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AQHA Region 2 Experience exceeds expectations

Larry Larson
Photo by Larry LarsonNaturally Dynamic and Diane Walsh from Minot, ND won a phenomenal six Championships at the 2008 Region 2 Experience on their way to the Amateur All-Around and Reserve Open All-Around. Shown are Larry Myerscough, AQHA Representative, and saddle sponsor Sherry Clemens (huntseathorses.com) from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Naturally Dynamic |

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”



Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.



Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.

RAPID CITY, SD – In times of tough economic decisions, the American Quarter Horse industry continues to exceed all expectations. Entries at the 2008 AQHA Region 2 Experience held in Rapid City on Sept. 25-28 far exceeded the totals from the previous events – even larger numbers are anticipated in the years to come.

With an estimated 50 percent increase in numbers over the 2007 show, the 2008 event record books tallied close to 1,600 entries in the 150 classes offered in Rapid City. Twenty-three classes drew in excess of 20 entries with the novice divisions of youth and amateur once again showing the largest classes. This show stresses an opportunity for that ‘first-time show experience’ and several new classes were added in a variety of events to showcase these first-time showmen. Eventual All-Around Champions were well distributed as well – four were from the state of Montana, two from South Dakota and one each from North Dakota and Nebraska.

Educational seminars drew large numbers again as AQHA Professional Horsemen from across the nation offered spectators a chance to learn from the pros – all free of charge during the various ‘Experiences’ held throughout the country. Charlie Cole, a multiple World Champion trainer from Pilot Point, TX, conducted a Trail and Western Riding Clinic at the Bray Arena. Cole has amassed over 5,000 AQHA points and his in-depth clinic featured 12 horse/rider students and a well-received crowd of enthusiastic horsemen on Thursday afternoon. Clinician Curt Pate from Helena, MT was once again a featured clinician and his horsemanship clinic was a popular part of the R2E. His low stress method teaches respect with his message being “Patience is a virtue – remember that when you’re with your horse!”

Other regional professionals took the time from their busy weekend schedules to present educational seminars throughout the show in the trade show area. Offering their expertise were Jenna Grumann of Minot, ND, ‘The Secrets Behind A Beautifully Banded Mane’; Joey Gordon of Huntley, MT, ‘Taking Care Of Our Skin’; Lee Ann DeMars of Dillon, MT, ‘Showmanship’; Dallas Schmidt of Cooperstown, ND, ‘Bits’; and Dean Johnson of Vale, SD, ‘Show Strategy & Pattern Classes’.

A Mexican Fiesta Party was presented on Friday evening and a Saturday night Exhibitor Barbeque was followed by a Freestyle Reining that drew a full class and a huge, enthusiastic crowd – always a very popular part of the Region 2 Experience in Rapid City.

Judges for the 2008 R2E included Holly Hover, Debby Cuvelier, Michael Colvin, Jeff Hill, Janet Perdue and Lisa Krohn with show management under Mark Harrell Horse Shows from Illinois. The 2008 Executive Committee consisted of Chairman Tamara Merritt of Lincoln, NE and Vice-Chairman Ruth McDonald-Gates from Great Falls, MT. Debbi Holmes of Virgil, SD was the Secretary/Treasurer and Denny Oviatt from Arizona was once again the announcer for the Region 2 Experience.

Look for a full listing of sponsors and complete results of the show with a visit to the official R2E website – http://www.region2experience.com.