Assistant trainer Austin Lester lives in Adrian, Michigan, where he works for Beckey Schooler at Beckey’s Place/Showplace Farms. His primary responsibilities are training/teaching the all-around clients and horses. Lester has an associate degree in Business Administration and is close to finishing his bachelor’s. Austin uses some of his education to help with horse sales and the […]

The equine world was shocked to learn about the recent and tragic passing of veterinarian and AQHA exhibitor, Dr. Kathleen Lennon, to suicide. In the wake of our collective heartbreak, an important conversation has begun regarding the struggles faced by veterinarians across the country in connection with their stressful, demanding, emotional, and often thankless jobs. […]

The little things — some people often say not to ‘sweat the little things’ but when it comes to something you admire about your horse, little things are special. It helps create a connection and special bond with your horse. It’s something you may share only with your equine friend, and it makes you love […]

Riders are often told that their own mindset affects the horse – if you’re scared, that will telegraph to your hose. If you’re unsure, your horse will sense that. And if you’re confident, your horse will build on that. But, as we are also aware, horsemanship is about a partnership and horses have a mind […]

Making it to the top requires great determination and dedication, and AQHA is no exception. The top youth exhibitors in the nation have an immeasurable amount of commitment toward their sport. These young individuals are go-getters, in and out of the show pen. Youth in the AQHA industry are working hard to support their showing […]

At the Shamrock Shuffle, 72-year-old Diane Kliemchen made her debut at her first AQHA show with her daughter Vanessa and grandson, Collin Froman. The Froman Family is well-known at both the AQHA and APHA shows across the country. They have achieved great success in the show arena with both associations. “I’m so proud of Diane […]

The 2023 Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit is underway with more prizes, more awards, more money and more fun for exhibitors and their families. With a world-class destination, great weather and exhibitor-centric show management, it’s no wonder the Sun Circuit is a favorite show on everyone’s calendar. Celebrating its 50th year, the Arizona Sun Circuit is […]

Oftentimes, riders who pursue achievement so diligently that they forget about the purpose of riding horses – enjoyment and fun – often end up frustrated and miserable. On the other hand, riders who pursue happiness first, show gratitude, and have a deep commitment to improvement, walk away with more than just a win. With that […]

The trick and skill of showing in the western pleasure is to make it actually look like a pleasure – and it’s a lot harder than it seems! According to AQHA, “Judges must consider overall gracefulness, relaxed expression, topline, softness of movement, consistency, and length of stride of the designated gait,” when judging a pleasure […]