Fun Final Weekend at Arizona Sun Circuit

Starting Thursday night, show management of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association’s Sun Circuit warned exhibitors to keep a weather eye on the Scottsdale forecast. 

“We’re having a tough time seeing the sun at Sun Circuit,” the Arizona Sun Country Circuit Facebook page joked Friday, announcing that the rain schedule and contingency plan was in effect. “Fortunately, WestWorld has lots of options for us, and everybody can show under cover. … It wouldn’t hurt to sing, ‘Rain rain, go away, don’t come back till another day.’ “

Cow Horse Spectaculars at Sun Circuit
The Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch Bridle Spectaculars challenged open exhibitors to show what their horses can do in both cutting and cow horse. The Rogers family gave $2,500 in added money to both a junior and senior division. Horses had to compete in the two cutting and two cow horse classes held during the first half of the Sun Circuit.

The senior looked like a close fight with Cory Cushing and Docs Catty Jo in the lead after two cuts. The pair had the best cutting score of the challenge with a 73 and 74 in the second cut. Smartee and Justin Wright were close behind after the first round of cow horse. But when Docs Catty Jo posted a no-score on the second day of cow horse, Smartee’s 144.5 and 143 secured a solid lead over all other rivals. A total score of 862.50 secured a check for $750 for the winner.

In the junior division, Maverick Rey, with Justin Wright aboard, consistently marked more plusses after two cuts and two days of cow horse. With a cumulative score of 876.50, the pair cruised ahead of the next best team of Brad Lund and Checkin Out The Ladys, who tallied 864.50. First place earned $750 for owner Eric Freitas.

Farnam sponsored the Amateur Bridle Spectacular with $2,000 added. With great scores in both the second cut and the second day of cow horse, Shannon McCarty piloted her horse Chicaroo Kitty to the top spot and earned herself an $800 pay day.

To read the full article on AQHA.com, click here.