Tampa, FL – December 30, 2016 – The Nation’s top Quarter Horses filled all four rings at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center as the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit entered its third of the four-day event at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Twelve judges had a tough assignment choosing the best of the best with many classes showcasing more than 30 competitors.
Managed by Mark Harrell Horse Shows, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit attracts world-class competitors vying for year-end points as well as outstanding awards to include saddles, bridles and tack trunks.
The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit culminates on Saturday with classes in equitation, under saddle, driving and western riding.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
YOUTH WESTERN PLEASURE (14-18): GAVIN PATTERSON, 18, FRANKFORT, OH., RIDING SHE WILL BE HOT
on winning three classes
“I like winning here because it’s a big deal. There are a lot of great competitors. It’s good to end the year on a win. I was surprised that I won all three classes because one of my best friends was also in the class, Bethany Valentine, and we usually go back and forth, so to win across the board was awesome!”
on his horse
“She is a great horse. She has a great personality, but she is also a little goofy. I have had her almost a year and I showed her at the World Show where we were seventh.”
AMATEUR TRAIL: ELIZABETH RINDER, 24, DURHAM, CT., ON HOT ROCKIN POTENTIAL
on winning two classes
“Winning here is a big accomplishment. There were more than 30 top Amateurs from around the country in the class. We’ve had a pretty good year, we were seventh in the Amateur Trail at the World Show, so this was a good finish for 2016.”
on her horse
“He is really special. I really like him a lot. He is definitely a one-in-a million horse.”
Rinder’s Trainer Whitney Lagace
“I am extremely proud of Elizabeth. Her performance today was excellent. It was one of the top ten performances of her career with this horse. It was great.”