GoHorseShow is excited to have Dakota Diamond Griffith back to do the Congress Picture of the Day for us. Stay tuned for the rest of her photos throughout the show!
Welcome from my hometown, Columbus, Ohio and the All American Quarter
Horse Congress! Dakota Diamond here, checking back in at GHS.com after a
little absence while I got my professional feet on the ground as a
trainer. I am happy to be back sending you my “Picture of the Day” from what
may be all of our favorite horse show event!
Day 9:
So today’s picture is a little different from all the others as it didn’t take place at the Congress… but is such good news I wanted to share. Please say hello to Stone Pope, the son of Shane and Holt Pope who finally got to go home Thursday after spending the first nine weeks of his life in a special heart hospital in South Carolina. Holt didn’t attend the Congress for the first time in 17 years but finally getting to take baby Stone home will make it all worthwhile! What a cutie!!!
Day 8:
Brrrrrr it is cold! This picture comes courtesy of Alicia Porter as I thought it summed up today’s Congress weather perfectly! It wouldn’t be the Congress and my beloved home town without huge changes in weather and we certainly got the cold stuff today. Just wait long enough and a warm front will return!
Day 7:
Winning back-to-back NYATT Championships at the Congress, the River Cities (Ohio) team is once again making its mark. With a very strong Kansas team winning first and second places in the horsemanship event and pulling ahead by 4 points, the battle came down to the last event, Western Pleasure led by riders Kayla Magrum and Brittany Harter. The dynamic duo earned exactly the points needed to pull out the win by one point. As one of their Youth Advisors, I have to admit it was a real nail biter. I am getting too old for this. LOL! Congratulations to all the youth who competed in this long-standing Congress tradition.
Day 6:
Small Fry Showmanship finalist, eight year-old Alana Utlak, was having fun seeking autographs at the Congress Queen’s booth following her debut in the Congress style show hosted by Ohio Director and Chair, Kelli Diaz. Alana is the grand daughter of AQHA judge, Bill Fuchs, and show secretary Pat Fuchs who are well known for their popular WPQHA shows. Looks like a future Queen candidate to me!
Day 5:
To this day, it seems even my closest friends still think I am an only child. I am actually one of five children, and not even the only girl! This picture of me with my sister Sarah is living proof that I am not. It was really nice to have her come watch me show.
Day 4:
Five years ago today (October 17), the industry lost a shining star. Let’s take a moment and remember the beautiful spirit of The One & Only Alex Steven Blackwood. I have a few of his memorial bracelets left for any of his close friends if you want to look me up at Congress. Miss you ASB.
Day 3:
Morgan Shafley, of Plain City, Ohio, shown right with her mare, Lost In The Swamp is my first client to win a coveted Congress champion trophy in the NSBA Youth Jumpers and Reserve in the AQHA Youth. My heart raced with excitement as they jumped each fence. Now I know how my Mom felt when she said she “jumped every fence with me” when I was a youth. Great day!
Day 2:
Ahhhh one of my favorite classes at the Congress, the Small Fry Horsemanship. This is where it all begins! Pictured here is nine year-old Miss Ava Coughlin from London, Ohio preparing with trainer her trainer, Randy Wilson. There were 97 kids in the class and Ava was NSBA champion, and Congress Reserve aboard Divas Invitation. Congratulations Ava!
Day 1:
The Congress has special meaning to me as a Columbus native, and I hope all attendees and GHS loyal readers enjoy your stay during this special month. On behalf of our host with the most, Dr. Scott Myers, OQHA Executive Director, and myself (unofficial Social Chairman – LOL) let the games begin.
