CARTHAGE, Mo. – A horse show in Carthage brought together some of the area’s most experienced horse trainers with others still learning the ropes. The Ozark Quarter Horse Association hosted the show at Lucky J Arena.
There were three classes of entrants: Youth, adult, amateur, and open (which is for adult professionals). While each class represented a different stage of the trainer’s development, the trainers all went through the same experiences to prepare for a show.
“As a young horse, as a two-year-old, we have to break them, get them started, do a lot, and teach them,” says Steven Lyons, a professional horse trainer. “Most horses, we do three things; there is walk, trot, lope, and we teach them different cues with our legs.”
Winners are awarded points that go towards their standing and potential qualification in the World Championships.