By Christine HamiltonThe American Quarter Horse JournalMay 14, 2011
A buckle-winning, Region 10 championship-earning smile. (Journal photo)
It’s a great sign when early numbers indicate that a horse show’s stalls could double by the end of the weekend. It looks like it might be the case for the Region 10 Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina.
It’s too early to estimate entry numbers – pre-entries (around 400) were up from 2010, and the Region 10 management is hourly taking late entries. Held May 13-15, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, it’s the first Regional Championship of 2011.
In an “experiment” for the event, the Region 10 is running alongside a 3-day AQHA pointed show. The change seems to be doing what the Region 10 Committee hoped: attracting riders just starting out in AQHA and those seeking points, too. It’s allowing many trainers to bring both types from their barns.
Grace Pierce of Pittsboro, North Carolina, who won the 2010 Region 10 Select all-around award saddle with her gelding, Sleepin In The Café, returned to show only in AQHA classes this time.
And Molly Stanfield brought Mr Hickorysstarlight to try AQHA reining. She was introduced to the discipline through her Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. The Regional Championship was a perfect place to try AQHA competition.
Roping classes return to the Region 10, thanks to the efforts of AQHA Professional Horseman Chad Shepherd of Robert and Connie Helms’ Eleven Bar East in nearby Sanford, North Carolina.
What hasn’t changed? The enthusiasm of the Region 10 Committee for an event designed to welcome all kinds of people to AQHA competition.
Check out photos of the Region 10 fun in the Journal on the Road blog at americashorsedaily.com.
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