WESTERN RIDING CHAMPION

FRANCINE BARNES AND ZIPPOS ACE OF SPADES CHAMPIONSHIP IS A FAMILY AFFAIR.

BY CANDACE DOBSON, FIELD EDITOR

Francine Barnes didn’t want to win a Bayer Select World Championship just for the gold trophy or bragging rights. She wanted to win for her father.

“My father is the one who bought this horse for my daughter Nicole a couple years ago, and he’s the one who encouraged me to him,” Francine said. “He passed away about a year ago, so this was for him.”

Zippos Ace Of Spades has been a great addition to the Barnes barn. The 8-year-old gray gelding has helped add numerous high-point awards to the family’s trophy shelf, including leading Nicole to the 2004 high-point all-around youth title.

Francine and Ace take their victory lap around the Amarillo National Center.

This is Francine’s first year to compete at the Bayer Select World Championship Show, and Nicole was right by her side to help get ready for competition.

“It’s so hard to watch her show,” Nicole said. “I get so nervous, but Ace is such a wonderful horse. I just knew if I got him ready, he’d be great for her.”

Francine and Ace were greeted at the gate by an entourage of friends and family ready to celebrate their victory.

“My family is here and our aisle mates from the stalls. We’ve been cheering each other on all week, and it’s made it a lot of fun,” Francine said. “I love this show. It’s been such a wonderful experience.”

Francine and Ace will compete in the trail finals Saturday, but Nicole said they’re going to celebrate their victory tonight.

“We’re going out for a big dinner, and Ace is getting the night off,” she said. “Everything from here on out is gravy. This has been a great win.”