Sacramento, CA – June 15, 2012 – The 2012 Western States Horse Expo was a huge success for Horse Expo Events, welcoming a large crowd June 8-10, 2012 at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, CA. The guests gathered to watch Corey Cushing show Kevin & Sydney Knight’s Smart Boons to victory in the Magnificent Seven All Around Stock Horse Championship, while Jenny Sherbo took top honors in Project Cowgirl. There was food, clinics, and shopping for all equestrian enthusiasts, and everyone had a wonderful time at the annual event.
“It was so busy and everyone was having so much fun; it was really exciting,” stated Western States Horse Expo President Miki Nelsen. “We had the largest crowd for the Magnificent 7 that we’ve had in years, and there were over 2,000 people in the stands for the horse sales. Bikers Against Child Abuse had a booth for the weekend and people were so excited to learn about the organization and they did a great job raising money for the charity. All of the clinics were well attended; the book corral and the horse expo university were all big hits. It was a huge success and it was very exciting to see everyone enjoying themselves.”
The Magnificent Seven All Around Stock Horse Championship was held on Friday, June 8, with the best horsemen in the world competing for the $25,000 purse. After the four events of herd work, rein work, steer stopping and fence work, it was Corey Cushings who came out on top, scoring a 583.5 with Smart Boons. Cushings barely edged out last year’s victor, Ron Emmons with Mel Smith and Nicole Scott’s Olena Oak, who had a total score of 582.0. The third place honors also went to Cushings, who scored a 580.5 with his second mount Pink Jeans, owned by Eric and Wendy Dunn.
Project Cowgirl was another highlight event, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association; it meshed the concepts of “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Jenny Sherbo took home the top honors, while Robin Bond earned the runner-up position at the end of the competition.
In addition to the Horse Expo Horse Sale, Breed Demonstrations, Young Rider Park, Equine Dream Art Show and Book Corral, the highlight clinicians included Chris Cox, Bernie Traurig, Lynn Palm, Shannon Dueck, Jim Masterson, Dr. Clair Thunes, Bree Krebel, Steve Rother, Larry Whitesell, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Dana Hokana, David Bodin, Bonnie Davis, Dr. Sue Thomspon, Christy Landwehr, Peggy Cummings, Robert M. Miller, DVM, Dr. Joe Shelle, John Bozanich, Tim Kimura, and Richard Godbee.
“I am really thrilled with how this weekend went,” concluded Nelsen. “Sales were up in all areas and the attendance was huge. It’s wonderful to bring all of these horse lovers together and see them have a great time. I am very excited for next year’s Western States Horse Expo; I can’t wait to do it again!”
For more information on the Western States Horse Expo please visit www.horsexpo.com.
Photo Credit: Corey Cushing and Smart Boons took top honors during the Magnificent Seven All Around Stock Horse Championship at the Western States Horse. Photo Courtesy of the Client. Photo may only be used in relation to this PMG press release.