National Horseman, founded in 1865, has been an anchor in the Saddlebred community and the show horse world. Earlier this year, Allison Lambert took over as publisher with a commitment to present beautiful photography, interesting features and cutting edge design as well as up-to-date news. She chose to partner with the NHS Good Hands Finals to promote the precision and skill of the ride as well as the beauty of saddle seat equitation. According to Allison, "In my first year as publisher of National Horseman, it was especially important for me to give back to the industry that has given me so much. When presented with the opportunity to partner with Good Hands, I was not only honored and humbled by the notion, but extremely thrilled by the possibility. I believe strongly in the support and promotion of our equitation program, as it's an essential part of the foundation of our business. Many of the greatest trainers, breeders, and amateurs in our industry today are former equitation riders whose skills and love for the breed were cemented by preparing for and competing in challenging equitation championships like the NHS Good Hands”.
The NHS Good Hands Finals is the oldest saddle seat equitation finals in the country. It dates back to 1929 and for many years was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In 2009, the finals moved to the more centrally located Mane Event Show, where participation has grown by 78%, making Good Hands the largest of the “triple crown” finals.
It is the goal of Mid-America Horse Show Association, National Horseman and the Good Hands Finals Committee to build upon the traditions already set, to continue to grow this finals and promote saddle seat equitation. National Horseman’s sponsorship enables the committee to provide more incentives to qualified riders and to host an added Friday night celebration honoring the riders for the entire community attending the show.
Riders compete at shows throughout the season to qualify for the 2014 NHS Good Hands Finals. Class specs, judging criteria and finals procedures are detailed in the USEF Rule Book.
The Good Hands Committee is made up of Jessica Curl, Jessica Moctezuma and Lindsay Shearman who bring great enthusiasm, energy and an appreciation for what it takes to excel in show ring competition. Sharon Gardner, former equitation “mom” and current Mid-America president, serves as advisor to the committee.
For more information or to support the Good Hands Finals, contact Jessica Curl at (913) 544-8009 or [email protected]. For information on the Mid-America Mane Event Show, visit www.MidAmericaHorseShow.org.