It is no secret that horse shows take a lot of our time, money and dedication, but everything we sacrifice in order to show is priceless when you are doing it with the people you love. GoHorseShow interviewed several of the country’s top horse show families to see how they got their start in the industry and some of their favorite things about showing horses.
The Gower Family
With over a decade of showing horses together, the Gower family cherishes every moment of showing horses together. Oldest son, Cole, began showing in 4H and quickly grew to love the show atmosphere and wanted to show on the Alberta (Canada) Quarter Horse Circuit.
During this time, younger brother, Kade, also took an interest in showing. After spending two years showing in Alberta, the Gower family decided to explore showing in the United States.
“We were wanting to show against the best and have been for over six years now,” says mother, Brenda Gower.
Having hectic lives at home has proven to make horse showing all the better when the family can come together at a show. From plane trips, including delayed or cancelled flights, it is a precious time that no one can take away from the family.
When Cole received a bronze trophy in the trail during his last year at the AQHYA World Championship show, the whole family was there to support him.
“This was one of the few shows where we were all able to attend, and it is one of the few pictures I have with the whole family present,” says Brenda.
At the recent Level 1 Central Championships in Oklahoma City, the youngest son, Kade, and Design By Leaguer (Bevis) were the Reserve Champions in the 14-18 Youth Trail. Bevis also recently turned 23 and he is teaching this 15 year-old all about showing at the top level.
With great memories to last a lifetime, the Gower family treasure every unforgettable opportunity spent showing horses together.
The Kolb Family
At ten years old, Rachel Kolb (pictured left-middle) got her first horse and thus began her family’s involvement in the equine world. Rachel and her four brothers showed in 4H at a young age. Eventually, Rachel moved up and showed on the AQHA circuit.
Though, at first, Rachel was the only Kolb to show breed shows, her younger brother, Reed and mother, Cheryl Kolb have recently started showing.
“I had always wanted my mom to show, but she said that she would rather support me than do it herself,” says Rachel.
With Rachel currently in college, Cheryl and Reed now attend horse shows together and bond over their horse show weekends together.
“I joke sometimes that the roles have switched, and I am now the horse-show-mom,” Rachel says with a laugh.
Though Rachel (pictured right) claims that she has had her fun showing, it is now more enjoyable to watch her mom and brother in the show pen.
“My mom is very modest, but how many mothers can fit into their daughter’s youth show clothing?” she says.
Rachel says that she values the time with her family now even more. “I realize that getting to share something that I love so much with Reed and my mom is so much more important than any placing I’ve ever won.”
The Thiel Family
Much like the other families, Cyndi Thiel also says that being together is the best part of showing horses. In 2004, Charley and Madison began showing together at open shows after falling in love with their grandparent’s Haflinger pony.
“They would ride, brush and lead the pony around the yard for hours. With a little coaxing, we moved the pony closer to us so the girls could ride him and see him more often,” says Cyndi.
Between long car trips and days at the barn, Cyndi would not trade it for the world. “I wouldn’t change one minute of it because when other parents were struggling to know what their kids were doing, I didn’t worry because we were together,” she says.
The time together as a family certainly helped Charley and Maddie grow so close together (pictured left). “The first time Charley won the AQHYA World Show, Maddie was so happy and emotional because she was one of the few people who really understood how hard Charley worked to get to that point,” says Cyndi.
Admitting that the sisters are each others biggest cheerleaders, Charley was also so happy when Maddie won her first AQHYA World Championship as well.
Though the big wins are always a plus, being together and meeting friends along the way is what horse showing is all about.
The Tordoff Family
When Olivia was just in the walk trot and Alexia a lead-liner, the girls began their love of showing. Now ages 12 and 15, the two girls are winning Congress Championships left and right.
“My mom used to show a very long time ago and I remember doing a small show at the barn where we rode at. I got a blue first place ribbon which is what hooked me,” says Alexia.
Though, recently, she found out that there were only two in the class and both kids received first place. Alexia now laughs looking back at the beginning of it all. The two sisters have shared fun memories like showing at the exact same time in different arenas at last year’s Congress and both winning their classes.
“Nothing felt better than my sister running to hug me, crying, and seeing my mom and dad smiling,” says Alexia, recalling her feelings after they won at the Congress.
With two successful daughters in the show ring, parents, Shari and Greg Tordoff remind the girls that having integrity, working hard and being nice and supportive to everyone will always make things work out in the end.
Besides spending times with their parents, Alexia and Olivia also enjoy their time with their horse show friends, equally. “We love to hang out at the stalls with our barn friends and we love teasing and laughing with one another,” Alexia says.
With two OQHA board director parents, the Tordoff girls agree that they feel supported and special with parents who take the time to support and help the industry.
The Crenwelge Family
Cameron and Peyton, ages 16 and 13, have been showing horses together for a total of seven years. After a single trail ride in Durango, Colorado, parents, Abbie and Dale Crenwelge, began finding pictures of horses all over the house.
“We started finding photos of horses in the microwave, the refrigerator and under the bed covers,” says Abbie.
After the decision to let the girls take riding lessons with a local trainer, the family purchased two paint horses where the girls participated in their first open shows.
Three years ago, Cameron and Peyton began showing quarter horses, claiming that the best part of showing horses as a family is being on the road in their RV. The family says that they travel up to 60 days together to horse shows.
“As parents, that time is golden and we wouldn’t trade those days, even though traveling with two teenage girls can be challenging at times,” says Abbie.
Though it may be a challenge at times, Abbie says it is hard to pick a favorite memory from the years showing together. “Each time we see Cameron and Peyton accomplish their goals, we are so happy for them because we see their failures and frustrations and all the hard work it has taken for them to reach their goals.”
