Greetings from Amarillo and the 2009 Select World Championship Show! My
name is Maggie Bellville from Atlanta, Ga and I will be updating you on
the sights and sounds of this year’s Select World Show!
Click here for AQHA’s coverage and pictures from the Select World. Photos by American Quarter Horse Journal.
Report #6
Monday, September 7, 2009
Final thoughts on the 2009 Select World Show…
By now everyone is home or close to home, and a whirlwind week is over, and another Select World show is in the record books. Here are some final thoughts and musings from your friendly reporter.
First I must thank ALL the trainers there. I never really understood or felt their nervousness and anxiety about their clients showing until this show. Standing with Clint Ainesworth and David Miller and listening to them worry and fret brought first hand how all of YOU TRAINERS ride and show with us, share in our joy and our sorrow all at the same time!
Special thanks to Rob Meneely for being all of that- coach, trainer, confesser, psyciatrist, and good friend. Thanks to Diane Richardson and Ann Simmons for being great barn mates. AND thanks to all the spouses and partners that come to the show to support us in our passions…namely, Steve Simmons and Tom Richardson, and Lew Bellville, too! Thanks to the trainers’ spouses who put up with us and our ‘select’ moments- thanks, Mary Meneely for coaching from afar!
Thanks to Ronald Stratton and Roy for all your support and making my world championship with Hez Sacred possible. I think I saw a hint of a tear when we walked out with our trophy, and I so appreciate it.
I loved meeting some first timers – Sharon Timmons and Ann Wilson! Sharon shows with Larry Little – she did great for her first Select show – and we had so much fun with Sharon, her darling hubby, and Larry in our aisle! Sharon, we look forward to seeing you at all the shows- and Larry- you are a great horseman and coach. Lynn Agee- your passion and hard work is enviable, and we loved being with you and your family. And Farley Barbara and Clint- we had a blast with you guys!
Ann Wilson had her first Select show and it was great. She made it back in all of her events, and she is a darling! Ann- loved meeting you and your hubby too – Vicky Holt- you are a doll and be sure Ann keeps coming back! You two are truly the blonde bombshells!
Butch Campbell was the everready bunny at this Select World- he keeps going and going. He was in the practice coliseum every morning at 4 am and always on the rail with his competitiors. I tried to catch him for an interview- but he was going and going- next year, Butch!
Shelly from the AQHA staff- my third year here and its like we never stopped the conversation. I so appreciated your help and support- and friendship- loved meeting your husband too- thanks for helping pack, unpack, rides, restaurant guidance, refreshments,and to all the staff of nearly 100- you guys are the best!
AND FINALLY- to some real unsung heroes- the ring stewards. Let me name them all…Ken Cochrane, Tracey Hatakeyama, Donna Johnson, Gale Little, Joseph McAllister, Ron McMillan, and Buddy Winchester. Whether you were scared, nervous out of your wits, happy or sad, they were in the pen making you feel good, winking at you, giving you a thumbs up, keeping order, catching loose horses, whatever it took to keep a show light, fun, and going! Ron- showing showmanship to you is so fun and you are so supportive, and Ken, I loved winking at you. And Gail – thanks for your smiles and supportive nature! All of you- I think if the judges are the brains of the show (ok, some may not agree with that!), ring stewards- you are the heart of the show.
And to our American Quarter Horses- our love and respect and honor go to you- our horses are the soul of this show and this association- I am going to see Curley right now and bringing him extra carrots for putting up with me. I hope all of you reading this take a carrot to your American Quarter Horse this week.
I so enjoyed keeping you all posted all this week. I know I caused interest, conversation, and perhaps some debate all week- but its all constructive and in the spirit of constant improvement and care- best to you all, and see you down the rail!! ~ Maggie
Report #5
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Top-10 Things We Like About The Select World Show!
I have enjoyed talking to so many people all week and one thing is for sure, everyone has had a good time here. So I asked a group of exhibitors the question-what do you like about the Select World, so ala Dave Letterman, (insert drum roll)…
10.You don’t need a trainer to show your horse in a class before yours
9. Riding in the coliseum
8. You can be ‘you’ here
7. Amarillo restaurants are great
6. When someone wishes you “good luck” they mean it (more than usual anyway)
5. All select, all the time!
4. When you can actually get into Coyote Bluff to eat!
3. The bar overlooking the coliseum
2. The ‘horsepitality’ of AQHA staff and their dedication to all of us exhibitors.
And the number one reason we like Select World is…
1. We can show and be done at 6:00 in time for cocktails and dinner and be in bed by 10:00!!!
Report #4
Thursday, September 3, 2009
It never ceases to amaze me that our American Quarter Horses have such a storied, and historic, past. I so enjoy reading my copy of America’s Horse when it arrives each month for the stories about the foundation horses and people that have brought our breed to where it is today. Yet, the most overpowering effect happens when you enter the doors of the AQHA museum in Amarillo.
One of the best things about the Select World being held in Amarillo is the fabulous party held every Wednesday of the show week at the museum. The AQHA and staff work hard to put on a fun event, complete with buffet, refreshments, and an open house at the museum. Walking among the history of our breed is fascinating. It seems that everyone attending the show goes to the museum. It’s a great way to learn about our breed. The exhibits are extensive with valuable and one of a kind photos, tack, equipment, and stories about the breed and its path to our modern days.
When you think about your own quarter horse, and his extensive pedigree, you have to appreciate those who have devoted their lives to the breed and its legacy. At the show, each horse’s pedigree is announced along with the dam’s sire – it just speaks to the depth and breadth of the American Quarter Horse.
In attendance at the receptions were all the senior leadership of the AQHA- making themselves available for conversation and advice from the membership. It’s one of the best parts of any major show you can attend. It’s open year round and I encourage you to visit the museum – it will make you proud to own an American Quarter Horse!
On another note, yesterday’s finals featured showmanship, western pleasure, and western riding. I must give a shout out to those three winners – my dear friend Vicki Kent (pictured left photo © KC Montgomery) won the showmanship yesterday. What you may not know about Vicki is that she suffers from severe knee pain. For years, she has been told not to even do showmanship for the pain and severity of her knee problems, but she has soldiered on. Yesterday was the culmination of her pain and suffering and she won the class! Vicki has persevered, and we are all happy for her.
In the pleasure, the fabulous team of Miss Jan Pittman (I always call her that, I don’t know why, she just looks like a Miss to me) and her lovely mare won for the second year in a row. Her gorgeous mare had been given most of the year off, and looked stronger and better than ever. It was a pleasure to watch. And finally, the great Majestic Scotch with Susan Johns won the western riding with a score of 229 – just a beautiful go. Lots of nerves and anticipation around those classes, and it was deep competition! Be back tomorrow!
Report #3
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
One thing that never ceases to amaze me are those people who don’t rest on their laurels, but instead look for new, personal challenges. Today, that describes Karen Evans Mundy.
Karen has been a stalwart in the AQHA for 39 years, as a youth and amateur. She has won all around championships at world shows too numerous to count. We last counted 8 trailers and in April she made the move to the Select division.
But Karen wasn’t resting on her laurels, and many would have. Rather than continuing on her world class pace in the Select division, Karen and her fantastic hubby, Don, made a big decision…it’s time to give back. Karen wants now to teach, instruct, judge and give to others the decades of learnings she has been able to develop.
So Karen has decided that the 2009 Select World show would be her first as well as her last. She hustled right after her birthday to qualify to be here in Amarillo as well as qualify for amateur world with her other horse. As Karen departs from the non-pro, she will bid farewell to us as one of the breed’s most highly successful amateurs. She will then go to work to earn her judge’s card and build a new business in training and instruction. As I said before, many of us would have sat back and taken the Select World by storm, but Karen is demonstrating that there are new goals, new challenges, and new opportunities. It will take hard work and dedication, but when you think about it, those words have described Karen for all these years. Good luck Karen Evans Mundy at your one and only Select World show and on the next rung of your bright career!
Report #2
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Here we are Tuesday early am after two hectic days in Amarillo for the Bayer Select World Show. Sunday was a day of organizing, getting to know the lay of the land, get the horses out and exercised, and seeing old friends and new ones.
The question continues to swirl, “How much longer are we coming to Amarillo?” While some conditions have improved to warrant keeping the Select World here, like a covered aisle to the main coliseum, it seems that stall aisles get narrower and narrower, and it continues to be dirty and dirtier.
While about 100 volunteers from the AQHA headquarter offices work the show every day, there still seems to be a ‘whose on second’ mentality on key questions and coordination. People report that in the years they’ve been coming to this show, it seems to them that the Select World show is being a bit ‘dumbed down’ by the facility and the approach. Has anyone noticed that the Journal did not include the Select program in the magazine this year- and really with no ‘spotlight’ on the division. We realize that costs are high, but what does that say about the division’s standing in the big scheme of things!
On the other hand, today, the halter classes were strong and considered to be well judged. One exhibitor said “I feel like I got a fair judgment without a trainer needing to hang over his select amateur.” That overhang isn’t here, and it makes all the difference to the people I spoke with. How refreshing is that!
So – we shall see where we go with this ever growing, highly engaged group of exhibitors that happen to be over 50. Nonetheless, the camaraderie, collegiality, and general friendship exhibited is unbelievable- the way it ought to be, many say. For example, Sunday exhibitors from Mississippi held a huge dinner for the show complete with corn grilled, southern style stew that served over 300. These guys do this every year at start at 7am- its great food and great friends over the years. I personally got to escort first time Select World exhibitors Scarlett and Terry Barrow to the Horsepitality room for the free refreshments, including Coors! Well, if we have to stay in Amarillo, perhaps we can upgrade free refreshments from beer to chardonnay and champagne. Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?
Tomorrow- update on halter, and a story on Karen Evans Mundy and her ‘change in life.’ I might be over 50 but I’m not talking about that!!!
My first report
Sunday, August 30, 2009
All that you hear about the hospitality and helpfulness of the AQHA staff working this show is true. You know what it’s like- you’ve been hauling for days, you’re exhausted, and now you have to unload and set up! Not to worry! Up pulls a friendly face with cold beverages in a golf cart. That ‘angel in waiting’ is a member of the AQHA staff and is a volunteer at the show. That angel will also help you load, unload, set up, and pretty much anything else you need. A cadre of them work the show daily- morning til night- to help in any way possible to be sure we are settled in and happy.
Yes, Amarillo is far and ‘out of the way’, but they sure do make it very very pleasant. And wow- people are here from all points of the country. This show continues to grow, as does the Select Division.
Watch in the next few days for my interview with key AQHA staff members on the show and its future. And don’t be fooled by Amarillo- it has all the amenities you would expect- great restaurants, hotels, ease of traveling around town, and a Wal Mart close by the grounds. With over 1200 entries, the week promises to be exciting and fun. A highlight of the week is the wonderful exhibitor’s party held at the AQHA Museum sponsored by the AQHA. It’s a beautiful venue and EVERYONE is there.
I encourage you to not think of this as the ‘over 50’ show- its as competitive and demanding as the World and Youth World- the difference is we are usually done by 6:00 and enjoying cocktails!
So visit GoHorseShow.com all this week for my reports from the Select World show. And, if you have any comments or questions, write me at [email protected] – good luck to all and watch for the reports.
