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FEATURE : AQHA YOUTH - DANA MOBBERLEY
Youth , 12-14 . A huge achievement , it ’ s boosted her confidence to continue to improve her riding skills . Now , each time she improves on a horse , or in a class , she considers it another achievement . Also competing in Hunt Seat Equitation and Ranch Riding , Dana is proving herself as a true all-rounder .
‘ Because Hunter and Western Riding weren ’ t our strongest classes , Chicago and I worked extra hard . I wouldn ' t have won Western Pleasure without Flossy . She and I have always tried hard to ace our Western Pleasure classes and a few other events .’
Being an AQHA Youth member is exciting , Dana says , and the great competition makes her strive . Chicago has headed home , but Dana has set herself some goals .
‘ I remember being inspired and looking up to Youth like Charley & Lacey Lalor , Tira Ewers , Maddison Allen , Charlotte Mansley and Alyssa Dinnage . So , when it comes to dreams or goals in showing , for me it ’ s the
The main shows Dana and her family attend are the AQHA Nationals , the NSW and Victorian State Shows , Summer Sizzler , NPHA , and some local shows . But she says that the AQHA Nationals are her favourite .
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 .
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‘ I love the big Tamworth arena and huge grandstand . It often makes me feel like I ' m the only person there . However , familiar faces are everywhere at Tamworth , even if you only see them once a year . I believe it ’ s not winning that makes a great show — it ' s the people .’
Australian Quarter Horse Association - www . aqha . com . au