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Riders' warmups help to heat up reining competition
Riders from five western states slid, spun and sidled their horses through warmup routines prior to formal competition at the Washington Reining Horse Association and West Coast Affiliate finals at Appleatchee Riders in Wenatchee. More than 300 reining enthusiasts had registered for the concurrent events, considered by some to be one of the top horse events ever hosted in North Central Washington. Winners of the top four spots in each class are eligible to compete at the North American finals in Oklahoma City in November. (Photos by Mike Irwin)
All smiles
Carson Kautz, 13, of Lodi, Calif., is all smiles following her score of 66 in Friday morning's competiton. Riding Tequila, she was scheduled to compete several more times in 13 & Under and Limited Non-Pro classes.
Arena warmups
Larry Johnson of Port Angeles finishes up a practice run following his first appearance in the WRHA/NRHA competition at Appleatchee Riders in Wenatchee. He was scheduled to compete in several more classes through the weekend.
Boot polishing
Aubrey Shirley, 15, of Snohomish loops her reining horse Boot 'N' Jose around the Appleatchee warmup arena prior to Friday's competitions. The pair competed in Limited Non-Pro and various youth classes.
Family affair
Ryann McKinzie of East Wenatchee saddles up on Thursday for a practice run prior to WRHA/NRHA competitions at Appleatchee Riders.
Focus, focus
Rider Brooke Boyle, 14, of Sutter Creek, Calif., gathers her attention to guide her reining horse through warmups in the Appleatchee Riders arena on Thursday.
Running warmups
George McKinzie on Diamond runs through exercises prior to the WRHA and NRHA competitions at Appleatchee Riders in Wenatchee.
Stop the presses — results are in
Larry Johnson of Port Angeles pulled his reining horse into a sliding stop during warmups at Appleatchee Riders practice arena during the Washington Reining Horse Association’s Northwest Regional Affiliate Finals on Oct. 9.
Sunny outlook
Sunshine poured through an open doorway Friday morning to the hoots and hollers of reining competitors. Dark clouds and spitting rain had threatened outdoor warmups the day before, so clear skies were welcomed.
Take a break
Friends take a breather Friday during heated competition at the WRHA/NRHA finals at Appleatchee. Reining competitor Debbie McKinlay (in hat) of Colbert, Wash., and her horse Hollywood Sequoia visit with Lois Johnson of Pasco. Lois was on hand to cheer her husband Keith, who competed in the Non-Pro reining class.
