Greetings from the 2010 Adequan Select World show in Amarillo. I'm your trusted blogger Maggie Bellville back again this year. It's hard to believe that the week is over. It absolutely flew by, and now we know what we have to do to qualify and prepare for 2011. I have a few final comments and views from the week.

Final Day - Final Thoughts

It's hard to believe that the week is over. It absolutely flew by, and now we know what we have to do to qualify and prepare for 2011. Here' a few final comments and views from the week.

- I did not hear one negative word about the judging. As you all know, there is usually a comment or two about judging whenever you go to a show. Not this week- they were professional, hard working, and on their game.

- and as usual the ring steward crew were warm, encouraging, and organized to a T. They just give you a caring feeling whenever you go in the pen- job well done once again!

- the joviality and congenial atmosphere seemed heightened this year-lots of love and support for each other all the way around.

- new best friends dept- how about that Trish Schugg coming all the way from Australia and fitting right in. And the Wilson Sisters, no, not the rock group Heart- I'm talking Anne and Susan - fun, competitive, and friendly. Anne even had a jacket made for her hubby John that designated him intern groom. And my new personal McDreamy - Dr Scott Myers- what a doll! And that other doll, Wayne Bell- what an amazing horseman.

-the amazing cattle classes- we just don't see all of that back east, and it's exciting to watch those classes. Team penning was the largest class of the show and the ' all ladies' teams hooped and screamed at those cows to move-and boy did they.

-the gate crew got us in order and in the gate pronto- and if you weren't there they found you! Thanks guys for your efficiency.

- the AQHA staff once again demonstrated their 'horsepitality' by helping move us, hand out drinks, and listen to all of our stories and comments. Many thanks to Shelly and team!

-and the museum-just is beautiful and moving. It makes one proud to part of this industry and association

So, it is with gratitude for Curly, Lily, Lexie, and Slick, Ronald Stratton, Roy Hauser, and Rob Meneely, all my friends and family who supported me being here, darling Lew, and the grace of God that I sign off for one more year. I hope that our good health and good horses are blessed for the next 12 months till we come together again.

Maggie Bellville

Day 4 - Surf's Up!

While at the Select World show, I met Mary Norman and her husband Billy from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mary was talking about needing to get home to the beach to "batten down the hatches" because of the pending hurricane. I did get her to pause for a minute.

"I was a national champion surfer for three straight years in the late 70's. We'd surf right off the coast of Virginia." Mary now coaches young people to surf competitively and they are awesome. Mary reminisces about the heavy wooden board she used. She now has a stable of modern day boards to use when they yell 'surf's up'.

Mary's stable doesn't stop with surf boards. She's an exceptional breeder of American quarter horses, starting with her multiple time world and congress champion Dont Skip Me Mister. She has been the Mom to horses like Dont Skip Me Mr and Compounded, a multiple world champion now owned by the Confrancescos. She also was reserve world champion and 3-time reserve palomino champion with Im A Hierd Gun, which sadly she lost this year. Yet, she continues to breed. Deb and was 6th in yearling stallions at this year' s Select World show. It was also her first time at the museum party and she was blown away. ' The Wall of Honor is so beautiful- I plan to commemorate my horse there, so I can visit his memory every year in Amarillo."  That is, as long as she's not grabbing her board and running to 'surf's up!'

Maggie Bellville

Day 3 - International Flavor

One interesting person I have met here at the show is Trish Schugg (pictured right). Trish is in Amarillo all the way from Melbourne, Australia! This is her fourth year at the Select World and she has enjoyed the show every day.

"I am absolutely passionate about showmanship and have videoed all the final goes!" Trish  comes to Amarillo each year by herself and is never at a loss for companionship. "People at this show are so hospitable and helpful. In Australia, the Australia Quarter Horse Association started 3 select classes in 2007.  It was western pleasure, hunter under saddle, and trail", she explained. these days they have a full complement of classes. " I learn so much just watching-the classes are deep with talent and everyone is so competitive."

Wow - if Trish is coming all the way from Australia to watch, you guys should come out sometime too - it is an experience!

Maggie Bellville

Day 2 - A day of nerves

Holy Cow! What day of intensity in Amarillo and yours truly was in the midst of it all day. First thing Tuesday was the finals of showmanship. OMG -19 finalists trying to figure out a pattern with two blind elements that you had to hit perfectly - well, it was crazy!!!

We all came out of the pen shaking our heads and wondering if we had hit our marks correctly. When the dust settled, Anne Wilson was the winner and Susan Wilson (no relation) was reserve. Yours truly eeeked out the third place trophy. We did a group hug and picked up our hardware and breathed sigh of relief - whew!!!!

In Amarillo, not far from the fairgrounds, is a hole in the wall restaurant called Coyote Bluff. It has been featured on The Food Network and the Travel Channel. It has become the restaurant of choice for the select crowd. As you walk in, there is a full bathtub with beers on ice which after a long day at the show can be very inviting! Today we ran over for one of Coyote Bluff’s great half pounders when we noticed a big gold globe on a table - yea it was newly crowned World Champion Ann Wilson and they were going to have dessert! What a way to celebrate!!

Day 1 - It's kick off time!

We kicked off the week with the annual shrimp roast done by the team from Louisiana and as usual it was attended by all and delicious. It's the perfect start to the week since everyone comes and gets to say hello and get reacquainted or meet for the first time.

There are first timers at the show this year. One wonderful couple is Frank McCarver and his lovely wife Beverly. They are from Johnson City Tennessee and came with their two year old stallion, Terjay, and he was 5th in his class Sunday. He shows with Butch Butcher from Maynerdville, Tennessee. I sat with these first timers to get their impression of the select world show.

"I've enjoyed the show, the weather, and the AQHA representatives," said Frank. "They really make you feel welcome. And the atmosphere, it's so laid back and friendly". I asked Butch what he thought about the halter classes so far. " I am impressed with the caliber of horses and the size of the classes! They are very impressive and the atmosphere is fun, competitive and friendly."

Right now we are watching yearling stallions show - very impressive! More tomorrow.

Maggie Bellville

All photos © The American Quarter Horse Journal