WESTERN CLASSIC 2008 HIGHLIGHTS
Traveling the Yellow Brick Road
Sharon truly was the Wizard of the Classic.
For winner photos and results, be sure to
visit our 2008 Winners Circle.
General Manager, Debbie Wood and I dreamed to come up with an event that would offer our Performance Horsemanship Clinic students a place to showcase their skills in a competitive environment under the perceived stress of competition. As we draw a close on the 17th Western Sharon Camarillo Classic held annually in Reno, Nevada, I can truly say that we designed an event with a heart! Through the years, we have embellished the format with theme-based inspiration, over $40,000 in world-class prizes and over $40,000 in cash paid equal in each division. The Classic rewards the entry-level competitor and the professional rider as well. Eight states were represented from as far away as Texas, with one rider all the way from Venezuela!
possible. Left to right: Bill Adams, Jenny Hull, Katie Deupree,
Zoe Meffan, Sharon, Don Pederson, General Manager Debbie
Wood, Cheryl Price, Holly Gaya, Gina Johnson, Brent Ankrum,
and Tom Hull. In front, Cyndy Smith and Buddy. Not pictured:
Shirley Ankrum, Jim Price and Terry Gaya.
The magic of this year's theme, The Wizard of the Classic, helped unite the camaraderie of the contestants, as each rooted for and supported the others competitive efforts. Drawing on the similarities of Dorothy and her band of vagabonds as they traveled their yellow brick road in pursuit of Oz, we were allowed to focus on our personal journeys. Dorothy, looking for a way to get home, Tin Man searching for a heart, Scarecrow searching for a brain and the Lion, searching for courage, acted as reminders that we are all in pursuit of something in our lives. We each experience trials and tribulations along the way, but are reminded to keep our chins up and our eyes on our ultimate goal. Like Dorothy and her companions, we are in control of our destinies and hold the keys to success within ourselves.
As usual, the ground conditions were fast and the competition exciting. Nina Moore, former National Finals Rodeo qualifier and Look for the Star in You award winner, riding her 17 year-old gelding Odie, took the first go single-handed and all of the 1D prize money. The 17.239 run won Nina the In Pursuit of Excellence Award for the fast time of the weekend. Nina, a former Classic 1D Champion, overcame challenges on her second run to win round 3 and second in the average.
with Angie Luna and Sharon.
Former Clinic instructor, professional competitor and horse trainer, Idaho cowgirl, Shirley Ankrum bested the field to win the Wrangler Best Cowgirl Endorsement contract, the Farnam Look for the Star in You award and the 1D Championship Court’s saddle on her six year-old mare, Angie Luna. This is the 3rd time Shirley has won the Classic and Shirley stands as a reminder of the important role that sound horsemanship and equine management plays in consistent performance.
Ankrum, Grand Champion; Kristen Holt, 2D;
Susie Luschar, 4D.
Ironically, three of four division champions along with our Classic Trailer Award winner came from Nevada. Kristen Holt on her six year-old Gelding, Speedy, bested the 2D field; Becky Halverson, riding her 13 year-old mare, Spinner, won the 3D and Susie Luschar riding her six year-old gelding, Lightening Joe Pine, won the 4D and the Kalyn Brooks Memorial Rambo Blanket award. Lauren Pai won the Classic Trailer provided by our Classic Trailer Award sponsors, Logan Coach and The Trailer Specialist. Lauren and her sister Susan Van Rein have attended The Classic for 17 years. Congratulations to Lauren for an extraordinary year of competition!
Photographs by ProSportsPix.