Select Amateur, Kirsten Farris, did a fabulous job reporting for us again from the Select Amateur World Show in Amarillo, Texas. Kirsten Farris is a regular contributor to GoHorseShow.com and a Certified Sport Consultant and creator of Quarter Horse Show Entries. Kirsten also just defended her 2012 AQHA World Championship in the hunter under saddle with her horse, Lyles Al Lie who is by Allocate Your Assets and under the guidance of Deanna and Jim Searles.
Select World Show Wrap-Up–Final Report from Kirsten
Now that the dust has settled and the brain fog from inhaling fly spray and Pepi has lifted, I am able to reflect back on this year’s Select World Show. It finally dawned on me that there are two main reasons why this show has such a nice, supportive vibe; the primary reason is that we participate because we want to, and as competitors, we are happy to be able to compete in a sport that we love. The second reason is that this is a show just for us, so if you show with a trainer, they have more time to devote to each client. You may argue that the Youth World Show is the same, however, family dynamics can add a layer of complexity that does not come into play at the Select World.
The Good
This was my third year to attend the show, and it was probably the best, mostly due to the fact that it wasn’t nearly as hot as it was in years past. The new covered arena gave us an additional place to ride, and the schedule was tweaked so that the show did not go as late as last year. The parties were fun and well attended and gave people a chance to meet new friends and catch up with fellow exhibitors.
The not so good
As with any show, you can’t please everyone, however, most people that I spoke to did have a bit of an issue about the video fees. Not to defend anybody, but the quality of the live stream was light years ahead of where it has been in the past, so I understand that having a high level of quality requires revenue from sales to support it. However, I think $35.00 to view your ride in the prelims to see how you can improve for the future is a bit excessive. For ‘group classes’ like pleasure and hunter under saddle, you don’t even know how much camera time you actually have prior to paying to watch, so the pricing seemed a bit steep compared to the familiar $5.00 fee.
If you were a class winner, it costs $110.00 to be able to share your ‘Winning Run’ with your friends and family, and most of us were used to that being a nice service provided by AQHA. I think if these fees continue, paying for professional video will fall by the wayside and find its place in Obsolescence Land sitting next to the Payphone, since it is very easy to video from an iPad or Smartphone.
As I mentioned earlier, the lack of 24 inch Rosette Ribbons for 2nd through 10th place was also a bone of contention for many of us. I don’t know if somebody just forgot to order them, or if it is a ‘cost cutting’ measure, but when I did some research with Hodges Badge Company who makes the ribbons, they are not super expensive, and heck, they are even on sale! Enough of the griping, and in the scheme of things it’s pretty nit-picky. (pictured left)
Globe Facts
In case you wanted to know about the World Show Trophy, or ‘Globe’ as it is lovingly referred to, here is a quick rundown:
Weight: 10.5 pounds
Height: 17 Inches
Circumference: 35 Inches at it’s widest part
Base: Wood
The Globe will not fit in an overhead bin in the smaller commuter planes that fly in and out of Amarillo, but it stores neatly under your seat. When you take it through security, you will get a chance to show it off because they need to take it out of whatever you are carrying it in to fully inspect it.
The trophy only has the year, not the class name on it. So if you win multiple globes in the same year, or if you are getting on in age, you may want to write the class name with a sharpie on the underside of the base so you can remember what class you won when you are taking a trip down memory lane.
Western Riding and All Around Winners
While this isn’t breaking news, It is noteworthy. Kathy Tobin and More Radical brought home the gold in Western Riding, and as Kathy’s barn mate, I could not be happier for her and ‘Rodney’. It was well deserved, and Susan Knapp was Reserve Champion with Heavenly Mac. I had an opportunity to get to know this horse and rider team, and I will just say that Mac is very happy that he was able to score a buckle for his ‘Mom’ Susan.
I said it before, and I will say it again- If you want to do well at a World Show, you need to schedule an interview with GoHorseShow! Linda Coakley loaded up her trailer with three trophies and $10,000.00 in cash for winning the Select World All Around Title. I am sure she is still grinning from ear to ear as she makes the three day journey back to Washington State. Seeing her win the All Around was the perfect ending to a great show and put the icing on the cake for me. (pictured right–Journal photo)
As you know, all good things must come to an end, and that includes horse shows. While I am so grateful for the memories I have from this year, I can’t help feeling excited about the future, and I am looking forward to making new memories next year.
Report #5, Friday August 30, 2013
If you are like me, you like the ‘behind the scenes’ kind of stuff- kind of like an all access pass, and so here is a picture of what a Two-Time Hunter Under Saddle World Champion does after their class. Oh, and who is that in the picture? That would be me removing Lyle’s braids after a job well done. To say I am over the moon would be an understatement.
But after all, it isn’t all about me, because there were other classes going on besides Hunter Under Saddle today.
Here is the rundown:
Western Riding Preliminaries were today, and there were some really great trips today. The finals should be very exciting tomorrow, and I will be anxious to see who takes the prize tomorrow.
Christine Hocutt-Senteney (pictured left) started the trend of repeats after winning the Horsemanship class today. Reserve went to none other than Linda Coakley, who as of Friday evening at 5pm is in the top spot for the All Around Champion. What a show she is having, and it couldn’t happen to a nicer person. (Journal Photo)
In pleasure driving, billion time World Champion, Hot Ones Only drove out with the Gold Trophy. If there was a prize for best hat, Tammy Dyer would have won that as well. Bruno is so happy go lucky, and maybe it is because he is barefoot all of the time.
There are a few ‘issues’ brewing, and I will just briefly mention them now, and once I get my head out of the clouds, I will give you the rundown.
The ‘Winning Run’ interview that we have come to expect is not automatically posted by AQHA. You do get interviewed, but you have to purchase the video. The second thing that I personally miss is the beautiful rosette ribbons that went to the top-ten places in each class. Maybe it is because I still remember my first ribbon in walk-jog classes, but I much prefer a ribbon over a medallion in a box. Just sayin’…
I am off to celebrate with my family now, but I will have a full rundown for you tomorrow.
Report #4, Thursday August 29, 2013
What a whirlwind of a day! If I was wondering why I am tired, lets do the math. Trail finals, showmanship finals, hunter under saddle preliminaries, hunt seat equitation preliminaries. I get I only showed in one class today, but when I have friends competing, it’s as if I am riding every stride along with them which mentally takes its toll on this 52 year-old brain.
The trail finalists weaved their way through a very twisty course, and at the end of the class, Rinskis Old Gold and Catherine Keith (pictured left) were crowned champion and Susie Johns was Reserve with I Gotta Good Name, aka “Sampson”. Sampson is a multiple AQHA World Champion, I believe in large part because he rises to the occasion when it really counts. Last time I walked by his stall, he was still trying to finish off all of the Sour Patch Kids Candy that found its way into his feed bucket. (Journal Photo)
I am not a statistician, but based on this year, if you want to have a really great Select World Show, your odds are increased by having an interview by GoHorseShow.Com prior to the show. Linda Coakley was Reserve Champion in Showmanship today even with her blue string, hay bale belt that she ‘MacGyvered’ at the last minute to keep her pants on. I think the Ellie May Clampett look may catch on, and if not, you won’t have invested much money in a trendy belt.
Coakley was also entered in hunt seat equitation (and is in the finals tomorrow) as were a few other showmanship finalists which creates a braids or bands dilemma. If you like options, then you would be in the quick change group. This requires a lot of coordination to unband, braid and be ready for the next event. If you are in horsemanship and/or western riding and made the finals in equitation, you will be in the same boat again tomorrow.
Speaking of western riding, sometimes I wonder if these types of things are taken into consideration, since after all, this is a World Championship Show, and not just a weekend circuit. All this has me thinking that a roached mane would be very handy at a show like this!
After the showmanship finals, it was finally time for the hunter under saddle preliminaries. I am always amazed at the feeling that you get when you trot into the arena, and realize that you have been working all year toward having the best ten minutes of riding that you can possibly have. At the end of the day, there is always room for improvement, but it is also good to take a few minutes to pat yourself on the back for just getting your horse in the show pen. Sometimes that is the hardest part.
Report #3, Wednesday August 28, 2013
Today, it finally dawned on me that I will be showing tomorrow in the hunter under saddle preliminaries.
With a few administrative details on my to-do list (like pick up my numbers and fill out my bio) I saved my favorite task for last. In case you may be wondering what that is, it is to get my Lucky Boot Shine. I am so grateful for Mary and her team of amazing ‘shiners’. What could be better than sitting in a tall chair and being able to watch the very competitive horsemanship preliminaries, while your boots are getting a much needed pampering?
With almost 60 horses showing, if you are draw 38, you would probably think you would have some time to go back to the stalls and chill before waiting to hear if you are called back for the rail work. But not if you are Susie Johns!
As she was walking out of the arena, her trainer, Deanna Searles took a look at her horsemanship shirt, and saw Johns had somehow tore a huge opening in her sleeve and thought – Yikes! Luckily, Paula Diuri of Paula’s Place was at the show and sprung into action, sewing Susie’s shirt back with time to spare to put last minute touches on Hez a Radical Zip before the railwork. I swear it takes a village to get us into the show pen, and an extremely specialized village at that.
When it was all said and done, Susie, along with 16 other finalists, including her sister. Kathy Tobin, Linda Coakley, Dan Yeager, will be competing tomorrow in the horsemanship finals. Good Luck to all of you!
Being in the position of defending my title, I thought I would get some advice from other competitors in the same position, so when I saw two of my fellow 2012 World Champions walking by, I thought I would ask them about their strategy.
Susan Knapp won a World Championship last year in Performance Halter Mares with Cool Krymsun Lady, and after making a clean sweep winning under all four judges, she took the ‘been there, done that’ approach and is now moving to focus on other events this year, with Heavenly Mac and Whos Cheating Who.
Linda O’Brien, another first time winner last year feels good coming into this year, since this year is basically a carbon copy of last year. Like last year, she didn’t make the finals in showmanship, and she ended up winning the prize in western riding, which she never thought would be the class that would send her out of the arena with the Gold Trophy. She doesn’t really feel like she has to ‘defend’ her title, she is just looking for that bit of magic that goes into a world championship ride.
With that advice in mind, I guess my game plan is the same as always. Do everything you can to ride your best before you show, do everything you can to ride your best while you show, and let the rest go.
While I am looking forward competing tomorrow, it is a bit bittersweet because my great friend and barn-mate, Kathy Tobin won’t be showing in hunter under saddle with me. Her horse, IE Copy had to be euthanized last week due to a hoof injury. IE Copy, won the Senior Hunter Under Saddle with Nancy Sue Ryan aboard at the 2012 All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Kathy had purchased IE Copy at the Crundwell online sale last September. He will be missed by many, and my heart goes out to Kathy, who is one of the most genuine, and nicest people on the planet.
That is what I think makes showing at the Select World so different. We are a little older, wiser and understand there is always another horse show, but we show because of the horses and friendships that we meet along the way.
Report #2, TuesdayAugust 27, 2013
Staying on the trend of new and different, I watched Ranch Horse Pleasure Prelims yesterday, and really enjoyed the class. Yes, there is no bling, no banding, and no fancy tack, but that just makes the horses shine even more! It is refreshing to watch the All American Quarter Horse do one of the things that they are bred to do, and do it with style. If you have not watched a class, it’s pretty cool to watch. To see a horse with three very nice ground covering gaits, and able to do spins, stops, lead changes and walk over logs just sitting out in the middle of the arena really shows how a working horse is meant to perform.
The other thing I came across was this huge satellite dish that is being used for all of the video and live streaming, and I have to say that the quality of the live stream has been very clear, so Kudos to Roberts Communications for providing great coverage.
In the showmanship finals, 50 entrants competed for 15 Finalist slots. First-time Select World exhibitor, Linda Coakley (check out her article here), two men – Dan Yeager and Todd Lee, and 12 others nabbed one of the coveted spots in a very deep and competitive class. Keep an eye out for Anne Wilson who is going for her fourth consecutive gold trophy in this class! Good luck to everyone who will be returning for the finals on Thursday.
The western pleasure prelims also took place today, and as a hunt seat rider, I still get nervous watching a pleasure class. When I was able to look and pay attention, I saw a very nice class with 16 of 23 horse and riders making it back to the finals. I don’t know if there is something about the water in Nebraska, but ALL of the entrants from the Cornhusker state made it back into the Finals; husband and wife, Bill and Cindy Cosentino, Debby Brehm and Bill Shotkoski. The finals are the last class of the day Wednesday.
Tonight was the Exhibitor Party at the Museum, and as usual, it did not disappoint. It is fun to look at all of the history-old and new, and one of the favorite things I like to do is go and look at winning runs from the past World Shows. Not to boast, but it is pretty cool to see this..
This is why even though Amarillo is not the easiest place to get to, It is a great place for the Select World Show.
Report #1–Monday August 26, 2013
There
is something endearing about Amarillo. Maybe it is because it seems
like nothing really changes – even the same staff has been at the hotel
that we have stayed at for the last three years, so it was a pleasant
surprise to drive into the fairgrounds to see the new and very much
needed, covered arena!
Having an additional place to ride
without the hot Texas sun beating down on exhibitors is a good thing.
While I am on the subject of new things, the prelims of Ranch Horse
Pleasure go
later this afternoon after the reining, and I will
hopefully be able to watch part of the class and give you a rundown on
that tomorrow.
Trail prelims were also this morning, with a
large class of 66 showing. It took a 219 to make it back for the finals
that will be held on Thursday morning. Farley Barbera is one of the 16
finalists, so even with time off, she and Hot Jazzin Zippo are right on
course to have a great show.
This afternoon, I attended the Ride the Pattern Clinic on the showmanship with Professional Horsewoman Jill Newcomb of California. This pattern is designed to give exhibitors the opportunity to really show the judges how well they can work with their horse, and as Jill Newcomb said, “you should attack your pattern.” She also added that exhibitors will be running for awhile based on where the start cone is and where you will set up for the full inspection. I think carb loading tonight would be a good idea! (Check out the pattern below)
There are two major opportunities to score high – or not in this pattern:
1. The Trot corner is super important. Exhibitors need to make sure that they are in line with the judge and have trotted at least three strides out of the turn.
2. The Back up needs to be super straight and at least two horse lengths or about 8 to 10 steps.
Tomorrow starts bright and early
with a full slate of classes including showmanship and pleasure prelims,
as well halter finals, and if that isn’t enough, the well attended
Museum Party will be the icing on the Select Show cake, so stay tuned
for updates on these popular events.
If there is anything you
would like to hear more about, please let me know in the comments
section and I will try and get the scoop for you!
