Comments on: QuarterFest, Day 3!

By: Larry Wilkerson

Larry Wilkerson — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:23:01 +0000

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

By: Mary Caruthers

Mary Caruthers — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:17:56 +0000

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!!

By: Audrey Wood

Audrey Wood — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:03:35 +0000

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

By: Thomas Parks

Thomas Parks — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:54:17 +0000

Great Event. Hope you do it yearly. Disappointed you left out the English Discipline. You need Hunter Jumper and Dressage events and demonstrations.

By: laurel perrigo

laurel perrigo — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:29:44 +0000

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!

By: Pat Moore

Pat Moore — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:43:45 +0000

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

By: Janet Hart Brinn

Janet Hart Brinn — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:02:15 +0000

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

By: Cindy Bowling

Cindy Bowling — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:02:01 +0000

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.

By: Keni Lanagan

Keni Lanagan — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:17:59 +0000

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!

By: Lisa Wilcocks

Lisa Wilcocks — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:01:23 +0000

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

By: Helen Holmes Sockwell

Helen Holmes Sockwell — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:39:13 +0000

Twittered my observations from the clinics as they were going on. thought that might b interesting. Couldn’t get it all in, tho.

By: Helen Holmes Sockwell

Helen Holmes Sockwell — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:34:38 +0000

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!!