CELEBRATING TWO WEEKS OF COMPETITION, CAMARADERIE AND COMMUNITY
35
TROPICANA CLASSIC 2026
CELEBRATING TWO WEEKS OF COMPETITION, CAMARADERIE AND COMMUNITY
PHOTOS BY: EV LAGOON PHOTOGRAPHY
The 6th Annual Tropicana Classic has once again cemented its place as a highlight on the Australian performance horse calendar, with eleven action-packed days of competition held from 1 to the 12 July 2026 at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Queensland.
The 2026 Tropicana Classic was comprised of four shows over the two weeks of competition, the Australian Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, the Ranch Horse Association of Australian Queensland State Versatility Ranch Show, Western Performance Show and Barrel Race. The Tropicana Classic events again saw huge numbers of horses competing, with 411 horses competing over the four shows, with payout of over $ 87,000 in prize money, plus products, buckles and vouchers.
This year we had 2 International judges with competitors travelling from across QLD, NSW, SA and VIC.
Australian Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic & RHAA QLD State Versatility Ranch Show: Mr David R Young( NED) judged the huge first week of competition. The first week of competition saw 139 horses competing across the cow horse, team roping and versatility ranch events, totalling over 1,100 runs.
It was fantastic to see riders crossing across all three sections of the first week. This year was our 3rd year hosting the Invitational Team Roping( sponsored by All Sorts Installations & Security). With 20 header & heeler teams competing over two go-rounds. The teams competed for $ 3,500 prize money, plus prizes. Champion Header & Heeler Team Darren Livingstone & Wayne Brokenbrough.
Tropicana Classic & the Central Queensland Quarter Horse Association teamed up again to offer cow horse competitors the Sun State Series, a series offering cash incentives and buckles to promote the cow horse sport in Queensland. Congratulations to Patrick Hopgood & Spin Z Metal( Q-100901)( Open Two-Handed Champions) and Neil Green & Shiny Kitty( Q-91822)( Open Bridle Champions).
The 2026 ARCHA Hackamore Classic champions are: Kim Thake Saddles & Tack Open Hackamore Classic Champion: Dan Steers & Caramello Cat Mountain Horse Trading Non-Pro Hackamore Classic Champion: Jordyn Bentley & Covid Cat.
The Super Ranch Horse Incentive was offered for the highest scoring working ranch horse competing over the ranch cutting, ranch cow work and ranch roping. It was a super close placing between the top three horses, with half a point separating each of the three top horses. Congratulations to Sandra Buckingham & Whiskey N Beer for their success in these events.
The Tropicana Classic hosted the first ever NRCHA / ARCHA Steer Stopping event in Australia. 13 Horse & Rider Teams competed. Steer stopping is an event testing a horse’ s versatility, cow sense and stopping ability. The horse is evaluated on three main phases of the run: The Box and Barrier, Run and Rate and the Stop. The Steer Stopping Champion was Cooper Roche & Jack.
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, Signature Custom Floats, Essjay Performance, Llewellyn Motors, Hell Reysn Performance Horses, Rebel Rodeo and Johnsons Natural Formula.
FANTASIA PARK‘ AA’ WESTERN PERFORMANCE SHOW: Andrea Simons( USA) and David R Young( NED) judged the performance section. The second week saw 128 horses competing in the performance and halter sections. Congratulations to the Champions of the Denims the Menace Youth Incentive, sponsored by Kathy & Ron Thomas and the Thomas Family; How About A Dance & Tirra Ewers.
AQHA 2026 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER ISSUE