AQHA Nov-Dec 2026 Low Res | Page 42

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AQHA FEATURE: 2026 AQHA INCENTIVE WINNERS- KATINA MATTHEWS & FILTHY RICH N FAMOUS Q-94050

2026 ABHA NATIONAL FINALS 10-13 SEPTEMBER 2026- AELEC, TAMWORTH NSW

AQHA INCENTIVE WINNER: HIGHEST PLACE REGISTERED QUARTER HORSE & CIRCLE L OPEN 1D CHAMPION FILTHY RICH N FAMOUS Q-94050

KATINA MATTHEWS

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME HORSE WITH THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

WORDS BY: AQHA © 2026 • PHOTO BY: A MCILRICK IMAGES

For Katina Matthews, the journey with Filthy Rich N Famous Q-94050, affectionately known as Gangster, has been one of extraordinary achievements, resilience and an unbreakable partnership. Recognised as the AQHA Incentive Winner in the Open 1D at the ABHA National Finals, Gangster is a horse whose ability, determination and genuine love for his job have seen him rise above challenges that would have sidelined many others.

From his early days as a young horse with plenty of natural ability to becoming a highly accomplished competitor, Gangster has continually demonstrated the qualities that make a truly exceptional barrel horse. His story is not simply about speed, titles and records; it is about heart, perseverance and the special connection between horse and rider.

PREPARING FOR THE NATIONAL FINALS When it comes to preparing for the ABHA National Finals, Katina ' s priority is always to have her horses exceptionally fit, both physically and mentally. Her preparation generally begins at least 14 weeks before the event, gradually building their fitness through consistent work until they are comfortably covering distances of approximately 10 – 15 kilometres.

Once a solid fitness base has been established, Katina begins to gradually reduce the workload, carefully balancing their program to maintain conditioning while ensuring they remain fresh and ready to perform.

As the Finals approach, variety becomes an important part of their training, with sprint work and plenty of circle work incorporated into the program. Katina believes barrel racing requires much more than simply having a horse that is fit enough to run in a straight line. Horses need the strength, muscle development and conditioning to manage powerful circles and sharp, fast turns at speed.

Developing fitness on a circle is particularly important in her program, helping horses build the strength and balance required to produce consistent, efficient turns under competition pressure.

By the time Finals week arrives, Katina wants the hard work to be behind them. Her focus then shifts to keeping the horses happy, confident and fresh, ensuring they feel their best and are ready to give everything when it matters most.

RECOGNISING A SPECIAL TALENT Gangster has always been something of a teacher ' s pet, according to Katina, right from the day she first broke him in. He has always hated getting into trouble and genuinely loves doing the right thing.

In the early days, there was plenty to admire about his beautiful movement and natural talent, although speed was not necessarily at the top of his priority list!

" We used to joke that he was going to be phenomenal if he could just find a little more speed! He had beautiful movement and an incredible amount of natural talent, but back then, he seemed to enjoy stopping and turning around far more than he enjoyed running!"

The moment Katina truly began to recognise just how special Gangster could be came when he won the NSW State ABHA Finals during COVID. Competing as a fiveyear-old against horses up to seven years of age, he claimed both the Open title and the Futurity.

Despite having very limited competition experience, Gangster ran his heart out, demonstrating the confidence and ability of a seasoned Open horse.

" He was, without doubt, one of the coolest Futurity horses I have ever had."

Unfortunately, COVID restrictions meant Gangster missed the opportunity to compete at many Futurities. However, that outstanding performance in New South Wales was the moment Katina began to realise she had a horse with the potential to achieve something truly special.

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN AT OPEN 1D LEVEL Winning the ABHA Open 1D National title is, in Katina ' s eyes, one of the toughest achievements in barrel racing.

AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au