Francl, Arrington wed

Francl, Arrington wed

QHA and NSBA competitors Clay Arrington and Lexi Frencl were married on Aug. 31, at the French Farmhouse Venue in Collinsville, Texas. Frencl grew up in Illinois and competes in Amateur and Non-Pro events. Arrington grew up in Florida and is the son of professional trainers Ricky and Christie Hill Arrington, of Graceville, Florida. Clay established […]

Gracie Robertson enjoying last youth year

Gracie Robertson enjoying last youth year

They laugh about it now but Gracie Robertson’s parents, Mark and Katie Robertson knew they were in trouble pretty much the first time she ever sat on a horse. Since they themselves showed American Paint Horse Association (APHA) as kids and actually met showing horses, they were careful not to push Gracie in that direction […]

Justin Melvin launches program in Ohio

Justin Melvin launches program in Ohio

For 28-year-old Justin Melvin there are no “one size fits all methods” when it comes to training horses. “I like to learn what works for each horse specifically,” he explained. “Some horses may learn more quickly than others and some may need to be started a little slower.” Melvin became seriously involved with show horses […]

AQHA stallion Hot Diggity Joe passes at age 26

AQHA stallion Hot Diggity Joe passes at age 26

Multiple  Congress Champion and Reserve American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Champion producer Hot Diggity Joe was humanely euthanized on Friday in Ocala, Florida, following a brief battle with congestive heart failure. The 1998 sorrel stallion, sired by Blazing Hot and out of Jodie Fivette, was bred by and owned his entire life by Kerry […]

Ann Lapacinski: Maybe Next Time has a home for life with this Amateur competitor

Ann Lapacinski: Maybe Next Time has a home for life with this Amateur competitor

When she was just a kid, growing up in rural Brill, Wisconsin, Ann Lapacinski was lucky to share a passion for horses and showing with her mother. “When I was in kindergarten I can remember getting picked up by my mom on our old horse Rusty who was a Quarter Horse/Welsh Pony cross and we […]

Amanda Smith: Riding Shop Class in Hunter Under Saddle puts a smile on this Amateur competitor’s face

Amanda Smith: Riding Shop Class in Hunter Under Saddle puts a smile on this Amateur competitor’s face

If you are watching the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle or Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle Maturity at the National Snaffle Bit Association’s World Championship Futurity this month or at the Quarter Horse Congress, it will be easy to spot Amanda Smith. She will be the one with the big smile on her face, courtesy of her […]

Making Memories: The Hermans enjoys showing together as a family

Making Memories: The Hermans enjoys showing together as a family

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox. For the Herman Family, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, nothing could be closer to the truth. It’s what defines them, both inside the show arena and out. The Hermans have patriarch Dr. Robert Herman to thank for their love of horses and competition. He was […]

Jessica Balo transitions to All-Around

Jessica Balo transitions to All-Around

This is an important year for Blacklick, Ohio Amateur competitor Jessica Balo. It marks her transition into all-around competition and her trainer, Missy Thyfault found the perfect partner for her in Absolutely Krymsun (Goose). Goose is a 2018 bay gelding by One Hot Krymsun out of Absolutely Luxurious who was bred by Karen Hurtgam.  “Missy […]

Love at First Sight: Alexis Gooding teams with Snazzy Lil Machine for 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure events this year

Love at First Sight: Alexis Gooding teams with Snazzy Lil Machine for 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure events this year

Close your eyes for just a moment and imagine Elle Woods from Legally Blonde as a horse. What you will have is Alexis Gooding’s 3-year-old Western Pleasure contender Snazzy Lil Machine (Molly). Alexis and her husband, Austin, purchased the 2021 sorrel mare by Machine Made out of Lazy Lil Me, last April from her breeders […]

Redd Corvette: 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle contender getting his show career started with Jessica Noiseux

Redd Corvette: 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle contender getting his show career started with Jessica Noiseux

It’s just like Prince penned in his 1988 Billboard Hot 100  single ….. And the ride I say, the ride is so smooth. You must be a Limousine. Redd Corvette (Smith), a 2021 chestnut gelding, sired by Allocate Your Assets out of Blue Couture, is indeed a “smooth ride.” Purchased by Pamela Raad, of Middlebury, […]

Tonight’s Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure slot class features $46,125 total purse; winner takes home $10,053.52

Tonight’s Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure slot class features $46,125 total purse; winner takes home $10,053.52

A total of 19 unshown Western Pleasure prospects are slated to compete for a total purse of $46,125 in the Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open Western Pleasure Slot Class later today at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. The winner will collect $10,053.52 and the class will pay all the way down to 10th place. […]