The California Quarter Horse Exhibitors Association or
CAQHEA, attempted to re-vitalize its declining horse show participation by
hosting two Trail Derbies at the Brookside Equestrian Park in Elk Grove,
California. By all accounts, it looks like it succeeded to bring back the
challenge, excitement and vibrancy to the show arena as an estimated 200 plus spectators
23 trail horse exhibitors vied for a portion of $17,000 in prize money.
In the evening event initiated the first of two go rounds of
the Brookside/CAQHEA Trail Derby. Trainers and amateurs, riding some of
California’s best trail horses maneuvered over, and through a course designed
to follow AQHA specifications. The forward flowing course challenged the
rider’s competency, and their horse’s athleticism. The excitement of the
evening’s performance was generated by the spectator’s applause, which rewarded
each rider as their horse completed its go.
Professional trainer Nan Kreeger was elated at the success
of the Trail Derby. Nan likened it to a “Phoenix rising out of the Ashes,” bringing new life and excitement to California’s declining
horse show participation.
Karen Thompson, whose great horse Command Invitation was in the
Derby, and who has shown at the AQHA World show multiple
times, commented that she found the course more challenging than those at the World
Show.
Amateur exhibitor Chris Moy observed, “Sitting by the trail ring, eating dinner
on a lovely evening watching 23 exhibitors negotiate an obstacle course, what
could be better?” The course was challenging but not impossible. Not only did
it have lope overs, but difficult walk and trot overs; reminiscent of the trail
courses from years past.
Christine Demetrak, Trail Derby exhibitor commented “The course was great.
It was difficult, but it rode smoothly. I especially liked the fact that there
was no practice course beforehand. It really helped level the playing field.”
Elk Grove Milling, a local feed supplier and Brookside Equestrian Park hosted a
FREE spaghetti dinner during the first go-round and a Fiesta Taco night during
the Derby finals for spectators. EGM has been a great supporter of the
Brookside Equestrian Park shows.
The Open Derby first go-rounds placing were not carried over to the final
round. The final round had added exhibitors and upped the number of paid
entrants to 28. You were not required to ride in both rounds and All went
in with a clean slate. A horse might not have placed or shown in the first go
round, and still have the opportunity to place, or win the Final Derby round.
Specific divisions where the scores were carried over from first go round to
the final round, were the Junior Horse, Non-pro, and Non Quarter horse, these
horse’s final placings, after the two go rounds were decided according to
their final cumulative scores.
Nine exhibitors received first go-round money. The placing and monies earned
are as follows:
1st place – $800 A Special Kinda Love, owned by Candy Bava and ridden by David
Busick
2nd place – $600 Jet Set Image, owned and ridden by Roxanne Dahlgren
3rd place – $500 Shes A Hershey Bar, owned by Sharon Conway, ridden by Diane
Gaudreau
4th place – $400 Grandryte, owned and ridden by Carole Nolan
5th place – $300 RR Swing Into Style, owned by Jane Cauley, ridden by Diane
Gaudreau
6th place – $200 WSG Rienzi Command – owned by Jeanne Martindale, ridden by
Lise Von Uhlit
7th place – $200 Leaguer Made Grey, owned by Nancy MacDonald, ridden by Patty
Knudson
8th place tie – $200 Command Invitation, owned by Karen Thompson, ridden by
David Busick
8th place tie – $200 Rapped N Payed, owned and ridden by Kim Kowalk
The Final round held on Friday May 28th.
Final Round placing
1st – Desire By Impress owned by Kathy Smith shown by Cheryl Busick $4460
2nd – Command Invitation owned by Karen Thompson shown By David Busick $3200
3rd – A Special Kinda Love owned by Candy Bava shown by David Busick $1840
4th – RR Swing Into Style owned by Jane Cauley ridden by Diane Gaudrau $1500
5th – Jet Set Image owned and shown by Roxanne Dahlgren $1400
Hi Score Non Pro – Roxanne Dahlgren $500
Hi Score Non Quarter – Dude To Wrangler ApHC owned and ridden by Jane Short
$500
Hi Score Junior Horse – Rolex In Paris owned by Carolyn and Glenn Quigly shown
by David
Busick $500
The Derby winner also received a Skyline
Silversmith Silver Trophy buckle donated by Ricottis Saddle Co, Clements CA.
Derby Sponsors were:
Nan Kreeger & Bunz
Bill “Brookside” Madden
CAQHEA
Total 28 entries – Total cash awarded $17,300.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM EVENT
For more information, please email Nan Kreeger.
