Reserve Kerri and Andrew Behrens, Caleb Russell, Jan Farrell, Gill and Peter Gould Cowboy Up and Yves Cousinard and Christine Bayer Pacific Performance Horses.
After lunch the Rookie’ s came out, with Brooke Du Plessis riding JA Dun Got Guns Rookie Level 1 Champion and Leanne Pianda winning the Rookie Level 2 riding Hollywood Whizzkey, both winning their first Buckle.
There was a break while we waited for the sun to leave the arena before starting our feature event on Friday the Gympie Saddleworld, Rebel Rodeo and Kallara Park Open Futurity and Joyce Olsen Memorial and CEN Oil and DCD Quarter Horses Non-Pro Futurity. The atmosphere was electric as the runs built and riders left it all out in the arena. In the end it was an impressive run from Ashleigh Backhouse on Jolene King’ s Mondure Oh What A Nite on an 144.5 that was the Open Futurity Champion, Level 3 Open Champion was Shane Sainsbury riding Reddy Set Showtime and Level 2 Open Champion went to Jason Russell on Tellhimhesdreamin. Buckle sponsors DCD Quarter Horses and UNEEK Solutions Leanne and Darryl Pianeda, Reserve sponsors LSAR, Crown K Quarter Horses and TNT Performance Horses. Champion Non- Pro Futurity Level 4, 3, and 2 with another impressive run was Corey Smith riding HPH Whizkey At The Bar. Buckle sponsors Trail End Saddlery and Kelam Horse Stud, with Reserve sponsors Tim and Kerry Hoffmann, Tania Powell / Gibson and Shannon Palmer.
Saturday morning started early with the Encouragement Challenge and Open Challenge both sponsored by Kallara Park. Encouragement Buckle was won by Kalana Loxton riding Qmatch Cool Orchid and Open Buckle won by John Baker riding Rodann Breysn Chex.
Our Youth classes followed, with the 13 and under class which was won by Layla Gould riding Hes Armed With Chrome, Buckle sponsor Xtreme Genes, with Reserve Julian Kingsford, Paisley Kritikou riding I Nu It won the Buckle for Youth 14 – 18 years and the Graham Hargreaves Memorial Perpetual Trophy. Buckle was sponsored by Joy and Steve Conn, who have been a great support to QRHA, thank you to Steve for stepping up and helping out on the Gate, reserve was Sophie Laws-Thornton. The Lead line followed with Mia Lindsay being awarded the blue ribbon this class was sponsored by Ranvet, LSAR and DCD Quarter Horses.
Next came the ever-popular Green Rider Classes Level 1 and 2, both Buckles proudly sponsored by Gita and Errol Thomas from Thomas Arena Products. Champion Green Rider Leve 1 was Dean Robinson riding Q Vista Magic Toyboy one of our interstate competitors, Level 2 Champion was Shannon Palmer riding Gunnerbeakiwi. Reserve sponsors Level 1 Lindsay Earthmoving and Level 2 Kane Masters Farrier.
Last class before our feature event was the Beginner Ranch Riding, won by Sophie Laws-Thornton riding Big River Gunne Shine, Beginner Youth Ranch Riding winner was Amelia Richards riding Players Dun and Dusted, Open
Ranch Riding was won by Kalana Loxton riding Qmatch Cool Orchid, Buckle sponsor for this class was Elastomers Australia, Reserve Roebig Family.
At the Open ceremony, we awarded the High Point Versatility Buckle sponsored by Susan Laws, Simone Wood and Tracey Forrest, conditions were that riders to compete in at least one non-sanctioned reining class, one Ranch Riding class and one Challenge class. Their highest scores were added together giving us the High Point Winner with the Buckle going to Kalana Loxton riding Qmatch Cool Orchid.
Finally, our last event of the week the feature Backhouse Training Stables Open Derby with some exceptional runs four of which had scores over 150 the final Champion of Level 4 was Tyler Smith riding Q Vista Step It Up, Level 3 and the Hygain Level 2 Open Derby Champion was Kailie Mudge riding Genetically Blonde, Buckle sponsors DCD Quarter Horses, Daralyn and Shane Davies, with Reserve Hold Your Horse and Mondre Quarter Horses.
The Torque Ford Non-Pro Derby Level 4 was won by Tyler Smith riding Q Vista Step It Up, Chris Gould Foundation Level 3 Champion was Hayley Smith riding I Dance For Cash, Level 2 Champion Tasso Kritikou riding Sherons Shining Sonita, Buckle sponsors Show Pre, Reining Australia and TJT Performance Horses, Reserve Gottagetagunner Halliwell Family, Silver Spurs.
And then it was done and dusted. It all starts with the QRHA Committee – thank you to Warren Backhouse, Karen Lowe, Lynda Gray, Kathleen Murphy, Daralyn Davies, Kerri Behrens and Terri McDonald. And it never stops for our incredible Show Secretary Lynda who kept the show flowing throughout the week with the help of Nicole Finnigan, Kathleen, Karen and Daralyn.
Thank you to our Gatemen and Tractor drivers, Devin Lowe and Shane Davies, with support from Steve Conn. Also, thanks to Darryl Barr from QSEC who put in extra work on the arena. Thank you to the QSEC Team.
Planning for the show began over 12 months prior with the dedicated State Show Committee headed by Karen Lowe. From the best seat in the house and doing the biggest hours of the show, huge thank you to our Judges Darren Simpson and Paul Watson, our incredible scribes, Sharon Simpson and Cindy Watson. We must not forget Kerri Behrens our Social media guru.
Thank you to Joe McInally for his video and livestream coverage, Ken Anderson for his exceptional photos.
Shout out to our favourite announcer Julian Kingsford for adding your special touch that makes for a professional yet fun show atmosphere.
Thank you to everyone who pitched in during the week – too many to name but we appreciate you all. And last but not least – please ensure to support those who support us! We absolutely cannot do this without our valued sponsors.
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2025 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE