Between my duties as AQHYA
President, awards presenter, lunger, halter and hunter under saddle competitor,
and cheerleader (long story) one might think this girl doesn’t have any time to shop
while at the World Show. Wrong! How could I possibly resist a trip across the
street from the stalls for a little retail therapy? Before I get started however, can I just say
that I had a great time visiting with our loyal GoHorseShow fans that were busy
shopping and supporting the economy? It
was wonderful to see old friends and make new from all parts of the country and
Canada in the vendor building. You guys
were awesome.
The good news is that there was
something for every budget! The bad news
is that I wanted one of everything.
Pretty sure I need to ask for a raise in my allowance, or work a little
harder at finding myself one of those 18 year old jocks who recently signed 7
figure contracts in Major League Baseball – LOL! Oh well, my Momma always says a girl needs to
stand on her own two feet, so I’ll do my best to stop whining and just report.
The major trend at this year’s
Youth World was simple – it was pink, it was black, or it was both! The vendors really seemed to cater to the
gals this year. Finding hot guys does
not seem to be a problem here (oh, it’s heaven), but finding hot items for your
hot guy was a little more challenging.
Not to disappoint though – there is a little something for the men
too!
All That Show Clothing and Tammy
Benes knocked it out of the ballpark with their amazing and affordable selection of denim,
including my favorites – the “bling jeans.”
Their seemingly endless selection of styles offered something for every
size and taste level including fancy stitching, stones, and embroidery which just
appeals to a girl’s senses. Fleur de
lis patterns make a girl feel like royalty, but this season comes with a twist
– they’re upside down! Can I just say
that everything was (shhhhh) – well sexy?? [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
I felt like a true diva as “Mr. Benes, Esquire” (that’s Edgar to his
friends) helped me personally today. He
actually accessorized daughter Cydney’s wardrobe as well as my own, and then
offered to take me to Kansas to meet nephew Garrett this weekend (remember the
ESPY baseball player?) Much love to All That Show Clothing and the whole Benes family.[NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
After the Jacobs’ family hit the
lottery Saturday by winning gold trophies in the 2-Year-Old Geldings and the 2-Year-Old Mares, I think Molli and
RJ need to thank their dutiful and beautiful Mom, Holli by presenting her with
the Lisa Perry gold and diamond halter pendant.
At just under $1500, they may need to hit Dad Randy up for the balance
of this must have purchase, but won’t she look terrific? And did I forget to say congratulations to
this outstanding family who also happens to hail from my home state?? Ohio halter exhibitors have rocked! [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
My Canadian
friends were snapping up the “rodeo” inspired halters at
KO Trading. They are simply amazing –
and surprisingly affordable at $39.99. My mare
Hope simply must have the hot pink number with the animal print noseband and
bling embellishments. I didn’t forget my
GoHorseShow.com roots, though, and the bright green model was pretty amazing
also. [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Of course, this AQHYA President
couldn’t miss a trip to “Quarter Horse Outfitters,” where I fell in love with
the signature pink and black Capri sweat pants at $29.95.
They are the perfect accessory to slip into after a long hard day at the
barn and the soft cotton is super comfy! [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Just around the corner was my
friend and total cutie John Hall at the fabulous Hitching Post Tack Shop. I got to actually dress the
mannequin in my personal pick outfit for the chic hunter under saddle
finalist – very fun! I can’t believe I am even
saying this, but the new hot hunt shirt color is red. Careful here – I AM NOT endorsing fire engine
red (I can just hear legendary trainer Sandra Vaughn cringing). This season’s pick is actually a deep, rich
red which is understated and very sophisticated. Gorgeous, if I must say so myself. The shirt is $139.[NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Bunnies and Bows is an adorable
boutique which has custom pillow cases that are perfect for all of my friends
heading off to college this month. With
many of the major Universities logos in stock, you can have your purchase
personalized while you wait. My best
little girlfriend, Maddox Murphy (baby sister of prom date, Nick) simply must
have one of the “Tooth Fairy” pillows for her fairytale bedroom at their ranch
in Missouri. The great news is the
prices are incredibly reasonable ($11.95 for pillow shown here), and make this an affordable gift for that
special student or friend.[NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Speaking of college, my Legally
blonde idol, and sorority queen extraordinaire “Elle Woods” would love one of
the gorgeous black “satchels” (that’s a small case or bag with a flat bottom
for anyone who hasn’t been to Retail 101 for Dummies) from Trails West. At $358, it is the perfect accessory to carry your
horse papers, books, overnight items, World Show purchases, etc. [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
I also could not get out of the store without
trying on the incredible black cross belt which was a fantastic value. At only $82.00, the weight, quality and
styling are amazing. This item may rank
right up there as my best value. Sizing
was limited, but it can be drop shipped to your door, so don’t be
discouraged!!!![NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Although I had trouble finding a
lot of items for that special “guy”, the boys at American Hat Company
ruled! General Manager, Jeff Biggars
(HOTTIE ALERT) had a premiere selection of modern and great looking straw hats that
are sure to help the men in your lives look and feel like a winner! His custom designed tri-color straw with
bound edge was sensational, and a great value at under $150. [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Ladies, the boys at American didn’t forget us
either. Don’t miss the be-dazzled straw
for ladies with AB crystals that were just speaking to me for under $400. (One footnote – embroidery for men is also
in…Jeff’s black embroidered shirt was like Johnny Cash meets Steven
Tyler. Amazing. Although his shirt was not available on site,
it was wayyyy cool. Men, the details do
matter so spend some time on your wardrobe, please.)[NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
I thought I had made it out the
door, when I realized a shopping trip at the Youth World would not be complete without a stop at the Blue Ribbon Tack booth. Here I couldn’t help but be immediately drawn to the “Diamond” silver pattern embellished black show
saddle. Price tag —– a
mere $18,000++.
The good news is, I’ll
sell ‘ya one of my 10% off purchase cards from AQHA which entitles you to a
discount on many of the beautiful items at Blue Ribbon. With a fancy grey western pleasure mare
coming up next year for moi, I definitely need that new saddle. [NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/6/1d24ac2d-1ec9-b7d0-76b6ae84214ae4a7.jpg[/NPI]
Now, it’s back to reality and my
show duties. While some of you may feel
exhausted after a hard shopping day, I am feeling invigorated. Stop by and do you part to support the
vendors. Your image after all, depends
on it.
You know I love those cutsie
little signs with the fun sayings on them.
Didn’t find one with just the right World Show message today, so I’ll
share a little note I wrote to myself when I was about six years old. “Not OK – Perfect”. OK, after all, is not OK. Go the extra mile, and always be your bestJ Good luck exhibitors!
All That With Dakota – Day 1
Greetings from Oklahoma City and
the 2010 AQHYA World Show! My trip
started with a Dakota moment as my hand had a little accident with a pair of
scissors which sent me to the ER. Now, I
know why they hand out “safety” scissors to little kids in school! A little super glue later at St. Anthony’s
hospital, and I’m back on the job to cover the big event. Nothing will stop this blonde
from getting the story!
Two world champions have been
crowned so far during this first official day of competition.
Although overall entries are down
slightly, the competition was fierce with tough mare and gelding
divisions of performance halter. The
first world champion honors went unanimously to Katie Fox of Chino Hills, California,
showing A Classic Edition. Y’all are sure
to remember this big buckskin mare when my Godfather, Joey Shortino,won the open performance mares at the 2009 AQHA World event! Staying in the halter pen, hooray to the Buckeye state as we took home
the top prize in performance geldings as A Classical Touch (a/k/a Walter) led
by the young but capable Johnny Peck who scored his first “golden globe.” The Peck’s purchased Walter from Rick Skelly and gelded him so Johnny could show him. Way to
go Johnny!
I’ll get to my “Must Have” list
over the next few days, but the first order of business will definitely have to
be the discount cards we are selling at AQHYA which entitle the cardholder to
10% off any regularly priced item at the following vendors: Blue Ribbon Tack, Shorty’s Hattery, Sean Ryon, National Saddlery, Showtime Show
Clothing, Cross Bar Gallery, Avila Pro Shop, Teners Boots, Show Diva Designs, AQHA Outfitters, Logan Western Supply,
and Davis Boots. The discount cards are only
$20.00 each with $15.00 of the sale proceeds from each card directly benefiting
the Youth Scholarship fund. Be sure to
visit me at the Ohio stalls to purchase one, or see any of my fellow AQHYA
National Officers or directors at the show for details. Imagine the savings you will realize on just
one purchase! Expire 8/31/11.
I had to consult with my Uncle
Ollie for his recommendations on local restaurants and places to visit in
OKC. Although well known for his
“numerous” national championship titles as The Ohio State western team coach,
Ollie is a regular in OKC when he fulfills his duties as an official for NRHA.
Uncle Ollie’s Picks (jeans and
shirts OK):
Chelino’s (Tex-Mex Cuisine – 2008 GoHorseShow.com Best Of Winner)
1605 N. Meridian Ave
(405) 947-5611
Cattlemens Steakhouse (Steak)
1309 S. Agnew Avenue
OKC 405-236-0416
Charleston’s (steaks, etc.)
2000 S. Meridian Avenue
OKC 405-681-6686
Crabtown (Seafood)
303 E. Sheridan Avenue
OKC 405-232-7227
Ollie also pointed out that a
“Must See” while in town is the Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum,
dedicated to the tragic loss and victims of the 4/19/95 OKC bombing
attack.
620 N. Harvey
OKC 405-235-3313
A very happy birthday from our
friends at GHS.com to the July GoMag cover girl, Katie Jo Jones who turned
18 today! Thanks to her Mom, Eloise for
a great bash at their stalls!
And can we just talk about the
highly anticipated “Western Riding” prelims?
As expected, Ali Papendick turned in another flawless ride on the
immortal Harley D Zip scoring a remarkable 237!!!!!!! It was great to see some fresh faces cracking
the top 15 with a 218.5 required to make the finals. I’ll be there to cover the finals in a few
days which are certain to be a “Must See”.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/3/jpg/2010/7/2636ece5-e989-ba16-5e9d06632ee8e138.jpg[/NPI]Oh and I almost forgot…want to know what
NOT to do while in OKC? Please do not sit on the bronze horse in
front of the coliseum. I can vouch that
it can be hazardous to your health! Yes,
that’s me perched on top of the iconic statue with my World Show
Scrapbook
partner, Ellexxah Maxwell safely peeking out from below. BTW, I did
obtain permission to do this, but it did require a
ladder and some safety precautions. Did
I also point out that in the 100 degree temperatures that you could have
fried
an egg on this thing? Can I say O- U- C -H!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll be hot on the trail for my
next story, but invite all of you to stop by and visit my new GoHorseShow.com
banner at the Ohio stalls this week, located adjacent to the photography
booth. Don’t forget to visit my fave
sponsor, Tammy Benes in the All That Show Clothing booth in the trade show
building for the hottest fashions both in and out of the arena. Good luck to all exhibitors!!!
Xoxo,
Dakota
