Sovereign Quarter Horses - Almost Totally Western Success

Almost Totally Western Success

Saturday April 5th, contrary to the weather forecasts turned out bright and sunny in the morning, welcoming well over 400 people (including visitors from as far away as The Netherlands) to Horse Creek Farm for Sovereign Quarter Horses Almost Totally Western Day.
Our biggest and best Open Day yet, we decided to do something a little different with a whole programme of events. Starting with an introduction to the Quarter Horse, moving through to a Trail demonstration set to music with Sarah riding Jays Smokin Story and daughter Eleanor riding Snipper followed by David Curtis and his magnificent team of Percherons who harrowed the arena for us whilst giving an informative and really interesting talk about the horses. Our very own western legend Snippers Heirogance, who just loves these days, (he's getting a dab hand at posing for cameras) then with Sarah gave a reining demonstration with David commentating explaining the movements required for the pattern.

We then moved on to David's Masterclass with Avril Wilson riding her 4 year old Story of Smoke, Kaaren Brown riding her 5 year old One Smart Jay and Hollie Wright riding 5 year old Jays Hot Shot Story.

Then came the Rhinestone Fashion Show, this was a great success, with some quick changes of clothing by the girls, and John Faulkner riding Old Vaquero and Mike Roberts riding Sean Dillon doing some great spins during Kylie's "Spinning Around" Track. Well done to Mark, Theresa and Theresa's sister Sarah for putting this together, and for the models (and their horses) for their hard work on Friday afternoon on the run through.

Paul Hayler then came in with two dressage horses, one a youngster, and the other, Highlander who is a Prix St George Horse. Giving a great informative talk and demonstration, it was then David's turn to bring in his Western horse ..... and then after a short interval and a change of clothing, out they came, David on Highlander and Paul dressed in chaps and cowboy hat. With David on board first, Paul gave David a lesson in Dressage, with David doing a really good job. They then swapped and Paul came in on John Faulkner's Old Vaquero, to prove that he can not only ride, but he can slide!! Paul's face said it all, he rode around with the biggest grin on his face and even requested "Just one more slide"

We had a great time, and we would really like to thank ALL the helpers who made the day go so well, Bob on the gate, Henry for helping fitting in so many cars, Jackie, Emily and Jenny in the Kitchen, they were rushed off their feet, but did a great job. The wonderful Vicky commentating, Sarah Feather's help was also invaluable, as was Anthony Hall from Smalltractors.co.uk who loaned us a tractor and harrow. Sarah and Chloe, with Vanessa in the barn were on hand and of course our photographer Roger Plant (Andrew's dad). Tracy Haynes also took some video for us and we hope eventually to have a little film of the day. Jane Roberts in particular was, as always a fantastic help, and thank you to all our riders, Amy, Ellie, Andrew Plant, Hollie, Avril, Kaaren, Amanda, John and Mike for all helping make everything go so smoothly. There is probably someone we've forgotten to say thank you to, apologies, but we really appreciated your help.

We were very lucky to have some great trade stands, Jim Everitt, Rhinestone Clothing, British Reining, The Western Boot and Saddles Company, AQHA UK and the Western Department.

What will we do next year???