The Tidwell Family of Cartersville, Georgia just had another great show with their palomino gelding, CowboysAintEasyToLuv (Waylon) at the PHBA World Show. Last year, Michael and Justine won their first PHBA World Championship with Waylon in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle with their assistant trainer, Alyssa Casa in the irons.
This year, the family came home with an impressive stack of ribbons and trophies. Waylon’s owner, Justine Tidwell took home reserve championships in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle and Novice Amateur Western Pleasure. The duo also ended up first in the NSBA portion of the Novice Amateur Pleasure and second in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle. Tidwell was third in the Novice Amateur Horsemanship while Casa won the Junior Western Riding and the All Age Hunter Under Saddle Stakes Class with the talented four year-old gelding. To wrap up the show, Waylon placed third in the Junior Trail; fourth in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle; fourth in the Open Performance Halter Geldings and fifth in the Amateur Performance Halter Geldings.
“It was a great show and Alyssa and I were on our own, as my trainer, Jason English had a show in Ohio and couldn’t come with us this year,” Justine told GoHorseShow. “We stalled with Steve Tidwell (no relation) and he looked out for us. His whole group was so kind and they were there for us all the way from cheering us on in the stands to helping us back at the stalls.”
Alyssa Casa (pictured left), who is an assistant trainer for Tidwell’s trainer, Jason English, adds, “Waylon was so good. It was his first time showing in the western riding, but we have been working on it since the beginning of the year–winning the class was definitely a great way to debut. For the PHBA/NSBA Hunter Under Saddle Stakes Class, it was one of the best rides I’ve had on him and it was so much fun. I couldn’t have asked for him to be any better; it was a really great show. I really appreciate the Tidwell’s and Jason for trusting and supporting me with Waylon. He’s a really cool horse, and I just love him.”
Tidwell says her favorite memory of the show was telling Jason that they were PHBA Reserve World Champions in the Novice Amateur Western Pleasure.
“We didn’t tell him I was going in the class, and I made Alyssa swear not to tell anyone from home that I was showing my hunt seat horse in pleasure,” Justine recalls. “Alyssa sent Jason a photo of the ribbon and trophy, and he sent a colorful text back followed by a congratulatory phone call.”
Justine says that she really enjoys the PHBA World Show because everyone is nice and the atmosphere is relaxed. The Tidwell’s would like to thank Steve Tidwell, Kimberly Tidwell-Davis, and Debbie Wall for all their help and support during the palomino shows they attended this year. They would also like to give a special thanks to Jason for the best three years they have ever had showing.
“I know Jason will probably never let Alyssa and I go by ourselves again to another world show–who knows what classes we may add!” Justine says and laughs. “I want to thank Alyssa for everything she has done, and for turning my yellow fellow into a world champion!”
Justine told us that Waylon is currently for sale due to their preference of showing in the summer futurities due to their busy schedules. Tidwell believes Waylon has a bright future ahead as an all-around horse. Waylon is entered at the NSBA World Show and the duo is qualified for the Novice Championship Show.
“This has been a very hard decision,” says Justine, about selling Waylon. “I love this horse so much and he has won more for me then any other horse I have owned. There are a few people looking at him but who knows what will happen. Until then, I will just keep right on showing him.”
GoHorseShow would like to congratulate them on their impressive showing at the PHBA World Show and wish them the best of luck in the future.
Photos © NSBA.COM
