Patsys Royal Secret (Charlie) and Linda Coakley of Clear Lake, Washington have already started off the 2013 Select World in spectacular fashion. This duo has been together for an impressive eleven years, but this is the first time they have competed at the AQHA Select World Show.
“I love the select exhibitors–everyone is friendly and the AQHA staff is great,” Linda states about the show that started Friday in Amarillo. “I think that Kip (her trainer) has prepared me very well and I am ready to compete. I just placed as a finalist in the performance halter geldings and Charlie received a World Show ribbon for the first time!”
Besides the performance halter geldings, this team qualified and will be showing in the showmanship, hunt seat equitation and horsemanship classes in Amarillo.
Linda and Charlie have a special bond and she describes him as a “big-hearted
guy.” Coakley bought the now 13 year-old, 16.3 hand
brown gelding as a two year-old from Taffy Sowell.
The duo are currently under the guidance of Michael Davis and Kip Larson of Arlington, Washington. Coakley says that her trainers have given her and Charlie the confidence to reach their goals and they have taught her the tools needed to become a better rider. These days, Linda says that she concentrates more on having good rides than wins and that every great ride is a win in her book.
“The only problem with showing is that it takes more time and money than I have, most of the time!” says Linda laughing. “However, when I do get to show–the people I have met from all over the country makes it all worthwhile.”
Her husband, Ron, who is a sergeant with the sheriff’s office is one her biggest supporters as well as her daughter, Kaycee, who practically grew up at horse shows. “My daughter cheers from the sidelines, helps out as a ‘show mom’ and always encourages me,” Linda states. “My husband also takes time from his schedule to announce at a lot of the shows, and, without him, I could not do what I do.”
The Washington state native says that she got involved with horse through her Great Uncle who had horses. “I begged him to talk my parents into buying me one,” Linda recalls. “They eventually got me one, and I haven’t stopped riding since.”
According to Coakley, the funniest stories and memories at the horse shows usually involve some sort of incident with her husband. “At one show in Monroe, Washington, Ron lost a bet and had to walk around in english breeches, cowboy boots and a Hawaiian shirt for a day,” Linda fondly remembers. “Luckily for him, apparently no photos of that day have survived!”
Linda says that showing at AQHA shows has been one of the most rewarding things that she has ever done and continues to be her favorite activity.
“The horse community is amazing, most everyone you meet is friendly and helpful,” Linda says. “I have made lifelong friends and had many adventures that would not have happened without this sport.”
GoHorseShow wishes this team the best of luck the rest of their time in Amarillo!
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