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Bill Carey with his wife Gill and two daughters and Crystal Park Smarty Catt Q-77602, and Gemma Clarke( AQHA Manager)
A MARE WHO EMBODIES THE VERY BEST OF THE AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE: COURAGE, INTELLIGENCE, HEART, AND A LOVE FOR THE WORK agility, giving her a unique edge. Jill showed her in the cutting pen for several seasons, progressing through the Derby and Classic Challenge classes which developed the foundation that would later make her a formidable drafting horse.
Not wanting Gidget to leave the family, Jill eventually offered her to Bill and Gill Carey, who“ jumped at the offer.”
TRANSITION TO CAMPDRAFTING: A Natural Fit Once Bill and Gill purchased Gidget outright, her transition into campdrafting began, complete with a freshly hogged mane and a renewed purpose.
Despite limited starts, Gidget was consistently in the money. As a Maiden horse, she shocked even seasoned competitors by winning a three-round Open Campdraft against a high-class field of horse and riders. Gidget skipped her Novice status and went straight into an Open Campdraft mare.
Her momentum continued with placings in:( these were all in 2025)
• 6th place in a large Joanda Open.
• 2nd place in the Saddle Cut-Out at the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock.
• And on her very first trip to Warwick, she claimed the 2025 Canning Downs Champion title.
THE 2025 CANNING DOWNS WIN: A Performance for the Ages The Canning Downs Draft is a demanding three-round competition that tests timing, stamina, precision, and the bond between horse and rider.
Across all rounds, Gidget delivered: Clean, controlled runs A razor-sharp cutout Unwavering consistency
Her 270 Point Aggregate secured the championship, while her highest cutout score— won outright with no runoff, which cemented her dominance and the win.
2026 AQHA JANUARY / FEBRUARY ISSUE