Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 28, 2017 – The nation’s top Quarter Horses and riders migrated once again to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Tampa State Fairgrounds on Thursday. Ideal weather conditions welcomed entries from coast to coast to the renowned event, which takes place Dec. 28–31.
The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit earned the distinction of being named one of the top 10 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows for 2016. New this year is the addition of the Versatility Ranch Horse classes as well as more leveling in the trail classes.
Thursday’s schedule featured AQHA and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) hunter, pleasure and trail classes.
Friday’s classes include showmanship, halter, undersaddle, reining and Western riding classes.
To view the 2017 schedule of events, please click here.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Wade Black (Kingsbury, Texas) and KM Call Me Honey – Senior Western Pleasure winner
On winning two classes:
“It was a very tough class. She’s 7 years old and just a really good show mare — she tries really hard every time we go in the pen. She won the [All American Quarter Horse] Congress this year, and with this win we should have wrapped up winning the Honor Roll for the year.”
Cheryl Mullikin (Dayton, Ohio) – Owner
On owning KM Call Me Honey:
“I have had her for two years. It’s awesome to own such a great horse. She is one of those once-in-a-lifetime horses and I’m very fortunate to have her. I love her.”
Chandler Runnells (Bay City, Texas) and Dance If You Wanna – Youth Working Hunter winner
On the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit:
“It’s exciting to win here. I’ve been coming to the [Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit] for seven years. It’s so calming here. The jumps are nice and the courses are always fun. It’s like a horse-cation!”
On Dance If You Wanna:
“This whole year has been amazing. She’s done really well. She won four classes at the [All American Quarter Horse] Congress and then was Reserve World Champion Working Hunter and won the Senior Hunter Hack at the AQHA World Championship Show with my trainer, Linda Crothers.”
Ariana Rhody Cimino (Dallas, Texas) and RL Best Of Goodbar – L1/Youth Western Horsemanship winner
On winning three classes during her first time competing at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit:
“I am so happy. Horsemanship is one of my favorite classes. I always strive to do my best in it so whenever I win, it’s the best. My horse went really well too, that made it even better.”
On the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit:
“I love it here and I love the weather. In Texas it is 30 degrees so this is the best!”
Competition at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit continues through Sunday, Dec. 31. Find out more about the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit or tune in to the free livestream, sponsored by The Equine Chronicle, at www.flgoldcoastcircuit.com.
