Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 28, 2020 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit marked another record-breaking day Monday, December 28, with thousands of entries vying for coveted awards at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. One competitor had a different record to commemorate at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Quarter Horse trainer Becky George, of Hockley, Texas, celebrated her 50th birthday on her favorite day at one of her favorite events.
“I have been coming to the Gold Coast for nearly a decade,” George said. “I love being here on my birthday because I get to spend it with all my friends doing what I love. The show has beautiful weather and great classes and as a bonus, my birthday falls on Trail day, which is my favorite event. I could not be at a better place. It’s pretty amazing!”
On the way to the arena, George was constantly greeted by well-wishers. Some of her students showed their appreciation by decorating her tack stall. George explained, “All I ever wanted to be was a horse trainer. I had my first student at 18 years of age, so I have been training for 32 years. I really can’t say there is just one favorite memory, from the first time I was a world champion, the first time one of my youth students was a world champion, there are so many great moments.”
George brought 13 horses to the Gold Coast and showed eight in Trail classes, the most competitive event of the horse show. Each class had between 60-100 entries, making it difficult even for the most experienced competitors.
George added, “We did well today. My assistant Colton Pylman won the Level 1 Junior Trail on Been Sleepin in a class with 98 entries. I was 4th place riding I Gottem Talkin, right behind Colton in the Level 2 Junior Trail, and I was in the top 10 with my other horses. Once you’ve shown as long as I have and won, it’s actually super fun to watch everybody else. Some of my other customers also won, so you get to realize that it’s not as much about you as it is everybody else. Today was perfect! One of my best friends flew in to surprise me, my guy flew in to surprise me and I got cupcakes. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
Competition will continue Tuesday, Dec. 29, with AQHA, APHA and NSBA hunter, jumper, pleasure, horsemanship and trail classes.
To view the all new 2020 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit schedule of events, please click here.
For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit their website.