By Tara ChristiansenThe American Quarter Horse JournalJuly 5, 2012
Shelly Fitzgerald of SF Quarter Horses sponsored the Battle in the Saddle exhibitor party on July 4. (Journal photo) For more candids from the party, scroll down.
After R.L. Chartier and SL Jaybrid wowed the Battle in the Saddle crowd with a score of 223 in the Mercuria-National Cutting Horse Association World Series of Cutting open finals, exhibitors made their to the Sale Pavilion at State Fair Park.
For competitors looking for a party, the Sale Pavilion was the place to be from 8 p.m. to midnight on July 4. As the fireworks popped outside, exhibitors, family members, non-exhibitors and visitors took to the dance floor.
Two performers kept a steady beat throughout the night at the free event sponsored by Shelly Fitzgerald of SF Quarter Horses.
Lifelong singer and musician of Texas dancehall music, Tommy Hooker, got the party started. Hooker has been performing since 1967 and has played with legends including Leon Raucsh, Darrell McCall and Hank Thompson. Steel guitar player Gary Carpenter was the other performer of the night. Native to Oklahoma City, Carpenter is well known for his talent throughout the South.
In addition to the live entertainment, a cash bar and the real western hoedown made this the party of the show.
To view candids from the party, check out the slide show below, brought to you by The American Quarter Horse Journal.
View larger slideshow with photo captions