PG . 22
AQHA FEATURE
event when she won the NPHA 2021 Amateur Hunter under Saddle , riding Sure A Temptation . Michelle and Diva compete in a range of Amateur events , with Showmanship at Halter one of her favourite classes , along with Hunt Seat Equitation .
‘ I love the challenge of the many different patterns set for these classes and it ’ s something that I really look forward to at the shows . It tests both mine , and my horse ’ s level of skills . I like to also compete in Hunter Under Saddle , Western Pleasure , Horsemanship , Trail , Halter , and Hack classes when they ’ re available . I would really like to give Ranch classes a go in the not too distant future , mainly to achieve some new skills and hit some more goals !’
Michelle says that her Mum has always had a passion for Quarter Horses and has been wonderful in helping push her to strive for something different , for new challenges and goals to aim for .
‘ Mum is the one who ’ s always inspired me the most , but there have also been many others over the years , too , like Reg and Linda Gillroy , Lauren Louw , Liz Keating and Allan Briskey . They ’ ve all been influential and motivating in my competition along the way , and I ’ m very grateful for that .’
Preparing for any class correctly is crucial , and can make all the difference in your placings , Michelle says . So , she makes certain that she has her number on , her horse is clean and that she has gone through any patterns and learnt them well , so that she knows exactly how she ’ s going to approach and complete each maneuver . Michelle will warm up her horse until she ’ s confident her mare is listening well and completely focused on her .
MICHELLE ’ S TOP 3 AMATEUR SHOW TIPS
1 . Have fun , because that ’ s a very important factor .
2 . You can learn something from everyone ! I just keep getting told-just keep trying-you ’ ll get it eventually !
3 . Don ’ t be scared to ask for help or advice -often , it ’ s just what you need to hear !
Michelle Southgate & ‘ Sure A Temptation ’ in Amateur Showmanship
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU