Aussie NRHA - to join NRHA INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE PROGRAM in 2007

The WAQHA 2009 State Championship Show was held this year over 3 days, March 20-22 2009 at the State Equestrian Centre, Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon and sponsored by Di Candilo Steel City. The decision to make the show into a 3-day event was enthusiastically embraced by competitors. Rather than having a rushed Saturday, this allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere for all at the show.

The 1st day of the show was outdoors and was programmed for all the traditional English type events. The Dressage events were held on the International Dressage arena, with the Hacking and Hunter Hack held on the main grassed polo field. Our judge for the day’s events was well known dressage competitor and EFA judge, Mrs Majorie Radford. Marjorie was friendly and easy to deal with and had good comments about the horses being presented on the day. Liz Ivankovich pencilled for the dressage and Liz Hides was the Gate Marshall as well as collating the test results. Mindi Thompson helped out with ribbon presentations and prize organisation. Sue Benthien organised lunch for the Judges for the 3-day show. The dressage started off slowly at 9.00 am but competitors quickly appeared for their events, keen to compete and find out their results. The last test took place at about 1.00 pm, and with only quick breaks in-between to present ribbons, the time flew by. The eventual tally of tests was about 30 to be completed.

With a 30-minute lunch break for the judge and workers, it was plenty of time for all to change if required and be back on the field for the next set of events. The hacking events went quickly, with the horses and riders really showing their range of movements. These events allow the horses to move forward in an engaging manner while still being obedient and receptive to commands from the riders. Some very pretty browbands were on display, blinging it up English style. Once the Hack events were completed there was another 20-minute break for competitors to change gear or equipment if required and to warm up the horses over the practice jumps. The jumps were set up and the club was fortunate enough to have as a spectator and an on the spur of the moment jump checker, Anna McGregor, well-known show jumper. Once the jumps were in place and the warm up completed, the class commenced. The pattern was simple; jump the two jumps in the required pattern and then a hand gallop back to the line-up. There was some slow and some fast hand gallops to be seen, a huge variance of gait shown.

Once all the days’ events were completed, the judge was presented with wine as was the photographer, the workers and the videographers. Palmer Wines, a supportive sponsor of the WAQHA, donated all wine presented during the show. Prizes given out during the day ranged from customised dressage pads, english saddle pads, fleece bridle bags, helmet covers, a rug, girth covers and cash prize money. Thanks to the photographer Peter Fredericks, who took images from all 3 days of the show, and to Michelle Wrighton who came along on Friday and videographed the day for competitors. Sponsors for the day were : She-Oak Quarterhorses, Janeen McRobert, Cavaletti.com, Stockyard.net, Wildwood Quarterhorses, Sharon Currie & Josh Jupp, Horse Habit, Saddleworld Maddington, Saddles Plus Byford and Regent Park Stockfeeds.

The day finished at about 3.30 pm, which was fantastic, not too late to prep up for the next day and to catch up with everyone who had arrived during the day. Luckily the weather that was forecast didn’t eventuate, and the day proceeded with only a couple of tiny sprinkles dropping from the sky. The spectators were out in force all during the day, supporting their friends or family competing in the classes. With plenty of favourable comments about the day’s program it could become a regular feature day for future state championship shows.

The Saturday program started bright and early, 8.30 am sharp. The judge for the Saturday and Sunday of the show was Mr Mark Chamberlin, AmQHA Judge, from NZ. Mark was very friendly both days of the show, completely organised and totally professional in his approach. Having an AmQHA qualified judge allows the WAQHA to present AmQHA classes for competitors thus ensuring that the money spent on registering a horse with AmQHA is worth the effort

Hi Point 2 yr Windderadeen Hot Ice and Brian Cramp	Champion Gelding any Age and AM Gelding Roc Me Kid and Jasslyn Robinson

Workers for the show were the President Mary Treloar in the office, Sarah Stuart our capable Gate Marshall, Tracey Bruce a great Ring Steward, along with the ever efficient Elise Young, Lia Lee, Mike Donovan and Jeff Gates. Competitors were milling around the indoor arena before the show began, keen to get inside and get that State Champion title!. Halter events were programmed first, followed by Amateur Halter and AmQHA Halter. A new category included was Youth Halter classes, with some good numbers entered, it was a great event for our Youth to gain more experience showing in Halter and to accumulate points. Showmanship was next, followed by a quick break. She-Oak Quarterhorses donated flower garlands for all Amateur Champion halter exhibits, with stallion services being offered to the Champion Mare halter for QH, Amateur & AmQHA events. Thanks to Kintore Paint & QH Stud – Zippinoffwiththeloot / Kintoreradicalperfection and Paralna Performance Horses – Hootchy’s Playboy, for their Stallion Service donations. Mal Anderson donated buckles for all Amateur Halter Champions, which were very enthusiastically received. She-Oak Quarterhorses sponsored the AmQHA events.

Champion Mare/Filly My Western Obbession owned by Holly Locke	Melissa Maxwell with Annlee Heaven Ceent

During the break the trail gear for the Yearling Led Trail events was set up in the arena. Once the pattern was set, the break was over and the Yearlings came back to the indoor arena to compete in Lunge and Led Trail classes to win a Hi Point silver Halter buckle donated by Mal Anderson. Most were pretty obedient, with the only issue being the new bridge the WAQHA had purchased from Di Candilo Steel City and was being used and seen for the 1st time by the Yearlings. No monsters were under the bridge, but some of the Yearlings didn’t think so. The line-up for the presentations was great, plenty of new and up and coming ridden horses for the western show scene

Joanna Huston and All Rythm N Blues	Joanna Huston riding All Rythm N BLues

Seeing as the day’s events were running on time and flowing well, the lunch break was an hour break, with access to the indoor arena for warm up if required. Next events to be contested were the Hunter Under Saddle classes, with categories in the ridden section of the show ranging from Junior & Senior Horse, 2 yr old Horse, Amateur Junior & Senior Horse, AmQHA Junior & Senior Horse, Junior & Senior Youth as well as Select Amateur, plenty of events to choose from. Hunt Seat Equitation patterns included an in hand gallop as part of the pattern, once again requiring speed and obedience from the horses in the class. Prize money was allocated to Senior & Junior Horse classes throughout the show.

HI Point AM Senior Janeen McRobert and Arrum	Jessica Nortan and Dakota Dual Flash

This year due to the generosity of Interior Dynamics and Safe N Sound Scaffolding, all youth events were free to enter, a fact much appreciated by parents of the youth riders. With plenty of youth in both categories, it was great to see such enthusiasm for showing their horses by the Youth. Joanna Hutson from QLD came over to WA accompanied by her parents Geoff and Tina, to compete at the show and was warmly welcomed by competitors and spectators alike. Generous owners once again loaned out their horses to youth at the show. Thanks to Kerri Blackaller, Phayme Tedd, Holly Locke, Janeen McRobert, Sue Benthien, Bill Cuzens, Sarah Lumley, Mal Anderson, Sharon Currie, Sonia Riches and Bridget De Bijl.

Hi Point Junior Youth Jade Riches and Annlee Cee A Gun	Jaiden Thompson and Arrum

Saturday’s event finished about 5.00 pm, a nice time to finish and not too late to get organised for the next day. During the Saturday, another State Championship show was being held at the grounds. The Mini Horse Association show on both Saturday and Sunday was held on the grassed area next to the warm up arena, providing plenty of entertainment for the QH’s being ridden and warmed up.

Rebecca Hoare with Hearts Ablazing	Ray Smith riding Kirsty Smiths 'Bar Doc Bueno

Sunday’s events started at 8.30 am again, with the weather being perfect for a show, the sun shining, the horses gleaming and the bling was blinding. First classes were the prestigious Western Pleasure events, and with plenty of spectators in the stands to watch the classes, it was time to show. With a bridle for the Junior Horse WP donated by Wildwood QH’s and another show bridle for the Senior Horse WP, donated by Oz West Saddlery, the riders gave a great performance and really showed what WP is all about. More buckles donated by Mal Anderson for both categories of Amateur and Youth Pleasure were handed to winners. The photographers, Horse Play Photo’s once again donated some vouchers for our Bling awards, it’s an easy class, just bling it up and line up in the arena. This year more were in the line-up for judging, the judge and the photographer Dee, looking and checking out the speccy outfits and the glamour. Congratulations to all who participated and especially to those who won.

Charary Power of One with Holly Marshall & Hot Zip N Jump Winners of the Junior and Senior Horse HUS	Holly Marshall and Hot Zip N Jump Winners of the Junior Horse HUS

Once again the full range of categories was programmed, events running smoothly. As the show progressed the weather warmed up but nothing to complain about, a lovely 27 degrees, and with a whisper of a breeze it ensured that all riders and horses could compete at maximum effort with no distractions. Another show on the grounds during the Sunday was the local WA Buckskin Association, with some of the WAQHA State Show competitors attending both events.

Hi Point Am Junior Bridget DeBijl and Joyful Firefly	Runner Up Hi Point AM Senior Rebecca Hoare and Docs Kool Colours

Western Horsemanship was next with a neat precise pattern requiring attention to detail. Western Riding and Reining events were run with speed and agility by the competitors, unfortunately these events do not attract good class numbers but hopefully with regular programming, numbers will rise in the future.

Champion Youth Gelding Any Age Alex McCooke and SOQ Deliberate Conncent	Hi Point Senior Horse Youth and AmQH Senior Horse Breakin Hearts and Kodi Anderson

A half hour lunch break was scheduled for the judge and workers, which included the set up of the trail classes. The pattern included about 30 poles for both lope and trot overs, another pattern to showcase a well educated and trained horse. And with the last of the buckles donated by Mal Anderson on the Youth and Amateur Trail classes, there was some keen competition contesting the events.

Rae Hare and Hearts Ablazin	Monique Holden and The Hillbilly Kid

Hi Point Presentations for the day commenced with the $100 cash door prize being won by youth member Jade Riches, (Pictured below right) congratulations Jade. The Youth Raffle was next with prizes being chosen as winning tickets were announced. Sponsors were Australian Performance Horse Magazine, Horseman’s Trading Post, Sue Benthien, Debbie & Paul Cameron, Ragz 4 Nagz – Sue Hodges, Janeen McRobert, Palmer Wines, and I am sure there are many more sponsors and helpers, but if I have forgotten anyone, please accept my apologies.

Champion Am Colt Stallion Imperial Gold Reign	Hi Point Juunior Youth Jade Riches with mum Sonia and their horse Annlee Cee a gun

The Di Candilo Family were thanked for once again being the major show sponsors and also for their ongoing and continual support of the WAQHA, very easy sponsors to deal with, as was Kerri & Steve Blackaller. Kerri & Steve were thanked for donating Hi Point buckles, organising the Judges encouragement award and for donating the Youth participation trophies. Thanks to Mal Anderson for donating a dozen buckles given out for Amateur and Youth classes. Sue Benthien was thanked for sponsoring the AmQHA classes and donating the Amateur flower garlands, Karen Nicoletto for both the Hi Point Youth rugs on behalf of Edingburg Rugs, Justin Sprigg (pic below left) and Imperial Floats for AmQHA Hi Point Buckles, and Palmer Wines for all our gifts to the sponsors. John McPhee donated a lovely silver western show bridle for a Youth encouragement award, the judge selecting Courtney Holden (pic below right) to receive this prize. Oz West Saddlery donated a beautiful show bridle for the Senior Horse Pleasure, with Wildwood QH’s donating a bridle for Junior Horse Pleasure. The AQHA Amateur Division donated 3 custom printed rugs for Showmanship, Hunt Seat Equitation and Western Horsemanship, and as always the AQHA who also support the WAQHA in our efforts to present shows to AQHA and WAQHA members.

Winner of the Yearling Versatility This Zipnlee & Justin Sprigg with owner Sarah Stuart	Courtney Holden riding Arrum

Our judge was thanked as well as the many workers for the show; including Sarah Stuart, Tracy Bruce, Mary Treloar, Elise Young, Jeff Gates, Sue Benthien, Lia Lee, Mike Donovan, Janeen McRobert, Mindi Thompson and a very helpful Alex McCooke, who managed to sell all the raffle tickets and then sold most of the chocolates as well. Thanks to all who helped set up and dismantle the trail course at the end of the show, much appreciated.

Full results on the website www.waqha.com.au. Next show April 26th 2009 Encouragement B Show @ Brookleigh, followed by the annual 2 day A class Blue Ribbon Futurity show incorporating the Western Classic events May 9/10th SEC Judge Mr John Goodworth AQHA NSW. Congratulations to all who competed at the Di Candilo Steel City 2009 WAQHA State Championship Show, well done to all 2009 State Champions.

Hi Point Awards & Runners Up
Category	Horse	Owner	Handler
2 yr old R/U	Winderadeen Hot Ice SOQ Executive Bar	Kerri Blackaller Lia Lee	Brian Cramp Tahnee White
Junior Horse R/U	Winderadeen Cee B King Joyful Firefly	Paula Di Candilo Bridget DeBejil	David Pearce Tahnee White
Senior Horse R/U	Breakin Hearts Heez Zippin Hot	Kodi Anderson Karen Nicoletto	Kodi Anderson Karen Nicoletto
Amateur Junior Horse R/U	Joyful Firefly Winderadeen Cee B King	Bridget De Bijl Paula Di Candilo	Bridget De Bijl Paula Di Candilo
Amateur Senior Horse R/U	ArrumDocs Kool Colours	Janeen McRobert Rebecca Hoare	Janeen McRobert Rebecca Hoare
AmQHA Junior Horse R/U	Winderadeen Cee B King Winderadeen Hot Chocolate	Paula Di Candilo Paula Di Candilo	Paula Di Candilo David Pearce
AmQHA Senior Horse R/U	Breakin Hearts RSVP To Willy	Kodi Anderson B Cramp/R Hare	Kodi Anderson B Cramp/R Hare
Junior Youth R/U	Annlee Cee A Gun All Rhythm N Blues Arrum	Sonia Riches Kerry Blackaller Janeen McRobert	Jade Riches Joanna Huston
Senior Youth R/U	Breakin Hearts Dakota Zulu Kissah Arrum	Kodi Anderson Cathryn Aitken Janeen McRobert	Kodi Anderson Carly Ganzer
Select Amateur R/U	Annlee Ceelebrity Coliban Solid Gold	Jenny Barnes Roxanne Johnston	Jenny Barnes Roxanne Johnston
Judges Encouragement Award	Courtney Holden
Please note: Hi Point awards are as noted, if incorrect, it’s a typo, no offense is intended to anyone.

Photographers for all 3 days were Peter & Dee Fredericks – www.horseplayphotos.com.au. Videographer & photographer on Friday was Michelle Wrighton – www.southwesternphotography.com