The last two days of the 2009 Region Three Experience competition flew by.

Team penning and ranch sorting were some of the Saturday fun at the 2009 Region Three Experience. Bar H Photography

The show started early on Saturday, July 18, at 7 a.m. with the western pleasure classes. The lead-line classes might have been the most popular for the spectators as young riders paraded their partners through the arena. It might also have been the toughest for the three judges.

The Region Three Experience AQHA Foundation Benefit Walk Trot offered non pro exhibitors a chance to show for money. The entry fees were jack-potted, with 50 percent of the total paid to the class winner and 50 percent donated to the American Quarter Horse Foundation in the name of the class winner, to the Foundation program of their choice.

Roy Schwab of Plymouth, Wisconsin, was the 2009 benefit winner. Roy has been an active member of the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association for many years, and has served as youth adviser for that affiliate.

Saturday concluded with team penning and ranch sorting competition, along with a taco party dinner sponsored by longtime amateur exhibitor Rita Crundwell of Beloit, Wisconsin.

The weather seemed to finally turn back to normal for summer for Region Three’s last day, Sunday, July 19. At least exhibitors were able to wear their Region Three T-shirts and be comfortable.

The morning began with tie-down and team roping. Genuine Hardware earned the open heeling regional championship, shown by Brandon Weiland.

The speed events saw good numbers, and the addition of one horse hunting an all-around title. Beyond Captivating was leading for the open all-around, but lacked a third category to be eligible. Trainer Jenny Welhouse traded her hunt seat saddle for a western one and entered barrel racing and pole bending to go for the title. She entertained the crowd in the pole bending but put on a more serious face – still smiling, though – for the barrel racing and accomplished her goal.

The show ended with reining classes… and approximately 1,597 total entries!

The 2010 Region Three Experience will return to St. Paul, Minnesota next July. Be there or be square!

Region Three All-Arounds
*awarded a Tex Tan saddle sponsored by Markel Insurance

• *Select: Marty Oltjen and Finnish Me Flashy
• Amateur: Lauren Paul and Kinda Impulsive
• *Novice amateur: Tim Delf and Royal Investaleaguer
• *Novice youth 13 and under: Abby Wiens and Touched By TNT
• Novice youth 14-18: Annah Wagner and Lil Hotta Rodder
• *Youth 14-18: Mackenzie Fugitt and Pleasures Impulse
• Youth 13 and under: K’Lee Sherbrooke and A Choice Pine Chex

–Contributed by Jennifer Horton, Bar H Photography, Journal special contributor

Check out the photo gallery below! You can buy Region Three photos at www.barhphotography.com.

For unofficial show results go to: aqha.com/association/experience/results.html
and select the Region Seven Experience in the drop-down box.

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