Laura Gilmer

GoHorseShow sat down with some leading trainers and their children to see what it is like to be a trainer's kid. We received some insightful responses from many in the industry. We interviewed, Jackie and Katy Krshka, Bruce and Whitney Walquist Vicars, Cheryl and Megan Hawkins, and Buddy and Kaci Fisher.

Hello to everyone back in the States! I have to admit that I was really excited to judge my first horse show abroad--in the Czech Republic no less. I wasn't expecting my first assignment to be in a small eastern European town, but I visited Prague back in 2002 when I was studying abroad and doing my journalism internship at NBC London. It was a gorgeous city, and I am excited to be back in the country.

With the major shows right around the corner, GoHorseShow decided to interview three leading exhibitors who have done well at the major shows. They took time out of their busy lives to provide ideas on how they avoid mental mistakes at the major shows across the country. Find out what they had to say!

Trainers Joni and Craig Nelson of Long Grove, Iowa have been described more as life long friends by their clients than serious trainers who run a "tight ship." The Nelsons have a group of amateurs and youth that show on the quarter horse circuit that treat each other like family. "We share everything except boyfriends and husbands," Joni laughs and says.

Dana Wetherell of Purcell, Oklahoma has lived a real-life episode of Mystery Diagnosis. In March of 2010, this bubbly horse lover's health declined rapidly and she has spent many painful and grueling months struggling to find answers to her health problems. With an inspiring story illustrating the importance of family and friends, she is headed back down a road to recovery and even back into the show pen.

When multiple World and Congress Champion, Im Shy But Deluxe (Travis) was euthanized this past weekend, owner Kara Oldford and former owner, Whitney Walquist Vicars' hearts were deeply saddened by the news. This amazing animal helped these two exhibitors' dreams come true. Travis was their best friend, their equine soul mate, and love of their life.

AQHA Youth exhibitor, Theresa Moran of Laguna Hills, California may be best known in the industry as the owner of Vital Signs Are Good and Show Diva, but she is also literally flying high after completing her first solo flight in a Cessna 172 SP.

Eighteen year-old Sierra Walton caught horse show fever a little later than most girls. This pretty high school senior showed at her first ever horse show a few weeks ago in Winfield, West Virginia with her talented halter yearling gelding, Obviouslee Supreme (Jake), At the four judge split-combined show, Sierra and Jake won two firsts, two seconds and two Reserve Grand Championships.

Brian Isbell is one of the very few individuals to have won the Congress in both Open English and western events. He is also the only homosexual man in the industry who is openly HIV positive. Isbell reflects on his professional and personal life full of extreme highs and lows. And don't be surprised to see him back in the show pen in the near future...as an amateur!

GoHorseShow.com regrets to inform our readers that World and Congress Champion and sire, Impulsions, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011. This 2004 NSBA Hall of Fame inductee and 1987 chestnut stallion by The Invester and out of Randados Rosa was owned by Brad and Kelli McCamy of Aubrey, Texas and bred by Wilson Quarter Horses.

Those who have been in the horse industry for a while know that the shows are more fun when amateur competitor Ann Admonius of Ocala, Florida is around. When you leave Ann's presence, you are always in a good mood because she has that innate quality to you make you laugh and feel special. She is also one of those rare individuals who has the ability to fill up a room with her positive energy and glow.

Andrea Kengis Foss of Mequon, Wisconsin says that she believes that she was "born to love horses." From the My Little Ponies she played with to the big rocking horse she rode when she was little--all she ever wanted to do was spend her time around these majestic animals.

Sure Am Hot's former owner, Jenna Dempze was in for a pleasant surprise when she was recently browsing the NSBA website. Jenna was looking at the rider lists to see if she still qualified as a $2,500 Open Rider class when she saw the list for all time leading money earning horses.

GoHorseShow.com is happy to follow up our recent story about the talented 2006 red roan gelding, Sweet Movin Hotrod (Riley), learning the Western Riding and Trail from Highpoint Performance Horses. This Congress winner out of Miss Winnies Assets by Hotroddin Zippo was just purchased by the Brooks Family of Laurel Hill, Florida.