Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 28, 2019 – The second day of the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit (FGCQHC) at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center featured more than 2,500 entries in six rings of competition. On Saturday, world-class horses and riders were showcased in American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) classes at the Florida State Fairgrounds as they competed for valuable points for year-end titles.
One of the riders homing in on a title was Dr. Kathleen Lennon, of New Albany, Ohio. Lennon and her 12-year-old gelding, One N Only Krymsun, won under one of the judge’s cards in AQHA Novice Amateur Pleasure. The pair lead the nation in the AQHA and NSBA Novice Amateur Western Pleasure standings, and Lennon is hoping their performance this week will secure the titles. When not in the saddle, Lennon is a practicing veterinarian.
Dale Hamilton, of Oxford, Ohio, and My Sweet Assets won a nine-point class in the AQHA Level 3 Junior Trail class. Owned by Cheryl and Reed Alan Kolb, Hamilton and the 5-year-old gelding topped one of the three judges’ cards, an impressive feat after only five months of showing. Cheryl Kolb is hoping for similar results when she shows My Sweet Assets in horsemanship and equitation classes later in the week.
The FGCQHC will continue for three more days. Sunday’s schedule includes AQHA, APHA and NSBA hunter, jumper, pleasure, horsemanship and trail classes.
Winner of the AQHA Novice Amateur Pleasure class under one judge’s card
On winning at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit:
“It’s exciting to do well here. We’re leading the nation right now, so hopefully the last couple points at this show will finish it off and secure the title.”
“The last time I showed here was in 2011. I showed hunt seat for quite a while, but this is my first year western. I’ve wanted to come back for a while. I stopped showing to go to vet school, then I came back after I got the business in order. It’s a lot of fun to show again. I’ve been very fortunate. It’s been a great year.”
On her horse, Madden:
“He’s always into everything. He’s very interested in what’s going on. He’s been showing pleasure a long time, but he’s always very good. He does his job and he is happy to do it. It’s great.”
Winner of the AQHA Level 2 Junior Trail class
On winning with My Sweet Assets:
“It was a very good competition. I knew the horse was capable of winning, but it was a big tough class. He’s a really nice horse. He’s new to us, as we have only had him since August, but he rode well. I have only shown him a few times. This was his first day showing here, so he was a little fresher than I anticipated, but we made it through.”
“I have been coming here for six or seven years. I love it here. The weather is good here and this time of year it is not so great in Ohio.”
“It’s extremely exciting to win the class. I’m super excited. My daughter and son have been showing for many years, so we’ve had a lot of good horses over the years, but this one has me really excited.”
“This will be my first show with him, as we just bought him in August. He’s very calm and easygoing. I never worry when riding him because he is always there for me. I will be competing in horsemanship and equitation.”
On her student:
“Currie is a very hard worker. She’s diligent and always willing to put in her practice time. She did great today. They were two of her best performances that she’s ever had on both of her horses.”
“I have been coming here for 15 years. It’s got such a great atmosphere and the people are great. It’s a nice environment.”
Winner of the Long/Short Stirrup classes
On her horses and showing:
“Snowy is really fun but slow, and my other horse, Badger, is really fast, but really fun. I like showing because it gives me a lot to do and I just love horses. It’s fun to win too, and it’s really exciting.”
“I read a lot of horse books and I read a series that I really like called #BarnBFF. Santa gave me book two in my stocking. I can’t wait to read it.”
