AQHA November / December 2019 Magazine AQHA NOV-DEC 2019 PRINT (2) | Page 14

PG.12
AQHA FEATURE
It was at that stage of Chris’ life that his
Nana, in her wisdom, suggested he give
the Western discipline a try. With that, she
gave him the contact details for Breakoday
Quarter Horses, in Glenburn. It was exactly
what Chris needed, and from the moment
he began training with Kate Elliott he
never looked back. He’s grateful to Kate,
not only for her teaching, but also for her
understanding and help through the very
real apprehension he had since the accident.
Chris Holmes on
Jaded Potential Q-78405 - aka Tag
‘Chris began his journey with Breakoday at the
age of 12,’ Kate explains. ‘Having tried other
equestrian disciplines, he found his true passion
with Quarter Horses and the western discipline.
Because Chris had a strong willingness to learn
and the dedication to practise, he experienced
success as soon as he entered the show arena.
The Holmes family purchased Jaded Potential
Q-78405, aka Tag, a yearling, out of the well-
performed mare, Jade Chorro Blue, and by
Assessment. Following the 2yo’s start, Chris
challenged himself and continued with the
young gelding’s education through dedicated
weekly training sessions.’
Chris and Tag have since shown together
across the country and he loves the bond
they share.
‘Always showing off the great temperament
of the Quarter Horse, Tag is so honest and
reliable,’ Chris says. ‘In fact, he’s nothing short
of amazing. I can jump on him bareback and
bridleless, even after a long break and it’s like he
hasn’t even had a day off. He’s super versatile,
too, competing in Showmanship, Hunter,
Pleasure, Trail, Horsemanship and more!’
Chris has shown a lot of different horses, in a
range of classes, over the past five years and
has really enjoyed it. He says that training
with Breakoday with Kate and her daughter,
Lana Kelderman, and showing with the
AQHA has taught him so many life skills.
‘Those skills are proving to be a great help to
me as I begin my working life,’ Chris says. ‘I was
lucky enough to go to Texas in a leadership
role with the Youth World Cup Team in 2018.
That was such an amazing experience, and we
met many other Youth exhibitors from all over
the world. So, not only did we improve our
showing skills, we improved our people and
organisational skills, and our work ethics. We
participated in a concert in front of all of the
other teams, which was a lot of fun. Overall, I’d
say that showing horses has taught me to work
hard to achieve my goals, to work well as part
of a team, and to remember how important it
is to support those around you. In saying that I
can’t forget how important my family has been,
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU