning the run off by 4 points.
Rising Starlight was also the 2011 Sr. Working Cow
Horse Champion with Corey aboard, an amazing
feat having won back to back titles. Rising Starlight
is owned by Eric Dunn of Norwich, Kansas. Besides
her win in Sr. Working Cow Horse, she placed
third in Senior Heading and was a finalist is Senior
Heeling. After almost two decades the AQHA Super
Horse once again has Arizona connections.
The Habighorsts recently purchased a 2-year-old
mare for their youngest granddaughter, Kaylee.
Doing so also put them in the market for a horse for
Kaylee’s older sister, Monica. “Now Kaylee has a 2year-old mare and Monica has a 2-year-old gelding,”
Rita added with a smile. “Not in the same class, it’s
better that way.”
“He’s got a short back and he really ties in good,”
Vern said, adding that he will most likely take a turn
at the shank of their new horse as well. Now that
Boys N Toys is part of the Habighorst family, it begs
the question, what’s his new barn name?
“Whoever we buy the horse from, that’s their barn
name,” Vern said. “So his barn name is ‘Frankie.’”
Mike Dowd and Hickorys Blaze were not only the
winners in the Amateur Working Cow Horse; they
were also the crowd favorites.
Vern and Rita have been coming to the AQHA World
Show Trade Show with their Blue Ribbon Custom
Tack booth since 1982.
Another Arizona star, Corey Cushing, let it fly at the
2012 AQHA World Show winning the Sr. Working
Cow Horse and the Farnam Super Horse award
on Rising Starlight. Corey, NRCHA’s newest and
youngest million dollar rider, was on his game the
last night of the show during the finals of the Sr.
Working Cow Horse. Corey and Rising Starlight
scored a remarkable 448, only to have Jake Telford
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MIKE DOUD RIDES HICKORYS
BLAZE TO A BLAZE OF GLORY
Friday, November 9, 2012 was the day that Mike
Doud and Hickorys Blaze achieved a lifelong goal
and dream when they walked out the Norick arena in
Oklahoma City as the 2012 AQHA World Champions
in Amateur Working Cow Horse. Mike drew up close
to the front of the pack in
the preliminary go around.
Finishing twelfth, he knew
that they would have to
perk up their dry work and
have the Cow Gods smile
down upon them to have a
shot at winning the finals.
Drawing the number nine
spot in the finals, Mike and
Blaze ended up improving their dry work by 3.5
points. When the cow entered the arena, it was apparent to everyone that it
was a good one. Mike
turned it just a couple of
times on the end and down
the arena they flew, culminating in a spectacular
first turn. The second was
equally impressive. This
led to circling up in perfect
position while the crowd
was roaring their approval.
down the cow work and rightfully so. Mike knew it
was going to be close; the only thing left to do was
to wait for the final word. After thirteen places were
handed out it was just Mike and Gary Lynn standing
in the arena. Mike had scored a 211 on the dry and a
223.5 on the cow to win
his first ever AQHA World
Championship, out scoring
everyone on the cow portion by three points!
It took a lot of luck, dedication, loyalty and hard
work for Mike and Blaze
to reach this pinnacle. It
all started for Mike many
years ago when he was
just fourteen years old and
learning to rope in Riley’s
arena. A native Arizonian,
Mike was a member of
the High School Rodeo
Team. In his senior year,
Mike went to work for the
well known cutting trainer,
Mike Mowery. This job
led him to Texas while
working for Mowery for
three years.
Mike had the horse bug
and it also included cows,
whether it was cutting,
roping or working a cow down the fence. When Mike
and Jimmie Paul teamed up, it wasn’t just as a trainer/
student relationship; Mike knew Jimmie was the one
to teach him the ropes, no pun intended. A lifelong
friendship ensued. The first time Mike showed at the
AQHA World Show was in 1988 on Manzanita Doc;
trained and coached by Jimmie Paul, they showed in
Amateur Heeling.
During the finals of the
Amateur events, scores
were not announced; however everyone knew that
Mike and Blaze were the ones to beat. Mike never let
himself think about what might be, as some super riders were left to go; Gary Lynn Olson, Karen Stallings,
Amy Bailey and Eric Storey who had scored the highest in the preliminary round. It seemed like everyone
had the beginnings of great runs just to have a glitch
at one time or another. Fellow AzQHA member Gary
Lynn Olson was the last to ride in the arena on her
beautiful palomino mare, Chexy Little Sister. After
their dry work, everyone knew it was going to come
In his early twenties Mike took some time off from
riding and went back to ASU to study business. That
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was followed by studies to receive his Real Estate License. Mike got involved and helped develop several
projects all the while working for other construction
companies. In 2001 Mike decided it was time to work
for himself. He applied for a construction license and
started Doud Development & Construction Inc. Mike
was thirty-years old and starting to have some success
with his business. It was time to look up his old friend
Jimmie once again.
just how Marston is, he has a huge heart and loves his
horses”. Mike and Blaze started to make their mark
in the Cow Horse world by qualifying for the AQHA
World in 2003, placing fourth in 2004, qualifying
again in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. They also won
two saddles at the Sun Circuit in 2005 & 2008 winning Circuit Champion Amateur Working Cow Horse.
Blaze was unofficially retired in 2008 with Mike
just roping on him occasionally to keep him in good
physical shape.
Jimmie had just the perfect horse in training for Mike
to try. His name was Colonel Taris and he belonged to
Marilyn Harris at the time. Jimmie told Mike to get
on, go head and steer and see what he thought. Mike
didn’t really have time to think as “Billy” bucked him
off soon after they left the roping chute. Mike knew a
challenge when he saw it
and soon Billy and Mike
were winning their fair
share. At the 2002 & 2003
Sun Circuit they won the
Hi Point Novice Amateur
roping saddles. In 2005
they won Circuit Champion Amateur Reining at the
Scottsdale Classic show.
In May of 2012 Jimmie urged Mike to have one more
try at the AQHA World Show. Blaze went back in
cow horse training in earnest, with the goal of qualifying at the last couple of shows at Casner Ranch in
Temecula, CA. They got the needed points to qualify
and the road to Oklahoma
City was once again in
view. Mike laughs when
he says, “Our plan this
time was for me to stay out
of the way and let Blaze
do what he knows best.
And it worked”. Mike and
Blaze outshined and out
‘cowed’ fifty-seven other
amateurs to handily win
the World Championship
trophy and the winner’s
share of the $16,866 purse.
Mike would like to thank
the entire village that
helped him achieve his
goal; Dr. Gary Kaufman, Dr Ross Rich, Dr. Metheney
and John McKenzie for helping to keep Blaze sound.
Finally, thanks to Jimmie and Mandy for all their hard
work and extra effort they took to get Blaze and Mike
to the World Show; and to Corey Cushing for the final
tune-up before they left home for Oklahoma City.
In 2001 Mike also purchased a three-year-old
bay gelding with a big
blaze from Marston and
Marion Holbon. Hickorys
Blaze was also in training with Jimmie and on track to be shown at the 2001
NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno. As luck would
have it Jimmie finally went to the top of the kidney
transplant list and was slated for kidney transplant
surgery during the Futurity. Al Dunning was brought
in to take over showing Blaze in Reno.
As a two-year-old, Blaze had severely injured a front
hoof. When Mike purchased Blaze, the veterinarian
would not guarantee his soundness more than a couple of years. True to form, Marston Holben told Mike
to take the horse and pay him in a couple of years if
he stayed sound. Blaze not only stayed sound but he
was a perfect fit for Mike as his first Working Cow
Horse. The agreed upon price was so ridiculously low
that after two years Mike said that Marston practically gave him the horse. Mike explained, “That’s
Thank you Mike Doud, for all the endless hours of
volunteer work during the cow horse shows making
sure that everyone has good cattle to work and can
have fair shot at the winners circle. Congratulations
Mike and Blaze. You won THE big one....
And Arizona is extremely proud and happy for you.
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2013 HABIGHORST UPDATE
Aged Geldings, Jeff Habighorst in Amateur Aged GeldFor those fans of the Habighorst family and there World
Champion horses, here is what to be on the look out for
ings and Vern in Select Aged Geldings.
in 2013!
Hez Unbeatable and Be A Gunslinger, will both be
Best To Be Me will be shown by Kaylee Hamm in
yearling geldings. Be A Gunslinger was the Champion
youth. Jeff Habighorst will show her in the 3 Yr. Old
Weanling Gelding this year at the Breeders Halter FutuAmateur Mares division and Vern will show her in the 3
rity in Des Moines. The future handlers of these two is
Yr. Old Select Amateur division.
still up in the air.
Boys N Toys will be shown by Monica Hamm in youth,
Jeff Habighorst in the 3 Yr. Old Amateur Geldings division and Vern in the 3 Yr. Old Select Amateur division.
RPL My Te Cheerful will be shown by Monica in Youth
Miss Extraordinarre, 2 Year Old Mare, and Be A Gunslinger are currently with Randy Jacobs in Dover, OH.
Following the AQHA World Show all other Habighorst
horses are in training with Andy and Kendell Staton
from Hanson, KY.
Best To Be Me shown winning the 3 Year Old
Mares at the Congress.
RPL My Te Cheerful. Photo by KC Montgomery
AQHA WORLD SHOW RESULTS
BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN & STACY HULS
WORLD CHAMPION JR HUNTER UNDER
SADDLE
Owned by: ALEXANDRA CHAVEZ
HICKORYS BLAZE & MIKE DOUD
WORLD CHAMPION AMATEUR WORKING COW
HORSE
Owned by: MICHAEL J DOUD
BLENDED CHOCLATE & STACY HULS
WORLD CHAMPION JR HUNTER UNDER
SADDLE
Owned by: KIMBERLY LLOYD WRIGHT
RISING STARLIGHT & COREY CUSHING
AQHA SUPERHORSE
WORLD CHAMPION SR. WORKING COW
HORSE
Owned by: ERIC DUNN
RPL MY TE CHEERFUL & VERN HABIGHORST
WORLD CHAMPION AMATEUR AGED GELDING
THIRD AGED GELDING – SHOWN BY GENE
PARKER
Shown by: VERN HABIGHORST
BOYS N TOYS & VERN HABIGHORST
WORLD CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD GELDING
Shown by: ROSS ROARK
(con’t)
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CHEXY LITTLE SISTER & GARY LYNN OLSON
RESERVE CHAMPION AMATEUR WORKING
COW HORSE
Owned by: GARY LYNN OLSON
COMMEMORATIVE INVITE & ALYSE ROBERTS
1ST INTERMEDIATE JR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
5TH JR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Owned by: CHRIS R LAGERBLADE
BEST TO BE ME & VERN HABIGHORST
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD MARE
Shown by: GENE PARKER
IE COPY & DEANNA SEARLES
5TH SR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Owned by: KATHERINE K TOBIN
HEZA RADICAL ZIP & JEFFREY JOHNS
6TH AMATEUR WESTERN RIDING
Owned by: SUSAN JOHNS
HEZ UNBEATABLE & VERN HABIGHORST
RESERVE CHAMPION AMATEUR WEANLING
GELDING
4TH WEANLING GELDING SHOWN BY GENE PARKER
Owned by: VERNON H HABIGHORST
FAITH IN MY CAT & MARILYN HARRIS
6TH SR. CUTTING
Ridden by: TOM LYONS
PS FIRST HONOR & JONELLE HEGEL ABBOTT,
OWNER
RESERVE CHAMPION PROGRESSIVE WORKING
HUNTER
th
4 AMATEUR PLEASURE DRIVING
5TH JUNIOR WORKING HUNTER
Shown by: JERRY ERICSON
LETS SHAKE EM UP & BETTY WATT
7TH PERFORMANCE HALTER GELDINGS
Shown by: TED TURNER
TOTALLY IRONIC & CATHY CORRIGAN FRANK
RESERVE CHAMPION SR PLEASURE DRIVING
WITH KEVIN DUKES
TH
7 AMATEUR PLEASURE DRIVING
Owned by: CATHY FRANK
MORE RADICAL & JEFFREY JOHNS
THIRD AMATEUR WESTERN RIDING
Owned by: KATHERINE TOBIN
9
TH
BH IS PACKIN HEAT & ANDREA FAPPANI
THIRD JR. REINING
Owned by: RANCHO OSO RIO
LOPIN FOR A CHEX & SUSAN JOHNS
JR. WESTERN RIDING – Shown by: JIM SEARLES
FINALIST PERFORMANCE HALTER GELDINGS
– Shown by: RYAN KAIL
LASTCALLFOUR ALCOHOL & DEANNA SEARLES
9TH JR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Owned by: KATHERINE K TOBIN
ONLY INVITE THE BEST & RYAN KAIL
ST
1 INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE HALTER
MARES
TH
4 PERFORMANCE HALTER MARES
Owned by: CANDICE HALL AND CORY SEEBACH
KEEP SAKE & VERN HABIGHORST
10TH AMATEUR YEARLING MARES
Owned by: VERNON H HABIGHORST
PRF SPOONFUL OF GOLD & COREY CUSHING
FOURTH JR. WORKING COW HORSE
Owned by: CATHY CORRIGAN FRANK
HRZ MAKE MINE GOLD & JEFFREY JOHNS
FINALIST AMATEUR WESTERN RIDING
Owned by: KATHERINE TOBIN
NMSU TRUCKIN CHEX & KAREN STALLINGS
4TH AMATEUR WORKING COW HORSE
7TH SR. WORKING COW HORSE – Shown by: KEVIN
STALLINGS
Owned by: KEVIN STALLINGS
I GOTTA GOOD NAME & JIM SEARLES
FINALIST SR. TRAIL
Owned by: SUSAN K JOHNS
WIMPYS LITTLE ANGLE & JASON HERSBERGER
FINALIST JR HEELING
Owned by: MIKE ODEN CATTLE CO
WANNA TALK ABOUT TE & TREVOR JOHNS
4TH THREE YEAR OLD AMATEUR GELDING
TH
5 THREE YEAR OLD GELDINGS – Shown by: BOB
KAIL
Owned by: SUSAN JOHNS
DEAL ME A WINNER & SHADD PARKINSON
FINALIST SR. WORKING COW HORSE
Owned by: COPPER SPRINGS RANCH
12
Western Lifestyle Photography
by
Barry Denton
www.barrydentonphotography.com
(928) 442-3290
13
14
2012 ALL AROUND WINNERS
LISA TILTON AND LOOK AT DEES ASSETS
class in September of 2011. Then we dusted off my
English saddle which hadn’t seen daylight since the
1990’s. With Scott Scheyli’s guidance and patience,
Kirby and I reached every one of our goals for the
2012 show season. Winning the Novice Amateur All
Around at the Scottsdale Classic and placing in the
top twenty in several classes at the AQHA Novice
Amateur Championship Show in Vegas were special
achievements for us. Then we were awarded the
AQHA Road Warrior Award during the Novice World
Show. During the year, Kirby was also awarded
several AQHA Open and Amateur All Arounds. We
had a great time showing at the AZQHA shows and
look forward to seeing all of you again for the coming
year.”
Lisa Tilton and Look At Dees Assets earned an
incredible 620 points in their quest for the Novice
Amateur All Around. The dynamic pair won Hi Point
KRISTIN CRUMPTON-MANGOSING AND
RITZY INVESTMENT
While winning the 2012 AzQHA Amateur All Around
title, Kristen and Ritzy Investment also won Hi
Point Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Hunt
Seat Equitation and Reserve in Performance Halter
Geldings. Kristin summed up the year in her own
words:
“This year was a very fun year for me! After taking
a year off in 2011 I had the wonderful opportunity
this year to show Ritzy Investment. He goes by Steve
in Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under
Saddle, and Hunt Seat Equitation; Reserve in Trail
and Western Pleasure; they also earned points in
Western Riding. Of special merit, Lisa and Look At
Dees Assets also named AzQHA Reserve Amateur
All Around, AzQHA Scholarship show Novice and
Amateur All Around winner. Lisa put this amazing
experience in her own words:
“I first saw this adorable little bay horse by the
name of Look At Dees Assets (Kirby) at an AZQHA
Schooling Show in 2010. I just couldn’t keep my
eyes off of him. By mid 2011 he became my new
show partner. I couldn’t ask for a more agreeable
and pleasant horse to show, as he is always willing
to give it his all. Kirby’s ability as a pattern horse
convinced me to enter my first ever Showmanship
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but he is also known as “Stinky Steve” due to his
undeniable attraction to rolling in the smelliest areas
he can find whenever he has the opportunity. He is
a 1998 bay gelding by Potential Investment and he
is a real character. Steve is very set in his ways so
we spent many of our days just trying to come to a
compromise that would make us both happy. After
about six months of riding, we had a break through
and it has been a blast to shown him since. He is
probably one, if not the most, talented horses that
I have ever owned. However sometimes he makes
it a lot harder than it should be but when we finally
get it right, it is that much more rewarding. We did
not show a whole lot this year, I spent many of my
days jetting around the country as a flight attendant
for Southwest Airlines. When we did get to go to the
shows, we tried to make it count. It has been nice to
take a step back and realize what a great privilege
it is to be able to do what I love and be surrounded
by such amazing people. When you are around your
family and friends just having a wonderful time, that
is what is priceless. At the end of the day, that’s really
what it is about. Horse shows come and go but the
memories you create stay with you forever.”
Hunt Seat Equitation, Reserve in Western Pleasure
and also earning points in Halter, Western Riding
and Trail. When asked to tell her story, Gabi had this
to say:
“My name is Gabi Salamone and I am a senior at
Chaparral High School. I purchased An Honest Detail
from Kristen Mangosing two years ago, and I am so
thankful for him and everything he has done for me.
He is so fun to show, even though he keeps me on my
toes! I would like to thank Jim and Deanna Searles
for literally teaching me everything I know; I’m so
glad to be a part of the Circle S family! I’d also like
to thank my parents for allowing me to spend all of
their money on horses instead of making me play
soccer like a regular kid. I love you guys so much and
winning this all-around would not have been possible
without you!”
GABRIELLA SALAMONE AND AN HONEST
DETAIL
Gabriella and An Honest Detail won a Youth All
Around saddle for the fourth year in a row, including
both Novice and Youth. And that doesn’t count the
two 13 & Under saddles Gabi won before that. This
year unstoppable pair won Hi Point Showmanship,
Western Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle and
ALISON BURGE AND GUINNESS IS GOOD
While campaigning for the AzQHA Novice Youth
All Around, Alison Burge showed Guinness is Good
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in Halter, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western
Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt
Seat Equitation. They teamed up to win Hi Point in
Showmanship and Hunter Under Saddle; and Reserve
in Western Pleasure.
2012 was to the beginning of The Best Cookie’s All
Around career. Their debut at the Arizona National
Show was hugely successful, winning the Jr. All
Around Champion, showing in Trail, Western Riding,
Western Pleasure, and Performance Halter. He also
won numerous other Circuit All Arounds as well as
Superior awards in Trail and Western Pleasure. Kathy
Tobin would like to thank Jim and Deanna for all they
have done to make Elvis the horse he is today; one
of the hottest, young all around horses in the country.
Watch for Elvis in 2013 in Performance Halter, Trail,
Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Western Riding.
Alison and Guinness Is Good, a seven year old
gelding by Zippos Mr Good Bar, train with Stacey
Tucker at the Bar A Ranch in north Scottsdale. Alison
has been riding with Stacey since she was seven years
old. Alison is a 9th grader at Basis Scottsdale where
her interests include playing the piano and being an
active member of the Tri-M Music Society. The pair
also qualified and showed at 2012 AQHA Novice
World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.
THE BEST COOKIE – ALL AROUND HORSE
GAYLE FEARRINGTON AND RL
INVESTMENTS
The Best Cookie is a 2007 gelding by RL Best of
Sudden. In 2004 “Elvis” was purchased by Katherine
Tobin because the gelding showed great potential for
the three year old Western Pleasure futurities. Trained
by Jim and Deanna Searles, Elvis was Champion at
the Oregon Summer Classic and placed in the Top
Ten Congress Futurity with Jim, Deanna and Kathy
in the saddle. In 2011 Elvis and Kathy won AQHA
Hi Point Select Western Pleasure, AQHA Select
Reserve World Champion Western Pleasure and 5th is
Performance Halter Geldings.
Gayle and RL Investments won AzQHA Select Hi
Point in Trail, Western Horsemanship and Western
Pleasure. They also showed in Western Riding
helping to earn the 292 AzQHA points for the Select
All Around title.
Gayle’s favorite class is Trail; however that might
be because it is “Jake’s” favorite as well. In 2012
Gayle and Jake met one of their goals earning an
AQHA Superior Amateur Trail which they completed
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something done in church and leads were the ropes
attached to halters.” She has enjoyed training him
more that she could imagine. His calm demeanor, his
unflappable attitude and his athleticism make him a
perfect trail horse. He is always careful where he puts
his feet, doesn’t rush obstacles, and is patient when
Judy occasionally gives him a miscue. Judy says,
“He is truly a joy to ride.” Obviously perfect for the
AzQHA Trail Challenge program!
BECKY ORAHOOD AND SMOKEY BADGER
CHAMP
AzQHA TRAIL CHALLENGE LEVEL 2
It has been a long journey for Smokey Badger
Champ, foaled in Wisconsin in 2001, to his winning
ways in Arizona. It was in 2006 that Smokey and
Becky first met up in Wyoming at the Wyoming
Quarter Horse Sale. “There were so many to choose
from, but Smokey was the one that fit my wallet,”
Becky recalls. “In another scenario, he would
have been a rope horse heading cows with some
bow-legged cowboy.” It took awhile for Becky
and Smokey to get on the same page. He was
during the Scottsdale Classic. Gayle would like to
thank Mark Sheridan for all his training, guidance
and friendship over the last five years. Gayle says,
“Also thanks to all my ‘barn buddies’ for all the
many laughs we have during our lessons and at the
shows. We have so much fun all the time”. Gayle has
been employed by Chase Bank for forty-two years.
When she is not ‘horsing around’ she, her husband
and all the dogs head up to their cabin in the White
Mountains. The all take part in hiking, looking for
wildlife and just enjoying the great outdoors.
JUDY ELLIS AND HB SMOKEY
AzQHA TRAIL CHALLENGE LEVEL 3
Judy purchased HB Smokey, aka Dewey about three
and a half years ago at a ranch horse auction. He is
a gelding that was used on a yearling calf operation
until he was five. When Judy brought him home,
he didn’t know much except how to drag a calf and
back up. Judy laughs, “He thought collection was
bigger, faster, and more fearless than she was. Their
partnership was helped by taking instructions from
Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron and with a little
input from Chris Cox thrown in. It has been a neverending trail of learning together for Smokey and
Becky. The pair started their journey to advance
learning in the ACTHA, American Competitive Trail
Horse Association. Traveling throughout the four
corners region, Smokey and Becky were introduced
to some great locations and people in the ACTHA
world. When AQHA began the Trail Challenge it
expanded their opportunities and offered a chance for
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Becky to get back into AQHA activities after many
years of separation. Becky wants everyone to know,
“I really appreciate the AZQHA jumping into the Trail
Challenge fray and the efforts of Carol Belmore to
include and expand the riding adventures in Arizona.”
Karen and Dr Mojo Three Bars, aka Mojo rode
in anything they could, gymkhanas, sorting, and
anything else they could dream up. The pair signed up
for their first Trail Challenge in Wickenburg, taking
the opportunity to ride in an arena new to them.
Karen’s goal was simply to have a good time and
meet some new people. They had so much fun Karen
I decided to go to all the other Trail Challenges.
Karen’s personal goal was to use the competitions
to challenge her and Mo to improve as horse and
rider team. Karen lives in Apache Junction with her
husband, three American Quarter Horses, two German
Shorthaired Pointers and two goats. Karen sums it
up by saying, “I can’t thank Carol and Ray Belmore,
Carol Whittaker, Sheryl Geis and the rest of the
judges, competitors and organizers enough for their
hospitality, help and advice. I look forward to 2013
to continue to improve our individual scores; each
Challenge gives me something to work on to become
a better rider.”
KAREN MARTIN AND DR MOJO THREE
BARS
AzQHA TRAIL CHALLENGE LEVEL 1
Karen is originally from the small farming
community in Eastern Colorado, Swink. She grew up
listening to her great grandfather’s stories of ranching,
farming and racing horses in the brush tracks. Her
father bought a pony for Kanen when she was just
four years old. While growing up Karen got her start
competing in the local 4-H, gymkhanas, and rodeos.
After graduating from the Colorado College in the
early 90’s Karen moved to Arizona and fell in love
with Arizona and all it had to offer.
Congratulations to All Breed honorable mention
winners:
ALL BREED LEVEL 2
RANDY GASSETT AND SUNRISE SMOKEY
BEAR
TIE - ALL BREED LEVEL 1
KATRINA HRUSKA AND COMET
AMBER HRUSKA AND ROZEE O PRIMO
In 2012 Trail Challenge riders must have competed in
three or more rides to be eligible for the All Around
buckle. No All Breed riders qualified.
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SUN CIRCUIT AND
AMERICA’S HORSE CARES
In 2002, the AQHA Foundation embarked on a
journey to help free special-needs individuals
from their physical, cognitive and emotional
limitations. An overwhelming response in grant
requests illustrated a growing need for therapeutic
riding assistance and paved the way for our newest
program “America’s Horse Cares.” Thanks to the
involvement and dedication of two Arizonian’s,
Becky Dunning and Peggy Kimes, the Sun Circuit
became a grant program donor in 2006.
volunteers oversee the individualized therapy and
educational activities specifically developed for each
client. Riders with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral
palsy and other debilitating illnesses benefit daily
from these activities.
Every year, more children and adults with
disabilities whose lives, limbs and language are
limited are positively impacted by the opportunity
to ride a horse. Whether it is autism, cerebral palsy,
muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, spina bifida
or other disability, horses are making a measurable
impact on their lives; the American Quarter Horse
Foundation and Farnam, AQHA’s corporate partner,
are committed to sharing America’s Horse with
those who need him.
2012 makes the sixth year in a row that Sun Circuit
has donated $10,000 to help fund America’s Horse
Cares. There is no doubting the commitment of
AzQHA to this wonderful program. All sixty
thousand dollars of the money donated from Sun
Circuit has been awarded to Arizona approved
facilities. Therapists, riding instructors and various
L to R: AzQHA Board Members; Dorn Parkinson, Lolli Denton, Kim Wright, Barb Truex; AQHA Foundation members Peggy Kimes and Becky Dunning; Board members Joni Hegel, Jeff Abbott, Jim Searles and Maggie Molover.
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2013 ARIZONA NATIONAL
The first show of the year was maybe a little chilly for
some, but the numbers seemed to be up in all classes.
The change in the AQHA Novice rules helped some the
Amateur Novice classes reach fifteen or more entries.
The Roping classes grew in entries with three points
in the Team Roping and 12-14 entries in the Amateur
Team Roping. Western Riding, Trail, and Reining were
all nice sized with 10 – 15 very tough competitors.
The Sr. Trail was the largest class of the show with 22
entries, followed by the Amateur Cutting with 20 and
the Amateur Ranch Pleasure with 20.
By far the most enthusiastic class was the Ranch
Pleasure. Twenty entries turned out for the Amateur
division and six for the Open on Friday. Everyone had
a great time, including the spectators who turned out
to see the new class. There was camaraderie and fun as
everyone helped everyone remember the pattern. Even
Sunday the Amateur die hard entries stayed and braved
the cold. Christa Hampton and TR Spooky Cat were
Amateur Ranch Pleasure overall champions.
Thanks again to the Arizona National Committee,
Grant Boise, Jan Wilson and Shawn Martin for a great
start to the New Year.
2013 Arizona National All Around Winners:
HIGH POINT AWARDS:
Division – Horse – Exhibitor
Open All Ages - Gotta Good Feelin - Kelly Roberts
Amateur - Good Time Lopin - Maegan Havens
Select - Watch Me Im Hot - Kim Portney
Novice Amateur - Specialty Item - Sasha Lyons
Youth 18 and under - Flashy Attraction - Taylor M Searles
Youth 13 & Under - Flashy Attraction - Taylor M Searles
Novice Youth - Charming Details - Catlyn A Arnold
Walk/Trot - Miss Glowin Zipper - Kaci Rodriguez
Bard Barkemeyer
and Nics Black Gold
owned by Barb
Truex.
RESERVE HIGH POINT AWARDS
Division – Horse - Exhibitor
Open All Ages - Accidental Zipper - Brendan Brown
Amateur - Bingos Sami - Curtis K. Fender
Select - Branded Invitation - Mary Lou Dupray
Novice Amateur - Mac N Machine - Mary S Wilson
Youth 18 and under - Lets Talk About AOK - Shea Graham
Youth 13 & Under - Good Girls Do - Sarah Williams
Novice Youth - Dynamic Sky - Sabrina Brown
Walk/Trot - Good Trace - Taylor Gardner
Laurel Denton helps
“point” out some difficult
spots.
Jim Hewey
and Darleen
Wood make
preparations
for the Amateur
Ranch Pleasure.
Barb Rickert and Connie Hay seem to be doing
different patterns.
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AzQHA Secretary Connie
Hay in the Amateur
Ranch Pleasure.
2012 AzQHA BANQUET
AND AWARD WINNERS
The annual AzQHA Awards Banquet was held once
again at Pinnacle Peak Patio in north Scottsdale. The
won, this makes at least five trophy saddles for Gabi!
All Around Novice Amateur Lisa Tilton topped off a
spectacular year by taking home that saddle. Allison
Burge won her first All Around Novice Youth saddle.
Kristin Mangosing won the Amateur saddle with Ritzy
2012 AzQHA Saddle winners.
Hall of Fame inductee Rick Johns.
weather was a little chilly, but that didn’t put a damper
on the fun, food and friends. The evening started off
with the presentation to the newly inducted AzQHA Hall
of Fame members. The attendance was spectacular as
most members or their family were there to accept the
Investment. The Best Cookie won the All Around Horse
saddle for owner Kathy Tobin.
The AzQHA presented the Trail Challenge winners this
year with all around buckles. What made it really special
was that all the winners were in attendance and everyone enjoyed meeting and welcoming the new group to
our association. Also this year the Arizona Reined Cow
Horse Association joined the AzQHA for their year end
Awards. ARCHA members took home beautiful saddle
Big winners in the Halter division, Dorn and
Debbie Parkinson.
beautiful glass award in the shape of the state of Arizona.
The array of awards was amazing, with buckles, saddles,
knives, director chairs, and the new and unique Scholarship Show trophies. Gayle Fearrington made it three
years in a row winning the Select saddle. Not to be
out done was Gabriella Salomone winning the Youth
Saddle again. Including the 13 & Under saddles she has
Gerry and Kathy Tobin, Nancy Burton and Jeffrey
Johns accepting for Hall of Fame inductee Robert
Kieckhefer.
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Ray and Carol Belmore
Jonelle Abbot shows off her winnings with PS
First Honor.
blankets, stable blankets and throws with the ARCHA
logo. Looks like the ARCHA knew it was going to be a
chilly evening. Thanks to Barry Denton for taking photos during the ARCHA awards.
Bill Cress, Hall Of Fame inductee, with daughters
Cami and Kelly
The Pinnacle Peak staff did a great job of serving delicious steaks and ribs. The evening was topped off with
homemade apple pie with some sort of amazing cinnamon ice cream ala mode.
Thank you Ann Mulchay for taking photos during the
AzQHA Awards banquet. If you would like to see her
photos go to Smug Mug, type in Ann Mulchay and click
on the AzQHA Banquet. Or she can be reached by email
at: annmulchayphotography@gmail.com
Tom Finley Hall of Fame inductee, son Mike and
wife Virginia Finley accepting.
Cami Elliot and Maxine Lakin.
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Like mother, like daughter; Cathy and Sydney
Frank
First time AzQHA Buckle winner Jim Hewey.
Champion Amateur Reining
Brad Barkemeyer and Mike Doud of the ARCHA
Photo by Barry Denton
Daughters Sally and Patty, wife Maxine surround
Hall of Fame inductee Chuck Lakin.
Carol Belmore presents Trail Challenge winner
Becky Orohood with her buckle
The Stewart Family all together during a school
break. Rod, Lissa and Chantz
25
2013 AzQHA
Hall of Fame
Sonny,
Walker
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Rick Joh
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Billy L. C
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ress
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t Kiec
Rober
Pat Ole
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Doc B
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J. Bro
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Tom Fin
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S
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2013 AzQHA
Hall of Fame
J. ERNEST BROWNING
In 1946, Tom purchased Texas Dandy, which
catapulted Finley Ranches to the top of the
Quarter Horse industry. Using Texas Dandy as
a herd sire, Finley bred and raised Little Egypt,
a mare who was a stakes winner and earned 29
halter points. Another well-known Texas Dandy
daughter is Superior racehorse Dandy Doll. When
the mare was bred to Lightning Bar she produced
the famous Doc Bar.
In the 1930s, Browning was running Hereford
cattle and Steeldust horses on his 2,000 acre
ranch in Wilcox, Arizona. Wanting to improve
the quality of his horses, Browning bought the
stallion Billy Byrne, a son of Balleymooney. As
Browning’s reputation as a horseman spread
he was asked by Robert Denhardt to attend a
meeting in Fort Worth, Texas about organizing a
new registry for the Steeldust and Billy horses.
Browning went to the meeting and became a
director for AQHA. Almost 20 years later, in
1958, Browning was elected president of the
Association, and initiated judging clinics. The
number of Quarter Horses had grown rapidly, and
the supply of qualified judges was exhausted.
Finley Ranch dominated Arizona shows in halter
and performance classes, especially in the Get
of Sire, Produce of Dam and Sire and Get group
halter classes in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Tom was
elected as President of Arizona Quarter Horse, an
AQHA Director and the 17th President of AQHA.
Ernest Browning was instrumental in the
beginnings of the Arizona Quarter Horse
Association, serving as one of its earliest
Presidents. J. Ernest Browning was known as the
“usin’ horse” rancher from Arizona, and this title
stuck with him throughout his life.
He was inducted into the American Quarter Horse
Hall of Fame in 1982. Browning died November
19, 1984. In 2013 Ernest Browning was inducted
into the inaugural Arizona Quarter Horse
Association Hall of Fame.
Finley was inducted into the American Quarter
Horse Hall of Fame in 1992 and died in 2002 at
84. In 2013 Tom Finley was inducted into the
inaugural Arizona Quarter Horse Association Hall
of Fame.
RICK JOHNS
Rick Johns’ love of fast, pretty horses started
early on his family’s vegetable farm in Glendale,
Arizona. Johns’ first started showing in the mid1960’s at shows around Arizona. He was soon
asked to serve at President of the Arizona Quarter
Horse Association in 1971.
TOM FINLEY
Born and raised on an Arizona ranch, Finley grew
up using good horses. In the mid-1940s, Finley
and his brother, Jack, purchased their first Quarter
Horse. Tom was involved with every aspect of
the Quarter Horse as breeder, trainer, competitor
and judge. He also chaired an equine advisory
committee for President Gerald Ford.
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Soon after serving as AzQHA President, Rick
had an idea to start a circuit of horse shows in
the Scottsdale area. He met with Ruth Adams,
John Hoyt, and Jim Paul in Mag’s Ham Bun in
Scottsdale. The idea of the Arizona Sun Country
Circuit was hatched over a ham sandwich. In
1973, Rick saw his dream come true when the
Arizona Sun Circuit, the first show of its kind, was
held over ten days in two different venues. It soon
became the premier Quarter Horse circuit in the
nation and remains so today.
show ring around the west. Bob purchased a young
son of Tonto Bars Hank from Walter Merrick.
The beautiful sorrel stallion, Hank Will, raced as
a two and three year old earning a speed index
of 100. Bob decided to campaign Hank Will for
the title of AQHA Supreme Champion. In 1972,
Hank Will became Arizona’s first AQHA Supreme
Champion, earning points in Racing, Halter, Tie
Down Roping, Heading, Heeling, Hunter Under
Saddle, Working Cow Horse, Reining, Pole
Bending and Western Pleasure.
Rick’s passion for good mares soon built an
impressive band of broodmares consisting of
AQHA Champions and halter class winners. Some
of the top horses that Johns was associated with
were; 1978 World Champion Yearling Mare Triple
Lindy, Superior halter horse Quincy Cupid, AQHA
Champion and Superior halter horse Quincy Style,
1976 World Champion Aged Stallion Son Of Sun,
AQHA Supreme Champion Desto Bar, World
Champion sire Zip To Impress, World Champion
sire Sir Quincy Dan, World Champion Opie’s
Pride and racing ROM earners Chicks Gann,
Everything Lovly, My Gracious and Azure Sugar.
Bob was an AQHA judge and also an AQHA
Director. In 1976, Bob became AQHA’s 26th
president and was elected a member of the
American Horse Council’s Board of Trustees.
Bob Kieckhefer was inducted into the AQHA
Hall of Fame in 1994 and died in 2001. In 2013
Bob Kieckhefer was inducted into the inaugural
Arizona Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
In 1984 Rick Johns was elected the thirty-fourth
President of AQHA. In 2013 Rick was inducted
into the inaugural Arizona Quarter Horse
Association Hall of Fame.
SONNY AND SISSIE WALKER
Sonny and Sissie Walker had a goal; raise fast,
beautiful Quarter Horses that could perform in
the show arena. Purchasing the Bar U Bar Ranch
in Skull Valley, Arizona in 1945 was just the
beginning of their legacy. Sonny traveled the
country finding the fastest, prettiest mares of that
time, once going to the Zuni Indian Reservation
in New Mexico to purchase a fast little bay mare
known for her success in match racing. Old
Mae West was hauled to Oklahoma and Walter
Merrick’s ranch to be bred to Leo. Red Cent, a
1947 mare by Jess Hank was the mare that really
put Bar U Bar on the map. After a successful
racing career she produced, Three Percent, AAA
AQHA Champion, (Three Bars TB); That’s For
Sure (Be Sure Now TB) AQHA Champion sire
and World Champion Grandsire; Top Money (Top
Deck TB) NCHA Certificate of Ability and Crash
Bang, AAA AQHA Champion (Lightning Bar).
Crash Bang was the first mare registered with
AQHA to earn such an award.
ROBERT H. KIECKHEFER
Robert (Bob) H. Kieckhefer was drawn to the
Arizona desert from Wisconsin in the late 1930’s.
Bob and his wife Virginia (Dudie) lived in Prescott
and often spent time at his family’s K4 Ranch just
outside of town. It was there that Bob’s love and
admiration for horses grew. Wanting to increase
the quality of the horses on the ranch, Bob started
breeding and raising his own Quarter Horses
around 1945. Within a decade, his interest had
surpassed “using” ranch horses and had moved on
to show and race horses.
Bob Kieckhefer served as Arizona Quarter Horse
Association President in the early 1960’s. Bob also
founded the Prescott Horse Show and ran it from
the late 1940’s through the early 1970’s. During
this time, Bob owned and bred horses that were
winning championships at racetracks and in the
29
“Walker’s Runners” became known as breeders
of numerous AAA AQHA Champions, as well
as winners of halter and performance classes.
Sonny and Sissie won the Hi Point Exhibitor at the
prestigious Prescott Horse Show for many years
running; showing as many as twenty-nine horses.
horse was an excellent disposition. He wanted
to breed horses his girls, Linda, Charlene, Sally
and Patty could ride and be safe around. Through
the years the Hub Thomas bloodlines produced
winners in Cutting, Halter, Jumping, and other
performance events, all the while siring kind
individuals with good manners.
Sonny Walker served as Arizona Quarter Horse
Association President in the 1950’s. Both Sonny
and Sissie dedicated the ranch, and donated
stallion breedings and countless hours to the
promotion of the breed. Sissie Walker died in
1996, Sonny in 1998. In 2009, the Bar U Bar
Ranch received the coveted AQHA 50 Year
Breeders Award. In 2013, Sonny and Sissie were
inducted as one into the inaugural Arizona Quarter
Horse Association Hall of Fame.
Chuck Lakin served as Arizona Quarter Horse
Association President in the 1960’s; AQHA
Director and AQHA Honorary Vice President;
Sheriff’s Mounted Posse of Maricopa CountyPast President and Life Member; and Arizona
Horsemen’s Association - Director. In 2013
Chuck was inducted into the inaugural Arizona
Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
BILLY L. CRESS
CHUCK LAKIN
Growing up on a vegetable farm in Yuma, AZ,
it went without saying that Bill Cress would
continue with livestock and agriculture throughout
his life. Bill and his wife Valerie moved to Aguila
in 1957 where they would raise their children,
farm crops and raise and show champion Quarter
Horses for the next fifty-four years.
Chuck Lakin was born with roots deeply planted
in agriculture. As a young boy his family settled
in Phoenix, Arizona and bought farm land in
Avondale that was to become Lakin Cattle and
Milling Company. In 1943 Chuck enlisted in
the Army and became the regimental Pack Mule
Officer for the 475th Infantry with 500 mules in his
command. In the late 1940’s, Chuck started raising
and training Quarter Horses.
Bill was introduced to Quarter Horses through
his children. Oldest daughter Cami became
interested in showing in the newly offered AQHA
Youth Activity classes. Dusty Driftwood was
purchased from Pat O’Leary to be shown in all
the events offered at the time. Daughter Kelly
and son Curt also showed while growing up in
Aguila. Bill Cress managed the stallions Poco
Buzz Boy, Parker’s Dandy and Mr. Red Ant. The
Cress’ owned Mr. Red Ant, sire of Reserve World
Champions. The Cress’ also owned NSBA Hall of
Fame mare and dam of World Champions, Penny
Pawnee.
Chuck ranched, raised cattle, grew hay, bred
Quarter horses and participated in numerous
agricultural organizations, locally and nationally.
But the thing he is most proud of is pioneering
a new concept in horse feed. After many
experiments with pelletized hay enriched with
vitamins and minerals, the initial pelleted feed
was developed. Lakin Milling Company was
created in 1960, and products are now sold across
the western United States and a few additional
countries as well.
In 1972 Bill Cress became an approved AQHA
judge, a job he held for thirty-seven years.
Along with the AQHA judge’s card, Bill has held
eleven approved cards from other breeds and
Chuck Lakin purchased the stallion Hub Thomas
because of his looks and great mind. Chuck felt
the most important trait you could breed into a
30
disciplines. Bill has judged all the major World
Shows, including AQHA, APHA, Palomino,
Pinto, and Appaloosa. At age 81, Bill still travels
the country judging shows for seven different
breed associations. Bill was elected to AzQHA
President in 1977, the same year he was elected
as an AQHA Director. Bill served as Chairman of
the AQHA Youth Committee and the International
Committee. After twenty years Bill was elevated
to Director at Large.
Breeders Association, a job she continued for
almost thirty years. It was Pat’s idea to publish
a newsletter for the members, which eventually
became the Arizona Quarter Horse Magazine.
Pat O’Leary was more than a secretary, more
than a teacher and more than a horsewoman. She
was an ambassador-at-large whose dedication
advanced and enhanced whatever she was
involved with. Pat died in 1991 leaving a huge
void in the Arizona Quarter Horse Association. In
2013 Pat O’Leary was inducted into the inaugural
Arizona Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
Bill Cress has been a dedicated volunteer for the
Quarter Horse and the state of Arizona. In 2013 he
was inducted into the inaugural Arizona Quarter
Horse Association Hall of Fame.
DOC BAR
The chestnut stallion was foaled in 1956 on Tom
Finley’s Arizona ranch. Doc Bar was by Lightning
Bar by Three Bars (TB) and out of Dandy Doll by
Texas Dandy. The chestnut colt was bred to run,
but failed miserably.
PAT O’LEARY
Patricia O’Leary was born in Rochester,
Minnesota, far away from the western lifestyle in
Arizona. As a teen Pat pursued any horse activities
and clubs that were available. After graduating
from Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota,
she planned a trip to the west. An unplanned stop
in Phoenix, Arizona changed the course of Pat’s
life. Pat soon met and became assistant trainer
to John Hoyt at the Arizona Horse Love’s Club,
where she also served as secretary from 19581961.
Earning a total of $95 in four outs, Doc Bar was
given to Charley Araujo of California to show at
halter. With Araujo at the lead, and the stallion’s
unique conformation, the guidelines for halter
horse champions were altered almost overnight.
Out of 15 shows, Doc Bar won nine grand
champion titles and one reserve champion title.
In 1959 Pat O’Leary and her horse Little Onions
won the Arizona Open Stock Horse title. They
were also Reserve Champion Arizona Quarter
Horse of the year, winning Champion Reining
as well. In 1967 Pat was named Arizona
Horsewoman of the Year. As a trainer Pat was best
known for her work with youth, deriving great
pleasure in turning a youth and a horse into a
competitive combination.
Over the following years, Doc Bar sired National
Cutting Horse Association Futurity winners, world
champions and top-10 horses. A few progeny
include Doc O’Lena, Dry Doc, Fizzabar and Doc’s
Kitty. He was the grandsire of Smart Little Lena,
Tenino San, Docs Sangria and Don N Willy.
Doc Bar died in 1992 at 36. He was inducted
into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in
1993. Doc Bar was the sole horse inducted into the
inaugural Arizona Quarter Horse Association Hall
of Fame in 2013.
In the early 1960’s Pat began volunteering to take
minutes and do the books for the Arizona Quarter
Horse Association. After years of volunteering
and as the job got more complex, Pat became the
first paid Secretary of the Arizona Quarter Horse
31
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ����
� � � � � � �� � � � ��� � �
........................................................................
South Point
Equestrian Center
South Point Casino Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 12 – 17, 2013
..................
JUDGES
April Devitt
Brad Kearns
Jeff Pait
Casey Devitt
Jennifer Leckey
Brent Tincher
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Equine Event Management
480-419-6318
HIGHLIGHTS
New six-day schedule: Open classes Tuesday and Wednesday; Amateur &
Youth classes Thursday through Sunday – you’ll have time to go play, go to
dinner, go to the casino……
Leveling!!! Classes will be leveled – more chances to earn more points!
Silver Dollar loves Novices!!! Novices – this is a great show for you!
Novices enter regular Amateur and Youth, Open classes free. You can ride
in lots of classes at no cost – and who knows, you might win!!! All-around
awards for Novices are the same as for regular Youth and Amateur! Last
year, we gave away Electric Motor Scooters……
Youth & Amateur enter Open classes free
It’s affordable! Day fees for Novice Youth, Novice Amateur, Youth, Amateur,
and Select Amateur showing more than four classes
Loads of points – great prizes – something for everyone!
Lucky exhibitor awards throughout the show!
NSBA Futurities – 3YO, 4 & Over, Open, Ltd, and Non Pro HUS and Pleasure
NSBA Dual Approved classes
Great hotel – great hotel rates! Bring the family – South Point offers
something for everyone!
“This is the most
exhibitor-friendly show
I’ve ever been to!”
“I had to work a horse late
one evening and they kept
the arena open all night!”
“My family had a blast –
they actually liked coming
to a horse show with me!”
“Can’t believe it – the
show is live broadcast
in your hotel room – too
cool!”
“Suggestion – add a
day – there are so many
entries!” (We have…)
34
35
2012 AQHA Novice Championship Show – West
By Kaitlyn Parks
On October 4, 2012 thousands gathered in the lively
city of Las Vegas, NV for the first annual AQHA
Novice Championship Show. Being the first of its kind,
this show allowed for the top novice riders around the
country to gather and compete with their horses in each
of the classes in which they qualified. While many of
the Eastern riders competed in the East Championship
Show in Tennessee, I was amongst the other half of the
country who got the chance to show just off of the Las
Vegas strip at the South Point Hotel and Casino.
contents. For me, this
meant seeing the new
shark-ray at Mandalay
Bay, and riding the
well-known New YorkNew York rollercoaster
(which is actually
painfully bumpy).
However, as everyone
knows there are never
any limits to what you
can do in Vegas, so
everyone found one
way or another to enjoy
their time. Over all, the
whole experience at the
Novice Championship
was full of fun memories
and awesome times. Good job and congrats to all the
Arizona competitors who showed!
With 10 different restaurants, 16 movie theatres, a
bowling center, casino, and giant pool center all on top
of the underground equestrian facility, there was never
a boring moment at the fun filled South Point Hotel.
While each of the contestants stayed on one of the
hotel’s 25 floors, the horses all slept cozy underneath it
all. Not only did the easy walk to your horse give you
a chance to sleep in a little later in the morning (my
favorite thing), but you could also just show up in your
pajamas (my second favorite thing, as most people
know). Of course, once you were up, then came a long
day of grooming, riding, and preparing for whatever
classes you had that day. With over 100 contestants
in nearly all of the classes, glitzy western outfits and
English hats filled the facility as everyone waited
around for their turn to go, in hopes of receiving a call
back to the finals. For many, these waits gave riders
the chance to grab some ice cream at Kate’s Korner,
or even play a game or two on the slot machines.
Unfortunately for me, most of the breaks between my
classes were used to run back to the room and work
on chemistry homework. Either way, the awesome
convenience of the hotel gave everyone a chance to get
a variety of things done in whatever free time they had.
Below: A beautiful photo of Kaitlyn Parks and Kool
Lopin Caan at the AQHA Novice World Championship
show winning bronze in Hunter Under Saddle.
Finally, then came the night time at the Novice
Championship, one of the most eventful parts of the
day. Typically, this meant getting back on your horse
and practicing late in the night for whatever class you
had the next day. However, if your horse contained his
grouchiness enough to give you a few nice patterns,
then you were able to finish with enough time to head
out into the heart of the city. Just five minutes away
from the hotel, we had easy access to strip and all its
36
nd s a
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Sto
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1-800-843-7718
www.woodswestern.com
We will be set up in the all new
PL-710
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J-551
Jan 26th - Feb 3rd
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J-544
802 N Twin Oaks Valley RD
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San Marcos, CA 92069
info@woodswestern.com
37
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10th Anniversary Scottsdale Classic
by Kristen Spinning
Seven consecutive days of sunshine greeted exhibitors
at WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ for the Scottsdale
Classic Quarter Horse Show and Futurities held
September 27 through October 3rd. But that wasn’t
the only reason smiles were extra bright, because this
year marked the 10th Anniversary of what has become
know as “The Fun Show”. Parties, special events
and camaraderie were all part of the festivities, but in
the arenas, it was all business. Horses competed for
points, awards, trophies, saddles, buckles and over
$121,000 in cash.
schedule allowing an extra point-accumulating day on
the front end of the circuit.
Horses and riders quite literally came from coast
to coast, representing everywhere from Florida to
Connecticut to California. Additionally, a Canadian
contingent competed, and Italy was represented as
well. After enjoying the great weather and good times,
more than one conversation turned to lamenting the
return to colder climates.
Arabian and Half Arabian NRHA classes and
futurities were another addition to the line up.
Exhibitors were excited to show along side the
Quarter Horses. Arabian exhibitor Preston Kent
commented, “Showing with the Quarter Horses is
really good for the industry. Hopefully it will really
take off, and more shows will do it.” Owner Joe
Betten was pretty excited when his horse, Custom
Gale, with Crystal McNutt aboard, earned top marks
in the Arabian Division of the Open Futurity, earning
$1,045 and change.
A few firsts debuted at the 10th Classic. Barrel Racing
was an exciting addition to the schedule. Samantha
Reddick piloted Louisiana Dasher smoothly around
the clover leaf for a 1st place win in the Open All
Ages. Youth racers had their chance to collect points
on Saturday as well. McKenzie Wiertzema dug down
deep to shave off a couple tenths and take the Youth
Barrel Racing riding PCFrenchmantarzon.
A few schedule changes made showing convenient.
The youth got to show to 3 judges a day over a Friday
through Sunday line up. Only AQHA reining was held
on the final day, allowing other exhibitors to pack up
and haul out to other shows a day earlier. The Special
Event Trail and Western Riding returned to the
Arabian reining might be new to the Classic, but
reining in general has always been a huge draw. In
39
the $50,000 Open Futurity, it was Randy Paul on
his own horse, Paintball Gun, who executed the best
pattern out of 42 runs that night, and scored a 220
to take home $14,022. Sam Schaffhause and Romeo
For Juliet impressed the judges enough to earn a 218
and the top spot in the Intermediate Open and the
Limited Open. In addition to saddles and bronzes, the
pair won $3,821 for owner Jerome Gregoire. There
was $10,000 added to the Non-Pro Futurity, and this
year Marc Gordon took home the biggest chunk of
it sliding Spooks Smoken Wimpy to a 144.5 and a
check of $2,935. In the Intermediate Non Pro, Tricia
Hamilton’s ride on Gun Gone Hollywood placed
them in the number one spot with a 143.5. Montanas
Stylish with Christy Brasier aboard spun up a 139.5 in
the Limited.
The Western Pleasure Futurities and Maturity drew
a large number of entries. In the 3-Year-Old Open,
it was Bob Kail’s consistency aboard Moving The
Chains that took the championship. Owner Susie
Johns took home a new saddle, trophy, buckle and a
check for $3,589. In the3 Year Old Limited, it was
Some Thing Radical that caught the judges’ eyes.
Daniel Prouhet was riding for owner Katherine Tobin,
and earned a $1,202 payout. Jane Humes rode her
horse, VS Check My Pulse, to the win in the Non Pro
and a check for $1,392.
The Two Year Olds showed their poise and potential
in their futurity. After the two goes, A Good Order,
owned by Joanne Garnett and shown by Brett Clark
had put together 3 firsts and a third to win the Open
and the Limited for combined earnings of $3,364.
UR Certainly Invited was top horse in the 2 Year Old
Open Stallion Incentive Fund, while Jamie West was
certainly proud of Certainly A Vision winning the 2
Year Old Non Pro.
The Western Pleasure Maturity saw the return of some
excellent horses that have made their mark around the
country. But in this match up. Huntin Big Dreams,
ridden by Adam Wainscott for the Bilek Family, put
together two excellent goes to take the champion spot
and $1,199. Joanne Garnett returned to the awards
presentation two more times with A Sudden Illusion.
First in the Limited with Brett Clark aboard and next
in the Non Pro, earning a combined total of just shy
of $1,800.
Parties are always an enjoyable part of The Classic,
and this year was no different. The 10th Anniversary
Party hosted by the Cleve Wells Gang got things
rolling. Jerry Kimmel and Cleve gave a look back at
the beginnings of the show, and Jerry was presented
with a custom Anniversary buckle.
Following the start of the Western Pleasure Futurities
on Friday the evening’s party was hosted by the
Equine Chronicle. Gordon Downey and his cohorts
out did themselves with Mardi Gras themed fun and
frivolity. A digital green screen photo booth was
in place that put party goers onto a special Equine
Chronicle cover celebrating the 10th Anniversary
of the Scottsdale Classic. A live auction in memory
of Kathy Swan was held to benefit Rein in Cancer.
Unique items ranging from a custom Greeley hat to
40
an adorable pony were bid on raising $6,210 for the
charity.
horses have a safe and comfortable place to hang
out for the week. In the arenas, judges always love
having 10 year veteran ring stewards John Campbell
and Ellie O’Donnell at their side. With Teresa Buck
running a gate, exhibitors have no excuse for missing
their turn, and for 10 years she has been keeping
the order. Mitzi Paul helped with countless details
since the beginning, from awards, to zipping around
keeping judges watered and fed. It is also interesting
to note that judges have continued a long affiliation
with The Classic as well. Scott Neuman was a judge
this year, and on that very first year as well. Judges
Dale Livingston and Laurel Walker-Denton placed
classes year one, and showed in classes 10 years
later. Many more dedicated staff members have been
with the show for years. Becky Dunning skillfully
announces in the reining, and Barb Rickert has
been vendor coordinator, but also jumps into the
ring to scribe when needed. Without the ongoing
commitment of all the staff, The Classic would not
have been able to consistently deliver on Jerry and
Ray’s original goal: make it a show that everyone
loves to go to.
Reining fans were treated to a great show during the
Open Futurity, and a great meal at the Rancho Oso
Rio/Fappani Performance Reining Futurity Party.
During the event, 3 Cowgirls and an Outlaw ran a
silent auction of western memorabilia and collectibles
to raise money for Americas Horse Cares and their
therapeutic riding programs.
The Scottsdale Classic was born of a shared dream of
two friends, Ray Roles and Jerry Kimmel. The men
set out to produce a show that fostered camaraderie,
along with sportsmanship. It takes a strong team to
make that dream reality. One secret to The Scottsdale
Classic’s success is the dedication of the show staff.
They continually go above and beyond to ensure the
show runs smoothly, and that the exhibitors have
the best experience possible. Many staff members
have been with the show since day one and that
consistency shows. Barbara Dietz was asked by Jerry
and Ray to produce the very first Classic, and has
been tirelessly at it ever since. Don and Carol Moore
have been show manager and show secretary from
the beginning, keeping not only exhibitors happy, but
also seeing to the needs of AQHA, NSBA and NRHA.
Judie Mitten’s Classic smile has been welcoming
everyone into the show office for 10 years. Her
ability to keep track of everything has been a vital
asset to the exhibitors’ experience. Connie Hay has
worn several Classic hats, but the past few years she
could be found in the show office as well, helping to
keep things running smoothly. Mary Beth Anderson
masterful style always keeps the show’s image
Classic through all the advertising she produces.
Kris Spinning keeps the website Classic and lets the
world experience the show through candids and class
photos. More sharing of the experience has come
from LaVoy Shepherd and his crew at Classic Video.
They have captured memories in Scottsdale for 10
years.
The looming concrete and steel edifice of the
WestWorld expansion project was a visual reminder
of how far The Scottsdale Classic has come in 10
years—continually growing and changing to meet the
needs of exhibitors. Just as WestWorld is planning for
the future, so is The Classic.
“It is with mixed emotions that we announce that
2012 was the last year of the Scottsdale Classic.
Great parties were held, great friendships were made,
world class horses were shown, with great prizes and
added money won. The Scottsdale Classic’s legacy
will be as a shining example of how horse shows
should be: events that are fun for exhibitors, held at a
world class facility. We will all carry our “Classic”
memories with us as we move on. Most certainly,
“Classic” stories will be swapped ringside at another
show, in another place. And perhaps, that Classic
Style will continue to spread throughout the horse
show world.” Jerry Kimmel, Chairman, Barbara
Dietz, Event Producer, Don and Carol Moore, Show
Management of the Scottsdale Classic, would like
to thank everyone — trainers, owners, exhibitors,
sponsors, vendors and dedicated staff, for their
incredible support from the very beginning.
On the grounds, the fantastic job of Classic staff does
not go un-noticed. For the past ten years in the Trail
pen, Tim Kimura has been designing challenging
patterns, and announcer Tor Sorensen has been
keeping everyone organized to move through them.
Trent Twiggs has been the barn manager from the
start, and has done an excellent job of ensuring the
41
40 YEARS
OF MEMORIES
By Laurel Walker Denton
The original logo drawn by
Jim Paul, Sr.
2012 marks a special anniversary for the Arizona Sun
Country Circuit! Forty years ago, the Arizona Sun
Country Circuit made its debut in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Why the big fuss, you ask? In 1973, the American
Quarter Horse Association was only 33 years old.
The Sun Country Circuit has been existence for over
half of the 73 years that AQHA has been an Association. The Arizona Sun Country Circuit started before
AQHA had a World Championship Show. There was
no such thing as qualifying points to worry about.
Many things have changed through the years in the
Quarter Horse industry, one of which is the name of
the Sun Country Circuit. It started out as the Arizona
Sun Country Circuit and was shortened to Sun Circuit
around 2006. No matter the what the name, the Sun
Circuit still sets the industry standard for excellence
in competition and overall good fun. Join me in a
walk down memory lane. The names have NOT been
changed to protect the innocent.
eight days could be held in close proximity to one another. All horses were stabled at McCormick Ranch’s
Paradise Park. Every other day everyone traveled
about 10 miles to Siminoff Stables.
A couple of ads were place in the Quarter Horse
Journal and the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse
Journal. The word was out about the new circuit
of shows in Arizona offering wonderful awards and
plenty of sunshine. Quarter Horses exhibitors from all
over the U.S. poured into Scottsdale that January of
1973. The day before the show was to start, Rick was
at the show grounds when the pay phone rang next to
the barn area. When he answered it he could hear that
Ruth Adams practically in tears. When she was applying for show approval she had inadvertently written down the number for Single Steer Stopping instead of Steer Roping. Ruth had talked to AQHA and
they were unsympathetic about her dilemma. As Rick
was talking to Ruth he looked in the practice arena
and saw Jack Kyle, Sunny Jim Orr and Oscar Crigler warming up their rope horses. Rick immediately
called Bob Kieckhefer who was currently serving on
the AQHA Executive Committee. Bob called on his
other Executive Committee members to get the first
Arizona Sun Country Circuit out of this hot spot. The
heat soon turned to cold as Scottsdale had a sudden
and freakish snowstorm. Amazingly, all the saguaros
were dusted with snow which had everyone making
wise cracks about the first Snow Country Circuit.
Rick Johns had just completed his tenure as AzQHA
President. He had heard of a circuit of Quarter Horse
shows in Florida that had been a success the year
before. His first thought was; why couldn’t we have
something like that here in Arizona? Ruth Adams had
been the secretary for several shows around Arizona,
so Rick asked his good friend if she thought they
could pull off this major task. Soon afterwards Rick
met with John Hoyt and Jim Paul at MAG’S HAM
BUN in Scottsdale. Both Jim and John offered to help
secure cattle and chute help for the Roping and Working Cowhorse classes. Jim sketched out a logo on
a napkin during lunch. The McCormick Ranch was
chosen as the site. AQHA then had a rule concerning
consecutive shows having to be so many miles apart
to gain approval. But in the early 1970’s the entire
country was experiencing a severe gas shortage. It was
because of long gas lines and people not wanting to
travel long distances that Yale Siminoff’s Stables were
approved by AQHA as the second site for the very first
Sun Country Circuit. This way seven AQHA shows in
The amount of entries for that first weekend seemed
overwhelming. Luckily veteran judges Bud Alderson
and Russ Franklin were able to complete the shows
before the next day’s show started. The unequaled
ring steward, Mr. Bob Mills returned each day with
as little as two hours rest from one day to the next.
For the entire week he was always the perfect gentleman and performed his job with the utmost efficiency.
However, there was one show that ran for 27 hours,
which delayed the next show from starting on time.
42
With the help of other
judges in attendance
helping to bear the load,
the shows were able to
get back on track. The
smallest class that first
year was the Aged Stallions with 31 entries.
The Aged Mare class
was truly a sight to behold. The entire ring was
full of 40 or more outstanding mares. People
lined up around the conThe iconic ring steward
crete wall to await the
Bob Mills.
outcome. Opies Pride
and Magnolia Gay were unsurpassed in female horseflesh up to that time. Throughout the week these two
outstanding individuals traded the coveted Grand and
Reserve Champion mare. We have long since forgotten who was Circuit Champion mare; at the time it
was important but now what is remembered is the ultimate competition between these two beautiful mares
who set a new standard for AQHA halter classes.
a special surprise. Six Playboy Bunnies, two on each
bus, served the drinks. Whether it was the bumpy ride
or uncouth comments, several gentlemen arrived for
dinner soaking wet. Jack Denton especially needed a
towel to dry off. Tommy Manion received inside information on Pinnacle Peak’s policy concerning ties.
Tommy had made a huge sheet metal tie with a blinking red light in the middle. A cord ran from the light
in the tie to a pack of batteries in his pocket. Many
attempts were made to cut his tie off but at the end of
the evening it was still intact and he was awarded first
prize for his ingenuity. The Sun Country Circuit parties
were legendary for great fun with great friends. There
are many more stories of many other parties; there is
just not enough paper for them all.
Rick Johns continued to successfully manage the Sun
Country Circuit until 1978 when Rick offered the circuit to the Arizona Quarter Horse Association to take
charge of. The profits from the Circuit were put back
into Arizona horse programs. Thanks to the Sun Circuit, AzQHA became one of the very first major class
sponsors of the AQHYA World Show. Today, AzQHA
proudly remains one of the original sponsors of the
AQHYA Show and many other youth programs as
well. AzQHA and the Sun Circuit are proud sponsors
of America Horse Cares and its Arizona handicapped
riding programs.
During the Calf Roping, Billy Allen’s horse got loose
and ran over the top of Dan Opie, who was the judge
of the day. Mr. Opie was taken to the Emergency
Room in Scottsdale. Two hours later he returned with
160 stitches in his face. He continued to judge the
show until 4am that morning. Dan refused painkillers
as he thought they would hinder his judgment. By the
completion of the show, he was a sight to behold with
head swathed in bloody bandages with a cowboy hat
perched on the very top.
There were only three paid employees for the first
years of the Sun Country Circuit; Ruth Adams, the
show secretary; Dave Yeaton, the announcer, and Bob
Mills, the ring steward. Everyone else who helped
during the show volunteered his or her time! Sissie
Walker, Jean Forray and Valerie Cress helped with a
hospitality room. There was a huge map of the U.S.
with pins placed where everyone came from. The food
was home cooked and was a huge success with the exhibitors. Betty Donoto volunteered to be in charge of
entertainment. Pinnacle Peak was the site for the first
party and a tie contest was to be held. Buses picked
everyone up at the show grounds and transported
them to the restaurant. Margaritas were served during
the entire bus trip. Tom Donoto helped in obtaining
For those of us that were in attendance at the very
first Sun Country Circuit, our favorite memories
will come rushing back when looking back through
the years. For me, it is my mother in her custom
golf cart with the back end loaded with dachshunds.
Jonelle Hegel and Tia Thomasina.
43
these dedicated individuals that gave so unselfishly of
their time and money none of this would be possible.
They were true horse lovers whom will never be forgotten.
Today, forty years later, great horses and memories
are still being made at the Sun Circuit during the last
week in January. With six arenas running at the same
time, the show runs like a well oiled machine thanks
to the outstanding WestWorld facility, show coordinator Doug Huls, all the dedicated staff, and irreplaceable volunteers. Thanks to everyone who makes it
possible for the Sun Circuit to remain THE premier
circuit in the industry today.
Magnolia Gay and Opies Pride standing for Grand
Reserve Champion Mare at the first Sun Circuit.
Magnolia Gay won Reserve High Point Aged Mare
and Champion Mare. Opies Pride won Champion
Aged Mare and Reserve Champion Mare. That was
how close the competition between the was.
The memories that we will all share are of our many
cherished friends and fun times throughout the past
40 years. Let’s take a moment to remember those
dear people that are no longer with us today. Without
The line up of winners at the 1973 Sun Circuit.
Photos by Leroy Weathers
AQHA RANCH PLEASURE
By Laurel Denton
One year ago, AQHA unveiled a fresh new class
called Ranch Pleasure. It was offered for the first
time in the 2012 show season. Perhaps the fact that I
was raised on a ranch, have been an AQHA Judge for
almost twenty years, prefer a horse with a natural way
of going, or a combination of all three, I have been
asked numerous questions about the class. Exhibitors
want to know what is expected, what are the rules,
and most importantly what are the judges looking for.
will make a decision to compete in this new, fun and
challenging class.
The rules are simple and straight forward; the following are some that will help you understand the course
AQHA wants the class to take.
• One of four AQHA patterns may be used;
however a judge may also make up an appropriate pattern.
• No horses less than 3 years of age are eligible
to compete
• No time limit
• No hoof polish
• No braids, bands or tail extensions
• Trimming inside the ears is discouraged
• Trimming the bridle bath and excess fetlock
hair is allowed
• Equipment with silver will not count over a
good working outfit. Silver on bridles and
saddles is discouraged.
In the AQHA Handbook under Ranch Pleasure you
will read, “In ranch pleasure competition, the horse’s
performance should simulate a horse riding outside
the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch
horse. This class should show the horse’s ability to
work at a forward, working speed while under the
rider’s control.” This probably does not help answer
any of your questions or tell you to prepare for the
class. Hopefully I can help and after reading this you
44
Be sure to check the entire section on Ranch Pleasure
in the 2013 AQHA Handbook.
chaps, chinks or neither one; you may have a rope
tired to your saddle, however if you do be sure you
know how to tie a rope on properly. In my opinion it
makes no difference on any of the above, it is purely a
personal preference (except for having the rope properly attached).
Each contestant in the Ranch Pleasure will enter the
ring individually and ride the posted pattern. All of the
patterns are large and encompass the entire arena. It will
be up to you to utilize the arena size to best suit your
horse’s way of going. After seeing the patterns it will be
obvious that the class is all about transitions. You must
be able to execute a transition from an extended trot to
a lope, a lope to a trot, a lope to an extended lope and
from a lope to a walk. The judges are looking for gait
changes that have little or no visible cues, with a reasonable rein length that are executed within one stride
of where they are called for. The pattern and transitions
must be done with smoothness and finesse, with the
look and feel of a very broke horse that enjoys his job.
There will also be one or more the following; spins,
side pass, back, and walk, jog or extended jog over
poles. The spin should be correct in form with a planted
pivot foot and easy, natural head carriage. A horse that
spins super fast but opens his mouth or shows resistance
will not get credit as one who spins slowly and correctly. During the side pass the horse must remain parallel
the entire time and step readily into the next departure.
The walk/jog poles are much like the poles in Trail, a
penalty will be applied for a tick, hit or a missed space.
A Ranch Pleasure horse should approach the poles with
ears forward and with a straight approach. Both horse
and rider should give the judge the impression of looking through the poles, beyond to the next maneuver.
One maneuver that must not be taken for granted is
the walk. A horse must perform a free, authoritative,
ground covering walk. When I am judging a class, the
walk helps to establish a favorable first impression. I
have been asked if the patterns and or judging favors a
certain type of horse. Individuals that will excel in the
Ranch Pleasure class are ones with natural ground covering gaits, a smooth attractive way of going, a willing,
interested attitude, a natural tail carriage, and an overall
impression of being capable of any job in their path. I
do not believe this class leans towards an any particular
type of training, but good looking, well broke horse
with a ‘can do’ attitude is what I am looking for and
will receive high marks on each maneuver. Ranch Pleasure will only maintain its integrity if the contestants
and judges alike keep these guidelines in mind.
I think one of the toughest obstacles in the class
would be remembering the patterns and where each
transition begins or ends. It rides much like a huge
horsemanship pattern that goes from one end of the
arena, across the center and back up the other side. It
can be tricky to keep your place in the arena and not
get hopelessly lost. I suggest that you draw the pattern
on a piece of 8” x 10” piece of paper simulating an
arena and the in gate. Be sure to familiarize yourself
with landmarks or markers along the arena walls to
mark your transitions. Visualize where each transition will take place and how long you have to dedicate to each gait.
In its inaugural year, Ranch Pleasure was only offered
as an open division class. AQHA members responded
so enthusiastically the Executive Committee approved
the addition of youth and amateur divisions beginning
January 1, 2013.
In 2012, 476 shows offered Ranch Pleasure and entries totaled 4,259. Those 4,259 entries were shown
by 708 exhibitors – 247 open competitors, 395 amateur and 66 youth.
230 horses qualified for the Ranch Pleasure 2013 AQHA
World Show. There were 66 entries in the preliminary
round on November 6, in Oklahoma City. It was a fun
class to watch and the finals were deep and epitomized
the proper direction the class needs to follow.
The Ranch Pleasure continues to be one the largest
classes at the shows. I personally enjoy judging and
showing in the class. The scoring system and score
card still need to be improved and standardized. As
more classes are offered judges will become more
comfortable with their own system of plusses and minuses. I would highly recommend either participating
in or watching a Ranch Pleasure class in 2013. Please
don’t hesitate to ask questions of any AQHA Professional Horseman or judge. In the meantime, “Cowboy
Up”!
As far as tack and appointments you may choose to
ride with either split or romal reins; you may wear
45
ENGLISH PLEASURE 70s STYLE
By Robin Ferrer
After I more or less finished in Youth Events in
1969 (how many seasons can you haul 40,000 miles,
especially when gas hits….omg….omg…..omg….
SIXTY NINE CENTS PER GALLON!!!), Jay
Garrett asked me if I would be interested in showing
Doc’s Hotrodder in the fairly new English classes.
A great stallion, he had, as I recall, had a stifle
injury, either on the track, or in Reining….not sure
which…and English Pleasure events offered a new
category to earn the points
he needed for a Supreme
Championship. I was
very pleased to be asked.
I think it was partly
because I had previously
ridden English at
Onondarka and Foxfield,
and I knew the difference
between a cinch and a
girth. Plus, I had my own
saddle, bridle, and boots.
So we began.
yet. I began calculating my timetable, counting
down the minutes I would need to prepare, if and
when he showed up. Well, you don’t really NEED
to braid a tail…the mane is more important. And if
pushed, braiding the mane CAN be overrated. Lots
of people didn’t braid. Of course, it’s always good
if you can at least run a soft brush over him…if you
have the time. I was starting to think I had gotten
my dates wrong, except that I was registered for
the class, with a number,
and everything. Finally,
Jay’s van roared into the
parking area, and I started
to go over with the saddle
and bridle (absolute
necessities), when he
opened the tailgate and
backed his horse down the
ramp.
I don’t mind telling you,
I was a little taken aback.
This couldn’t possibly
be the same quiet, wellmannered horse I rode in
his own paddock, with
the nice flowing gaits and
easy going attitude. THIS
beast was straight out of
the Brothers Grimm….a
fire breathing dragon, snorting and belching flames
from his nose. And more than a little sweaty, as if
he had done some heavy lifting recently. As I stood
there, staring openmouthed at what I was supposed
to saddle and ride, I managed to ask Jay where the
heck he had been…did he know what time it was?
Well, yes, he was sorry to be late, but he had gotten
busy. It seems he had some extra time on his hands
that morning, and a couple of mares had come into
use, so to speak, so he decided to strike while the
iron was hot as it were.
He was a nice horse
to ride….smooth, well
broke, nice mannered. I
went out to Jay’s place
a few times to work
with him, and we started
going to some local
shows. One morning, in the early spring, it was….
Riverside Rancheros…I was supposed to ride in the
first class after lunch. I gathered up my little bits
and pieces of equipment, including what I needed to
braid (when you aren’t sure of the judge, braiding
is always good), and drove out to Riverside…a
pretty fair piece from South Pasadena. Since the
only activity I was ever cheerful about getting up
early for was horse shows, I arrived well in advance
of the lunch break, and had sufficient time to get
bored with halter classes. If you aren’t actually
SHOWING one in halter, those classes are on a par
with watching paint dry. As time went on, I began
to get a little concerned that my steed was not there
Now, some stud horses, like Classy Charge, a real
gentleman who practically procreated on command,
46
and could be ridden by the Snyder’s three year old
granddaughter afterward, could….uh…service a
mare without making a big deal out of it. Or Fair
Bars, the great son of Three Bars I bred Somebody
to, hoping to get a little speed and some white (and
I got neither one, twice), whose attitude was fairly
business-like and straightforward….these were what
I was used to. Doc’s Hotrodder was something new
in my experience. I felt as if I were being asked
to throw a leg over a one of those World War two
torpedoes the Germans had stashed in Jersey…the
suicide missions that they talked about in The Eagle
Has Landed. One doesn’t wish to appear to be
wimpy under these conditions, but at the same time,
you can only call on the Great Almighty so many
times in the space of a single class, and there is such
a thing as overplaying your hand.
when I saw that the horse who had apparently
gotten his attention was a mare. Moreover, a mare
with her tail raised like a flag, and who was doing
everything I saw in a late night movie except saying
Hey, sailor…looking for a good time? I could tell
that disaster was only moments away, and that the
situation was not being helped by the mare’s rider
tailgating in a way that would have gotten her
arrested on the freeway. Any closer and she would
have been in front of me. I suggested, fairly calmly
under the circumstances, that she might be better
served by backing off a little. She paid no attention.
Perhaps she didn’t hear me. I said it a little louder.
No reaction and certainly no space between the two
horses.
We were at that point where I could feel the
announcer getting ready to click on the mike and tell
us to reverse, so I turned in the saddle (out of the
judge’s field of vision and hearing, hopefully) and
said that if she were looking for a free breeding, she
was going about it in just the right way, and that if
it looked imminent, not to expect me to lift a finger
to stop it, as I would no longer be there. Ooops…
the message finally got through, and she could see
that I was NOT just whistlin’ Dixie, so to speak…
the missile was ready to launch. So she yanked the
mare’s head around and cut across the arena, thereby
earning a black mark from the judge, but saving her
from the fate worse than death. Well, I knew how
she felt…I thought I had come pretty close myself.
With the raging pheromones on the other side of the
ring, I was able to keep things more or less under
control for the rest of the class, but it was a close
call. I noticed that the mare lined up as far from me
as she could get and still be in the same area code.
No one else seemed all that anxious to get too close
to me either, oddly enough.
Well, while I did my best to clean him up a little, Jay
saddled him for me, and I remember thinking that
a kimberwicke was not going to be enough for this
job. A straightjacket, possibly, or at the very least,
one of those gag bits the Spanish Army officers who
ride in the Olympics use….but noooo. I remember
thinking wildly, as I got on him, that I had not made
out a will, so who would get my car and my saddles?
And take care of my cat? If video had been invented
then, and someone had been taping me, I’m pretty
sure you would have seen my lips moving in prayer.
He gave a few experimental buck jumps, and we sort
of hopscotched our way over to the gate.
Now, the problem with riding a stallion in an open
class during breeding season, is that, statistically
speaking, you are likely to get more than one mare
in heat in the ring. But surely anyone on a mare
in heat is going to notice that there is a very virile
stallion in the arena, and act accordingly. Some
things are hard to overlook, and quite frankly, most
people do not wish to be a party to involuntary…
uh…activity of that sort. For one thing, bailing
without a parachute under those conditions can be
very tricky. I know this because I was thinking
along those lines.
Even after all the exercise he’d had on a hot
California spring day, he was still hiccupping his
way out the gate when the class was dismissed. We
didn’t place….now THERE’S a surprise for you…..
English Pleasure indeed. Nature being what it is,
as soon as the season was over so to speak, he went
back into his cave and reverted to being a gentleman
again, but the memory will stay with me forever.
We did okay the first direction of the ring; although
he was starting to send me little signals that all
was not as it seemed by the time we were ready to
reverse. I happened to look back over my shoulder,
just to check what the rail looked like behind me,
47
This N That
BARRY DENTON BWFA HALL OF FAME MEMBER
lations Barry on a lifetime of dedication and an honor
richly deserved.
The Brotherhood of Working Farrier’s Association bestowed their highest honor to Barry Denton by inducting
him into their International Hall of Fame on October
12, 2012 in Villanow, GA. The BWFA was originally
ALLOCATE YOUR ASSETS GIVES BIG MONEY
Anyone that shows horses is familiar with the stallion,
Allocate Your Assets and the Tobin family. It would be a
safe bet that many of you do not know the commitment
that both AYA and the Tobin’s have made to help fund to
finding a cure for cancer with the Rein In Cancer charity.
Deanna and Jim Searles, Shorty Koger, Kathy
and Jerry Tobin, and Bobbie Dyer Gough. Photo
provided by Jim Searles.
Barry Denton and his Wall of Honor at the BWFA
Headquarters.
formed on December 10, 1901 by the late Talmadge
Young, Bob L. Casey and Elliot Sams. It was formed
for the sole purpose of having an organization dedicated
to higher learning of the horseshoeing trade. Barry has
been a dedicated farrier for over thirty-eight years, shoeing well over 39,000 horses in his lifetime. He is an
American Farrier’s Association Certified Farrier and
Brotherhood of Working Farrier’s Certified Master Farrier and Tester. The BWFA Hall of Fame members were
chosen for their outstanding dedication and contributions that have helped to promote the farrier industry for
the betterment of all farriers today. Barry commented
during the ceremony, “This is humbling to be in the Hall
of Fame with farriers that I looked up too during my
life. All I ever wanted to do was help horses.” Congratu-
It has become a tradition for the Tobin and Searles family to present their good friend Shorty Koger with a check
on behalf of their stallion during the AQHA World Show.
Beginning in 2010 Allocate Your Assets donated $50 of
each breeding fee to the Rein In Cancer charity. Rein
In Cancer was created by Shorty Koger, Cheryl Magoteaux, and Tracie Anderson in 2007 in honor of family
members and friends that have been affected by this debilitating disease. In 2011 AYA’s donation was $2,500 to
the charity. This year a check for $5,000 was written and
presented to Shorty during the show. It was enough to
bring Koger to tears. Jim Searles would like to express
his thanks to the Tobin family for their continued support of this worthy charity.
48
Allocate Your Assets is a 2000 16.2 bay, stallion by Protect Your Assets and out of the Thoroughbred mare, Kat
Sass. “Al” currently stands at Jim and Deanna Searles’s
facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is owned by G.W. and
Kathy Tobin and is enrolled in multiple incentive and
futurity programs such as the AQHA Incentive Fund,
NSBA Breeders, APHA Breeders Trust, Tom Powers
Triple Challenge Futurity, and Southern Belle Futurity.
For information about the 2013 breeding season, visit
the Allocate Your Assets’ website, www.allocateyourassets.com, for great deals and promotional programs.
two AzQHA All Around saddles. Congratulations to a
great all around team.
CHUCK LAKIN REMINISCES
AzQHA Hall of Famer and AQHA Honorary Vice President Chuck Lakin wrote a short story that was published
in America’s Horse magazine a few years ago. I thought
it would be appropriate to share it again with our readers.
“The excellent article about Charlie Araujo in
the August issue of America’s Horse magazine
inspired me to tell this anecdote starring Charlie
and Tom Finley. As I remember, the setting was
Prescott Arizona Quarter Horse Show in 1956. I
was leading our filly named Frivolous Sal in the
yearling filly class. Charlie was judging, wearing his ever-present dark glasses.
LISA TILTON AND LOOK AT DEES ASSETS WIN
ROAD WARRIOR
It seemed every time she turned this year around Lisa
Tilton and her bay gelding Look At Dees Assets were
winning another trophy and or hearing their name
called. At the AQHA Novice World Championships in
Las Vegas NV, the pair won the AQHA Novice Amateur
Road Warrior trophy.
To be eligible for the Road Warrior trophy in the West,
the exhibitor must have competed in Novice classes
at the September 27 - October 3 Scottsdale Classic in
Arizona. The exhibitor must then compete at the Smart-
Frivolous Sal and I were sitting in third place,
Finley’s filly in second, and I think, a Kieckhefer
filly on top. Charlie was starting to take a last
look before tying the class. As Charlie walked
by, Tom said quietly, “Well, I see you’ve got on
your dark glasses, but where’s your white cane?”
Charlie didn’t visibly react in any way, just
walked on by past the entire class. Then he
stepped out in front to view his handiwork.
Pretty soon he walked straight to Tom, and
moved him down a place, leaving Frivolous Sal
and me in second, Tom in third. Charlie then
repeated the process, slowly twisting the knife
until Tom was out of the ribbons entirely. The
audience was in hysterics! I got a freebie red
ribbon, and Tom learned that ‘silence is golden’.” Story by Chuck Lakin
Road Warrior Lisa Tilton
Pak West Novice Championship in Las Vegas. The
Scottsdale Classic show management provided AQHA
with a list of the top 10 Novice high-point competitors
from the Arizona event, and the Road Warrior trophy
went to the overall high point winners. This brand-new
trophy is certainly something to write home about, the
AQHA Road Warrior trophy was specially designed
by AQHA’s new trophy company, Awards Recognition
Concepts. Lisa and Kirby had an amazing year! The
Road Warrior award was just one of many, including
Charlie Araujo
judging in 1952.
49
PATT FRENCH - AzQHA VOLUNTEER OF 2012
Patt French became involved in the AQHA ride program when it first was created in 1997 and attended
AQHA rides in many western states. She became
involved in the Arizona Ride program when she met
Ray and Carol Belmore at an AQHA Trail Ride in
Kanab, Utah in 2000. Pat was one of the first riders to ride in the 2011 Trail
Challenge in Wickenburg,
Az. While riding with Carol
and Ray she heard about volunteering for the Sun Circuit
show and decided she would
join the fun in 2012. Pat arrived two days before the start
of the show in January and
stayed until the day after. She
worked every day from six in
the morning, with the doughnut
wagon through the barn area
and then working gates, running papers, delivering lunches
and then later dinners to all judges. Pat “volunteered”
her time (about 12 hours a day) to helping the Sun
Circuit in any way that she could, responding to requests to walk someone’s dog to helping bed down
stalls.
Patt added, “I have ridden my
eight year old Quarter Horse
Docs Broadway Page in over ten
states, and look forward to riding
for many more years. Thank you
for allowing me to be part of Sun
Circuit.” Patt French is a very
valuable asset to all aspects of the
Sun Circuit and deserves to be the
Volunteer of the Year 2012.
New Sun
Circuit
Volunteer
logo by Robin
Ferrer
CHUCK NETHERLAND
2011 AzQHA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Chuck was raised in the
Midwest, the dairy state of
Wisconsin. During his younger
years, Chuck did odd jobs on
farms in the area for a chance
to ride farm horse. Farm
horses were not the most well
trained individuals but they
provided him with the chance to
experience riding and learning
balance on a horse. Chuck also
knew that someday he wanted to
own a good horse.
Later in life when work became
demanding and Chuck needed
an outlet to relieve stress, he
and his wife Linda acquired
some Quarter Horse mares.
They rode them through the
years, consisting of pasture
riding and some schooling
on horsemanship skills. Later
on they were able to get a
registered Quarter Horse gelding
which they had for over twentyfive years. Chuck became
interested in the AQHA/AzQHA
Trail Ride program thanks to
Carol and Ray Belmore. The
Trail Challenge program is
now something that Chuck is
interested in getting involved
with. He is even looking for
another horse or two to round
out his plan. Chuck joined the
Sun Circuit volunteers and has
enjoyed his time in the sun with
friends during that time.
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CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION
FROM AzQHA/AQHA SCHOLARSHIP CIRCUIT
Exhibitor
Walk Trot Youth
Rodriguez, Kaci
Bibler, Jynsen
Horse Name
Total Pts
Miss Glowin Zipper
Pleasure On Impulse
31
7
Walk Trot Adult
Beuerlein, Christine
McCormick, Delia
Hesa Ronesome Skip
Innovate Me
10
3
All Breed Youth
Rodriguez, Kaci
Williams, Sarah
Miss Glowin Zipper
Good Girls Do
16
14
All Breed Adult
Beuerlein, Jessica
Misker, Christine
Tall Dark And Lena
Ms Hot N Flashy
56
26
Novice Youth
Burge, Alison
Williams, Sarah
Guinness Is Good
Good Girls Do
54
20
Youth
Burge, Alison
Rodriguez, Kaci
Guinness Is Good
Miss Glowin Zipper
33
20
Novice Amateur
Tilton, Lisa
Kennedy, Nickie
Look At Dees Assets
Jamaica Me Chocolate
188
91
Amateur
Tilton, Lisa
Sigler, Carey
Look At Dees Assets
My Zipper Works
102
44
Welcome new AzQHA members
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kate Rosekrans
Barney Skelton/Alisha Taff
Jessica Izaguirve
Stephenie Bjorkman
Monte Sparby
Brandt Sparby
Kate Buchanan
Dr Bryan & Anne Buchanan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Sheila Nash
Mickey Bagley
Emma Reim
Robert & Melissa Shearer
Kristi Miller
Barry & Cyndia Rice
Phyllis & Les Bakar
Diana Hillman
THE RIDE REPORT
By Carol Belmore
The Trail Challenge program in Arizona continues to
soar with more entries at each Challenge. We have also
added more obstacles at each Challenge as well. The
Boyd Ranch in Wickenburg was the first of three Challenges in Arizona, ending with the Triangle T Ranch in
Dragoon in October. All three Quarter Horse Divisions
were well attended at all levels. The final challenge in
Dragoon saw 41 entries for both the divisions, Quarter
Horse and All Breed. To qualify for an All Around
buckle each level horse and rider had to attend all three
Challenges. I want to congratulate Karen Martin and
Dr Mojo Three Bars; Becky Orahood and Smokey Badger Champ; and Judy Ellis and HB Smokey at the 2012
AzQHA Trail Challenge winners. There were no All
Breed riders that attended all three Challenges, however
three All Breed riders qualified by winning at two Trail
Challenges. These three riders will receive an Honorable Mention award for 2012. Amber Hruska, and
Katrina Hruska (mother/daughter) shared this award for
Level 1. Randy Gassett was awarded the Level 3 Honorable Mention for winning two All Breed Challenges.
the Tonto Mountain Ranch in Skull Valley. Again this
year the June Challenge will be in Flagstaff at the Coconino County Fairgrounds, during the AzQHA horse
Show and ending the year at the Triangle T Ranch in
Dragoon, in October.
Come join the fun and “challenge” your skills and
that of your horse on a six to eight mile trail with
up to sixteen obstacles. This year also might be the
year of an Extreme Trail Challenge to be held at West
World in Scottsdale. Don’t wait join now and be a
part of this new and exciting event in Arizona.
AzQHA Trail Challenge program mission statement:
AzQHA will offer several events throughout the calendar year. Every Trail Challenge & Trail Ride will encourage fun, safety and education for every rider.
The purpose of the Trail Challenge Program is to promote
good horsemanship skills and provide an educational venue for members of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association.
A Trail Challenge tests a horse and rider on their ability
to work as team and navigate obstacles which they might
experience on a trail. Each horse and rider is judged as a
Partnership, navigating many situations. Recognition will
be given to exhibitors and their horses.
In 2013 there are four or five AQHA/AzQHA Trail
Challenges scheduled in various locations throughout
Arizona. Wickenburg will host the first Challenge at
the end of March, to be followed by a TC in May at
Equinne Chuckles
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2012 was a GREAT year!
Laurel & Barry Denton
Email:
barubarranch@gmail.com
Tel: 928-442-3290
www.barubar.com