PG . 13
SQHA SRAC
DOUBLE UP SHOW A BIG HIT
The Sydney Quarter Horse Association ( SQHA ), Mt Hunter , NSW - 2020 has been a year of hardship but true Australian resilience overcoming challenges was shown over the two-day SQHA SRAC Double Up Show at K Ranch in Mt Hunter , NSW .
ARTICLE BY : SQHA V PHOTOS BY : ACE PHOTOGRAPHY & SYDNEY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
Double the days , double the judges and double the points pulled in the largest group of riders in the Sydney region for this year .
With over 370 entries , 156 classes and 62 horses from across New South Wales and a large group of competitors drawn from Victoria , competitors participated in a COVID-safe and excellent show with open , beginner , novice amateur , amateur , select amateur and youth classes . The Double Up Show had a hugely positive economic impact to the region of over $ 83,000 . With double the prize money on offer from SQHA generous sponsors Stillwaters Stud and Nevillefail Ranch , the largest event of the day was the ‘ Di Hill Walk Jog ’ with a whopping 20 entries . Deserae Sim and RRD Ceeled With A Kiss from Judge Craig Rath and Karen Ferguson and RE Get Your Blaze On from Judge Tara Goring came out on top of this well supported and special event .
Joanne Gregory , Secretary of the Club said “ I thought it was great to see people back out enjoying their horse showing and so happy for each other ’ s achievements in what has been a tough year for everyone . It was great that the Victorian competitors came up for the show and joined in the fun .”
“ The competitors at the Double Up Show really exemplified the best in Aussie sportsmanship as folks had a go with new classes many haven ’ t tried in over five years , trainers and experienced riders giving tips and tricks to new riders and the overall positive community environment our competitors and spectators have created . A good show doesn ’ t happen by itself ; it takes a great deal of time and effort with our volunteers committing over 170 hours to set up , run and manage this particular show not including committee time . Our committee since August have implemented new procedures and methodologies to address and find solutions to issues in this COVID environment and committed a significant amount of time researching and coordinating with state and federal agencies so we can plan a great and COVID-safe show season . The key for a great show is a positive community of competitors and a strong spirit of volunteerism where people invest their time and experience to make a show great for everyone . But seeing the smiles and laughs and hearing the cheers by other competitors and spectators for riders achieving personal bests makes this a special club .” Benjamin Gifford , President of the Club said .
The club also saw very positive results using their combined social media strategy , with a 120 % increase in engagement with its nearly 2,000 Facebook members . With 22 posts , over 30 comments and nearly 300 reactions , the SQHA was able to harness both its Facebook and Instagram page to get great stories from their competitors to their entire community and get show sponsors to an engaged and active group of members .
SQHA recommends to other AQHA clubs to try using social media on the day of the show to give on the
JANUARY / FEBRUARY ISSUE 2021