QuarterFest is over … but the knowledge we all gained lives on! Check out our wrapup photo gallery.

By Holly Clanahan, America’s Horse editor

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE - QuarterFest most certainly brought out a plethora of emotions. The Extravaganza made us laugh with clever trick horses, oooh with talented displays of equine athleticism and tear up with a touching tribute to American troops.

And, really, the whole event was like that - some pretty deep moments when discussing what horses mean to us and how we can best train them to become true partners. And plenty of moments of levity, too.

So, is it any wonder that today … as we’re packing up to leave Murfreesboro, there’s more mixed emotion? The AQHA staff is pretty tired after some long days … but also exhilarated. We all met or reconnected with some wonderful people, we heard from participants who are urging us to make this an annual occurance (if you agree, please leave comments below!) and we, too, learned an awful lot.    

Watch americashorsedaily.com and the print version of America’s Horse magazine to learn more about QuarterFest and the great tips I’ve picked up here.

Check out the slideshow for more on QuarterFest.  Click on the photos to see the descriptive captions.

If you can’t be here in Murfreesboro, this is the next best thing! More photos from the event …

By Holly Clanahan, America’s Horse editor

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE -  I’m a little sad … tomorrow’s the last day of QuarterFest. There’s so much to be learned here – and such a depth of knowledge from the clinicians – we could go another week!

But, alas, we’ll have to settle for three very full, fun-filled days.

On Saturday, I spent the day criss-crossing the Middle Tennessee State University equestrian center, going from one clinic to the next, picking up photos and tidbits of information from each one. And then … drum roll please … I ventured into our youth center just at the right time, as workers there were bagging up Easy Jet No Bake Cookies they had helped some children make. I did my part, relieving them of a couple of cookies so they wouldn’t have to wrap them.

Watch americashorsedaily.com and the print version of America’s Horse magazine to learn more about QuarterFest and the great tips I’ve picked up here.

Check out the slideshow for more on what’s happening at QuarterFest.  Click on the photos to see the descriptive captions.

QuarterFest’s first day had lots to offer. Check out the photo gallery!

By Holly Clanahan, America’s Horse editor

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE -   Friday, it rained at QuarterFest. But then, as all clinics were moved indoors and the show carried on, it poured. Knowledge, that is.

Clinics hit a variety of topics, including colt starting, trail trial obstacles, horse camping, ranch roping, common equitation problems and much more. Demonstrations illustrated the Quarter Horse’s versatility as a charro rope horse, a mounted shooting horse, a cow horse and the list goes on.

The Friday-night Extravaganza just took my breath away. From the hilarious Tommie Turvey to the incredibly moving tribute to wounded warriors … it’s well worth attending. QuarterFest goers have just one more chance Saturday night!

If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, come join us! You can buy general admission tickets to QuarterFest at the gate.

Check out the slideshow for more on what’s happening at QuarterFest.  Click on the photos to see the descriptive captions.

Once you get to QuarterFest, enjoy our “spend-$50-get-free-Extravaganza-ticket offer.” It applies to ALL QuarterFest vendors! Yippie!!!

By the time you read this, QuarterFest will likely have kicked off. And we’re partying like it’s 2009. See our photo gallery for proof!

By Holly Clanahan, America’s Horse editor

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE -   The gates of QuarterFest will be opening in just a few hours. The first clinics start at 9 a.m. Friday … and the excitement just keeps building! As part of our preparations today, we reviewed the schedule for the weekend. And the more closely you look at that – and the more you hear clinicians and AQHA staffers talking – the more you realize just how cool this event really is. There are so many interesting clinics and demos, you’d really like to be in at least three places at once!

And the Extravaganza? Holy cow. A rehearsal was held Thursday afternoon, and this collection of talent is nothing short of amazing. There’s a six-horse stagecoach hitch, chariot races, charro Jerry Diaz, a laugh-til-you-can’t-anymore performance by Tommie Turvey, reined cow horse demos by Bob Avila and Paul and Amy Bailey, music from the singing cowboys Sons of Tennessee … and much more! Tickets are value-priced at $15 or $20, and the experience honestly is worth several times that.

Performances will be held both Friday and Saturday nights, and tickets are still available. If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you’d better just come on out! You can also buy general admission tickets to QuarterFest at the gate.

Check out the slideshow for more on what’s happening at QuarterFest.  Click on the photos to see the descriptive captions.

Once you get to QuarterFest, enjoy our “spend-$50-get-free-Extravaganza-ticket offer.” It applies to ALL QuarterFest vendors! Yippie!!!

American Quarter Horse fans are gathering for QuarterFest. Do you have your tickets?

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

QuarterFest Starts TOMORROW!

We can’t believe it’s really almost here. As of tomorrow, all the QuarterFest fun and excitement will be in full swing. That means it’s time to unveil what we believe is the number 1 very best thing about QuarterFest….

are you ready?

.

.

.

Number 1: The opportunity to celebrate America’s Horse with other owners, riders and enthusiasts from across the world!

AQHA’s first equine expo, QuarterFest gives members and fans a unique opportunity to connect with one another. Moms from Colorado can meet 4-H leaders from Virginia, who can meet saddle makers from New Jersey and breeders from Michigan. QuarterFest will play host to people who are involved in all aspects of the horse industry. With a little luck, everyone can learn together and learn from each other.

Plus, did I mention the shopping?

Start off by seeing the latest looks at the QuarterFest Fashion show Friday and Saturday evening.

Have you had your eye on a pair of boots feature on hautecowgirl.com? Well by golly, I bet you can buy them at QuarterFest!

There will be vendors galore and you can enjoy our “spend $50-get-free-Extravaganza-ticket offer.” It applies to ALL QuarterFest vendors and Quarter Horse Outfitters www.aqhastore.com

There are so many things going on at QuarterFest that we can’t possibly list them all … but we’re going to try!

Don’t miss: QuarterFest trail ride, Equine Extravaganza, Dude Ranchers Association dude ranch vacation giveaway, QuarterFest Fashion Show, Hannah Montana’s horse, Blue Jeans, AQHA onsite services, trade fair with all the vendors, backcountry camping with Bo Winslow, clinics with Curt and Tammy Pate, Julie Goodnight, Jeff Griffith, Bob Avila, Christy Landwehr, Breyer Kids Corral, AQHA’s Conservation area, Wounded Warrior tribute, trail and ranch center, trail trials, Quarter Horse Outfitters store, American Quarter Horse “Walk of Fame,” Outlaw Annie, Tuff, the American Quarter Horse superstar from the award winning motion picture “Appaloosa” and and and so much more!

Today is the last day until QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. You still have time to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Get your tickets before they run out!

The excitement builds, as Middle Tennessee State University morphs into QuarterFest headquarters. See photos of the conversion!

By Holly Clanahan, America’s Horse editor

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE – I’m feeling like a little kid at Christmas … we’ve got movie horses rolling onto the grounds of QuarterFest, we have Hannah Montana banners, autographed posters and T-shirts, with which we’re promoting the appearance of her movie horse, “Blue Jeans,” and we’ve got the beginnings of a horsey shopping mecca, otherwise known as the QuarterFest trade show. It is e.x.c.i.t.i.n.g!!

Things are shaping up quickly around here, and the momentum is building.

The QuarterFest gates open tomorrow, May 1. There’s still time to get tickets to AQHA’s first equine expo in celebration of America’s Horse, but you’d better hurry!

If you can’t make it during the day on Friday, stop on by for the All-Star Equine Extravaganza.

You can also catch the show on Saturday night. The best words to describe this fantastic event for the whole family? Crazy! You’ll be treated to non-stop horsey action. If you have never seen Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey in real life, I’ve just got one thing to say to you; “extremist” doesn’t quite do him justice!

Check out the slideshow for more on what’s happening at QuarterFest.  Click on the photos to see the descriptive captions. And remember … the festivities start Friday.  If you’re not here already … you’ve still got time! It’s a party you don’t want to miss!

Once you get to QuarterFest, enjoy our “spend $50-get-free-Extravaganza-ticket offer.” It applies to ALL QuarterFest vendors! Yippie!!!

The great clinicians at QuarterFest will help improve your horsemanship.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 2: Clinics Galore

If you want to become a better horseman, then QuarterFest is the place for you. With your without a horse, you’ll get a chance to learn from clinics all weekend long. Education opportunities abount with nationally recognized clinics and AQHA Professional Horsemen.

Clinicians include Julie Goodnight, Bob Avila, Curt and Tammy Pate, a husband and wife from Newell, South Dakota; Jeff Griffith, Christy Landwehr and Bo Winslow. There will be a limited number of spots available for people to participate in clinics with their horses.

As of today, there are only TWO days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. You still have time to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Get your tickets before they run out!

Hear the story of the American Quarter Horse like you’ve never heard or seen it before!

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 3: All-Star Equine Extravaganza

At the QuarterFest Extravaganza, you’ll be amazed as the story of the American Quarter Horse is brought to life as never before!

Chariot races, a thundering six-horse stagecoach, laughter with Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey, stunning performances with Jerry and Staci Diaz, a special presentation of Tuff, the American Quarter Horse superstar from the award winning motion picture “Appaloosa,” and a tribute to our armed forces you will not forget will fill the Miller Coliseum.

Don’t miss this exciting event geared toward the whole family!

To make things even more exciting, May 1 and 2 you’ll have a chance win a trip to a Dude Ranchers Association dude ranch in Arizona or Colorado. The drawings will be held during the Extravaganza.

As of today, there are only three days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Get your tickets before they run out!

It’s the best of both worlds! Meet Hannah Montana’s movie horse, Blue Jeans.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 4: Hannah Montana’s horse, Blue Jeans!

Your ticket to QuarterFest gives you the chance to rub elbows with some celebrities. Horse celebrities, that is!

Blue Jeans from Hannah Montana: The Movie, will be at QuarterFest. If you are coming, you can meet Blue Jeans, the movie star, while you’re there. You’ll even be able to get your picture taken with him!

The Hannah Montana movie was filmed mostly in and around Nashville, just about 20 miles from where Blue Jeans – who is registered with AQHA as Blue Steel Man – lives with his owner Bobby Brooks of Franklin, Tennessee. Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where QuarterFest will be held May 1-3, is just 30 miles from Nashville.

Another movie star will also be at QuarterFest…Keepin Charge, an American Quarter Horse who starred in “Appaloosa.” Keepin Charge is the son of Docs Keepin Time, who was featured in the movie “Black Beauty.”

As of today, there are only four days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

It just seems right for America’s Horse to salute the efforts of America’s soldiers.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 5: Wounded Warrior Tribute to Armed Forces

As of today, there are only five days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

There’s no denying it: QuarterFest is a horse crazy kid’s paradise!

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 6: Kids Activity Center

With the activity center in full swing all three days, you’ll never have to worry about your kids being bored at QuarterFest!

Kids of all ages can test-drive an American Quarter Horse, participate in a number of hands-on equine-related activities and games, and learn how to be more “green” in their horse-related behavior in the Breyer Kids Corral.

Throughout the day, kids will have a chance to indulge their horse crazy side when they sit in a saddle, learn the horse parts and markings, go on a scavenger hunt, paint a Breyer Horse or participate in the Breyer Horse Show.

Other special activities will also take place at the Breyer Kids Corral. Check out the QuarterFest schedule for more details.

As of today, there are only six days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!

Saddle up for beautiful views on the QuarterFest Trail Ride.

To celebrate the final 10 days until QuarterFest opens with a bang on May 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’ve launched a “Top 10 Things About QuarterFest” Countdown.

Number 7: The QuarterFest Trail Ride

On May 2, join AQHA for the QuarterFest Trail Ride through the beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, Tennessee. The ride will take most of the day and a team of local park experts will share the history and sights of the area.

The park contains 900 acres that are used for intensive recreation. An additional 8,100 acres are operated by the Parks Division as a natural area and by the Forestry Division as a State Forest.The park offers 12.5 miles of marked trails for horseback riding.

Hundreds of miles of forestry fire trails are also available for exploring. Just think of all the hours you could log in AQHA’s Horseback Riding Program! A current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses entering the park.

As of today, there are only seven days until the start of QuarterFest: a three-day, education-packed celebration of the horse! That means you’d better get a move on it for those tickets. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to make QuarterFest your destination for loads of horse education and FUN.

Hurry, tickets are going fast!