OHSA names 2016 Overall Champion

kt pic 4 ohsa (002)Press Release

The Open Horse Show Association (OHSA) congratulates our 2016 National Overall High Point winner, Katie Ridgeway, 17, and Rapt in Assets (barn name – Ayla).  To win the overall the team showed their versatility earning 969 points across four disciplines – In Hand, Western, Hunt Seat, and Timed Events.  A custom training saddle was awarded for their efforts.

In addition to the Overall, Katie and Ayla were named Youth Overall Champion.  They also achieved Discipline Championships in Western, Hunt Seat, and Timed Events as well as a 10th in In Hand.  In addition, the team earned eight Class Championships and four Reserve Class Championships.  Her awards included trophies, custom tack, a custom belt buckle, and more.

This hard-working pair have been a team since 2010.  Katie waited until Ayla was three to show and work her.   She slowly started to ride the mare doing much of the training herself and they formed their own special bond. Katie says, “Ayla does not really like affection, she is more of a ‘I’m here to do my job and that is it kind,’ of horse.”  But Katie won the mare over, giving her lots of attention and providing peppermints, Ayla’s favorite treat.  Ayla has come around and now appreciates some affection – and peppermints.

The accomplishments from 2016 show the team’s versatility.  Katie says, “We don’t really have a favorite class. we enjoy all of them and their challenges.  One example of what makes her such a great horse is that she is very versatile.  We show english and western; from pleasure and trail to games, jumping, and even ranch (cow) sorting!”

Katie had this to say about their accomplishments, “This was a huge honor to earn the 2016 OHSA National Overall Championship.   I would like to thank everyone who works hard to make the Open Horse Show Association such an awesome organization.  A huge “THANK YOU” to all the sponsors for the amazing awards.  Your support is most definitely appreciated.” 

Debbie Dunn, founder of OHSA, was thrilled that to see Katie earn the Overall.  This was the fifth year and fifth Overall Championship saddle the organization has awarded.  Prior winners include Suella Boyd of New Mexico (winner in 2012 and 2013), Mackenzie Szabo of Alberta, Canada in 2014, Emily Bowditch also of Alberta, Canada in 2015, and now Katie of New Jersey in 2016.  OHSA started as a national organization but interest from Canada helped the association grow internationally.

The impetus for starting this organization happened almost twenty years ago when Dunn’s son showed in local and 4-H shows before going on to becoming a nationally ranked reining and reined cow horse competitor and trainer. “At one small local show I was standing outside the show ring watching a horsemanship class exit the arena.  The winner was a local girl on a homebred horse she trained herself.  She was so happy it was a great moment.  She showed everyone that a plain saddle, grade horse, and excellent equitation could win.  I overheard two other girls commenting as they rode out of the same class, “What is she so happy for? You’d think this was the AQHA World Show.”  I couldn’t help but think, this may BE her world show.  I knew the family and they couldn’t afford a world show caliber horse much less the costs to show and train to get to the world show.  I thought to myself it would be great if there was a national organization that recognized local show accomplishments for all breeds and grade horses.  And that is how OHSA was born.”

OHSA now offers ten disciplines and each year awards 10 places for Overall, 10 places for each discipline, and 10 places for each and every sanctioned class.  For 2016 OHSA shipped 440 awards.  No matter what type of classes you show in at open horse shows, you’ll probably find a class at OHSA.  The 10 disciplines include In Hand, Western, Walk-Jog Western, Hunt Seat, Walk-Trot Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, Gaited, Driving, Ranch Horse, and Timed Events. 

Dunn says that although OHSA is a small organization they have been fortunate enough to have sponsorship from many companies over the years including Coeli Netski Equine Services, Hobby Horse, Won N Dunn Tack, Cocoa Embroidery, McLaughlin Ribbons, Beckwith Manor, Trailer Buckles, and Cowboy Magic.  They’re always looking for more sponsors to help expand their awards program. 

To learn more about OHSA or to join this growing organization visit their website at http://www.showohsa.com or email [email protected].