Here I am in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and it is hard to believe it was 249 days ago that I was crowned the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. The first day of the Tom Powers was filled with presenting to the top horses and exhibitors in the country. I had the pleasure of some great company, the 2014 Michigan Quarter Horse Queen, Miss Minae Zomer! I got to know Minae at the 2014 Congress and it was great getting to see her again. The first couple days of the futurity went pretty late into the evening, which is great news for the industry as numbers were up! As always I had to the chance to visit with many great vendors!
Of course, it would not be the Tom Powers without some rain which we were greeted with on Friday. However, the usual flooding did not occur, despite the fact that the show arena was under water! That did not stop the exhibitors or their horses from performing at their best. The horses were covered in mud and their tails were soaked, but everyone still had a smile on their face. I would lift the bottom of my skirt to make it out to the center of the arena to present awards and then upon returning from the arena I would find a puddle to attempt to rinse my boots off!!
Saturday is always an exciting day at the Tom Powers with the Super Sires classes, Sale Stakes Western Pleasure Class, as well as the yearling sale in the evening. As the afternoon approached, just in time for the stakes class, the sun began to shine! Prior to the start of the stakes class, we celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the Tom Power’s Futurity with Tom and Dominique Powers and all of the 2 year old stakes contenders in the center of the arena. Everyone in the crowd was wearing their red t-shirts in support of the NSBA Crisis Fund! It was such a special moment to be part of. The sale stakes class was completely filled with some incredible 2 year olds. I know we will see a lot of them in the winner’s circle in the future. Congratulations to Jay Starnes who rode Lazy Illusion to the win in the Maiden 2 year old Sale Stakes Western Pleasure Class for owner Kathy Tobin!
The yearling sale started shortly after the completion of the sale stakes class. It was an honor that Tom and Dom Powers asked me to help out at the sale. I bought a yearling at the Tom Power’s Sale in 2012 and in 2013 my gelding was reserve in the sales stakes class, so it was extra special to be part of this event! Everyone enjoyed watching so many great yearlings run through the sale and I was able to talk with some very elated buyers!
The final day of the futurity brought sun once again and many more talented horses and exhibitors were presented with the beautiful trophy and triple challenge belt buckle. A huge thank you to the entire show staff and especially Tom and Dom Powers for their great hospitality! It was a wonderful trip to Berrien Springs!
