Friends, Family & Fast Times At Sharon Camarillo Classic

RENO, NV — Electric is the word to describe the atmosphere at the 21st annual Sharon Camarillo Western Classic held in July in Reno, Nevada.
Twelve-year-old Caitlyn Wood, riding her newly purchased 10-year-old Grey Starlight gelding Spook Deville ran an awesome 17.222,  besting the field of top competitors, including former Classic Champion and National Finals Qualifier Lita Scott Price.
     Seasoned veteran Lita and her 19-year-old mare Richard, claimed 1st place in Round 1 by a close 1/10 of a second ahead of calm and collected Caitlin and Caddy. Caitlyn and Caddy proved their consistency by improving their go-round times from 17.978 in Round 1, to 17.493 in round 2 for a first place check, outrunning Lita by 2/100’s of a second.
     When Arena Director Tom Hull told Lita she may have her work cut out for her, Lita replied with experience, “all I can do is my best, I’ll take one run at a time. Caitlyn’s smoking 17.222 in round 3 cinched her title to the 2012 Sharon Camarillo Classic Grand Championship Courts Saddle, Farnam Look for the Star In You Award, Gist Silversmith Junior Rider Award buckle, the Rambo “In Pursuit of Excellence Fast Time Award” blanket and set a new Western Classic arena record. Lita and Richard finished .614 of a second behind Caitlyn for Reserve Champion.
     Caitlyn’s mother Paulene credits Caitlyn and Caddy’s success to Caddy’s fast feet and immediate speed, combined with Caitlyn’s quiet hands and seat and her inner calm that helps her remain focused in stressful situations. Caitlyn began her barrel racing career at age 3 and is a 4.0 student with hopes of attending UC Davis to become a Veterinarian.
       The 2D Championship and Courts Saddle went to long time Classic supporter, Dr. Kendra Cohn, riding her 15-year-old gelding Jack. Amy VonTour and her 5-year-old mare Bully’s Dreamer won the 3D Championship and Courts Saddle. Stacy Hinkle riding her 10-year-old gelding Piranha Man, took the 4th Division Championship. Along with the Courts Saddle, Stacy also won the Kalyn Brooks Rambo Memorial Blanket Award. Congratulations to all of our contestants. It was certainly an exciting weekend for the 21st annual Sharon Camarillo Western Classic, with cooler weather than usual and ample time to enjoy friends and family. Plans are being made for a few changes to the 22nd annual program scheduled for July 26-28. In a nutshell, we are vesting out contestants who have qualified through their participation at a Sharon Camarillo Clinic by allowing each to invite one friend or family member to compete at the 2013 event. With economic challenges and conflict of personal schedules, declining entries enticed the Classic staff to put their thinking caps on to enhance the format. We will limit the 2013 entries to 150. Additional changes in the program will be available on sharoncamarillo.com later this year.
     Thank you to all of our 2012 contestants and the sponsors who combine to make the Classics fun and successful. A special thank you to Court Saddlery, Priefert and our cash sponsors for their contributions to our added money.
     Photography was provided by ProSportsPix.com, where photos from this event are available to order.
     Check out the complete times and placings on sharoncamarillo.com. Other results are as follows:
Appreciation Barrel Race: Lita Scott, 1D; Kimberli Quinn, 2D; Cindy Spencer, 3D; and Kay Glenn, 4D.
Junior Rider Barrel Race: 1st. Caitlyn Wood. 2nd. Stevie Mae Scott. 3rd. Corrie Hirschbock. 4th. Mary Staub.
Senior Rider Barrel Race: Lita Scott, 1D; Steve Quinn, 2D; Renee Ryckebosch, 3D; and Kay Glenn, 4D.
Target Barrel Race: Marianne Dixon.
Grand Entry Theme Prize: Wilma Hybarger.

Dr. Kendra Cohn won the 2D Championship riding “Jack.”

Amy VonTour, 3D winner, on “Bully’s Dreamer.”

Stacy Hinkle, 4D winner, on “Piranha Man.”