AQHA Magazine September / October 2019 AQHA Sept-Oct 2019 WEB | Page 18

PG.16
AQHA FEATURE
Jimmy was eventually purchased by the
Dinnages and Alyssa had gained a Youth
sponsorship with HiForm. She’d also
made some amazing friends, and with this
support, and that of her family, friends and
of course, Ken, she was able to compete at
Q18.
‘Wow, what a place and what a great
experience we had!
Jimmy worked his
absolute best, and along with some really
great placings, we came home with a Reserve
National Champion title in Showmanship 11
years and under!’
For the next two show seasons, Alyssa
and Jimmy continued to compete at State
and National Level, winning some Reserve
Championships, but most recently securing
a Queensland State Championship in Hunt
Seat Equitation, Youth 7-11yrs. Thanks
to Jimmy’s versatile nature and ability,
Alyssa had now experienced most of the
AQHA classes, and was able to compete
in the non-traditional events of Hack and
Dressage. With the pair also loving the
more forward movement events, Reining
and Ranch Riding were also enjoyed.
‘When we weren’t at shows, we were lucky
enough to ride on 350 acres. We’d sometimes
ride around or amongst dairy cattle there,
or we’d bareback ride and just be with each
other. Our relationship both on the ground
and in the saddle was just perfect, with the
bond between us, amazing. Jimmy has taught
me so much.’
Eventually, and sadly, the time came for
Alyssa to move on to another horse. The
Dinnages knew it would be hard to find
the right horse, especially one better than
Jimmy, and one that would also look after
Alyssa.
‘After quite a long search, we were lucky enough
to stumble upon the 4yo Smoochin gelding,
‘Hard on the Heart Q-84807’. After Jimmy,
Roanie has some big shoes to fill, but I already
feel the relationship between us is blooming,
and under the watchful eye of Ken Davison, I
feel we have a big future ahead of us.’
Alyssa, now 12yo, plans to initially focus
on Western Pleasure with Roanie, but still
do some pattern events. She loves Hunter
under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation
and hopes that with Roanie’s neat trot and
canter, Hunter classes will also feature in
a big way. Alyssa has aspirations to one
day qualify for the Trans Tasman Team and
Youth World Cup but knows that will only
come with work and a good attitude!
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU
E
SSQ Gold Medal Seeker at Q18
Photo Credit: Tania Hobbs