We had a great time in Murfreesboro last weekend for the inaugural QuarterFest; a fantastic tribute to the American Quarter Horse and the people who own them. There was certainly something for everyone; from great shopping to thrilling entertainers; from horse camping to riding trial obstacles; from reining to roping to mounted shooting; from colt-starting to learning advanced cues for collection and lateral movements. Kids could get a star, strip and a snip painted on their faces, then get on a trusted old steed and take a test ride. It was a power-packed program with some of the top performers in the industry in terms of entertainment and education.

The evening performance was a top-rate production with Tommy and Karen Turvey and their wild act; Jerry Diaz, famous Charro and trick roper; Bob Avila giving reining and cow horse demos and other great acts. Meanwhile, during the day, Curt & Tammy Pate, Jeff Griffith and I all gave clinics each day—covering a wide range of topics and interests. QuarterFest will be an annual event and I’m sure, baring bad weather and tornadoes, more people will take advantage of this fabulous opportunity next year.

I am home three days this week; sadly only one to go. But I’ve already walked up “butt hill” twice this week and ridden my horse once. I’m continuing the five-pound challenge with my friends Cheryl and Lucy. We all got down to our skivvies and weighed in; now all we have to do is lose five pounds in the next month and we win the big prize (which we haven’t decided on yet). It’s fun to make a solemn pact with friends—makes dieting easier and more fun. There are only two ways to lose weight: eat less and move more. I think I’ll try them both. What works best for you?

Until next time, enjoy the ride!

Julie