AQHA Magazine November/December 2017 AQHA_NOV_DEC_2017 WEBSITE | Page 12

Central Coast Quarter Horse Association Crank Up Day Working Together Photo - Judy Hicks It was a cold July morning but there was plenty of warmth at the Central Coast Quarter Horse Association’s inaugural “Crank Up Day”. The day was open to existing and new members, as well as anyone who wanted to come and see exactly what we do as a club. The aim of the day was to offer our members and visitors a fun, friendly and educational experience. Somewhere they could learn the basics of show preparation from our Amateurs. We started the day with Lungeline and handling youngsters, with amazing insight from Kathleen Flynn and her protégé Bruce Hegan. This was followed by show preparation by the halter queen Thereisa Witheridge - where putting in false tails and clear vs black make up were a huge hit. After morning tea, Michelle Shelly expertly demonstrated the fine art of Showmanship, demonstrating patterns and helping people practice their corners and presentation skills. Finally, we worked off our cakes with a Hunter in Hand session by the amazing Samantha Yarrington, who made Jarrod Arnol run a few practice laps as well. We were lucky enough to have some generous sponsor’s come along and offer lucky door prizes. Thanks to MLR Equine, Tuffrock, Judy Hicks Photography & Jewellery and Mitavite Feeds. Thank you to everyone who made the day a huge success and we hope to see you in the showring putting into practice what you have learnt. As you can see from the photo’s, Judy Hicks captured the true essence of the Crank Up Day. Local Clubs working together to make a Big difference was the order of the day. In an Industry first, two NSW Affiliate clubs; the Central Coast Quarter Horse Association (CCQHA) and the Sydney Quarter Horse Association (SQHA), came together to offer a High Point Award run over both clubs shows in the 2016/2017 show year. The prize on offer were airfares and accommodation to the US to attend the AQHA World Show in November, valued at $5000! Eligibility was open to members of either the CCQHA or the SQHA in Amateur, Select, Youth, RWD and Open categories, with competitors having to compete at a minimum number of shows at both club grounds. With such a prestigious prize on offer, results were tallied after each CCQHA and SQHA show however in the end it was Amateur Madeleine Kay with her horses Silver (Erin Silver Oak) and Oscar (All By Choice) who triumphed and loped away with the $5000 prize! On behalf of the CCQHA and SQHA we wish Maddie all the best on her trip to the World Show and we can’t wait to hear all about it. We will keep everyone updated with a follow up article in the AQHA Magazine upon her return. We encourage other clubs to look at opportunities to work together on joint initiatives. By working together, the CCQHA and SQHA have increased their memberships, have run highly successful AA shows together, and are looking at running clinics together in the future. Page 12 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • November • December • 2017