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FEATURE : AQHA YOUTH - DANA MOBBERLEY
Dana Mobberley and GJC Surely Im Lopin Q-71391 in youth showmanship
In 2020 , Dana rode Chicago in her first ridden class , Youth Walk / Jog , placing first and second , under two judges . With growing confidence , she competed at club , State , and National shows . Dana says that Chicago loved attention , being stabled at night with his hard feeds , and adored a good scrub after work . As a hard-working allrounder at shows , Chicago could get a bit fresh on arrival but always settled quickly . With all his quirks , Chicago handled situations well , was kind , and never made anyone feel uneasy .
In 2021 , Dana showed her grandmother ’ s pleasure-bred mare , the sweet and sensitive HL Somehot Potential , Q-72342 . A responsive , respectful horse who loves a cuddle , Flossy soon became an all-rounder , with Dana winning some National titles , and some AQHA end-of-year High Point Awards .
‘ I grew up having parents as trainers , which can be a little stressful and timeconsuming , as theirs is a 24-7 job , meaning holidays aren ’ t that common . But I learned early on how to handle and care for a sick or injured horse , and my parents taught me everything I know about handling , riding & showing horses . I ’ ve not only learned how to lift a horse ' s shoulders and make them work , with both , their front and hind ends , but to encourage a smooth rhythm at all gaits , the main steps to riding and showing . Horse shows mean no such thing as free time for Mum and Dad , but they ’ re always there to help me go through my patterns , or sit on the sidelines to watch my rail classes . They ’ ve been my biggest sources of advice — talking me through classes , and giving me feedback after classes . That helps me gain knowledge and improve for next time . I also often pick up things by watching other youth and trainers through their showing and riding .’
Australian Quarter Horse Association - www . aqha . com . au