Seeing Double
The Winter Circuit has wrapped up here in Florida, but not without a final send off party at Fox Lea Farm. The weather finally cooperated for the exhibitors, even if just for one day! With FQHA member and trainer, Lee Paul Shinn volunteering to tend bar, some of the legal age partygoers thought they were seeing double. 
Thankfully for many, they really were seeing double! Chester and Ann Prince’s irresistible identical twin Jack Russell terriers, Red and Blue were the most perfectly mannered party guests as they sat patiently outside the pavilion on their golf cart, waiting for their parents to finish their meal. These two boys are Hollywood material, and I am volunteering to be their agent! Ann admitted that she and Chester were surprised when the true identicals were born, and decided to keep them since she thought it was fate they should never be separated.
Divas and Dames
The grand dame of the hunter world, Ms. Sandra Vaughn, was on hand throughout the winter circuit shows, looking terrific. Pictured here with Dame-In Training, Linda Crothers, of the Super Horse Team in 2009, let’s all wish Linda good luck as she had knee surgery Monday. In spite of her injury, Linda has been running around the shows continuing to train, show, teach, and chase her loyal dog, Maggie everywhere! Good luck Linda.
Speaking of Super Horses and grand dames, it was great to see Wendy Winans of Bo-Bett Farm on hand, enjoying the show, and exhibiting her driving horse. We are happy to report that her mother, Carol Harris is doing well, and enjoying amazing success with her show dogs. Carol and Wendy are still managing a herd of Rugged Lark daughter’s at Bo-Bett who are continuing their legendary sire’s legacy. It was also great to see horse-show icon, Lynn Palm at the events.
And then there are the divas in training at the show! What judge could resist the adorable Cheyenne Augsburger a/k/a “Scooter”, daughter of Lori and Andrew and grand daughter of the oh-so-proud Doris and James Collier. When the precocious equestrian was asked how to spell Scooter, she quickly replied C-H-E-Y-E-N-N-E – duh! I think there is a video floating around on Facebook of Scooter’s first cross rail lesson showing that she is a force for the future. At the tender age of 4, Scooter donned her best “A” Hunter Circuit Pipi Longstocking hair braids courtesy of BFF, Jessica Youngblood. We caught up with the two divas earlier as they were all smiles riding double to prepare for Scooter’s small fry english class.
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GoHorseShow.com Has it First!
Meri-J Ranch has announced that 6-time AQHA High Point and 4-time Congress Champion rider, Kyle Hewitt will be joining their staff as a hunter under saddle and over fence specialist. After winning the Fox Lea Winter Circuit in Green Hunter Under Saddle, Kyle is living up to his GHS New Year’s resolution “Do Work Son”. Always modest, and professional, I caught up with Kyle who was looking forward to the chance to ride for Jim and Rita. Kyle’s uncle, Alfred Hewitt, commented that he would sorely miss Kyle, at Hewitt Quarter Horses, but quickly compared a position at Meri-J to a “college” education in the horse business. Well said. Best of luck to Kyle!!!!
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All Smiles
Probably the best news of the show, was that Geno Spagnola is smiling big, and back working hard again. As many of you know, Geno suffered a serious pedestrian accident during the Congress which has forced him to endure many surgeries and a hard recovery. I caught up with Geno at the party, then heard through the grapevine he was practically skipping down the driveway the last morning on his way to the show ring. That’s great news! Best wishes for continued success with his recovery from your friends at GoHorseShow.com
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Trainer Bowl
The GoHorseShow.com Trainer Bowl II is wrapping up and Lainie DeBoer and Reid Thomas have raised a staggering amount of money for some wonderful therapeutic riding charities! It is awesome to see how generous the horse industry can be and it is really cool to hear people talk about how they have enjoyed the excitement of the Trainer Bowl competition. I was approached by a trainer who shared a really nice experience after losing in a later round to the very tough Lainie DeBoer. Although these two are direct competitors in the show arena, Lainie showed a great deal of class by contacting this individual after her win that round. She first let them know that she was aware that they had been busy showing with clients, and didn’t have a lot of time to vote. In the end, Lainie informed the trainer that she really respected their charity, and would be donating money to it. Although very disappointed with their loss that round, the trainer was really moved by her sportsmanship and generosity. Reid and Lainie have provided a lot of inspiration and we are to commend them. Let’s continue with their momentum, and make whatever gift possible to our favorite charity, especially in the wake of the tragedy in Haiti.
Well, I hate to run, but this Diva is packing it in after a long week. I was really excited to earn the Youth HUS circuit award at Fox Lea, as well as the circuit win in Senior HUS on Hope. This show may be over, but the season is only beginning. I know a lot of you are heading to the warmth and sunshine of the Arizona Sun Circuit but I’m heading north to the Horseman’s Quarter Horse Show in Perry, Georgia next weekend.
Before I bid ‘au revior’ from Florida, I must share that I had a totally embarrassing Dakota moment in Tampa tonight.There was a guy in a Tampa Bay Buccaneer shirt at the restaurant where we were eating, who was obviously “somebody” based upon the crowd of people stopping at his table to talk to him, and ask for his autograph. Like the good reporter I am, I asked for his picture, and explained that it was for GoHorseShow.com! He nodded his head in approval, and obliged – LOL!
Help me out here people!!! I still have no idea who the poor guy is since I thought it would be really tacky to ask him his name at that point! Later, I asked one of the men who was talking to him who he was, he said, “He is with Tampa Bay.” I said, like a player? He said, I think he is, but he might be a coach, or someone on the staff, or a former or present player. Oh well, that narrowed it down. I got so flustered that I couldn’t finish my dinner, and dashed out the door. I think I’d better stick to covering horses, and identical twin dogs! Hope to see you in Perry. 🙂
UPDATE 1/21:
So get this! I wrote the Buccaneers and found out who my mystery man is! Here was their response.
Hi Dakota,
The mystery person you are referring to is Eric Vance, who is our Director of Player Development. Eric also played in the NFL for 6 seasons. Here is a link to his biography on buccaneers.com.
Have a good day,
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How cool is that???
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