AQHA Magazine September / October 2020 | Page 15

PG.13 Annette Boyd with Annlee Light My Fire Q-55836 Photo by: Tania Hobbs Photography Annette and Circle J Pocomelia Q-6096 (Milly) the use of Clover Stockman for the very first Youth World Cup event that was held at Tonimbuck in Victoria, and were major supporters of daughter, Julie, and Dean Jones, their future son-in-law, in gaining a place in the 1990 Youth World Cup in Canada. They were also prominent in the huge fundraising goal for the same YWC. They also donated the use of their great gelding, D Bar Colonel Jesse Q-18818, for the 1990 Youth World Cup held in Tamworth, NSW. In 1994 the hard-working couple were a part of the reformation of the Big Valley Quarter Horse Association. BVQHA’s first shows were held on grass at the old polocrosse grounds, these shared with the Benalla Pony Club and more recently Benalla Adult Riding Clubs. The BVQHA also ran ‘A’ shows in conjunction with the Benalla Agricultural Society. In April 1996, work commenced on the new arena, and with the efforts of the hardworking committee, partners and members, the BVQHA steel-fenced, sand arena was opened at the Benalla Race Course Reserve on 29th November, 1997. The AA show program on November 30th 1997 boasted 34 events. Time saw the popular association continue to grow, with the BVQHA celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their arena, with Shirley as the President. A staunch supporter, Shirley served on the committee, as well as running the canteen, for the entire time the current Big Valley Quarter Horse Association has been in operation. Just as faithful, Murray has been actively involved in every working bee and ground improvement right the way through. 2016 saw the Davidsons generously donate the use of another great horse, Annlee Light My Fire, for the 2016 Youth World Cup in Tamworth, while Shirley showed off her beautiful cooking during her week of hosting the dignitaries and international judges. They also now support their grandchildren and can still be seen with them at any AQHA youth-related event. Granddaughter, Rebecca was also supported through her two stints on the AQHA Youth World Cup and numerous AQHA High Point Awards. THE DAVIDSON’S FAVOURITE MARE ~ MILLY One special mare owned by the Davidsons, was Circle J Pocomelia Q-6096 (dec). Bred by John Jones in 1981, she was bought by the Davidsons as a yearling, Milly was by Clover Cowpoke, out of Circle J Pamela R2-778, who was by Chickeramic Q-337 IMP, out of a Mescal Q-35 mare. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020