During the past three weeks, AQHA Select all-around amateur contenders competed in a variety of events aboard their American Quarter Horses throughout the AQHA Select World Championship Show, presented by Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan).

The 2023 Select All-Around Amateur is Dana Avila of Scottsdale, Arizona, showing Always Do.

The 2018 Ranching Heritage-Bred gelding, by Cat Man Do and out of Greyt Little Steps by Greyt Whiz, was bred by the W. T. Waggoner Estate and earned 63 points in the Select all-around competition. They were world champions in amateur working western rail and Select ranch riding, fourth in Select horsemanship, fifth in amateur ranch trail, and placed in the Select performance geldings. Amateur working western rail and ranch trail count toward the Select all-around as these classes are not offered in the Select division.

Dana Avila and Always Do received a prize package that included a neck wreath, $10,000 and a Lisa Perry Bronze.

The reserve Select all-around amateur is Scott Reinartz of Crossroads, Texas, who showed Only One Request. The 2014 bay gelding is by One N Only and out of Simply The Best by RL Best Of Sudden. Reinartz and Only One Request were the reserve world champions in both Select horsemanship and Select showmanship, bronze champions in Select performance geldings, and placed in the Select hunt seat equitation and the Select trail.  

Reinartz and Only One Request received $5,000 and a silver bowl.

The third-place Select all-around amateur is Shelley Otness of Williamsville, Illinois, showing Cool Coastin Machine. The 2014 bay gelding is by Machine Made and out of Cool Coastin Lady by Certain Potential. They were the world champions in Select showmanship, reserve world champions in select hunt seat equitation, and placed in Select horsemanship.

The fourth-place Select all-around amateur is Christine Campbell of Palmetto, Florida, showing Good Lookin Mechanic. The 2017 chesnut gelding is by Mechanic and out of Fabulous Looker by Fabulous Frolic and was bred by Carrie Gross of Sumpterville, Florida. The team was world champions in the Select hunter hack, bronze champions in Select hunt seat equitation, and placed in the Select equiation over fences and Select working hunter.

The fifth-place Select all-around amateur is Laina Banks showing Strawberri Wine. The 2008 red roan mare is by Openrange and out of Buddys Buffalo Gal by Buddy Man Jack and was bred by Katie Green of Ocala, Florida. They were world champions in the Select western riding, fourth in the Select showmanship, and placed in Select performance mares.

The Select all-around amateur third- through fifth-place award winners each received $1,500.

Gene Graves Super-Select Special Recognition
AQHA also awarded the Gene Graves Super-Select Special Recognition Award. The award is presented to the Super-Select exhibitor, age 70 and over, earning the greatest number of points in competition at the 2023 Adequan® Select World.

The 2023 Gene Graves Super-Select Recognition Award recipient is Karen Dean showing One More Whizkey. The 2017 palomino mare is by Whizkey N Diamonds and out of One More Night by Gunners Special Nite. The pair was third in amateur ranch trail.

Dean and One More Whizkey received a specially designed plaque.

About the Show

The Nutrena AQHA World, Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select and open exhibitors. The show includes Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, as well as Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions classes. The shows feature over three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.

About the Sponsors

Nutrena feed isn’t just grown, it’s crafted. Real science goes into putting the nutrients animals need into each Nutrena feed product. Quality is so important because we know people are relying on us to stand up to our exacting standards each and every time. What’s inside the bag counts. That’s why you can count on Nutrena feeds for the animals you care for. For more information on Nutrena brand products, visit www.nutrenaworld.com.

Adequan®, the official equine joint therapy of AQHA, is the proud title sponsor of the Adequan® Select World and the Adequan® Level 2 Championships. When you choose a joint therapy for your horses, choose Adequan®.

Read more about Nutrena, the official feed of AQHA and title sponsor of the Nutrena Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions classes.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or tune into our Podcast, “Let's Talk AQHA.”