Katherine Tobin of Scottsdale, Arizona, and New Lark In Town won the 2008 Select world championship in trail; it was a repeat for the pair – they won the Select trail world championship in 2004. The first class on August 30, it was full of veteran trail campaigners, human and horse alike. One of the finalists was Katherine’s sister, Susie Johns, who actually owns New Lark In Town, aka “Scotty.” Many riders were hung up at the opening gate with a raised walkover pole, but Katherine and Scotty, sixth in the go, handled it just fine.
Q. Please tell us about this pattern.
Katherine: It was very difficult. It was one of the most difficult ones I’ve had to do. It was very narrow, and I’ve got kind of a wide-bodied horse, so he was like an elephant in a little, tight space. His four legs were all underneath him. He did a great job; I owe all the credit to him.
Q. How did you negotiate that opening gate with the raised pole?
Katherine: You just kept backing and backing until they were back far enough that they could see it, and then kind of went over it, closed your eyes and hoped for the best. (She laughed.) No, I didn’t close my eyes, but you’ve got to hope for the best. I trusted him.
Katherin Tobin of Scottsdale, Arizona, and New Lark In Town are the 2008 Select world champions in trail.
Q. Were there any particular challenges you faced coming into this class?
Katherine: No, thank the good Lord, no.
Q. What’s it like competing in a finals class with a lot of friends?
Katherine: And my sister, Susie Johns; she was fourth. She actually owns Scotty. So this is my last show with him, she’s going to take over the reins. I wish her well and good luck.
Q. You’ve been a world champion in trail before. Does it feel any different this time?
Katherine: It’s extra special because, like I said, it’s my last go (with Scotty). It was really wonderful to end on a really good run. I’m so thankful.
Q. You’ve had a long history with AQHA; is there anything different about this show?
Katherine: It’s the people. It’s friendly and the competitors are always very friendly and very gracious. They root for each other. You almost feel badly beating your other friends! You kind of think, you take this one, and I’ll take second.
Q. What are your plans, without Scotty?
Katherine: I have a 6-year-old younger horse that I’m going to try and eventually, hopefully get it as good as old Scotty. He’s my project now.
Q. Who would you like to take this opportunity to thank?
Katherine: Well, my husband for coming to these shows, because he does not do horse shows. My sister, Susie Johns, and her sons for letting me show Scotty one last time, and definitely (trainers) Jim and Deanna Searles – without them I wouldn’t be any place either. I have a great family, great support group and fabulous friends.
Fun Fact: Katherine Tobin and her sister Susie Johns are daughters of late AQHA Past President Robert Kieckhefer. Both sisters have been successfully showing Quarter Horses all their lives.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: New Lark In Town Pedigree: 1994 chestnut gelding by Smooth Town x Bridget O Lark by Leolark Exhibitor: Katherine Tobin, Scottsdale, Arizona Owner: Susie Johns, Paradise Valley, Arizona Trainer: Jim and Deanna Searles
Total class entries: 77
World Champion Prizes: Custom-designed gold-tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, neck wreath, gold medallion, Cripple Creek-logo jacket, world champion patch, Tex Tan product
