“The show is bigger than ever. The number of horses competing and the number of entries are way up,” said Kathy Avolt of An Equine Production. “We added the extra day because we realized that the exhibitors needed time to school as well as to show. We didn’t want to make the days too long, we want them to enjoy their experience, so we extended the show. It’s an amazing problem to have!”
The nation’s top Quarter Horses and riders will compete for vital year-end points and coveted circuit awards throughout the five days. Saturday’s schedule includes American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) hunter, jumper, pleasure, horsemanship and trail classes.
Celebrate New Years Eve at the horse show! Held in the Pavilion at the Fairgrounds, the New Year’s Eve Party will offer live music, beer, wine, food and a cash liquor bar, all for a $20 ticket. Tickets can be purchased in the horse show office. With the pre-purchase of a hospitality table for the week, tickets are free.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Grace Ann Himes (18) and Essentially Good (Bristol, Indiana; Freshman at University of Georgia)
Circuit Winner: Youth Showmanship, 14-18
On coming to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Horse Show:
“This is my first time at this show, and it’s been a lot of fun! It was actually a ‘bucket list’ show for me. I have never shown in Florida before and I have always wanted to. Next year is my last year competing as a youth, so I thought that if I didn’t come this year, I would never make it. The facility is really pretty too. So far, it’s been awesome!”
On her horse, Essentially Good:
“(Rico) is very goofy. It amazes me that he is such a good showmanship horse because he so in-your-face all the time. That is, until you put on a showmanship halter, then he’s perfect!”
On her performance:
“We had a good day. He was great and I was consistent throughout my whole pattern, so I think that is why we did so well.”
Sarah Lebsock and Version Of Goodbar (Hilliard, Ohio)
Amateur Showmanship at Halter
On competing at her fifth Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Horse Show:
“You can’t beat this weather. This show is a must for me and anyone from Ohio!”
On her horse, Version Of Goodbar:
“My horse, ‘Steven,’ will be 12 years old this coming year and I’ve had him for six years. He’s pretty ornery, but athletic, so we love him. He can do anything, and we are showing him in everything. Halter, showmanship, horsemanship, trail, western riding, equitation and maybe the hunter under saddle division. He does it all, although my favorite thing with him is horsemanship. He loves it most of the time, so I love it.”
