The Level 1 West Championships kicked off on Wednesday, April 20th and the show is being held through the 24th in Las Vegas at the South Point Equestrian & Events Center. This show will offer AQHA’s core and over-fences classes for West Coast Exhibitors. Please welcome 18 year-old Emma Edwards who will be doing the picture of the day for GoHorseShow from the show in Vegas. Read about her below!
Hi everyone! My name is Emma Edwards and I am from Issaquah, Washington. I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. I am here at the Level 1 Championship show with my all around horse, This Is Why Im Here, aka Jack. Jack and I are showing in the 14-18 L1 Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail and Western Riding. A big thanks to my trainer Nancy Renfro for preparing Jack and I for Las Vegas. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody. Good luck to all the contestants showing, from Las Vegas to Oklahoma City to Raleigh. Check out my picture of the day!
Sunday, April 24, 2016 – Last Picture of the Day
Las Vegas is a wrap! My day four picture is a photo of Tess Baumann with her family and her trainer Paige Stroud standing proudly with the Farnam 14-18 Level 1 West All Around trophy. Not only was this show Tess’ first AQHA show, but her second breed show. Tess showed in the all around Level 1 Youth and Rookie Youth classes.
Tess was extremely happy with her gelding, Pass the Attraction, as this was their debut as a team, and she was very excited about her success.
“I am forever grateful for the support from my barn and my wonderful coach Paige Stroud. I have come so far and I am incredibly grateful for everyone in my barn and in my family to support me through this journey to become a Level 1 14-18 All Around Champion!”
In the future, Tess hopes to ride for an NCEA equestrian team and continue showing AQHA.
Congratulations Tess on a fabulous show, and I cannot wait to see you at more shows. See you next time Vegas, and safe travels to all going home.
Saturday, April 23, 2016 – Picture of the Day #4
My day 4 picture of the day is a photo of my friend, Nadalee Vasquez. Nadalee rides with Michael E. Hoyt, in Moorpark, California. This is her second year competing in AQHA. Today, Nadalee won the L1 13 and under Trail with Shesa Smoking Memory (Tilly). This is Nadalee’s first show with Tilly, having only ridden her a handful of times. Nadalee and Tilly got a bronze trophy in the L1 13 and Under Western Pleasure and also tied for third in Showmanship. Nadalee says it was so exciting because her favorite class is trail. She would like to thank her mom, dad, her brother, Brandon, and Natalie Kazemi for the opportunity to show Tilly. Also, Michael for helping her achieve her goal and for the long hours of dedication. Good luck to everyone competing in the horsemanship tomorrow!
Friday, April 22, 2016 – Picture of the Day #3
Day 3 update from Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas. Today was halter, showmanship, and Amateur and Select Amateur Western Riding. It has been so much fun catching up with old and new friends. I got to talk to Laura Irwin and her husband, Greg Irwin today. Laura trains with Palm Desert Quarter Horses (Mark Jensen and Keith McDonough). Laura showed her horse Nosneakinuponwilly, aka Willis. Laura was very happy with Willis in the showmanship and she will show in the western riding, trail, and horsemanship later in the show. After, Laura told me she and her husband, Greg, have been married for 47 years. Greg loves to come to the shows and watch Laura and Willis, and he loves to watch her dedication to horses and see her having so much fun. Her trainers both said she has the greatest work ethic in and out of the arena. Best of luck to everyone showing tomorrow in the trail.
Thursday, April 21, 2016 – Picture of the Day #2
Day two of the Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas started bright and early with hunter under saddle. I had the chance to meet and chat with Isabella Nunes who got Reserve Champion in the Level 1 14-18 Hunter Under Saddle and the Equitation. Isabella, from Cave Creek, Arizona, showed her horse, OK Imma Good One, also known as Cookie.
Isabella is under the guidance of Kristin Brock and Scott Graham. They were both great wins as Cookie is new to Isabella and this is their first time showing English together. Isabella said, “It was very exciting to get reserve in both of my classes today because Cookie is so green in the patterns and she’s never done English before December. A big thanks to my trainers for being so supportive and treating me like family.”
I also got to catch up with Kristin and she told me how special of a day it was as Isabella’s old horse recently passed away. “Isabella never gave up, persevered, and busted her butt to make this happen. I am truly so proud; she is a wonderful person inside and outside the arena. I am so grateful to be not only her trainer, but her friend!”
Congratulations Isabella and to all the other winners on Day 2 of the Vegas L1 Championships.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 – Picture of the Day #1
Hi everyone! We have finally arrived in Las Vegas for the Level 1 West Novice Championships at the South Point Hotel & Equestrian Center. Everybody is getting ready for a busy day of showing tomorrow in the hunter under saddle, equitation, pleasure, and western riding. My first picture of the day is of Sarah Finkle and me. Sarah is under the guidance of Cheryl and David Busick, and she will be showing her horse, Something Radical (Richie). Sarah shows in the all around events. I will be showing my horse, This Is Why I’m Here, in the western riding tomorrow. It’s so much fun catching up with friends, old and new. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the warm weather.
