Show season 2024 kicked off for THF at the two IASA Spring Tune-Up shows, where we have the opportunity essentially compete in “dress rehearsals” before the full-fledged show season. Everyone — horses, riders, and trainers — all worked hard during the winter to prepare for 2024. Even at the practice shows, it was apparent everyone’s efforts were already paying off and set us up well for the larger spring shows — Des Moines Springfest and Great River Benefit.

Abby Van Kooten and her elegant gelding, Million Dollar Kiss (“Dinero”), started off 2024 already the best they’ve ever been together. They earned wins and reserves at both tune-up shows in preparation for even better things to come. A major highlight at Springfest was winning the stacked equitation championship after exhibiting both strong rail and pattern work. Abby and Dinero also swept the equitation division at Great River, where they won the Iowa Equitation Cup (and $1,000 scholarship) for the second year in a row as well as the pleasure equitation championship. We’re ecstatic about the marvelous start to this pair’s season!

Gracie Kay DeRonde and her sporty equitation mount, Copperhead Road (“Copper”), spent much time together over the winter perfecting their partnership. In the time between the practice shows and Great River, this team learned even more about each other and have developed into such a dynamic duo! Gracie and Copper traded wins and reserves with barn mates, Abby and Dinero, at the tune-up shows before going on to win the Good Hands qualifier at Springfest. They then had their best show yet at Great River, beautifully performing in the saddle seat equitation qualifier and championship to earn blues in both classes.

Gracie also had the privilege to exhibit the very special equitation gelding, Sinner’s Prayer (“Sully”), for owner Dawn Striegel. They competed together in juvenile 3-gaited and won both classes. Sully is a stunning horse and is available for your consideration!

Cameron Knouse and her beloved show horse, CH HS First Day (“Spencer”), immediately continued their success from last season at the tune-up shows, completely sweeping the junior exhibitor show pleasure division. They also earned reserves against strong competition at Springfest and Great River. It is so fun to watch these two compete — the joy they have in each other is very apparent! What’s even sweeter is they’re both the same age (16 years old).

Avis Van Zomeren and Reedann’s Desperado (“Raun”) have always been a stunning and powerful team. They earned reserve in the adult show pleasure qualifier at Springfest and then would later clean up in the same division at Great River in large classes. Avis is such a strong rider and Raun one “hunk of a horse,” and we look forward to what more these two can achieve!

Ella Hartwick and her sweet gelding, My Tinker Toy (“Andy”), are another team that spent much time together this past winter. Ella is very determined to be the best equitation rider she can be and has worked very hard to do just that! She and Andy earned top ribbons at both tune-up shows and especially shined when completing near-perfect patterns. This team also earned reserve in the Saddle and Bridle pleasure equitation medallion qualifier against tough competition at Springfest. Ella recently purchased a new riding suit for the rest of the season, and we can’t wait to see how extra lovely she will be in it!

Olivia Deneke has bravely ventured into the “suit” world this year — partnering with the tried and true Majestic Lady (“Lady”). Olivia has show a strength of spirit to try something out of her comfort zone and it has been a joy to see her succeed! She and Lady won every one of their classes at the tune-up shows and also achieved strong rides at the competitive Springfest show. We’re excited to see these two continue in their new journey together!

Our academy riders are such a precious and determined group! They have all spent many hours in the saddle, honing their skills and preparing for show season this year. Their work certainly paid off with all the blues and top ribbons earned at all four of the spring shows. Also — special shoutout to our beloved “Abby mare”, who carried most of these riders to their successes both in and out of the show ring. Enjoy the wonderful photos below of some the highlight moments from our academy crew!

To say we’re thrilled with the start of show season 2024 is an understatement. We’re already so proud of our riders and horses, and can’t wait to make more great memories this summer and fall!