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AQHA SHOW REPORT: TROPICANA CLASSIC 2026: CELEBRATING COMPETITION, CAMARADERIE AND COMMUNITY
Youre Good Im Better A1-13403 shown by Kerry Blackaller in Showmanship TPL Cigars All Round Q-97661 shown by Emma Woinarski in Junior Horse Hunter In Hand
A FEW CHAMPIONS: Hygain All Age Open Western Pleasure Classic Champions: RD Livin The Dream & Will Hupp. Do A Double Take Non Pro Western Pleasure Feature Champion: How About A Dance & Tirra Ewers. All Age Open Hunter Under Saddle Classic Champion: BCR Good Iron & Natasha Humphries. Manebid Non Pro Hunt Seat Equitation Feature: Stetsin & Charley Lalor. Howden Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle Feature: BCR Good Iron & Sienna Humphries. Manebid Non Pro Horsemanship Feature: Eyes Open I’ m Lopin & Blayze Williams. Hygain was the official feed supplier of the Western Performance Show.
We would like to thank major sponsors Fantasia Park, J. R. Stephens & Co Transport, Vertical Valley Equine, Caboolture Central Motor Inn, Halter Breeders Group Australia, Reach For The Roan, Neville Jones Performance Horses, NRD Mechanical, EarthQuip Plant Hire and Hygain.
HALTER DAY: Tropicana Classic 2026 Halter Day was an extremely successful and memorable day, showcasing some of the finest horses and exhibitors from across the country.
The quality of horses was exceptional, with fantastic numbers across the classes, creating a highly competitive and exciting atmosphere throughout the day. We were also incredibly fortunate to have two outstanding American judges officiating. Their knowledge, professionalism and expertise were greatly appreciated and added another level of excellence to an already impressive event.
We were also thrilled to have two talented photographers, Kayleen Shepherd and Ev Lagoon, capturing the highlights, special moments and incredible horses throughout the day. On a personal note, I, Samantha Smith, Management Committee member for the Tropicana Nominated Stallions, would sincerely like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success.
A very special thank you goes to all of our generous sponsors, whose support allows us to continue growing and developing the Tropicana Classic. Most importantly, I would like to acknowledge our wonderful stallion owners. Their continued support, commitment and generosity are what make the Tropicana Nominated Stallion program possible.
We would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Fantasia Park and Darryl Stevens of J. R. Stevens Transport for their incredible support and generosity.
Their contribution to Tropicana Classic is genuinely appreciated and has helped us deliver an even better event for our competitors and exhibitors.
This year, we were incredibly proud to raise more than $ 15,000 in sponsorship for our nominated stallions, with over $ 13,000 of that money being returned directly to our competitors through the Tropicana classes.
That is something we are extremely proud of. The aim has always been to create opportunities for competitors while supporting the stallion owners and promoting quality horses within our industry. To every sponsor, stallion owner, competitor, judge, photographer, volunteer and supporter, hank you. Your contribution, whether big or small, played a part in making Tropicana Classic 2026 Halter Day such a tremendous success.
We are incredibly proud of what Tropicana Classic continues to achieve and look forward to building an even bigger and better event for the future.
Thank you for supporting Tropicana Classic. We couldn ' t do it without you!
TROPICANA CLASSIC BARREL RACE: The final day of the Tropicana Classic saw 131 horses competing in the 5th Annual Tropicana Classic Barrel Race. This year the barrel presented over $ 7,000 in cash and prizes to the lucky winners and place getters. Johnsons
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au