The Level 1 Central Championships kicked off on Wednesday, April 13th and the show is being held through the 17th in Oklahoma City. This show will offer AQHA’s core and over-fences classes and will be the only Level 1 Championships to offer cattle classes. This is the first year for the Level 1 Central Championships, and it is a recent addition to the highly popular and successful Level 1 East and West shows.
Please welcome a new face on the scene, 13 year-old Rela Ratner who will be doing the picture of the day for GoHorseShow from the show in Oklahoma City. Read about her below!
Hi, my name is Rela Ratner. I am from Boerne, Texas. I’m here at the AQHA Level 1 Central Championships in Oklahoma City with my horse, Grand Slam Potential (Jared). This is our first Level 1 Championship and we are so excited to be here. Jared and I have worked very hard to prepare for this show. We will be competing in the Level 1 and Rookie youth all around classes. I would like to thank my trainer, Michael Hunsinger, for all the time he has put into helping us prepare. Good luck to all the competitors, and I wish y’all much luck. Check out my pictures throughout the week!
Day 5, Sunday, March 17, 2016
My final picture of the day is the empty Gateway of Champions. Today is the last day of the AQHA Level 1 Championship and all the competitors are getting packed up to leave and return home. All classes are finished and all the awards have been given out. This was an amazing experience. I met so many wonderful people who had incredible stories. I had a lot of fun at this show and hope to return next year. Congratulations to all the competitors and I look forward to seeing all of you in the future!
Day 4, Saturday, March 16, 2016
My picture of the day is of Cade Gower and Design By Leaguer, aka, Bevis. Cade is 15 years old and has been showing Bevis for around a year. Before that, Bevis was Cade’s older brother Cole’s horse.
Today, they showed in the 14-18 Trail and were Reserve Champions with a score of 221.5. I caught up with Cade after his big win. He told me this is pretty special for the both of them because Bevis turned 23 years-old yesterday. I was so surprised to learn this, because looking at him you would never know he was that old. How cool that a 23 year old horse is still beating horses more than half his age?!
I asked Cade what is something quirky about Bevis and he said, “He loves animal crackers and sometimes is afraid of his own shadow!” Even though Bevis is 23, Cade let me know that sometimes he likes to act like a two year old.
For now they just show the trail and plan to attend the AQHA Youth World Show in August. Congratulations Cade and Bevis, what an accomplishment! Best of luck the rest of the year. I look forward to seeing y’all soon.
Day 3, Friday, March 15, 2016
Today’s picture of the day is tear jerker. Mike Schaffer’s last horse show was the 2014 Level 1 Championship Show in Las Vegas. Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma just a few months later in January of 2015. After a hard fight, including a bone marrow transplant and eight collapsed vertebrae, many did not expect Mike to be back in action so soon.
Regardless of what many thought, he stepped into the arena for the first time since beating cancer. He showed today in the Amateur Showmanship and Performance Geldings with his horse, Sinfully Radical, aka Vito. I watched him show the showmanship today and when he finished the crowd erupted in applause.
After speaking with Mike, I caught up with his trainer Will Knabenshue. Will said, “When he walked through the gate today he was a champion no matter whether he won or not.” When I asked Will what was so special about Mike he said, “I watched him go from being one of the strongest men to standing at deaths doorstep, then recovering so quickly. It’s just amazing; he’s just so strong.”
Mikes next goal is to show at the NSBA World Show in August. I wish him luck and can’t wait to see him in the future!
Day 2, Thursday, March 14, 2016
My picture of the day is of Madison Musser and Jordan Davis who were just recently crowned Champion and Reserve Champion Level 1 of the 13 and Under Equitation. This was really cool for them because they are best friends. They have been friends for around three years and ride in the same barn with Terry Cross and Stephen Stephens. This is the epitome of friendship goals! How awesome to be the last one standing in the arena with your best friend by your side. Even though they live two hours apart, these girls are constantly texting and snap chatting to keep up with each other. Jordan also shows in the showmanship and western riding with her horse, Amblin Good and Easy or “Amber” and Madison shows in the showmanship and horsemanship with her horse, Good Ridin Machine or “Ike”. Congratulations to both of them and good luck with the rest of the show!
Day 1, Wednesday, March 13, 2016
Hi everyone! I just arrived at the Central Level 1 Championship in Oklahoma City. The show grounds are hopping, everyone is out and about getting ready to show. I am so excited to be here and start showing tomorrow. I’m headed to go practice now with Jared, but check back daily for my picture of the day through Sunday!
