As 2016 comes to an end, it has become a GoHorseShow tradition since 2009 to look back on our top-10 most popular stories of the year as determined by our readers. GoHorseShow’s goal has always been to combine unbiased and responsible journalism, entertainment, education, interaction and fun as well as to provide a reading experience unparalleled to any other in our industry. GoHorseShow was there to cover it all in 2016.
We would like to give special thanks to the many loyal GoHorseShow readers for making 2016 the biggest year to date for our website and social media traffic. In 2016, the commonly said phrase, “I read it on GoHorseShow”, became a household term.
From now until January 1, we will reveal the top-10 stories for the year 2016.
NUMBER 1
Video: Fun Times at the Sun Circuit! Senior Western Pleasure “Race”
Published January 16, 2016
Video by GoHorseShow Contributor, Taylor Searles
This is a first for GoHorseShow. In our eighth year of counting down the top stories of the year, for the first time, we have a video in the number one spot. Obviously, this is just not any video! The video was taken by Taylor Searles who was reporting daily for GoHorseShow from the Sun Circuit and just happened to be watching the Senior Western Pleasure class. What ensued at the end of the class included some of the very best western pleasure horses and riders in the country battling it out for who could… get this… run the fastest! The crowd gave their overwhelming approval and GoHorseShow readers loved it as well. As of January 1, 2017, It has been viewed over 537,000 times since we posted it on January 16, 2016. With over 5,600 “likes”, 500 shares and 500 comments on Facebook, it is the true definition of the term viral sensation.
CLICK HERE to view the most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 2
10 Things Trainers Do That Often Go Unnoticed
Published February 25, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow staff writer, Samantha Armbruster
While riding horses all day may seem like a dream job to most horse enthusiasts, there are many things that trainers do that often go unnoticed. In the second most popular story of the year for 2016, GoHorseShow staff writer, Samantha Armbruster identified 10 things that our horse trainers do that make our lives and our horse’s lives much better, and the majority of these things we take for granted.
CLICK HERE to view the 2nd most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 3
The One Thing Judges Never Miss with Stephanie Lynn
Published March 29, 2016
Written by Stephanie Lynn
GoHorseShow readers love hearing judges’ opinions. Throughout the year we ask judges their opinions on varying topics including trends, pet peeves, and controversial topics. The 3rd most popular GoHorseShow story for 2016 was written by a judge, Stephanie Lynn, but she took it one step further. Lynn states that there is one thing that the judges never miss and that finding that one thing is crucial to creating winning results and to finding success in life. That one thing launches winners to the top of a judge’s card. You’ll have to read the story (if you haven’t already) to learn more about that one thing.
CLICK HERE to view the 3rd most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 4
Video: Ready. Set. Go. Showmanship Jackets from the AQHYA World Show
Published August 5, 2016
Produced by GoHorseShow videographer, Caroline Fromm
GoHorseShow’s social media presence was never bigger than in 2016. With over 105,000 Facebook followers, not to mention Instagram and Twitter, our posts reach far and wide throughout the world. Some even go viral. Very viral. That was certainly the case with our 1:25 video that featured various showmanship outfits set to music from the AQHYA World Show. Caroline Fromm’s video for GoHorseShow from the Youth World has been viewed on Facebook alone over 78,000 times, shared over 775 times, and received a record 120 comments on the GoHorseShow Facebook page.
CLICK HERE to view the 4th most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 5
10 Things Top Judges Wish Exhibitors Would Realize
Published April 7, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow staff writer, Chenay Jordan-McDowell
In the fifth most popular story of the year for 2016, GoHorseShow writer Chenay Jordan-McDowell asked a group of the industry’s top judges one simple question…What is one thing you wished exhibitors would realize? Their answers were insightful, meaningful, and in some cases…surprising. Ultimately, we came away with 10 things these top judges want exhibitors to know, and based on how popular this story was, exhibitors took notice and listened closely.
CLICK HERE to read the 5th most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 6
Fashion Month: Top 10 Horse Show Fashion Trends for 2016
Published May 9, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow Intern, Morgan McCarthy Warda
GoHorseShow readers love fashion and May is Fashion Month at GoHorseShow. The sixth most popular story of the year looked at fashion trends for the year. From to design and details to hats and helmets, we addressed all aspects of looking great in the show pen. It will be interesting to see what is on the horizon for 2017.
CLICK HERE to read the 6th most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 7
The Industry Loses a Legend: Zippos Mr Good Bar Laid to Rest at 32
Published July 25, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow
As the leader of news in the horse industry, we, unfortunately, must report on the passing of significant horses. In 2016, we lost the great stallion Zippos Mr Good Bar. Our coverage included interviews with former owner, Kathie Saul as well as John Boxell, Steve Heckaman, and Troy Compton. “Good Bar” made red roan cool and leaves behind a great legacy which includes industry-changing sons and daughters, and GoHorseShow readers helped mourn the passing of this beloved stallion.
CLICK HERE to read the 7th most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 8
Four Habits of Good Clients
Published March 18, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow staff writer, Samantha Armbruster
Much like there are many things that separate a great horse trainer from a good one, there are also many things that can differentiate a great client from a good client. GoHorseShow staff writer, Samantha Armbruster identified four habits that make for a great client. Although many of us believe we are ideal clients, after reading this story, you might come away realizing that there is always room for improvement.
CLICK HERE to read the 8th most popular story on GoHorseShow for 2016
NUMBER 9
The Little Mare That Could: How a $1,400 Mare Won a Reserve Congress Championship
Published October 31, 2016
Written by GoHorseShow staff writer, Samantha Armbruster
GoHorseShow readers often cheer for the underdog and the ninth most popular story of 2016 featured a Do-It-Yourself youth exhibitor and a horse that cost $1,400. Despite telling us they would have been happy with a callback, they were named Reserve Congress Champions.
CLICK HERE to read the 9th most popular story of the year on GoHorseShow
NUMBER 10
We Ask Professional Horsemen: How Would You Handle Trainers Soliciting Your Clients?
Published March 2, 2016
The tenth most popular story of the year for 2016 asked a tough question about a taboo subject…the solicitation of another trainer’s clients. An AQHA Professional Horseman asked us to address this question, so we asked 18 Professional Horsemen how they would handle this matter.
CLICK HERE to read the 10th most popular story of the year on GoHorseShow
