AQHA Horseback Riding Program: 2,500 Hour Awards

Congratulations to AQHA Horseback Riding Program participants who have reached the 2,500-hour milestone. Most importantly, it was with the most loyal, responsive, hardworking, and willing teammate - the American Quarter Horse.

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Phyllis Sickels with Coffees My Hobby, Ms Half Time Cowgirl, RH Smooth TalkinJazz, & Ceist La Vie

Winchester, CA

I'm proud to say that I have owned an AQHA horse since the day I was born. One of these four is even related to that first horse (top left, she's 24). I dabble in several things. But all four of these horses have been trail-ridden and ranch sorted on.

Bianca Kreutzer & Cats Boogie’n Boon

Kirchham, Austria

I really appreciate the HBR – a great program for all trail riders.

 

My self-trained Quarter Horse mare “Cats Boogie n'Boon” by Redwhiteandblueboon. We love spending our free time together in nature, but we also take part in all ranch disciplines.

Vanessa Mayard & RR Dance By Moonlite, aka "Chanel"

St. Felix Valois, Quebec, Canada

I started riding at age 13 in 2003. I was jealous of my sister doing ballet dancing concert and I asked my mom if I could do some for me too, but she said she would think of something else that would fit my personality more and she was right about horseback riding and horses! I have never left my horses since then! I have started with group classes, private classes, and 4H shows in western performance. Since I have been competing in AQHA shows, I have done multiple shows in Canada and the United States. My best classes are showmanship, horsemanship, and trail showing as a youth and amateur. I still have my 23-year-old mare that I used to show in my youth show career. I love riding her as a retired horse in the Quebec woods and road. I have bred couples of foals and I love spending time with them in the round pen and showing them everything from the first human touch to the halter break or first saddle. I love showing them performance maneuvers but also like to spend some time relaxing in the woods next to my home. Québec autumn is beautiful and falling leaves just smell so good! Or riding in a new snow in the winter! Just feel very good for both of our mental health. But the feeling when you enter the congress in Columbus Ohio or the world show in OKC is quite a good one! I also have awesome memories at the Virginia show in Lexington! Hope to have time and a chance in the next years to continue to travel with my horses.

Eric Smith

Atascadero, GA

I did not start riding until I was 48 years old. The first horse I leased, and subsequently, purchased was Winchexter, aka Chexter or Chex, an American Quarter Horse gelding, who was bred to be a reined cow horse, but forged his own path in dressage and three-day eventing (I think he was the first quarter horse to obtain a Register of Merit and Superior Event Horse award in dressage on the West Coast.) He was also a two-time high point winner, once at First Level and again at Second Level in Dressage. My wife, who is a dressage trainer, paired me with Chexter because of his temperament and work ethic. Chexter retired from competition three years ago, so now most of our time is done trail riding. He will turn 28 next year and still enjoys having a job. We live about twenty miles from the Pacific Ocean. So one of our favorite places is to ride on the beach at Morro Bay.

Tracy Colvin & Texas Peppy Cole

Rockdale, TX

I started riding AQHA horses when my daughter was competing in hunter/jumpers, and I needed something safe and sane to sit on while she was practicing. I now compete in Competitive Trail Rides and Ranch Riding Shows, but I spend the majority of my time working alone with my horse at home. My favorite place to ride is Onion Creek Park in Austin, TX. For years, I belonged to a group of women who rode every Tuesday. We don't get to do that as much anymore.

Angela Newton & Royal Peppinic Whiz, aka "Nic"

Lewisiville, AR