Hey y’all! I’m Ashley Hadlock of Nashville, Tennessee and I’m happy to be reporting to you from Oklahoma City at the Redbud Spectacular. I’ll be showing in the amateur all-around events with my horse, Touched N Moonlite under the supervision of Ryan Cottingim.
Thursday, June 4th, 2015–Redbud Final Report
Thursday was my final day of competition at the Redbud and I caught up with a few more people before I had to catch a plane back home to Nashville.
Small Fry exhibitors are very important as they are the future of the industry. Piper Keller was the winner of the Small Fry all around here at the Redbud. Piper is the daughter of former World Champion Heather Keller. Heather has won the AQHA Amateur Horsemanship at the world show an impressive three times and the all around amateur once. Heather is a dental hygienist and her husband, Mike, is owner of Keller Performance Horses. Heather has a reiner that she currently shows as well as jumping on her daughters’ horses from time to time.
Piper is Heather’s youngest daughter at seven years-old. This is her first year of showing. “I show Chocolate Bopp, aka Dawson, in horsemanship, pleasure, and showmanship. My favorite class is the horsemanship.”
I asked Piper to tell me a little about Dawson, “He likes treats and will eat any kind!”
Tatum is the oldest daughter at ten years-old. She also began showing when she was seven. She shows her horse, Rock N All Night, better known as Thumper, in the 13& Under all around events. She tells me her favorite class is the equitation. “Last year, I was Reserve Congress Champion in the Small Fry Equitation.”
I asked Tatum to tell me a little about Thumper. “He was an orphan who we raised. I must’ve just watched the movie Bambi when we got him because I named him Thumper.”
Showing is truly a family affair for the Keller’s and looks as though the girls may be following in their mom’s footsteps!
Thursday began the final day of showing trail classes. The course consisted of multiple gait transitions between lopes and trots. Midway through, the rider had to slow down the tempo for a walk over. The amateur, 14-18, and senior side of course consisted of very high elevated poles.
I was able to catch up with amateur exhibitor Joanne Garnett after she won the trail today on her horse, So Much Potential, aka Louis. “I show Louis in the Select Amateur Trail and Western Riding and A Sudden Illusion (Earl) in the trail, pleasure and horsemanship. I love the Redbud as it’s one of my favorite shows. You couldn’t beat the weather this year. I love showing Tim’s patterns and I thought they were challenging this year,” says Joanne.
Many people remember that Joanne and her husband Mike sustained a terrible loss in early May as a tornado destroyed their barn. I asked Joanne how things were coming along. “The clean up is complete and hope to start rebuilding in a couple of weeks.”
There is also another challenge Joanne has been faced with that many do not know about. “It has traumatized Louis somewhat as he is now scared of any loud noises.” As many know, Joanne and Louis are multiple world champions and have a fantastic bond. “He is very special and been through so much lately. I am so thankful everyday that God saved him and all the horses. He owes me nothing more in life. I just want him to be happy and enjoy it.”
We all wish Louis the best and hopefully he can overcome this difficult time.Â
The afternoon was busy with everyone loading the trailers to go home. It seems that you never realize how much stuff you have until it comes time to put it all back in the trailers. Barns we’re quickly emptying as some were leaving as soon as they got loaded. We wish everyone safe travels.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to keep you updated this week. Good luck to everyone the rest of the summer and hope to see you down the road!
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015–Redbud Report #8
Wednesday was another early 7am start for the over fence classes being held in the performance arena and showmanship and western riding classes in the coliseum.
After the horsemanship and equitation classes, I was finally able to talk with youth exhibitor Paige Wacker. Paige is showing her new gelding, Java Mon in the all around classes under the guidance of Robin and Jenny Frid.
Paige has had a run of of “bad luck” with horses, her mother Shannon told us. Despite that, Paige has a great outlook on the future. “Unfortunately, for the past four years I have had to get a new horse every year. Even though it’s been unfortunate, I’ve made great connections with those horses and they helped me prepare for this time in my show career.”
I asked her more about her current horse “Willie” who is a multiple AQHA world champion.
“The most challenging part for me has been learning to trust him to do his job. With me being a perfectionist, coming together with a horse with an amazing show record made me put a lot of pressure on myself to not let Willie or Parris (Rice) down. Him being so trustworthy and athletic has pushed me to become a stronger rider. I’m grateful and cannot thank Parris and Carolyn Rice enough for sharing Willie with me.”
Paige continues, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I’m trying to enjoy my time with Willie and not take one ride for granted. I believe being a strong team with Willie, trusting one another and enjoying our time together will make us successful.”
Paige tells me a trick she uses with Willie. “To prepare for showing him, I give him an apple and tell him if he’s good he will get another one (he always gets another one anyways.) ” It appears her trick is working as she and Willie look great together!!
In the showmanship classes, exhibitors had to be sure they were on the correct lines as the pattern consisted of a tricky trot corner and backing straight to judge for the inspection. I caught with Level 2 circuit winner Amateur exhibitor Shelley Grissom (pictured right). Shelley shows her horse, See My Shiny Hiney, “Jack” in the all around classes under the guidance of of my trainers, Ryan Cottingim and Mandi Gately. Â “The showmanship pattern was a good test for the maneuverability of you and your horse. I feel very privileged to be in such tough company,” she told me.
Beginning with a green horse is always challenging, and the Youth Horsemanship Level 3 circuit winner made it look easy. Carli Pitts is currently showing Hot Lady Born Lopin, aka Dixie (pictured below). The horsemanship patterns here were challenging for a well seasoned horse much less a horse green to the pattern classes. I was able to ask Carli a little about showing a green horse in the horsemanship.
“Dixie had only done the pleasure and a little western riding as a two and three year-old year under the guidance of Gil Galyean. She had been living in the pasture of Masterson Farms for two years when I discovered her. Â We went there this January looking at horses and she was my dream horse, even out of shape with a full hair coat.” Carli continued, “She is currently six years-old. She picked up the horsemanship like it was nothing. By March I showed her in horsemanship for the first time.”
Pitts continues, “Winning the circuit award here at the Redbud in the horsemanship was a goal I had set for us from the beginning. This is a very tough show with great riders and horses. I loved the patterns because every day there was an extended lope, which is definitely my favorite maneuver to perform. The pattern on the final day had two lead changes which was great for Dixie because she does Western Riding as well. Each pattern had their own difficult parts like rollbacks and fast to slow like circles.”
Congratulations Carli and I hope the success continues!
Thursday will finish the last round of trail for exhibitors and horses. Then, it’s the dreaded task of loading everything back up and head home. Good luck to everyone on Thursday!
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015–Redbud Report#7
Tuesday was a busy day beginning with a 7am start time for trail classes being held in the performance arena. The course seemed to be faster paced with shorter distance between obstacles, requiring quicker and sharper change of gaits. Riders had to be planning ahead as there was little room for any miscommunications between them and the horse.
The coliseum was busy all day with rail and pattern classes. The horsemanship pattern was challenging with two lead changes, loping with speed, and turns each direction. Winning the circuit in Level 3 Amateur Horsemanship was Angela Fox of Plano, Texas. I caught up with her to learn more of her new show partner for the year. “His name is ‘The Company You Keep’. He’s a four year old gelding by One Hot Krymsun out of Zipped Tight.”
Angela is no stranger to the horsemanship as she is a former AQHA World Champion in the class. I asked what made this win special to her.
“Having shown a really broke horse for the past several years and now starting with a new young one has been equally challenging as it is rewarding. I love the process of teaching a young one and reaching new milestones, but it takes a lot of patience and persistence. This is our first big win in the horsemanship and I’m very proud him for handling three days of tough patterns with a pen full of world class exhibitors and horse.”
Huge congrats to this new, promising team!
The hunt seat equitation finished up the night with a pattern full of challenging lines, lead change, hand gallop,and two point trot.
Peyton Bivins, who just graduated from the University of Texas and rides with trainer Leslie Lange, impressively won the Amateur Equitation under all three judges with as well as the circuit championship. Kamanyawannadance is a 12 year old gelding known to many in the hunter discipline. The gelding has also won the Senior Working Hunter here at the Redbud.
But who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This is the third show the team has shown a new event, the Amateur Horsemanship, impressively winning and picking up points every day. I visited with Peyton about this talented gelding.
“For the past four years, I have been showing Kamanyawannadance in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle and the Hunt Seat Equitation,” Peyton explained. “In addition to this, “Collin” has been shown in the hunter events for many years. With the retirement of my western horse, Jeff (Mellott) and Leslie decided to start experimenting with Collin in the horsemanship. After so many years of being shown in the English events, Collin has adapted to the horsemanship amazingly well. I have learned so much from learning how to work with him and it has been an absolute blast. Collin is one of the most loving horses I have ever had the opportunity to show and he literally puts up with so much from me.”
Bivins continues, “This week has been very long for Collin, but, in my opinion, he is an excellent example of the versatility of the American Quarter Horse in a time when we seem to be moving towards an era of specialization. As a five year old, Collin was the Reserve Super Horse and has been shown in the western riding as well. He is an amazing horse with a huge heart and at 12 years old, it seems that old dogs really can learn new tricks!”
The night ended with the popular progressive dinner. Each barn chooses a food of their choice to serve, either catered by the Fair Grounds or brought in from a restaurant, and it is set up in front of their stalls. All exhibitors enjoy going around and partake of food, drinks, desserts, and fellowship with one another. There was live band set up providing great entertainment and even dancing. Tomorrow will be a big day as exhibitors wrap up the showmanship and western riding.
Monday, June 1st, 2015–Redbud Report #6
Monday was a busy day beginning with 7 am start to fence classes that ran all day into the evening. In the performance arena, showmanship classes began at 8 am followed by the western riding classes.
The showmanship classes were very competitive with up to four and five point classes. I was able to catch up Sydney Scheckel who has won under several judges in the Youth Showmanship 14-18. Sydney shows her mare, A Perfect Pleasure, in the showmanship under the guidance of Bruce Walquist.
“Pippi, has been wonderful for me at this show. She’s a once-in-a-lifetime type horse. My mare has been off all winter, so this is her first show back before the Youth World,” explained Sydney. I asked Sydney her thoughts on the show, “The patterns at the Redbud have been good for us. This is a great show to prepare before the Youth World. The patterns aren’t super long, so every maneuver has to be high quality.”
Following the showmanship was the western riding classes. AQHAÂ World Champion UF A Certain Star won the Senior Western Riding Level 2 under several judges. “Peter” is shown in the western riding by Brad Ost of Highpoint Performance Horses. His owner, Courtney Archer, shows Peter in the Amateur All Around events and is beginning to show in the western riding. The team had several wins here in the Amateur Western Riding.
I caught up with Courtney to ask more about this new class for her and Peter. “I’m so excited to be adding the Amateur Western Riding this year to our list of classes. Peter and I are definitely still trying to figure each other but every time I show him it keeps getting better and better.”
Courtney and Peter also had wins in the Novice Amateur Showmanship. “Peter is truly my dream horse. Peter and Brad make a great team as he really loves Brad. It’s because of Brad that Peter is the horse he is today. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us.”
I also caught Deanna and Katie Green for a quick second for a picture. It was Katie’s birthday today and both ladies have been winning several of the western pleasure classes with Bestseatinthehouse at the Redbud. Congrats ladies!
Tuesday is going to be a very busy day for exhibitors and trainers as the trail begins at 7am in the performance arena. At 8 am the coliseum will begin with the final round of pleasure driving, western pleasure, horsemanship, hunter under saddle, and equitation classes.
Best of luck to everyone!
Sunday, May 31st, 2015–Redbud Report #5
On Sunday, the western pleasure and horsemanship classes ran again. I was able to catch up with Select Amateur exhibitor Dan Yeager, owner of Cee Money aka Money. Brad Ost showed him in the Senior Western Pleasure, winning under two of the cards and as well as second under the third judge. Dan was second in the select pleasure under all three cards.
Dan also shows Money in the select horsemanship. Dan has impressively won the horsemanship under all five judges so far. I caught up with Dan to ask about his horsemanship runs. “I have been really excited and happy with my horsemanship runs, especially today, because Money is still green. It’s really fun as he is getting more solid with every run. Horsemanship is one of my favorite classes, so I’m glad it’s all coming together.”
The horsemanship classes have been consisting of extended trots, loping circles with speed, turns, and roll backs with quick lope outs.
Growing up I showed along with my younger sister, Jessie. We often were showing against each other but had a good rivalry. So I could not help myself but to catch up with the Lofton Sisters and ask about their relationship in the show pen.
Brittany (Lofton) Morgan and Gabbee Lofton (pictured right) show under the guidance Evans Performance Horses. Brittany shows Huntin For Fun in Amateur Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Trail and Equitation and Lil Bit Western in the Showmanship, and Trail.
Brittany and Gabbee share Lil Bit Western. I asked how they decide who shows when. “We switch off more year to year then show by show. Gabbee showed him last year at the world so I get him this year,” explained Brittany
Gabbee shows Hay Good Looking in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Trail. Gabbee tells how this is her first show with her new mare. “She is a six year-old that I tried out two weeks ago in Del Mar while at a show. The purchase was finalized at this show and this is our first show together. She’s been a lot of fun and I’m really excited for the future.” As far as a rivalry in the show pen Brittany explained “We really support each other and cheer one another on.”
Sunday began with the final round of showing for the halter classes. The halter was set up with two days of showing to four judges each time. I was able to speak to amateur exhibitor Josh Weakly after his wins. Josh showed the amateur classes with three horses.
Josh went Grand Champion Mare under all four cards (all 8 for the circuit) with his aged mare, PF Supreme Surprise. Then, he won the yearling geldings on all four cards with Legacee. And last he showed Be A Gunslinger, winning under all cards in the three year old geldings and taking two of the grands/two reserves.
With those wins, Josh was able to clinch circuit champion with all three horses. “The halter was pretty competitive overall and with the decent numbers in the performance halter, we were able to get everything qualified both open and amateur which was our goal!”
Josh and wife Kaleena and their young son Jax are now on the road traveling to Iowa to show Kaleena’s riding horses. Best of luck in Iowa!!
Monday is another busy day beginning at 7 am with the hunter over fence classes and an 8 am showmanship classes followed by the western riding.
Saturday, May 30, 2015–Redbud Report #4
Today was the first go for all the trail exhibitors. Classes began at 7am running until after 5pm with a split pen of two different courses running concurrently. The two courses combined totaled 96 poles. I am new to this class so I asked Tim Kimura, the “Man of Trail”, for any advice he had. Tim emphasized how important it was for the rider to take their time. “Don’t rush, those who will be patient and wait on the poles will be the most successful. Rushing will lead to hitting the poles. You’ve just got to be patient.” I took Tim’s advice and was successful earning 8 points!
I was able to catch up with a couple of the Junior Trail winners after the class. Blake Weiss won the Level 3 under two cards with two of his horses, Snap Krackle Pop and Lover Treat Me Good. “They were both very careful today and tried really hard,” said Blake after the class.
Blake was AQHA Reserve World Champion Junior Trail this past year with Snap Krackle Pop. The mare is owned by Twyla Brown (whose daughter is Wendy Brown from Show Me Again) who is beginning to show her in the select this year. Blake has been very pleased how well they are clicking–everyone better watch out for this great upcoming team.
The Level 2 of Junior Trail was won under all three cards by A Chrome Cookie ridden by Troy Lehn, owned by Alexandra Chavez (pictured right). Troy spoke very highly of his ride and the trail course. “I am just beginning to show the horse in a bridle and I was very happy with his go. The course was set very well. It flowed nicely which helped the junior and green horses navigate through the course.”
The Junior class had 30 entries and the senior had an impressive 80 entries. Winners included; Jason Martin on Heavenly Mac, Lil Bit Western and Chad Evans, and Hot Rockin Potential and Whitney Lagace. (Level 2 Senior Trail had 44, won by Mystic Invitation and Brett Clark under two judges. Dan Yeager’s Cee Money and Charlie Cole won under the third judge).
Tonight, a group from Ryan Cottingim’s barn went and ate pizza in the mid town area. From there, we drove over to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, The memorial gates which represent the moments before, during, and after the destruction, along with the reflecting pool and the field of 168 empty chairs, really put the horse show into perspective. If you have not stopped by this memorial, I highly recommend it.
Sunday is another busy day beginning at 7 am with halter. The day will include pleasure driving, western pleasure, horsemanship, hunter under saddle, and hunt seat equitation classes. It’s nice getting done at a decent time that allows riders to not only practice patterns for tomorrow, but also enjoy dinner at a decent time.
Friday, May 29, 2015–Redbud Report #3
Today began early with a 7 am start for the performance halter classes, followed by the rest of the halter. The showmanship classes began at 8 am in the main arena. The class sizes ranged between 2 to 4 points with very deep competition. Once again, great hospitality was shown to all exhibitors. A free lunch was graciously offered by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds.
After the showmanship concluded, western riding classes immediately began. The largest was a stout group of 47 senior horses. Charlie Cole swept all of the western riding classes, the Green Western Riding, Junior Western Riding and the Senior Western Riding. Cole won the senior on his AQHA World Champion partner, Ima Petite Classic, better known as Kramer. Charlie also showed Kristen Galyean’s stallion, VS Flatline to wins in both the green and junior. I talked to Charlie about winning both classes on Kobe.
“Kobe showed like a champ today and was all business, you’d never know he was a stud and we collected him yesterday,” Charlie told me. “He has a great feel and effortless changes.”
Kobe’s half brother, VS Code Red (Waylon) also picked up 10 points in a tough Senior Western Riding class. In total, Cole ended up picking up an impressive 47 total points on all of his western riding horses today.
Everyone be sure to wish Mr. Leonard Berryhill a big happy birthday! Leonard turned 58 and he says his birthday always seems to be during a horse show. He told me he didn’t think anyone cared that it was his birthday and that he guess he looked good for being just 29 years old. However, as far as anyone not caring, that appeared to not be the case as he got an amazing birthday gift from his clients.
“I got a tremendous gift of a golf vacation from the barn. I am blessed with a large amount of friends and a loving family who sort of make my life like a special day every day,” Leonard told me.
Saturday the trail classes will start the show at 7 am. The course was set in a covered pen that allowed exhibitors the convenience to school the course all day. Word is that Tim Kimura, the “Man of Trail” is using 116 poles for Saturday’s patterns.
At the end of the day, I celebrated getting showmanship points with dinner at one of the horse show crowd’s favorite restaurants, Trapper’s Fishcamp and Grill. Stay tuned for more news from the show!
Thursday, May 28, 2015–Redbud Report #2
Well, day one literally began with a bang! Everyone woke up to a big Oklahoma thunderstorm, but luckily nothing too severe. By show time, all the rain was gone.
The day began with one point pleasure driving classes which was followed by western pleasure and horsemanship classes. Four to five point classes were seen in very competitive horsemanship classes. The hunter under saddle and equitation classes had three point classes with very steep competition. The roping was held in another pen running currently with the other classes boasting 30 to 45 entries. The showing ended with the always exciting speed events.
At 7pm, great hospitality was given to all exhibitors as wine and hors d’oeuvres were served in the Super Barn.
After the show, I took a quick trip to the Outlet Shoppes in Oklahoma City where I needed a bag to carry all my horse show supplies from the hotel to the stalls. I miss my living quarters trailer which is at home. We got there only 20 minutes before it closed so I’m sure another trip is in the near future. I also was able to catch a different ride at the mall–look out American Pharaoh!
Stay tuned for more reports from the show!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015, Redbud Report #1
Despite the recent storms and flooding, it appears exhibitors from all across the country have made it safe and sound. Today has been a day of settling in, setting up, and practicing. Day one of the horse show begins tomorrow.
The warm up pens were full of those perfecting the patterns as tomorrow’s classes include: western pleasure, horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, pleasure driving, roping, and speed events. The class sizes look great with expectations of a great show. I’m excited to be reporting to you each day so stay tuned for more inside scoop from the show!
