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