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Every once in a while a foal will show him or herself to you. If you’ve seen one, you know what that means. Even at just a few weeks or months old they just have that “it factor.”
In the summer of 2022 Ocala, Florida competitor Tali Terlizzi was visiting Cole and Liz Baker’s facility with a friend who was looking at a couple of yearlings. But it was a pretty white faced two month old filly by the name of Smoooth Kriminal (Freckles) that caught her eye.
“I saw this beautiful white faced baby out in the field and asked Liz ‘what’s that?’ she recalled. “She was only a few months old but the way she walked, I knew she was going to be special.”
Terlizzi admits she is a “sucker” for a bay with a big white face but she was actually thinking long term.
“It was a huge plus that she just so happened to be a filly and immediately I thought
about how I could cross her on my stud (Heres To The Blue, a 2020 bay colt by Good I Will Be out of The First Ride) later on down the line,” she explained. “She had this strut to her at the walk and hung her head right where it needed to be. She loped off three strides and I knew then I needed to have her.”
When it got time to start Freckles under saddle Terlizzi enlisted the help of Georgia trainer Jamie English.
“I’ve been riding her a little over a year now since I got her last January,” English said. “She has been very easy, willing and absolutely loves horse shows. She rides better at the horse shows than she does at home and I am very thankful for that.”
It is because of those qualities that Terlizzi and English decided that Smoooth Kriminal will make her show debut at the Sudden Impulse Futurity in the $30,000 National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Maiden 3-Year-Old s
& Over Open & Limited Hunter Under Saddle.
“Her strengths are definitely her balance and being able to hold her top line level and swing her legs through at the same time,” English said. “Her trot is so easy for her, yet she wants to lope like a big western horse which I think is a very difficult thing to do for a big horse like her.”
But what really sets Freckles apart from others is the way she holds her ears and looks through the bridle and keeps such a great expression.
“She also has great balance,” English said. “She can hold her neck where it should be and is able to hold the ground perfectly. She just has a wonderful presence and profiles beautifully.”
And although both Terlizzi and English are impressed with Smoooth Kriminal’s talent level, they are equally impressed with her demeanor.
“She has the cutest personality. She is always so sweet and just loves attention,” English said.
That’s important as an amateur to Terlizzi.
“She is as sweet as they come, very calm and always in your pocket,” she said. “There’s not a mean bone in her body.”
Following the A Sudden Impulse Futurity, English will continue to show Freckles in Open 3-Year-Old events at all the majors this year and Terlizzi will show her in Non-Pro classes.
“She’s got big shoes to fill! My goal for her is to have a successful 3year-old year, and then I have hopes she will be my amateur replacement since I have retired Al Be Bleu and sold Good Ol Boys Club,” she said.
Terlizzi has been working with both Jamie and her husband, Jason English, for over six years now. She says she counts on them to be honest about the horses and her own performances.
“I have had wonderful success with them for sure,” Terlizzi said. “We’ve found a couple great horses along the way that Jamie and Jason have both worked super hard on and prepared perfectly. I’m my biggest critic. I obsess on being better and I’d
like to pride myself on being a straight shooter, I don’t want someone just telling me ‘oh it looks good.’ I want the truth, if it can be better, then tell me that, and let’s work on it together. Both Jason and Jamie are great in that aspect and there’s a great level of respect from both sides. They’re always there when I show or any customer for that matter, I look forward to pass-
ing them when I’m out showing so I can hear a “sit down, hold your hands still” or a ‘beautiful,’ it’s great.”
One of her favorite memories involving them is sitting in Celeste arena with Jason in 2021 as Jamie won her very first Quarter Horse Congress Championship in Junior Hunter Saddle riding Al Be Bleu. “That was also my first Con-
gress champion,” Terlizzi said. “Jason was so proud and had tears in his eyes, and I cried not only because it was my horse but because if you knew the bond those two shared, it was so rewarding to watch. I knew how hard
she had worked for that. They won twice that day – winning the Limited Open Hunter Under Saddle Maturity later that day as well – and it was so special to be a part of. It is a day I will never forget.”
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Jamie English is pictured (top) riding Smoooth Kriminal, making her debut in the 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle at the A Sudden Impulse Futurity. Inset Jamie with husband, Jason and son, Jayden. Below that (left to right) Tali Terlizzi with Al Be Bleu; Nick Mayabb and Pinball Machine, Tali with Good Ol Boys Club and Kaitlin Hutchinson and Heres To The Blue.
Jamie said Terlizzi has really progressed a lot in the past six years.
“She’s become very smart in the show arena and just has become more and more comfortable doing it,” she said. “I think we work well together because we’re open and honest with each other. We both have the same goals and it just works great.”
In addition to Smoooth Kriminal, Terlizzi is also looking forward to watching the future unfold for her 2year-old bay stallion by Allocate Your Assets out of one of her own mares, The Good Bay, sired by Give Me The Goods out of Oh So Beautiful.
“I raised him and hope to see him in the 3-year-old Hunter Under Saddle novice events in 2026,” Terlizzi said.
He too is in training with Jamie.
“We are planning to save him for next year’s events,” she said. “He is stunningly beautiful and I’m very excited about him.”
Terlizzi also has a 2-year-old mare by Good Better Best out of Makin The Boys Blue (the dam of Al Be Bleu) in training with Georgia trainer Allison McDonald. And her a 2018 sorrel gelding by Machine Made out of Too Lazy To Pass, Pinball Machine is enjoying the expansion of his all-around career showing in Western Riding this year with Florida trainer Martin Doustou.
Terlizzi has been busy building a “mare palace” on 115 acres in Ocala, Florida. The 11,000-square-foot barn is fully equipped for a state-of-the-art breeding facility. It includes four 28by-16-foot foaling stalls, 14 additional 16-by-16-foot stalls, a breeding room that includes a small lab and breeding stocks.
Terlizzi has 10 mares that she breeds and this year had nine foals by Allocate Your Assets, Good Better Best, Outlaw Enterprise, Fiire N Ice and Nothin But Nett. She is excited to cross several of her mares on her own stallion, Heres To The Blue, an NSBA World and Reserve World Champion, starting his career in the breeding shed this year, under the management of Pilot Knob Stud in Reddick, Florida.
American Quarter Horse Association
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame this year will induct three horses, two women and two men into its Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Quarter Horse Foundation. The new inductees include: Acadamosby Award, Allocate Your Assets, Danjer, Stan Weaver, Nancy Cahill, Blair E. Folck and Robin Merrill.
Acadamosby Award – Born the night of the 1990 Academy Awards, Acadamosby Award, or “Oscar,” lived up to his winning name all his life. By Mosby and out of Madcap Maggie, Oscar was bred by Jamee Golan Bornstein of East Troy, Wisconsin. The gelding’s long-time owner was Chelsea Knox of San Clemente, California. Oscar is the only three-time AQHA Superhorse (reserve twice), in the top three AQHA leading horses by number of world championships, had a total of 38 AQHA world and reserve world championships, was a 21-time All American Quarter Horse Congress champion and four-time Congress all-around champion.
Allocate Your Assets – The all-time leading sire of money-earning English all-around horses, Allocate Your Assets was foaled in 2000. By Protect Your Assets and out of Katt Sass (TB), “Al” was bred by Julie Feld of Morrison, Colorado. Katherine and G. W. Tobin of Scottsdale, Arizona, were his last owners of record. Al was the total package; his 665 foals have earned more than $1.6 million, more than 28,000 AQHA points and 80-plus AQHA Superior awards. He stamped his foals with great minds and movement that served several disciplines, including under-saddle classes, over-fences classes, pleasure driving and even western riding.
Danjer – Two-time AQHA racing World Champion Danjer is crossing the finish line into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. The 2016 brown gelding, who is by FDD Dynasty and out of the Take Off Jess mare Shez Jess Toxic, had 22 firsts from 35 starts during his racing career and earnings of nearly $2.5 million.
Danjer had a record 12 Grade 1 stakes wins at five different tracks, was the all-time leader of stakes wins with 16 at 440 yards, won at least one Grade 1 stakes at 440 yards in six consecutive years and won the AQHA Challenge Championship three times.
Stan Weaver – Before, during and after serving as AQHA president, Montana rancher Stan Weaver was fully involved in putting AQHA’s focus back on its ranch roots. Because he had asthma, Stan wanted to become a tax lawyer. But that all changed when his mom got sick and his dad asked him to come back to the ranch. That’s where he built up the ranch’s American Quarter Horse herd and became involved with AQHA. He was elected president in March 2019. Stan was involved in the development of the AQHA Ranching Heritage program, which includes Ranching Heritage Breeders, ranch horse competitions and the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program.
Nancy Cahill – AQHA Honorary Vice President Nancy Cahill has excelled in her field in the 50 years she has been training and showing American Quarter Horses. She was a founding member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association; has been a voice for youth, showing, ranching and racing; joined the AQHA Professional Horsemen Association when it started in 1995 and was selected as the AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the year in 1996; trained several youth to National Collegiate Equestrian Association careers; poured hours of her time into the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup; and volunteered her time to the betterment of the horse, including serving on the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission.
Blair E. Folck – An AQHA director from Ohio, Blair E. Folck was a pioneer in Quarter Horse showing, racing and sales segments in the 1960s. Blair developed the first major Quarter Horse consignment sales east of the Mississippi, which was Tattersall Sales in Kentucky; was the driving force behind the founding of the All American Quarter Horse Congress; purchased halter stallion Impressive as a weanling and sold him as a yearling; and bred, raised and raced Go With The Wind, who sired 1976 All American Futurity winner Real Wind. Blair also partnered on What Luck (TB) with C. T. Fuller. That stallion went on to sire two racing world champions.
Quarter Horse Foundation, and her integrity is unmatched. Make plans to join us to celebrate the Class of 2025 at the 2025 American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Celebration Sept, 12-13 in Amarillo, Texas.
American Paint HorseAssociation
The American Paint Horse Association has announced the 2025 inductees into its Hall Of Fame. The newest inductees include: A Scenic Impulse, Mighty Awesome, Mister Mister, Shesa Real Pleasure and Sue Drawdy. The new inductees will be honored June 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration.
A Scenic Impulse – “Scenic” made a name for himself in and out of APHA circles, first as a show horse and later as a top sire of Paint pleasure horses. He won the inaugural Reichert Celebration 2-Year-Old Color Classic Western Pleasure championship in 2004 before standing at stud. Scenic has nearly 200 APHA foals, who have earned more than 17,000 APHA points, 33 world championships and 35 reserve world championship titles. The 2002 sorrel overo stallion by A Danson Impulse and out of Ima Scenic Pinebar is owned by Chad Christensen of Valley View, Texas.
Robin Merrill – A first-class lady with a calm and confident demeanor, AQHA Honorary Vice President Robin Merrill has been involved in the American Quarter Horse industry most of her life. That’s how she met her husband, Frank, and together they have raised their children–and now their grandchildren–on the backs of American Quarter Horses. Robin has done it all from showing as a youth and adult to managing a breeding operation to owning and managing cutting horses and racehorses. She has brought vision, knowledge and passion to the American
Mighty Awesome – An APHA World and Reserve World Champion at Halter, “Awesome” left an indelible mark as a top APHA sire. His 700 offspring earned over 25,000 APHA points, 18 World Championships and 23 Reserve World Championships. Awesome remains APHA’s lifetime leading sire of halter points earned and ranks No. 3 on the lifetime leading sires of Halter point-earners list. Triple T Paints of Bullard, Texas, owned the 1992 sorrel overo stallion, who was by Barlink Macho Man and out of Son Sweet Dreams (QH). s
Shesa Real Pleasure – A 1996 sorrel overo mare by An Awesome Mister (QH) and out of Foolish Pleasures (QH), “Riley” enjoyed a successful show career before becoming a renowned broodmare. She accumulated 677 lifetime APHA points, eight Registers of Merit and six Superiors. Riley produced 15 foals, who have earned more than 50 APHA and National Snaffle Bit Association world and reserve world championships and over 10,000 APHA points. Ken, Karen and Amalie Kennedy of Fort Smith, Arkansas, owned the mare.
Mister Mister – A powerhouse performer, Mister Mister was a household name in the 1990s. “Mister” dominated the APHA Youth and Open divisions, earning nearly 2,800 points, 10 World Championships and seven Reserve World titles, 44 Registers of Merit, 24 Superiors, multiple APHA Champion and Versatility titles, and a Superior All-Around Champion award. He became a Breyer model horse in 1995. Owned by Jonah Christensen of Salt Lake City, Utah, the 1986 sorrel overo gelding is by Mr Norfleet and out of Cutter’s Cutie.
Sue Drawdy – A longtime APHA supporter from Fort Pierce, Florida, Sue Drawdy is a decorated owner, breeder and exhibitor. She’s earned nearly 5,000 APHA points and more than 20 APHA world championship and reserve championship titles. Sue and husband Phil own CS Acres in Fort Pierce, home to Hall of Fame inductee RH Mr Imprint.
International Buckskin Horse Association
The International Buckskin Association (IBHA) recently announced the 2025 inductees into the association’s Hall Of Fame.
Honored this year are Ben and Tamie Grandstaff and Dynamic Breeze, owned by S&G Farm and Ava GardnerTillinghast. S & G Farm was established in Marengo, Ohio in 1974 by Ben & Tamie Grandstaff. Dynamic Breeze is a 2007 Grulla stallion, sired by Dynamic In Blue and out of LW Show Breeze Lady. He is a World Champion and World Champion producer.
The IBHA also gave special thanks to two Wisconsin judges for their continuous service. They include 45-year judge Sid Larson and 35-year judge Todd Foltz.
The IBHA Hall of Fame committee was first established in 2008 and the first inductees were awarded at the 2009 IBHA Convention.
More than $136,687 in cash awards presented at 2025 event
Text Corrine S. Borton
Photos Ryan Geiger Photography & Courtney Borton Ament
With the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a backdrop and spectators lining the outdoor pen to catch a glimpse of the 15 maiden Western Pleasure horses competing for a total purse of $37,200 in the 2025 Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open Western Pleasure class, Shannon Curl Holbin jogged Ten Kinda Southern down the center to the applause of the crowd and never looked back.
“I loved everything about the ride,” Holbin said. “It felt like I could have kept going lap after lap. I had no idea how it was going to turn out and I really didn’t care. I just hoped they would like him as much as I do.”
Holbin and Ten Kinda Southern (Adam) were the unanimous champions in the class featured on Saturday afternoon, winning on all five judges’ cards and taking home the winning check in the amount of $9,300.
“My husband (Chris Holbin) reminded me the day before that we have been home and done the work and he told me now just go show him off. So that’s what I did,” Holbin said.
Ten Kinda Southern stands 16.1 hand tall, unusual for a 3-year-old Western Pleasure horse. But according to Holbin
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Shannon Curl Holbin rides Ten Kinda Southern (top) to a unanimous win in the 2025 Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure class held March 29 in Lexington. Below that Farley McLendon collects a check for $9,075 for winning the 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle with Speakeasyy. On the opposite page, Becca Sschaffhauser collects a $2,228 check for winning the All-Age Non-Pro Ranch Rail with Crowd Pleaser.
that actually works in his favor.
“We got Adam in December right before his 2-year-old year,” she said. “He was about the same size in height but more narrow and lots of legs. He was always good minded though. I love that he’s so big but so slow legged, makes him look so exotic.”
Ten Kinda Southern, a 2022 chestnut gelding, sired by It’s A Southern Thing out of KM Perfect Ten, was bred and is owned by Gumz Farms Quarter Horses LLC, Ocala, Florida.
Amy Gumz said Adam was a pretty special baby from the start.
“We had seen such talent and had good success from his full brother, Perfectly Southern,” she said. “We felt that he would be a pretty safe bet as he was very similar but just a tad fancier.”
Gumz, who also bred, raised and stood Adam’s sire, Its A Southern Thing (MoonPie) said one reason she thought Holbin was the perfect trainer for her youngster was that she rode Moonpie his 2-year-old year and his dam, KM Perfect Ten, her 2-year old year.
“It’s only fitting that she prepared Adam as a 2-year-old as well,” Gumz said. “We had all intentions of showing him as a 2-year-old but given that Shannon’s mother, Sandy Curl, judged the (Quarter Horse) Congress, we decided to hold him back for the first maiden, 3-year-old event.”
“It’s true,” Holbin said. “I rode the his mother (Mercy) when I was at Masterson Farms. She was so talented but I didn’t get to show her. She did go on the have a great career. I got to ride MoonPie the first year I went to go help Rusty at the (Quarter Horse) Congress. He was a 2-year-old and there for the Masters class. He was amazing to ride, so mature and strong for a 2-year-old. Shane Dowdy ended up showing him so I was in awe of getting to help with such an amazing animal and working with Rusty and Shane. I would say Adam’s got a lot of both of his parents’ qualities. He’s so strong like MoonPie and while he’s got his mother’s qualities of movement, I would say he got his ears from her! Amanda Ringer and I worked together on her at Masterson’s and we always joked we thought that we should have named her ‘Radar’ instead of Mercy. She’s passed the ears along to all of her offspring.”
Gumz, who was on
hand to witness the performance said she loved watching Holbin and Adam show in Virginia and is excited about his future.
“Shannon was a rockstar and showed him flawlessly,” she said.”They were just mesmerizing and hard to take your eyes off.”
Reserve in the class was When Ya Know Ya Know, a 2021 bay mare, sired by VS Code Red out of Don't Know Don't Care, bred by Capall Creek Farm LLC, owned by Michael McInnis, Rockingham, North Carolina, shown by Kelby Hutchinson, earning $6,696.
Garrett Streit rode Dangerouss Woman to a win in the Limited Division and sixth in the Open earning a total of $4,104 ($2,604 for sixth place plus $1,500 Limited bonus), Dangerouss Woman is a 2021 chestnut mare, sired by Machine Made out of Invited By The Lady, bred by BS Ventures, owned by SSH Partnership, Gainesville, Texas.
3-YEAR-OLD & OVER MAIDEn HUnTER UnDER SADDLE
A total of 14 youngsters competed on Friday for a $36,300 purse in the Virginia Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle slot class. Texas trainer Farley McLendon rode Speakeasyy, 2022 brown gelding, sired by One Hot Krymsun out of She Gets The Blues, to the Championship title, collecting a check for $9,075. Speakeasyy was bred by Penn State University and is owned by Amanda Smith, Syracuse, New York, Reserve Champion was Gone Buh Bye, with Georgia trainer Jamie English in the irons. Gone Buh Bye is a 2022 bay gelding, sired by Gone Viral out of A Great Ride. He was bred by Greg Holstege and is owned by Dan & Allison Rock, Hoschton, Georgia.
Limited champions in the class were All Assets In Blue and North Carolina trainer Tami Thurston. They earned a $1,500 Limited Rider bonus in addition to $3,600 for their fourth place finish in the Open division. All Assets In Blue, a 2021 gray gelding, is sired by Only Blue Sky out of Im Al Cowgirl. He was bred and is owned by George Harocopos, Jetersville, Virginia.
ADDITIOnAL FUTURITY CLASSES
In addition to the 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle slot classes, The Virginia Maiden, held as part of the March To Virginia American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Circuit, March 27-30 in Lexington, featured nine additional futurity classes. One Hot Casanova, sired by s
Extremely Hot Chips out of Autum Coosanova, got the action started on Thursday by winning the 3-Year-Old & Over Limited Horse Hunter Under Saddle with Becca Britton in the irons. The win in the nine entry class was worth $3,360. One Hot Casanova was bred by Michele McLaughlin and is owned by Clarissa Edgerton. Reserve honors went to OK Will Do and Farley McLendon, earning $2,310. OK Will Do, sired by Good Better Best out of WhenOnlyTheBestWillDo), was bred by Nancy Sue Ryan and is owned by Farley McLendon.
McLendon then returned to the pen to win the Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle with four entries aboard Jus Be Good, sired by Good Better Best out of Jus Sayin. Jus Be Good was bred by Sara Jackson Vance and is owned by Amanda Smith. The win was worth $2,336. Reserve in the class was Good Ol Boys Club with Jamie English in the irons for owner Tali Terlizzi. Good Ol Boys Club, is sired by Good Better Best out of Shez Immortal, was bred by Capital Quarter Horses, LLC, and collected $1,752.
On Friday Holbin got her weekend started on the right foot when she rode Beecuz I Said So to a win in the 3-YearOld & Over Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure with nine entries, earning $2,688. Beecuz I Said So, sired by VS Flatline out of Zippo Atta Rodder, was bred by Elizabeth Baker and is owned by Ruth Rowe. Bottle Service, sired by An Absolute Martini out of Secrete Dreams and Taft Dickerson were Reserve Champions, earning $2,122. Bottle Service was bred by Beth McNichol and is owned by Jason & Samantha Stine.
Action moved to the indoor arena Friday evening for the 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Working Western Rail with 20 competitors. When the scores were tallied Daytona Five Hundred and Shannon Hill were declared Champions, collecting a paycheck of $5,150. Daytona Five Hundred, a 2022 buckskin stallion, sired by Shiners Voodoo Dr, was bred by Silver Spurs Equine and is owned by Debbie Kuffer, Summerfield, Florida. The Reserve Championship was awarded to Tinkers Gotta Spark owned by Sean McGinley and shown by Kristy Smith, earning $3,780.
Under blue skies on Saturday morning Jennifer Leavengood Blume, Belleair Shore, Florida rode With You Al Be Best to victory in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle with three entries, collecting a check for $531. With You Al Be Best is a 2022 gray mare, sired by Good Better Best out of WithoutYouAlBeBlue, bred by Capall Creek Farm and owned by Blume. Reserve Champion was Shez Good N Natural, a 2022 bay mare, sired by Good Better Best and out of Hot N Passionate, bred, owned and shown by Jackie Ruc-
colo. They collected a paycheck in the amount of $413. Alison Rock piloted Good Ol Boys Club to a win in the Maturity Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle, with seven entries. Good Ol Boys Club, a 2019 bay gelding, sired by Good Better Best and out of Shez Immortal, was bred by Capital Quarter Horses, LLC, and is owned by Tali Terlizzi. The winning check was for $568. Reserve Champion was Pretty Darn Haute, a 2012 bay gelding, sired by Hot N Blazing and out of Art I Pretty, bred by Rebecca Bailey, owned and shown by Maddison Reynolds, Tallmadge, Ohio, earning $426.
Following the presentation of the Hilton Maiden 3-YearOld & Over Western Pleasure, competition moved back indoors for the All Age Non-Pro Ranch Rail. Crowd Pleaser, a 2014 sorrel gelding, sired by Lil Joe Cash and out of Da Steady Holiday claimed the top spot in the class of 16 with Becca Sschaffhauser, of Princeton, Kentucky in the saddle. Crowd Pleaser is owned by Sam Sschaffhauser and earned $2,228 for the win. Reserve Champion was Seven S Crossfire, owned and shown by Kara Bennett collecting $1,885.
On Sunday morning, Amy Gumz got her turn to show Ten Kinda Southern in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure with three entries.
“Shannon (Curl Holbin) loved this horse from the start and a few months into his training she kept saying ‘this is the horse for you,” Gumz explained. “I just didn’t think it was
going be a good fit with our size difference. He’s tall and I’m not. But Shannon held the line and was insistent that this was the horse for me. I have to say Shannon was right. This horse is incredibly kind and forgiving. He’s so consistent and easy-going. He lets me make mistakes and frankly he carries me. He’s everything you could ever want in a competitive non-pro horse.”
Gumz was especially proud of the fact that Ten Kinda Southern earned the respect of every judge who evaluated him.
“I think it speaks volumes that he was unanimous under nine judges and he just did it so effortlessly,” she said.
Both Gumz and Holbin are excited about Adam’s future.
“Our plan is to show him in the major 3-year-old events, both Open and Non-Pro,” Gumz said. “Shannon will also show him and some of the Limited Horse and Novice classes as well. I think the Western Pleasure is just the tip of the iceberg for Adam. He’s an incredible lead changer and not too shabby over the poles so I think he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”
Pictured on the opposite page (clockwise from top) is Jennifer Leavengood Blume and With You Al Be Best, winners of the 3Year-Old Non-Pro Huter Under Saddle at the Virginia Maiden; Brenda Looney and The Machine Girl, winners of the Maturity Non-Pro Western Pleasure; and Becca Britton and One Hot Casanova, winners of the 3-Year-Old & Over Limited Horse Hunter Under Saddle. On this page (top right) Amy Gumz and Ten Kinda Southern, winners of the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure.
Batts The Way, sired by Batt Man out of This Girl Can Rock, bred by John Wainscott and owned and shown by Suzan VonEssen, captured the Reserve Championship in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure, earning $413.
Six Maturity Non-Pro contenders wrapped up he futurity classes for the 2025 Virginia Maiden. When the judging was complete it was Brenda Looney taking home the Championship title with The Machine Girl, sired by Machine Made out of Certain Lee The Best. The bay mare was bred by Jean Brooks and is owned by Looney Quarter Horses in Tennessee. Reserve honors went to My Popcorn Machine, also sired by Machine Made out of Shes Suddenly Hot, owned by Jamie McWhinney and shown by Kelly McWhinney.
Futurity manager Cameron Van Sickle said futurity entries were up overall this year and that $136,687 was awarded at this year’s event
“The Hunter Under Saddle maiden class was almost double the size,” he said. “And the Limited Horse Hunter Under Saddle was considerably larger. All of the Western futurities were up a few entries.”
Van Sickle said for him, the highlight of this year’s event was being able to show the Maiden Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle outside.
“The horses looked amazing in that pen and the weather was awesome,” he said. “It was also nice to see a lot of new faces this year.”
Van Sickle praised AB Management for the job it did managing this year’s show.
“John and their team did an amazing job and the weather was great,” he said. “It couldn’t have been any better.”
Competition at West World spans seven arenas
Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Jeff Kirkbride
When Kimberly Roark, an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Amateur competitor from Ada, Oklahoma, found out that the Arizona Sun Circuit would be presenting a Hunter Under Saddle Versatility for the first time this year she thought it would be something good for both herself and her show partner, Al Ways Couture (Eli).
“I thought it would be a fun change for us, especially since both my horse and myself have a background in Equitation and Over Fence classes (even though we aren’t jumping at this moment),” she explained.
The class was offered three days, during the 52nd Annual Sun Circuit, Feb. 28 to March 9 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Roark and Al Way Couture competed in both the Non-Pro and the Open the last two days. Before she arrived, her trainer showed Al Ways Couture in the Open. Her placings ranged generally from second to third, enough for Al Ways Couture to earn a Reserve Circuit Championship in the Open and a Cowboy Bronze.
“It’s an individual pattern class that incorporates Equitation maneuvers with more forward movement and has poles added in at set distances, which is the beginning steps we use prior to jumping,” Roark explained. “Weather forced us indoors into a small area making it a ‘handy’ course, with everything coming up very quickly. It made it harder to keep the forward movement with clean transitions and keeping
everything soft.”
To prepare, Roark and Al Ways Couture, a 2013 gray gelding, sired by Allocate Your Assets out of Blue Couture, practiced basic Equitation at home and she worked on finding her distance and rhythm.
“At the show the night before we did the poles at the set distances a few times and ran through the pattern to know where everything would fall, like I would prepare for an Equitation class,” she said.
Roark, who has been attending the Sun Circuit each year since 2018 (the first place Eli ever competed in an over fences class), said she looks forward to showing in the class again.
“I absolutely want to show this class again, both with Eli, and my young horse I’m bringing along,” she said. “For Eli, it’s a good break from his usual classes and makes him think about what is coming up. For my young horse, whom I hope to get back into jumping next year, it will be a good transition class for him from the Non-Pro Equitation to the Over Fences
The 52nd Arizona Sun Circuit drew competitors from all over the United States and Canada to Scottsdale Feb. 28-March 9. On this page (top) Casey Willis and Feeling Groovey, winners of the 3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure and (bottom) Thad O’Boyle and Just The Rite Stride in Amateur Select Showmanship. On the opposite page (top) Sara Simons and One Upon A Time in Trail and Kimberly Roark and Al Ways Couture complete their pattern in the Hunter Under Saddle Versatility class.
in a safe, non-threatening manner which is fantastic for our young prospects.”
This year marked the 52nd year for the Arizona Sun Circuit. With over 45,00 class entries, it is the largest American Quarter Horse circuit in the world. It attracts exhibitors from all across the U.S. and from Canada and the action at West World spans seven arenas and features NRHA, NSBA, NRCHA and Versatility Ranch Horse classes. A highlight of the circuit is the National Championship Tournament for Amateur, Select Amateur and Youth divisions. The tournament format involves multiple rounds of competition, with the top exhibitors progressing to the final round to determine the National Champion.
Trail pocketing an additional $1,5000. Cowboys Lie was in second again, earning $1,054. One Heartbeat Away owned by Catherine Finger and shown by Jess Albion Bergantzel placed third earning $837.
Added money in futurity and stakes classes were popular and competitive.
TRAIL
Multiple Trail futurities boasted cash awards and prizes. The Snippity Snap 4 & 5-Year-Old NSBA Open Trail featured $10,000 added in added money and at-
Several promising young Trail horses made their debut in the $7,500 added VS Code Blue/VS GoodRide 5Year-Old & Under Maiden Stakes Trail. VS Whole Lotta Lucy and Sara Simons made an impact placing first on all three cards on day one, and scored consistently high over the next two goes to win the stakes class. They took home $3,213 for owner Christy Lenhart. Lopin For Maggie, owned by Debra Lynn Sharp, accumulated the second highest combined scores to earn second place and $2,551.50 under the guidance of Micah Hansen. VS Bettin N Spades and Colton Pylman placed third earning $1,890. VS Whole Lotta Lucy and Sara Simons earned an additional $1,500 for their win in the concurrent Super Sires
and a saddle pad. Taylor Searles and Blue Suede Shoos earned $599.50 for placing third.
The Super Sires presented $1,500 to Perfectly Southern and Jesse Jones in the Level 1 Senior Trail. Perfectly Southern is owned by Cara Ann Christensen. Second place was Not Too Lazy To Top, shown by Tyler Schultz for owner Emily Firth, earning $900. Coolkrymsunladylike and Charlie Cole placed third earning $600.
WESTERn RIDInG
The $7,500 Added Nothin But Nett 5-Year-Old & Under Maiden Western Riding Stakes challenged young horses over three goes to determine the champion. When the scoring was complete, Total Knockout, owned by Cory Seebach and Candice Hall had accumulated the most points with Kristi McCann in the saddle. They took home a check for $3,213. Second place went to Insomniak with Jeff Mellott aboard winning $2,551.50 for owner Kaylee Mellott. KM Once Upon A Time and Sara Simons were back in the money earning $1,890 for third.
The Super Sires presented a Level 1 Junior Western Riding futurity as well. Stop Talking took home the $1,500 check with Spencer Groth at the reins on behalf of Amy Engle. VS Bettin N Spades was second, ridden by Colton Pylman and owned by Mr. & Mrs. Wilkes and earning $1,100. Older horses could compete for cash in the Super Sires L1 Senior Western Riding. Socks for Dayz ridden by Anthony Montes on behalf of Ingrid Miller Quarter Horses scored an impressive 149.5 to take home the win and $1,500. Second place went to Best Brew At The Bar ridden by Leonard Berryhill for Pabon Performance Horses. They earned $945. Coolkrymsunladylike ridden by Charlie Cole was third, claiming $735 for Laurel Champlin Family Trust.
WESTERn PLEASURE
Casey Willis rode Feeling Groovey to a win in the 3Year-Old Open Western Pleasure collecting a check for $480 for owner Stanley Scott.
In the $2,000 added Never Have I Ever Non-Pro Western Pleasure Bree Hokana rode Pleasure With Class to a win earning $1,319.70.
Alexa Frencl teamed with Wild Cardd to win in the 3 & 4-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure earning $374.63 plus an additional $633 as Limited Champions.
Angie Cannizzaro piloted Its All An Illusion to a win in the $2,500 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure earning $1,133 for owner Linda Berwick.
HUnTER UnDER SADDLE
Easy Peazy won the 3 & 4-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle with Jesse Jones in the irons for Flentje Enterprises, taking home $599.63.
Madeleine Bayless teamed with RS Hank Whydoyadrink
to win the 3 & 4-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle, collecting $612.80.
RAnCH CLASSES
Bud Lyon and Alpha Black, owned by Circle Y Ranch, won the $5,000-Added Level 1 Open Ranch Riding, sponsored by Kristin Brock Kristin Brock Show Horses and 13 Moonstruck. They took home $3,000, the Kristin Brock DHS Ranch Saddle and a custom Sami ring. Reserve was Dreamy Magnum, owned by Sandy Vargo and shown by Beth Clemons, earning $2,000 and saddle pad.
A total of 36 competed in he $2,500 Added Bar 54 NonPro Ranch Riding Derby. Composite scores of all three judges in the both the Select and Amateur Ranch Riding on their third go were used for placings. When the tally was complete, Tamara Kyle and KR Smart Dreamer were declared winners earning $2,125 and a buckle. In a tie for second with 236 points was Always Do and Dana Avila and
Cocktail Per Se and Sydney Weaver. They each earned $1,147.50.
Bar 54 added an additional $2,500 to the 4-Year-Old Ranch Riding Derby with 14 entries. Bud Lyon marked a 158.5 riding Bet Boon Gone, owned by Carol Dewrell to earn $1,520 and a buckle. Reserve Champions were Ryan Kail and He Man, owned by Lauren Blumer, collecting $1,045. National Championships
Youth Horsemanship: Camille Kennedy and The Perfect Kryme won the Horsemanship while Ady Kallay and The Batchelor were Reserve. Third place was Isthatcoolwithyou
On the opposite page (top), Kristi McCann shows Total Knockout to a win in the 5-Year-Old & Under Maiden Western Riding Challenge and a young exhibitor competes in a Halter class. On this page, Bud Lyon shows Alpha Black to a win in the $5,000 Added Level 1 Open Ranch Riding and a contestant in the Slide competition.
and Myah Jane Chaput and Emme Grace Graves rode Son Of A Sudden to fourth.
Youth Showmanship: Ady Kallay and The Batchelor earned the top spot in Showmanship. Kayla Virga teamed with Exclusively Mocca to land in the Reserve spot. Myah Chaput and Prepare To B Shocked placed third and Sienne Barbour showed Big Country Kruzer to a fourth place finish.
Youth Equitation: Ady Kallay and The Batchelor also won the Equitation while Madison Stuart teamed with Valentinosblazinrid were Reserve. Quintessa Wolff showed Megga Machine to a third place finish and Shayne Gilliam and The Publication finished fourth.
Amateur Showmanship: Paige Rogers and Ima Savvy Investment teamed to win the Amateur Showmanship while defending champion Eric Mendrysa and Never Sudden finished in the Reserve spot. Kaleena Weakly teamed with Moonlite Cruiser to capture third place and Ima Lazy Cowboy, shown by Ella Petak finished fourth.
Amateur Horsemanship: Klay McDowall teamed with Only Martinis For Me to earn a Championship while Never Sudden and Eric Mendrysa earned Reserve. Third place was Jana Leigh riding Gimme Ur Best Stuff. Ima Savvy Investment and Paige Rogers finished fourth.
Amateur Equitation: There were three finalists in the National Championship in Amateur Equitation. It was Paige Rogers’ third trip to a tournament matchup of The Four this year. Paige was on a roll with Ima Savvy Investment and her scores put her into the championship spot, earning a second buckle. Cassandre Ehrle and Daddy Doesnt Know were Reserve while Jana Leigh rode Gimme Ur Best Stuff to a third place finish.
Amateur Select Showmanship: Thad O’Boyle and Just The Rite Stride were named Champions while Lauren Stopperich and Showing My Ace finished Reserve. Third place went to Lopin Makes Me Lazy and Sharon Forbes-Hanks and RR Certainly A Lady and Anne Wilson placed fourth.
Amateur Select Horsemanship: Defending champions Hez Simply Western and April Gentry earned the top spot while Patty Goodwin and So Noticed were Reserve. Just The Rite Stryde and Thad O’Boyle placed third and Sharon Conway showed CR Hershey Bar to a fourth place finish.
Amateur Select Equitation: Sharon Forbes-Hanks teamed with Lopin Makes Me Lazy to win the Amateur Select Equitation. She edged out Jacqueline Marlow riding Mug Shot, who finished Reserve. Just The Rite Stryde and Thad O’Boyle were hunting another buckle but ended up in third and Laurel Champlin teamed with Coolkrymsunladylike to finish in the fourth place spot.
BUZZ
(IN) LIFE
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently announced the appointment of two new staff members: Director of Youth & Amateur Activities Reagan Hoelscher and Publications Ad Sales & Sponsor Manager Amy Olson. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Hoelscher has a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a certificate in equine science. She grew up competing in 4-H and junior high-school rodeo; in college, she was a TAMU animal science and equine ambassador and was a decorated member of her collegiate horse judging team. A graduate of the University of Wyoming, Olson has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a minor in agricultural economics. Most recently, Olson was a digital editor for Quarter Horse News; there, she curated content for various digital media platforms and worked closely with her sales team to attract and serve both new and existing customers.
(IN) DEATH
Diane Louise Rushing, of Decatur, Illinois, a longtime supporter of the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC)passed away on March 21 at the age of 72.
Rushing’s passion and love was working with her husband Rick to support the Appaloosa horse breed. She served as both the President and Board Member for the Appaloosa Horse Club between 1984 –2020, and then later served on the board of the Appaloosa Youth Foundation. Together they promoted the Appaloosa horse traveling the world.
PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
BRUCE WALQUIST, DEBORAH KAIL AND CYNTHIA CANTLEBERRY ARE HONORED BY AQHA
The American Quarter Horse Association has announced the 2024 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year, Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year, and Most Valuable Professional award winners.
Bruce Walquist – The 2024 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year award goes to the late Bruce Walquist of Cleburne, Texas. Walquist dedicated over 30 years to the American Quarter Horse industry as trainer, breeder, coach and judge. A lifetime AQHA member and AQHA Professional Horseman for over 20 years, he trained and showed multiple AQHYA and AQHA world, All American Quarter Horse Congress and Honor Roll Champions in a large range of events. As a 30year AQHA breeder, he managed and operated breeding farms standing some of the industry’s leading sires.
Deborah Kail – The 2024 Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year is Deborah Kail of Scottsdale, Arizona. Kail has spent her career as a trainer dedicated to the American Quarter Horse and the clients she and her husband, Bob Kail, serve. She continues the long-lasting legacy created by her parents Greg and Mary Whalen through her lifetime association with AQHA. She has trained many World Champions in various divisions and has participated in Nutrena Ride the Pattern Clinics as a clinician. Kail is always willing to help wherever and whenever needed. She has been an equine insurance specialist with Markel since 2000. Kail has been an AQHA Professional Horsewoman since 1994 and an AQHA member since 1991. She received her AQHA judges card in 1993. She is also a member of the National
Snaffle Bit Association Hall of Fame and an NSBA judge. Cynthia Cantleberry – The 2024 Nutrena Most Valuable Professional is Cynthia Cantleberry of Paso Robles, California. Cantleberry has been an AQHA Professional Horsewoman for 30 years and has spent a lifetime in the industry.
Cantleberry has trained numerous World Champions over the years and has won 14 AQHA World Champion titles . She has spent a portion of her time training youth competitors to be the next generation of talented horsemen and several of her students have gone on to secure their own world championship titles. Cantleberry was the 2001 AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year. She has competed in 49 of the 50 AQHA World Shows and won her first AQHA world championship in Trail in 1975 at the second AQHA World Show.
Each year, individuals are nominated by AQHA Professional Horsemen for the prestigious honor of being named a Nutrena AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year. From these nominations, the slates of nominees for the Nutrena Don Burt Professional Horseman of the Year and Nutrena Professional Horsewoman of the Year awards are compiled by the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council and approved by the AQHA Executive Committee. All AQHA Professional Horsemen then vote to determine the Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsemen of the Year award recipients. The Most Valuable Professional is nominated by their home affiliate and then voted on by their fellow AQHA Professional Horsemen.
For more information visit www.aqha.com.
DEFAMATION by Katherine Jarve
Think about the consequences before you speak or write something negative
Your reputation within the horse industry matters. Competitors and trainers alike spend years earning a favorable reputation within the industry. Unfortunately, your reputation can sometimes be tarnished by gossip and rumors that runs rampant in the horse industry. Let’s face it. Everyone talks and the gossip seems to be more salacious than ever.
If you are well respected and have a good reputation, then you will hopefully be able to withstand any false and negative statements made about you. But what happens when these false and negative comments start to affect your reputation? Can you bring legal action against someone spreading rumors?
Defamation is the communication of a false statement that harms the reputation of a person or business. If the statement is written, it is called “libel.” If the statement is oral, it is called “slander.” And yes, this even applies to something you write or say on the internet, including Facebook and TikTok. Nevertheless, not every negative comment or statement is actionable. To be considered legal defamation, a statement must meet several criteria.
First, the statement must be reasonably perceived as harmful to a claimant’s reputation. An ordinary person would have to believe that the statement is damaging. For example, a statement that your new show outfit is “ugly” would likely not be objectively damaging to your reputation. On the other hand, a statement that you are involved in fraudulent or illegal conduct would likely be perceived as damaging.
dant has the burden to prove that statement is true. It seems that there is a misconception that you are absolutely shielded from liability if you are reciting from court documents. However, you should be aware that, while statements made within court proceedings (i.e., testimony or legal papers) generally enjoy immunity from defamation suits, this protection may not extend to the same statements made outside of court.
Lastly, there must be actual, economic harm. This is often difficult to prove. Embarrassment and hurt feelings are not enough. For example, if a trainer is accused of drugging his horses and then loses several clients as a result of the false statement, then he or she may be able to show economic damages in the loss of revenue.
Even if you meet all the criteria above, you still may be precluded from bringing a suit. First, as stated above, the truth
Defamation is the communication of a false statement that harms the reputation of a person or business. If the statement is written, it is called “libel.” If the statement is oral, it is called “slander.”
Second, the statement must be made publicly. This requires that the statement be made to others aside from the person claiming the harm. Just how “public” the statement must be can vary from situation to situation. For example, gossiping between your barn-mates is less damaging than someone publicly posting content on Facebook or TikTok. The more people who see or view the defamatory content, the greater potential for damage to someone’s reputation.
Third, the statement must refer specifically to the person claiming the harm. This may seem obvious, but while one person may think a comment singles him or her out, others may not see it that way. For example, if someone says, “That horse trainer from Texas is drugging his horses to keep them sound.” This statement could refer to any trainer from Texas. But what if you are the only trainer from Texas at the show? The question becomes whether a reasonable person believes this statement specifically refers to the claimant.
Fourth, the statement must be false. The truth is an absolute defense to a defamation action and typically the defen-
is an absolute defense to a defamation claim. If it can be shown that the statement was true (i.e., you are drugging your horses to keep them sound), then the person making the statement will not be held liable. Second, someone’s opinion is protected free speech. So for example, if someone says, “I think your horse looks lame at the jog,” then it’s likely considered an opinion and will be not considered slander.
In addition to all the legal elements to be proven and the possible defenses, you will want to consider the cost of bringing a lawsuit. How much money will it cost you to hire an attorney to litigate the case? How much economic harm have you suffered? Are you prepared for the emotional burden litigation will require?
Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil litigation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.
Ann�el Steff�s
Illinois competitor may be small in size but she’s got big determination
When 10-year-old Annabel Steffens, of Volo, Illinois, steps into the show pen, the first thing you notice is her determination.
At her first very first appearance at a Quarter Horse Congress out of the Small Fry Division she rode her way to success last year by, winning the Level 1 Youth Western Riding 13 & Under and the Youth Equitation 11 & Under. With focus well beyond her years, Annabel is proving that age is just a number when it comes to success.
Annabel’s passion for horses began when she was inspired by the animated television show “Spirit Riding Free.” Wanting to be just like the character Lucky, she asked for a horse for her birthday, and her father, Zach Steffens, knew just the person to introduce her to the equestrian world – his former trainer, Dianne Eppers, the mother of Annabel’s current trainer, Valerie Kearns.
This family connection led Annabel to start her riding journey at Kearns’ barn, and before long, she was spending all her time in the saddle.
Annabel’s competitive streak became clear early on. She began showing at six years old, entering her first Western Pleasure class aboard a borrowed horse at Gordyville Arena in
Gifford, Illinois, where she took home the circuit championship.
“Miss Val looked at us and said, ‘I think we’ve created a monster,’” her mother, Jill Steffens, recalled with a laugh.
From that moment, it was clear that Annabel had found her passion.
Her bond with her main show partner, Good Girl Gone Lazy, affectionately known as Stella, has been instrumental in Annabel’s success.
Despite a rocky start during their first ride together, Annabel and Stella quickly became an inseparable team.
“Stella is the best partner I could ask for,” Annabel said. “We’ve learned so much together, and I trust her completely.”
Their partnership has flourished, and it shows in every class in which they compete – from Western Riding to Equitation.
Training under Kearns has been pivotal for Annabel’s development, her family insists.
“Miss Val is who I started with, and she’s who I’m going to end with,” Annabel said with determination.
Kearns’ guidance has shaped Annabel’s technique and given her the tools to stay calm and connected with Stella, even in high-pressure situations. “She’s taught me everything I know, and I’m only getting started.” s
Annabel’s achievements extend beyond the Congress. At her first American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Show, she made it back to the finals in nearly every class she entered across levels 1, 2, and 3, missing the finals in only two classes.
She has also enjoyed success in the Reining pen. The Steffens family owns two Reining contenders, both sired by Not Ruf At All, that Annabel shares with her dad. At last year’s Quarter Horse Congress, she earned a Reserve title in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Short Stirrup riding Just Ruf Enough.
“I love getting to ride with my dad,” she noted. “It’s something special we share.”
But Annabel’s drive doesn’t stop in the show pen. Inspired by Kearns’ daughter, Nya Kearns, she dreams of attending Southern Methodist University (SMU) to ride on the Division 1 NCAA team.
“I want to be like Nya, and that’s why I look up to her so much. She’s amazing, and I just want to be like her,” Annabel shared.
The young competitor dreams of becoming a veterinarian so she can work with horses and other animals, combining her passion with a meaningful career.
Outside of the show pen, Annabel’s life is still deeply tied to her love for horses. She spends her free time playing with Breyer model horses and building Legos, often imagining her next big adventure in the show pen.
“I love playing with my Breyers – especially when I can’t be at the barn,” she said.
Annabel also has big dreams beyond competition. When asked about her ideal vacation, she lights up.
“I want to visit a place where wild horses run on the beach,” she said. “It’s my dream to see them run free.”
As Annabel looks ahead, her goals remain clear.
“I want to compete at the Youth World and make it to the top three – I know we can get there if we keep working hard,” she said with confidence.
Youth Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a youth profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com
EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR by Jordan Strickler
Tips for protecting horses and trees amid late winter conditions
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar (ETCs) gained notoriety during the early 2000s when its accidental ingestion by pregnant mares was linked to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS). From 1999 to 2001, MRLS caused an estimated 3,500 foal losses, including abortions, stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Central Kentucky alone lost around 30% of its 20012002 Thoroughbred foal crop, resulting in an estimated state economic impact of $336 million across all horse breeds –making tracking and managing the pests significant for horse owners, even to this day.
Due to a colder winter and slower accumulation of growing-degree days (GDD) this year, experts at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment anticipate a delayed hatch for ETCs.
“ETCs begin to hatch after enough warm days accumulate,” said Jonathan Larson, assistant extension entomology professor in the Department of Entomology. “We’ve seen a slower approach to that number this winter, which gives horse owners more time to monitor and prepare.”
The resulting infection may harm both the fetus and placenta, posing a significant threat to equine health and foal development.
“If farm managers notice high numbers of nests, they should relocate pregnant mares from areas near wild cherry trees to reduce the risk of exposure,” Larson said. “The greatest danger occurs when mature caterpillars leave the trees to pupate and transform into moths.”
Preventive Strategies for Horse Owners, Farm Managers
Horse owners and farm managers can employ several preventive strategies to mitigate risks. First, monitoring wild cherry and other host trees is important, as it requires carefully
In pregnant mares, ETC hair cuticles can lodge in the lining of the digestive tract, creating an entry point for bacteria. The resulting infection may harm both the fetus and placenta, posing a significant threat to equine health and foal development.
These native insects typically begin hatching when 90-100 GDD have accumulated. Horse owners and farm managers should begin vigilance for small caterpillars, as ETC infestations pose a serious risk to pregnant mares. Locally, managers can look for forsythia shrubs that have started to bloom as an indicator of ETC hatch.
Identifying and managing Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Eastern tent caterpillars are commonly observed on wild cherry, apple and crabapple trees, although they may also infest hawthorn, maple, peach, pear and plum. True to their name, these caterpillars construct compact silk “tents” in the forks of branches. The tightly woven nests serve as shelters, helping to protect the growing larvae from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
Over the winter, ETCs remain dormant as egg masses wrapped around pencil-thin twigs, waiting for the warmer days of early spring to hatch. Once they emerge, the larvae feed primarily at dawn, dusk or overnight and can grow to a length of 2 to 2.5 inches. As resources become scarce – or when it is time to pupate – these caterpillars often leave their host trees, wandering along fence lines and into pastures in search of new food sources or protected pupation sites.
In pregnant mares, ETC hair cuticles can lodge in the lining of the digestive tract, creating an entry point for bacteria.
inspecting them for egg masses and developing tents. Early detection allows for timely intervention before the caterpillars spread.
When infestations are discovered, removing affected branches may be necessary. Smaller tents can be wound onto a stick, while larger ones should be pruned. Burning tents with an open flame is not advisable, as this can easily damage the tree.
With insecticide use, early intervention with the organic pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help target young caterpillars. For taller trees or extensive infestations, professional arborists may recommend trunk injections with labeled products such as Tree-äge (emamectin benzoate), Inject-A-Cide B (Bidrin), Abacide 2 (abamectin) or Lepitect (acephate).
Finally, it is essential to stay informed by tracking the local growing-degree days and consulting extension resources. By doing so, horse owners and farm managers can anticipate when hatching and peak caterpillar activity will likely occur, thereby reducing potential risks.
Jordan Strickler is an Agricultural Communications Specialist at the University of Kentucky and a freelance writer. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky and a certificate of Equine Administration from the University of Louisville.
The
ASSOCIATIONS
NEW WORLD SHOW CLASSES (IN) NSBA NEWS
The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) recently announced the addition of 14 new classes to its 2025 World Championship Show schedule. These additions aim to foster inclusivity and provide fresh challenges for competitors across multiple categories.
The news classes include:
• Amateur Showmanship at Halter - Limited Rider
• Amateur Western Horsemanship - Limited Rider
• Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation - Limited Rider
• Amateur 50 & Over Showmanship at Halter - Limited Rider
• Amateur 50 & Over Western Horsemanship - Limited Rider
• $5,000 Limited Horse/$5,000 Limited Rider Open Western Pleasure
• Novice Amateur Ranch Riding
• Novice Youth Ranch Riding
Exhibitors are eligible for Limited division of an Amateur or Amateur 50 & Over class except:
1. Those who have earned more than $2,500 in the last three years in the specific class;
2. Those who have lifetime earnings that exceed $150,000 (in all divisions and categories except Longe Line, Walk Trot and Equestrians With Disabilities classes);
3. Those who have competed on an NCEA equestrian team in the specific class (applies to Horsemanship and Jumping Seat Flat only) in the last 10 years.
Green Non-Pro classes will follow NSBA’s Green Horse eligibility as outlined in NSBA Rule #86.
For additional information visit the NSBA at www.nsba.com.
OVER 1.6 MILLIONN IN CASH AND PRIZES
APHA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW SET FOR JUNE 20-JULY 6
With 400-plus classes, Youth scholarships galore and over $1.6 million in cash and prizes, the 2025 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Show promises to be an event you won’t want to miss. The event takes place June 20 to July 6, 2025, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
The APHA World Championship Show features an allscholarship Youth show, with $100,000 offered each year. First-, second- and third-place winners in all Youth world championship classes, along with one randomly selected exhibitor per class, win scholarship cash for higher-education opportunities.
The Intermediate Division, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, returns to offer 86 bonus opportunities to win in select Open and Amateur world championship classes. By entering the main class and the Intermediate division, eligible participants can double their chances to earn Gist trophy buckles and other great prizes.
New events for 2025 include $1,000-added Western Versatility Pattern Sweepstakes and English Versatility Pattern Sweepstakes (Open, Amateur and Youth divisions), $1,000-
added Open Breakaway Roping Sweepstakes, 52 new jackpot opportunities held concurrently with select Open and Amateur world championship classes, expanded all-breed Youth Futurity Project classes (yearling through 3-year-old horses), Two Ravens Foundation Veterans Slide, new Equestrians with Disabilities classes and more.
The APHA World Championship Show is the world’s premier competition for registered Paint Horses. It is also home to select all-breed competitions that include the International Ranch Horse Association world championships and IRHA Ranch Horse Futurity, Ranch Horse Triple Crown classes, American Rope Horse Futurity Association Cowtown Classic and National Reining Horse Association events.
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association Western National Finals also takes place concurrently with the APHA World Show.
Find full event details at apha.com/worldshow. Preenter by May 15 for the best rates; entries are accepted until 5 p.m. the day before the class takes place at the show, though late fees apply after the pre-entry deadline.
YOUTH EXCELLENCE SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR JULY 8-10 IN AMARILLO, TEXAS (IN) AQHA NEWS
Youth interested in attending the Youth Excellence Seminar (YES) sponsored by Wrangler and John Deere and scheduled for July 8-10 in Amarillo, Texas, can register now.
We’re focused on igniting new connections, inspiring fresh ideasand fueling the energy of our youth,” said AQHYA President Abigail Eddy.
YES welcomes American Quarter
Horse Youth Association members and nonmembers, ages 10 to 18, to experience a three-day, action-packed event that offers valuable leadership skills, inspiring speakers and tons of fun. YES attendees will be encouraged and inspired while they develop key skills and build lasting relationships. Hosted by the 2024-25 AQHYA officers and directors, YES offers a wide
variety of activities and workshops focused on developing the youth in our industry. If you’ve never attended YES, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new friends, grow your leadership skills and learn more about your American Quarter Horse community. For more information on the 2025 Youth Excellence Seminar, visit www.aqha.com/yes.
Briere, Pierre ........................................69
