Vol 5 No 7

Letter from the Editor

Dear Golden States Membership,

Dog Days of Summer? Don’t you believe it, we still have three Golden State Shows before we pack up for the Western States Championship Show in October. Three is the number needed to qualify so there’s still time!! (Plus, there remain three in Utah and one in Arizona.) The shows in beautiful Carmel Valley and San Luis Obispo are offering great “socials” and the newest addition to our calendar, Rolling Hills Ranch Spectacular is in a proven wonderful venue, so finish strong and attend all three!

This editor found herself up early in the morning sending texts “badgering” members for pictures for this newsletter. Reminder! Please help her, and save members from her relentless badgering, by taking and submitting pictures. Some “badgerees” came through so we have a few pictures from the Nevada QH/WS and Watsonville QH shows for your enjoyment.

Such sad news about the loss of Oak Simper. So little we can do to help the family but send our love. However, there is a memorial set up through the AQHA and information for donating is in this issue.

Formal awards pictures from the AQHA/NRSHA World Show are in this issue, along with travel/weather info for Winnemucca, and some wise words about why we put ourselves out there to show. And our quote of the month is a Penny Chenery version of ‘just do it.”

Ride strong, finish strong!

Dawn Poston
Editor

Send comments, concerns, & ideas to JumperDawn@aol.com

Michelle LeClair’s students meet Fred at Watsonville

NVQHA/ Western States and AQHB of SCV Show

Review

While there were no Golden State shows in July, several members managed to have fun showing in Winnemucca and Watsonville. Following are some photos and a few of the results.

What’s Happening in August?

The Clifford Horse Training VRH Show!

August in Carmel Valley? It just doesn’t get better than that. Join your friends and competitors August 9 at 3 pm for “Pole Work and Rope Handling,” with Sarah Clifford. Then, August 10, starting at 9 a.m., great clinics with Bobby Cotta (“Making the Cut”) and Mike Lund (“Ranch Riding from The Judge’s Perspective.”) Trail walk through will begin at 12:30 Saturday, following by all divisions of Trail and the new-to-this-show, Ranch on the Rail (unsanctioned by Golden State but still lots of fun!) The rest of the events will begin bright and early Sunday at 8 a.m. Paybacks in all All-Around divisions!!!

Stick around Saturday afternoon for a casual social on the lovely picnic grounds, courtesy of the Clifford cowgirls and cowboys. Put your horse up and bring your dusty boots over to enjoy a drink and light snacks. After that, avail yourself of one of Carmel Valley’s amazing restaurants for a memorable dinner (remember it’s Car Week, so make those restaurant reservations soon!)

The CHT Show is known for amazing awards and this year will be no exception. Plus, there are paybacks in all All-Around Divisions! Don’t miss the awards ceremony, see who gets the checks, and, for goodness sake, don’t miss this fun show. Details and entry information can be found on our calendar page.

Our Condolences to the Simper Family

New GSVRHA Show Moves to September

Did You Know?

The Clifford Horse Training Show is Coming

Concerned about the weather? Don’t be! Historically October in Winnemucca is in the low 70’s to high 60’s. Perfect for showing. Two climate-controlled pens make it even more attractive!

Mark your calendars and support our club at the Western States Championship Show October 17-19 in Winnemucca, Nevada.

Golden State Members Awards Photos

AQHA & NRSHA VRH World Show

Bryan Jaeger: AQHA & NRSHA All Around Reserve Limited Amateur
Amanda Johnson: AQHA & NRSHA All Around Third Limited Amateur
Jen Harden: NRSHA All Around Amateur Fourth
Sarah Clifford: NRSHA All Around Open 10th
Jennifer Ray: AQHA All Around Senior 10th

The Horse Show Experience

Why Do We Do It?

Written by the late Becky David Hanson of Clements, California

Nobody goes back to horse show after horse show after horse show because they “won a trophy” or “a head stall” or “a buckle.” They don’t pay their entries time and time again because they might win a shiny token that validates their efforts. People go back to the show pen because they enjoy the challenge and the people and the camaraderie and the social environment that working with their horses in the pursuit of a personal goal, and the reward that comes when the judges and their peers praise them for a job well done. They hook that trailer up weekend after weekend because they love facing the ever-humbling challenge of showing horses with other like-minded people who understand their insanity…their strange addiction to the abuse that is the ups and downs of showing horses! When it is all said and done, they go back again and again, year after year because they love that early morning ride, that coffee with friends, the stories recounted, the laughs had, the failures and successes shared with their trainers and barn mates. They go back and pay up over and over because they love all of the parts that make up a horse show or a rodeo or an expo or a clinic. The buckle or trophy alone isn’t enough without the praise or adoration or admiration of fellow riders who understand the hours of hard work, dedication, tears and sweat that go into simply setting foot in the arena.

Quote of the Month