GoHorseShow.com

Although most trainers won't admit it publicly, everyone plays favorites. Anonymous trainers reveal the truth about the horses they secretly prefer and how they handle them.

And stay tuned for Part 2 of this fun series: How Anonymous Trainers Handle Their Favorite Clients

GoHorseShow - Playing Favorites - Part 1: How Trainers Handle Their Favorite Horses Every trainer has had one. Not always the winningest horse. Not always the most expensive one. Not even always the easiest. Sometimes the favorite is the horse who made them work harder, think differently, or become better at the job. In a barn full of client horses, sale horses, prospects, futurity...

Please help send condolences to Christine Hocutt-Senteney on the passing of her beloved AQHA World Champion, Bellieve Hes Blazing at the age of 28. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and everyone who loved him. She wrote a beautiful tribute to "Blake" below.

Bellieve Hes Blazing
(Blazing Hot x Bell Of The Barn)
03/28/98- 06/12/26

Blake, what can I say? The last 28 years with you have been nothing short of incredible.

From prizes and points and titles to AQHA World Show globes and NSBA World Show trophies in every color, you made my wildest dreams come true. The awards, the memories made, and the friendships cultivated around the country will be forever cherished. I could never have imagined the accomplishments we would achieve together. I will forever be grateful that you kept me in the show arena after I lost Bell and didn’t want to continue with another horse. You gave me a reason to keep at it. And while there were certainly moments when you could be "challenging” (like the histrionics and Paso Fino impression you performed during Horsemanship at the Congress that one year) you definitely made me a better rider, a better competitor, and ultimately a better sport.

But your impact reached far beyond my own dreams. I am proud that you helped countless youth, amateurs, and novice riders find their own confidence in the arena. You carried many riders through their first leadline class, their first walk/trot class, their first pattern class, and to their first ribbons, trophies, buckles, and saddles. For many, you were the horse who taught them their first lead change or helped them master their first fast spin. From horse show classes and rodeo queen competitions to special events and the NCEA competition at the World Show, you carried so many people to success. No matter the occasion, you were always "Mr. Dependable." Whether someone needed a horse for a competition, a demonstration, a collegiate equestrian team application video, or even a steady partner to pony another horse, you never let anyone down.

While I will always cherish the memories we made in the show pen together, actually some of my favorites are from the last several years of your retirement, when I had the chance to simply enjoy you as a horse again—goofing off, play days at the barn, riding the Griffith Park trails with friends, pulling the roping dummy for the Rancho Roping Club, and just spending time with you as a friend, companion, and family member.

Although heartbreaking, I am grateful I was able to be there with you as you crossed the Rainbow Bridge. From the day you were born until the day I said goodbye, we spent a lifetime together—and I wouldn't trade a single moment. Fly high, "Big Butterfly." You have earned every bit of peace, comfort, and relaxation in greener pastures. Thank you for the ride of my life. I love you and will miss you, sweet friend.

The VS CODE RED AQHA English Versatility Series, this new 10-show series gains momentum with open and non-pro standings, expanded sponsor support and prestigious year-end awards.

GoHorseShow - AQHA English Versatility Series Leaderboard Showcases Top Horses Nationwide The American Quarter Horse Association’s VS Code Red English Versatility Series continues to gain momentum in 2026, bringing together exhibitors from across the country to compete in one of the fastest-growing opportunities in the AQHA English division. Designed to showcase the athleticism, rideab...

Carly Parks and Sara Simons give their tips on how to remain friends with your horse show rivals and discuss their own long-time friendship, founded in healthy competition.

GoHorseShow - Embracing Horse Show "Co-Opetition" - with Carly Parks & Sara Simons Many exhibitors meet their closest friends through showing horses. But, when those friends become regular competition, it can be difficult to protect the relationship from jealousy, pressure, and disappointment. Multiple World and Congress champion trainers, multi-carded Judges, and longtime friends...

Stanton Harris of Harris Leather and Silverworks uses his years of experience cleaning tack at his family's shop to give his top tips for keeping your equipment looking and functioning its best over time.

GoHorseShow - Top Tack Cleaning Tips with Stanton Harris of Harris Leather & Silverworks When you look your best, you feel your best – this mantra is repeated by trainers, judges, and non-pros when discussing how to build confidence in the show pen. While getting the newest, trendy, blinged-out tack is certainly fun, our judges all agree that the presentation of your equipment is far ...

Sometimes, it's all about timing. Leading professional trainer and judge Jamie Hartman explains why the smartest riders know when to push, when to listen, and when to stop.

GoHorseShow - The Quiet Advantage: Why Riders Who Do Less Often Place Higher - with Jamie Hartman Most riders think improvement comes from doing more: more riding, more schooling, more correcting, more time in the pen. But, the riders who often place higher are not always the ones doing the most. They are the ones doing the right amount at the right time. AQHA World and Congress Champion Trainer...

The June Summer Shows & APHA World Show issue of GoMag is online now and it is hot, hot, hot! Go check it out...
https://gohorseshow.com/2026/06/gomag-jun-2026/

Assistant trainer Jessica Spilman shares her journey, her approach to developing horses, and what she’s aiming for next in the show pen.

GoHorseShow - Assistant Trainer Spotlight: Jessica Spilman of Chase Barnes & Jennifer Stein Show Horses Jessica Spilman is an assistant trainer for Chase Barnes and Jennifer Stein, recognized for her focus in the trail pen and her calm, consistent approach at home. She splits her year between Warren, Pennsylvania and Ocala, Florida, where her days revolve around developing trail horses and helping rid...