2017 Pacific Coast Reining Spectacular
The inaugural Pacific Coast Reining Spectacular, featuring the“ Fantastic 5” Derby for 4, 5 and 6 year-old Reining horses, wrapped up on Saturday the 10th of June for 2017. With a full slate of NRHA classes and the“ Ride for a Cure” charity event raising $ 805 for the Queensland Cancer Council, the PCRS has left participants and spectators already excited for next year ' s show!
The PCRS has become one of the most prestigious events on the calendar for both professionals and Non Pro’ s and provides over 60 hours of live coverage worldwide. All levels of riding competitions are represented, from club-level to world class standard. The show attracts people from all across the country and abroad. Due to the popularity, the PCRS is destined to be a step forward with Reining in Australia. Reining is a rapidly growing International sport and needs to receive the level of attention that an arena and location like Gatton can provide.
This year was a little extra special, International Judge Eugenio Lattore International Judge and a“ Fantastic 5” line up of world class set the scene for what was going to be an impressive show. Presented by Xtreme Genes, SQRHA were thrilled to bring the equine community some of the BEST stallions in Australia and abroad! We thank our major sponsors Lil Nu It All, Colonels Shining Gun, A Hollywood Custom, Do Me A Favour & Dun Gotta Gun.“ We couldn’ t have imagined a better line up even if we dreamed it and without them, things just aren’ t possible!” said Jessica Watson,
President. SQHRA. Eugenio is an NRHA, NRCHA, and FEI Judge with experience in all the major shows worldwide.
He has judged the NRHA Futurity and Derby 4 times in the USA, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. He also had the pleasure of judging the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010, FEI European Championships, NRHA Affiliate Championships, World Reining Masters, Equita Lyon, the Swiss Slide and has also judged in Israel, Spain, Holland and Brazil.
He is an active member of the NRHA Judge ' s Committee, where he is on the teaching panel, as well as the FEI Reining Department.
Recognised for its elite competition, the PCRS“ Fantastic 5” Derby offers some of the best horse and rider combinations in the country and they didn’ t fail to bring it! The stage was set, the crowd was loud and from the moment the first horse ran through the gate the atmosphere became electric. We saw some heart stopping runs with Colonel Einstein setting a cracking pace of 145.5 on the first run. It had top riders, top Non-Pros, top sires and top owners all gathering in the one venue that saw Condors Smart Play, ridden by Jason Melling, crowned Pacific Coast Reining Spectacular Champions for this year!
The committee are no strangers to this size of event, and provided a well-managed hassle free show for all competitors. Horses were stabled throughout Gatton Equestrian Centre and the grounds were once again at its full capacity.“ Considering what has happened in the economy during the past year, we’ re overwhelmed with the amount of entries” said Chris Wales, Secretary of the SQRHA.“ People still want to show their Reiners and we’ re very excited to see the increase in the Green Rider and Non Pro levels, not only in numbers, but also in the quality of competition” said Chris.
Until next year it ' s all over including the shouting. Jessica Watson, President of the SQRHA couldn ' t be happier.“ The sponsorship and support was overwhelming. I would like to thank all the committee, sponsors, helpers and competitors. Without you we would not be able to make this such a successful show. Congratulations also to the winners, place getters and competitors who achieved new personal best scores and first time buckles, well done. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year”
The Southern Queensland Reining Horse Association is dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development and public interest in the sport of reining. Our focus on encouraging beginners to the sport hosts a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. The SQRHA holds all its shows at the Lockyer Indoor Equestrian Centre in Gatton on the first weekend of every month, and provides a forum for exhibitors, breeders and anyone interested in this great sport. Check us out at www. sqrha. com. au
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September • October • 2017 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 31