Recap of Q11

 Last week we headed to Q11 – a cutting, campdrafting and cowhorse event.

Helen and I arrived at AELEC last Tuesday, in the mid afternoon.  We were pleased to see the gates open and the smiling faces of the AQHA staff. 

After unpacking and catching up with everyone we settled down to watch the first of two preworks being held at Q11.  This gave trainers a valuable opportunity and us clients another opportunity to see our futurity horses in action.

Preworks are just that – preworks.  You don’t expect to see flash moves or the spectacular event that is the futurity, although you sort of hope for a little more organisation.  It made for a long night – 7pm to 6am.  (There were some tired and grumpy people the next morning)

Wednesday was the first day of competition.  The campdrafting was under way and the cutting started with the youth.  You can see the results at AQHA by clicking on the Q11 logo.  You can also visit Cowhorse to see the webcast and you tube link.

The winners from Wednesday were:

Youth:  Courtney Mulcahy on Stylish Argyle Acres with a 73

Junior Horse:  Heath Sinclair on Way Too Smart with a 74

Senior Horse:  Scott Johnston on Hoorey Little Dreamer with a 73

Open Non Pro:  Allan Hunter on Oaks Unchained Melody with 148

Wednesday night was Round 2 of the Preworks.  The trainers started at 8pm and finished around 7am Thursday.  This time a lot of common sense prevailed with a timer and many trainers working in blocks.  Just a little bit of planning goes a long way.

Thursday started in the camp drafting ring.  The open cutting was the first event.  One of my highlights was seeing both the drafters and cutters supporting each other during these events.  Phil Dawson won on Dara Flectchin Time after a ride off with Dean Holden and SOS Radar.

Then it was time for the All Age Cowhorse Event.  This was won by Jason Leitch and Oaks and Ashes, owned by Ray Porter.  Oaks and Ashes is the iron horse of cutting, now a serious contender in cowhorse events.

Thursday night was a free night enabling an early night of a little R + R.

Friday night saw the Koolparoo Invitational Cutting Horse event.  This year the event included both professional and non pro riders.  It was 10 horse shoot out for a trophy saddle.  The invitational cutting was won by Corek Holden on Amaroo Sheoak. 

Q11 is a great concept bringing the best of all disciplines together to showcase all that is good about the sport of cowhorse in Australia.

Congratulations to AQHA and bring on Q12