The 51st Dixie National Horse Show is excited to announce the addition of two highly experienced professionals to their office staff. Well respected horseman and judge Casey Devitt has been hired as the new show manager while seasoned show secretary, Vanessa Lay of Miamisburg, Ohio will be in charge of the show office.
The Dixie Nationals has been consistently in the Top 10 AQHA shows of the year–including in 2015. Also known as, The Southern Classic, last year’s show had over $100,000 in prizes and added money; two days of EWD shows as well as a special roping event.
“I look forward to bringing my expertise to the show and continue on with the Dixie National southern tradition of friendliness and hospitality,” Devitt told GoHorseShow. “I will be there to make sure the show runs smoothly and the exhibitors are kept well informed.”
For the past two years. Devitt has helped manage the hugely successful Arizona Sun Circuit. He is an AQHA Steward at the World Shows and an AQHA Professional Horseman. Casey has been married for 29 years to his wife, fellow trainer, and Judge April Devitt.
“I will be hands on and accessible to everyone if they need help or have questions,” Devitt states. “I’m going to make sure the footing is right for the different classes; the pleasure horses have enough warm up time; and the announcers are well informed and know what’s going on in each arena. I know the in-and-outs of how a show should be run. I am looking forward to being involved with one of the top shows in our industry.”
Since earning his American Quarter Horse Association judges card nine years ago, Devitt has judged the most prestigious shows in the county including the AQHA Open and Amateur World Championship Show four times, the AQHA Select World Championship, and the NSBA World Show.
Devitt was born and raised in Southern California and has trained horses for more than 30 years. Early in his career, he apprenticed under industry legends Greg Whalen, Barney Hinds, and Tim Whitney. Casey has coached many Youth and Amateur riders to top ten placings as well as All-Around Champions at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. He has also shown multiple horses to top ten wins at the AQHA World Show.
Another addition is show secretary Vanessa Lay who says she is excited to have the opportunity to work the Dixie Nationals. Lay has worked at the Congress for the past 15 years as well as other huge shows including the Novice West Championships, the Silver Dollar Circuit, and the Gold and Gulf Coast Circuits.
“I think the exhibitors will be impressed with my experienced show staff including Heidi Lane, Melissa Bausman, and Dana Wetherell. They know what needs to be done, and I am very fortunate to be working with them,” Lay states. “I’m excited to help improve the look of the show and hopefully get people excited and want to come back next year.”
This show is the premier event of the Mississippi Quarter Horse Association. Held in February on the State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi, it is the largest quarter horse show held during a stock show in the nation. It is also the largest in the South and the third largest quarter horse show in the United States.
With an average audience of over 4500, Freestyle Reining, held on Friday night, is the most crowd pleasing class and demonstrates the great physical ability of the American Quarter Horse.
The Dixie National Equine Expo, the largest equine related trade show in the south, runs in conjunction with the quarter horse show. The Equine Expo features everything imaginable for the equine enthusiast. For information on booth space at the Equine Expo, please e-mail Diane at [email protected]
For more information about the show, please visit their website by clicking here.
