Before I start discussing the month’s topic, I want to extend my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery in Southern California. The fires devastated many of our communities, but considering the amount of acreage lost, the loss of life could have been so much worse. My friend, Kip, told me how exhausted she was after spending a week evacuating horses and watching for flames on the horizon. I replied that exhaustion can be cured as long as she and her horse are okay.
For October, the big news on the western front actually occurred in the east. The 41st Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress was held Oct. 6-28 in Columbus, Ohio. Billed as the largest single-breed horse show, over 8,500 horses participated in at least 300 classes during the three weeks. These include classes approved by AQHA, National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA), National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), and National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA).
In between the classes, they offer educational lectures and demonstrations, contests for young people, seven acres of commercial exhibits, auctions, and more. The Congress even has a special series of events for the youth, called the National Youth Activity Team Tournament (NYATT). The NYATT allows two exhibitors per team to compete in six classes for trophies, medallions and other awards.
Why does a show in Ohio matter to people in California? According to the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, the show attracts more than 650,000 people to the area and adds $110 million to the economy. To say that this is an enormous show is an understatement. And to win, or even place, at the Congress in Ohio, builds a reputation in California, for the horse, the rider and the trainer.
Several Southern California exhibitors hauled their horses over 2,000 miles for a chance to compete for prizes, including saddles and money. How did our California contingent do?
Not bad. Out of the 200 classes in western events, 21 exhibitors placed in the top 10. There were at least two Californians in the top 10 of five of the classes. Special congratulations go out to the following people: Charlene Lane of Palmdale, and her horse, Zippos Gold Standard, for their win in the John Deere Amateur Select Trail class; Pamela Bilek of Tustin, who won the Novice Amateur Western Riding class on her horse, Majestic Scotch; and Sophia Harik of Rolling Hills and her horse, A Slippery Situation, who won the Novice Youth Trail 13 and Under class.

Fires Back Home
Many of our competitors had a hard time staying focused at the show, as they watched the news about the fires back home and wondered if they’d have a home to return to by the end of October. Stephanie Jenks was one of those who spent a lot of time glued to her phone.
Stephanie represented the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association for the Congress’ Queen contest. The All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen represents the Congress at several major horse shows throughout the year, including the AQYHA World Show. The PCQHA hasn’t sent a representative for this contest since 2003, but Stephanie, a San Diego resident, petitioned the association for the chance to compete. She was unable to haul her own horse 2,322 miles for the riding part of the competition, so her previous trainer, Sandy Arledge, hooked her up with Jason Martin, a trainer from Pilot Point, Texas, to provide a horse for her to ride.
Although Stephanie didn’t win, she did manage to place third in the horsemanship portion of the contest (there is also a written test and oral interview). This was impressive, as she was riding a new horse and trying not to think about her home. Fortunately, she was able to complete the competition before they got the call, saying the fire was three-quarters of a mile from their house and the horses had been evacuated. The good news is that the fire did not get any closer, and her home and family were safe.
Stephanie is considering a return to the Congress as a coach for the PCQHA NYATT team next year, or possibly as a mentor to another queen contestant from the Pacific region. It sounds as if it’s a show that shouldn’t be missed, even if it is so far from California.
It definitely makes me wish we had something that grand a little closer to home.