WESTERN CLASSIC 2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Winning, A Family Tradition!
1D winner, and In Pursuit of Excellence Fast
Time Award winner Lita Scott on Richard.
Her fastest run time was 17.905.
For winner photos and results, be sure to
visit our 2011 Winners Circle.
Three-time National Finalist Lita Scott from Reno won her second consecutive Classic Grand Championship, raising her career total to three Classic Championships. Lita, riding her 18 years-young mare, Peppys Congor Gal, a.k.a. Richard, set a new Classic go-round record of 17.095 on the standard course, to win the coveted In Pursuit of Excellence Award given in memory of my horse Seven. Lita also won the Appreciation Race for riders who have competed in five Classics or more. Furthermore, I am proud to say, Lita was a former recipient of the "Look For The Star In You" Saddle Award given by Court's Saddlery to any Sharon Camarillo student who qualifies for the National Finals Rodeo!
Following in her mother's footsteps, nine year-old daughter Stevie Mae Scott-Smith won 1st and 3rd Place in the Junior Division, the Target Race and 5th in the 1D Average just 1.23 seconds behind mom! Lita trained both Richard, and Stevie's mare Snit. Along with the Court's saddle and breast collar, Lita and Stevie Mae took home the Wrangler Clothing Award, the Farnam Look for the Star in You Award, Gist buckles, Rambo blankets, S.A. Walls stirrups and the FarmTek timer. Their combined winnings were over $3,000 in cash and a bevy of beautiful awards from our generous sponsors! Congratulations to Lita, Stevie Mae and all the Classic check and award winners!
Anderson Bean custom ostrich boots were awarded to each Division Champion: 2D Kourtney Woods riding her beautiful 14 year-old mare Lexi; 3D Sis Thurston celebrating her 9th Classic competition, riding A Drifter's Orphan her 10 year-old gelding; 4D Amy Slye riding 10 year-old Barry's Real Deal, affectionately known as Dealer. Congratulations to our talented Division Award Winners for their consistent performance over 3 go-rounds!
the Nevada National Honor
Guard during the
opening ceremonies.
Remembrance to Wade Camarillo who missed the Classic this year. Wade is serving in the US Navy recently deployed to the Arabian Sea. Thank you to our contestants who remembered Wade and our Armed Forces throughout the world who protect our freedoms. Classic contestants generated over $2,200 toward a combined contribution to the Wrangler National Patriot Program honoring and supporting wounded soldiers and their families.
The 20th Anniversary of the Western Barrel Racing Classic was enjoyed by riders from five states who joined the Classic staff to celebrate 20 years of barrel racing competition and horsemanship education!
Four very special ladies who competed in all 20 Sharon Camarillo Classics were recognized at the Rider’s Reception: Jeanette Emery, Susie Gunter, Lauren Pai and Susan Van Rein (pictured below) were each awarded Anderson Bean custom ostrich boots monogrammed with our trademarked hat logo for their loyalty to the Sharon Camarillo programs through their dedication to excellence in barrel racing and horsemanship.
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Left to right, 20 year Classic veterans Jeanette Emery, |
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The concept of the Classic began in 1992 as a thank you to students of the Sharon Camarillo Clinic programs and as a way for both novice and professional riders to showcase their accomplishments and horsemanship skills. The event soon out grew out of the beautiful fairgrounds in Gardnerville, Nevada and moved to the Reno Livestock Events Center in 1996.
Bob Meffan for his
never-ending support! Dad
is 91 years-young and a
20 year veteran of our Classic.
The Classic goal has been to provide the fairest of competition, great conditions, winning opportunities, a positive and supportive staff, combined with the fun I felt as a National Finalist. The philosophy remains the same, money for fast times in the go-rounds and quality awards honoring average winners for their excellence in competition and consistent performance.
By request, we changed the arena configuration and reduced the drag to every five riders. Riders, five at a time, were invited into the staging area while the tractor prepared their arena. I personally felt this was an excellent resource for both horse and rider – especially young horses that needed to circle for position, or horses with gate issues. The configuration allowed each set of riders to move into their personal start points, enter the run through a 95 foot opening, and left room to walk their horses out after their run. A few riders took advantage of the next tractor drag before leaving the arena to score their horses at the starting line. My advice would be to utilize the opportunity to its fullest advantage. Walking horses after the race and riding toward the start position before stepping off and un-cinching, offers a positive reward and helps reduce the apprehension often caused by the stress of competition. We also allowed buddy horses and helpers into the staging area. As far as I am concerned, the advantage should always go to the horse, and I personally enjoyed the opportunities that the staging area offered both horse and rider. Be sure to check out our facebook page and Making A Difference on this site for positive feedback on our staging!
from the 2011 Classic staff!
Any production of this size takes a huge amount of coordination. Thank you to the Classic staff who work tirelessly before, after and during the event to assure everything operates efficiently, and the ground conditions are optimum. After several years of working together, our staff goes about their business of creating the best experience for each rider: Arena Managers Tom and Jenny Hull; Arena Staff Zoë Meffan and Ashland Glenn; Barn Manager Don Pederson; Announcers Bill and Claudia Adams; Timer Gina Johnson; Jim and Cheryl Price on Awards, Decorations and Grand Entry; Mary and Lyn Dodd on Decorations; Storme Camarillo on Award Presentations; Todd Robbins on Public Relations and logistics; Videographer Cyndy Smith; Reno Livestock Events Center Management and Grounds Crew.
Pictured in the staff photo above from left to right, bottom to top are: Storme Camarillo, Sharon, Cheryl Price, Jenny Hull, Zoë Meffan, David Hayes DVM, Jim Price, Tom Hull, Don Pederson, and Ashland Glenn. Not pictured are Debbie Wood, Gina Johnson, Cyndy Smith, and Bill and Claudia Adams.
Pederson with Sharon.
The biggest thank you goes to Debbie Wood, celebrating her 20th year as General Manager!
My consulting veterinarian throughout my professional career graciously donated his time to offer complementary wellness exams during the weekend. Dr. David Hayes and I stand united on the fact it takes a sound horse to excel. Many riders took advantage of this opportunity to have Dr. Dave look at their horses teeth, overall soundness and shoeing. Dr. Dave can be contacted through our website in the In Pursuit of Excellence section, under ask Dr. Dave.
Our exciting 2012 Theme will be held for the competition of the Eastern Classic. Congratulations to our 2011 theme costume class ProSportsPix winner, Courtney Byman, riding as the Black Knight of Castle Rock, Washington!
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Above left, Eddie and Carolyn Sprowl celebrate with Sharon at the Rider’s Reception. |
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The Riders Reception was once again laden with prizes and awards for the contestants. This year's Ride the Brand and Classic Auction supported Wrangler's National Patriot Program. Thank you all for making a difference in the lives of our nation's veterans. |
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Success is a journey inspired by intention, patience, determination and opportunity. May God grant you all safe and wonderful journeys.
Please support our Classic sponsors and mark your calendars for our 21st Western Classic Celebration and Competition, July 27-29, 2012 in Reno, Nevada. Anyone who has attended a Sharon Camarillo Clinic, any year, is eligible to enter!
Photographs by ProSportsPix.