QuarterFest, Day 3!
May 4, 2009
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.
Comments
13 Comments on “QuarterFest, Day 3!”
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May 4th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I thought Julie Goodnight summed it up well after she took her students to beginning reining exercises on the Day 3,session 6,
“This has been really rare. Usually I’m teaching the audience out there (waiving a hand toward the nearly empty stands). Since the rain kept a lot of people away, I was able to actually teach YOU.”
Personally, every session was a learning experience for me as I picked up thoughts from absolute experts whatever I attended. Got there for the afternoon sessions. Had to tend to things around here then drive 2 hrs thru high water if not hell, then drive back for late feeding. Between Huntsville & Murfreesboro is Cherokee Ridge, which is so twisty it threatens to send you to hell anyway, especially with the monsoon going on (just kidding, I’m really going the other way). Even my Jack Russel looked at me & snuggled back in as if to say, “You go on without me today, Mommy, I’ll see you when you get back.” I was able to meet some of the AQHA people & begin to correct some registration issues, the easiest of which is adding my name back in as owner of Captain Yeller, my best friend from when i was a kid. Nobody could beat us around here at anything. He came from Brownsville & knew it all.
Anyway, a great 1st event, lots of good energy!
May 4th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
btw: some of us thought of adding more variety with some English stuff like hunter-jumper,dressage, even polo demos.
And, less smoke please when you bring that georgeous halter champion out – if u were there Fri night u know what I’m talking about!
Also, picked up lots of free goodies from sponsors/ vendors & AQHA, bought a new hat & some training sticks, brought home things to share with friends & fellow QH owners.
Thanks again!!
May 4th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Twittered my observations from the clinics as they were going on. thought that might b interesting. Couldn’t get it all in, tho.
May 4th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
We drove back home sunday night (5 hours) so tired but so happy that we attended the Aqua Quarterfest/extravaganza! We were sad for the vendors that there were not more people and the weather was awful, but it made eveything more intimate and lots of opportunities to talk to all the clinicians/ and vendors. Julie Goodnight was so educational and also just so approachable, the extravaganza was awesome (amazing Roping and Reining and horse tricks)we got a close look at cowboy mounted shooting and wasnt the AQHA Rodeo Queen Meghan awesome at it for her first try. I had the opportunity to test ride an amazing AQHA gelding that made my day!, he was so well trained it was quite a treat, thank you!! We cant wait for next year, we plan to bring our horses and enroll in everything!! Thanks AQHA
May 4th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
As an adult, timid rider, I often question my ability to participate in a clinic especially the with the level of clinicians at Quarter Fest. I took everything in from the audience side and learned a lot. But also learned that my riding instructors back home, also know their stuff for they clinicians often said the same things to the participants that my instructors tell me at home! It was really nice to see some other middle aged women getting out there participating with the svelt young ladies. My VERY favorite part was the Extravaganza segment with Double Knot your Rebok’s and rider. It was a ballet of reining to an awesome Kenny Chesney song. It left me in tears. What an inspiring performance! It made me want to get home to ride, ride ride! Now if the rain will stop so I can RIDE! I, too felt badly for the vendors, so I bought a new bridle and a few other items.
Doing my part for the economy! I would love for AQHA to have Quarter Fest again next year and I will not sit on the sidelines!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I was in the Jeff Griffith class on starting your 2-year old and I was quite amazed on how far she progressed in just three short days. He and his crew were by far the most patient trainers that I have ever dealt with or even witnessed. His methods were quite unique and most effective with me and the my horse. Today, I got her out and she was just as calm and responsive as yesterday! As novices, my husband and I learned many lessons this weekend. Hope we can live up to what Jeff taught us! Thanks again, Rick and Cindy.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I definitely vote for QuarterFest being a yearly event….the facilities in Murfreesboro are fantastic and if the weather will cooperate, I think the turn out each year will be GREAT. I only got to stay for all day Friday, having to return home Sat. morning due to a very important family obligation, but I hope to stay for the entire time if we are fortunate enough to have this opportunity again in the future.
AQHA is the GREATEST horse organization in the world and their staff are SUPER FOLKS…thanks again !!!
Janet Hart Brinn – Kentucky
May 4th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Took my daughter and grandaughter, it was great, we had a blast, the clinics were great, my daughter learned alot, the extravaganza was super, hope this happens every year, the weather left alot to be desired but everybody worked hard to make it happen. The vendors were also awesome, as my loaded down truck can account for. We will definatly come back.
Pat Moore – Bowling Green, Ky
May 5th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I loved being a part of quarterfest. I participated in julie goodnight’s clinic on friday and learned a lot about myself as a rider and my body positioning. Not to mention the golden moment of the ride and the conversation I should have with my horse (“this is your captain speaking”).
I can’t wait to come back next year!
May 6th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Great Event. Hope you do it yearly. Disappointed you left out the English Discipline. You need Hunter Jumper and Dressage events and demonstrations.
May 7th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Reviewing the pictures and reading the comments from those who were able to attend QUARTERFEST has inspired me to plan to attend this event next year! I am a long haul from TN, but that will be no deterent. It is unfortunate that the weather was not ideal; we were having a lot of rain and severe storms, here in Ontario at that time also. Perhaps setting the date back just a week might work? (I’ll check the Farmer’s Almanac for predictions.) I hope to be able to bring along my two year old reining / performance prospect and be included in one of the clinics in 2010. I was glad to see that the Sons of Tennessee were there. They provided the intro at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in my first ever class placing there in the N.P. Freestyle Reining, many years back. Thank you AQHA for making more memories for your loyal following, and helping us to remember (as Rick Weaver, President of the N.R.H.A. said) “Why We Do It’. Best wishes from Audrey Wood, A.Q.H.A. # 0603714, N.R.H.A. Non Pro # 14522, Ontario Equestrian Federation # 0402279, Firebrands Farm, ERIN, Ontario N0B 1T0 CANADA
May 7th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
When the rain came down, the adaptability and good nature of Quarter Horses and their people came UP. My daughter & I enjoyed everything and got lots of tips on body posture and horse-handling. Next year we won’t leave our horses at home. Before then, I will practice what I learned. Great Job!! Please do it again!!
May 18th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I thought the Regional show were to be what the Quarterfest is.
AQHA cant put a Regional show on in their own backyard, but can do the Quarterfest. No wonder they are in trouble. AQHA used to be the best, now they run around chasing themselfs.
Larry Wilkerson, Life member, 50 year AQHA Breeder