2025- 5TH ANNUAL TROPICANA CLASSIC
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AQHA HORSE SHOW REPORTS- TROPICANA CLASSIC
2025- 5TH ANNUAL TROPICANA CLASSIC
3RD-13TH JULY 2025- QLD STATE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
WORDS BY: JESS WYSE D PHOTOS BY: EV LAGOON PHOTOGRAPHY
The 5th Annual Tropicana Classic was held at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre from the 3rd to the 13th of July. The Tropicana Classic is comprised of four shows over the two weeks of competition, the ARCHA Hackamore Classic, the Johnson’ s Natural Formula Versatility Ranch Show, a Western Performance Show and Barrel Race. The Tropicana Classic events again saw huge numbers of horses competing, with 400 horses and over 350 competitors competing over the four shows, with payout of over $ 65,000 in prize money, plus products, buckles and vouchers.
This year we had 4 International judges and 3 Australian judges present, with competitors travelling from across QLD, NSW and VIC.
Australian Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic & Johnsons Natural Formula Versatility Ranch Show: Mr Morgan Lybert( USA), Mr David Young( NZ), and Mr Andrew Shields( AUS) judged the first week of competition. The first week of competition saw 100 horses and 90 competitors, competing in the cow horse, boxing and versatility ranch events. This year was also our 2nd year hosting a team roping invitational, and we had 16 teams competing over two go-rounds.
This year we teamed up with the Central Queensland Quarter Horse Association to host the Sun State Series, offering cash incentives and buckles to promote the cow horse sport in Queensland. Congratulations to Jordyn Bentley and Rhondhu Cracker Duck( Open Bridle Champions) and Patrick Hoppgood and Oaks Stylish Windstorm( Open Two-Handed Champions).
We offered a Super Ranch Horse Incentive for the highest scoring working ranch horse competing over the ranch cutting, ranch cow work and ranch roping. Congratulations to Stephen Kelly & Hell Reysn Spin for their success in these events.
Johnsons Natural Formula was the official feed supplier of the Cow Horse & Versatility Ranch Show. We would like to thank major sponsors Killara Park, Kim Thake Saddles & Tack, Mountain Horse Trading, All Type Welding Group, Signature Custom Floats, Essjay Performance, Hell Reysn Performance Horses, Rebel Rodeo and Johnsons Natural Formula.
‘ AA’ Western Performance Show: Mr Clint Fullerton( USA), Mr Darren Wright( USA) judged the performance section. The second week saw 130 horses and 132 competitors in the performance section, plus 75 horses and 60 competitors competing in the halter section. We also welcomed judges Gail Iskra( AUS) and Judith Rankin( AUS) to judge the Hack & Show Hunter sections.
In 2025, we paid tribute to two great performance horses, Denims the Menace and My Gorgeous George. Congratulations to the Youth Champions of the Denims the Menace Youth Incentive, sponsored by Kathy & Ron Thomas and the Thomas Family. Gracie Newman & GJC Huntin For An Angel( Senior Youth Trail Champion) and Bobbie Anderson & QXH Tigers Chocolatkiss( Junior Youth Trail Champion). And congratulations to Craig Rath & A Layzee Sommer, champions of the My Gorgeous George Memoriam Showmanship Spin Off. We also had the successful inclusion of Non-Pro performance classes to our program, which were well supported by our Non-Pro competitors.
Hygain was the official feed supplier of the Western Performance Show. We would like to thank major sponsors J. R. Stephens & Co Transport, Vertical Valley Equine, Bellden Park Quarter Horse Stud, Caboolture Central Motor Inn, Halter Breeders Group Australia, Reach For The Roan, NRD Mechanical, Real Deal Training Stables & Boutique Show Horses and Hygain.
Tropicana Classic Barrel Race: The last day saw 95 horses and 75 competitors competing in the Tropicana Classic Barrel Race. This year the barrel race hosted its 2nd Futurity won by Tammy O’ Neill and Morns Mafia and presented over $ 7,000 in cash and prizes to the lucky winners. Johnsons Natural Formula was the official feed supplier of the Barrel Race.
We would like to thank product sponsors Horsemans Trading Post, Mountain Horse Trading, Kim Thake Saddles & Tack, Stance Equitec, Equinade, The NRG Team, Poseidon Equine, CEN Equine Nutrition, Paradise Nutrients. We would like to extend a thank you to all our sponsors who have continued to support this show each year.
We would also like to thank the Tropicana Classic Committee, Show Team and volunteers for their dedication for running this amazing show.
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au