Queensland State Appaloosa Championships: Report & Photos

Arny's Bad Moon Arizin' and Barbara Woods

Pure Blonde ridden by Ross Gould

Horsezone's Jo Johnson and Suthern Docs Dreamcat

Everyone at the Burpengary Equestrian Centre was seeing spots, when the Queensland State Appaloosa Championships were held on 13-15 June, with an All Breeds Show on 16 June. 

Horsezone was proud to be a sponsor of this event and I was excited to be competing again!

Overall numbers were an improvement on recent years with the halter horses dominating. Although ridden horse numbers were not large, it was good to see a lot of people, new to the world of spots, out their competing in the walk jog and ridden limited amateur events, as well as halter and led classes.

Everyone appeared to have a fantastic time, enjoying the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is always present at Appaloosa Shows and I hope to see the newcomers competing in age classes and open amateur in future years!

The committee did a good job organising the show and were always helpful and smiling when approached. Lyn Hoffman did a great job announcing, while Kathie Simpson kept those not in attendance up to date with Facebook posts of results.

Day one featured dressage and hack classes and it was lovely to see loudly coloured horses competing in these events, even if there was a lot of splashing going on due to heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the show. The leopards certainly ruled the dressage arena!

Friday, day two, dawned fine and chilly and it was time for the halter horses to strut their stuff. The quality of horses competing in halter was very high and judge, Ian Loader (NZ), had his work cut out for him. Following halter the lungeline and trail events were held with tight patterns testing everyone's steering and timing.

The final day of the show once again served up a cool clear morning, which was unfortunately followed by gale force winds. Despite the arena roof sounding like it was about to blow off, the hunter in hand, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, western pleasure and horsemanship events ran smoothly. The most popular class was definitely the walk jog western pleasure, which had good numbers competing and was won by Sharon Skinner's impressive two year old filly, Pure Blonde, ridden by Ross Gould.  

An All Breeds Show was held on Sunday, with absolutely perfect Queensland weather, and was well attended by Paints and Quarter Horses in addition to Appaloosas. Shane Massingham was the main judge on Sunday, while Ian Loader judged the trail - testing us once again with those tricky tight patterns!

Congratulations to all winners and placegetters from both shows and I hope to see everyone again next year.

Queensland State Appaloosa Championships - High Point Awards:

• Youth 13 years and under - C Samuels
   
• Yearling Versatility - Buana's Sweety Indulgence
   
• 2 year old Versatility - Riverdowns in Lace Tonight
   
• 2 year old - Gk Probability
   
• Junior Horse - Riverdowns Strut N Style
   
• Senior Horse - Suthern Docs Dreamcat
   
• Limited Amateur - Anita Demmers
   
• Amateur - Jo Johnson
   
• Overall English Performance Horse - Buana's Sweet Indulgence
   
• Overall Western Performance Horse -  GK Probability
   
• Overall High Point Performance Horse - Arny's Bad Moon Arizin'
   
• High Point Walk Jog/Trot - Riverdowns Strut N Dreams

Quick Links

• See more happy snaps in the Horsezone Photo Gallery - I was very busy competing and didn't get a chance to take many photos - for official photos visit Marg Oakden's website www.equigraphics.net.au later this week
• View Appaloosa horses for sale on Horsezone
• View Appaloosa Stallions at Stud on Horsezone

By: Jo Johnson/Horsezone