SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2007
Region Four Regional Experience News

Quick Change Artist
Danny Burton of Demossville, KY, (pictured far right) had a tight schedule during the week of the Region Four Regional Experience. He walked in the door from the Palomino World Championship Show in Tulsa, OK, at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, and was in Columbus, OH, by noon Wednesday with five fresh horses to show.

Although he consigned a horse to the Tattersals Sale during the first Region Four show in 2005, this was Burton's first year as a professional trainer bringing customers. "I think it is a great show, especially for beginners. It's a lot more accessable and exhibitor-friendly for someone who hasn't shown AQHA much," Burton said. He noted that the division of age groups for the Novice Youth events into 13 & Under and 14-18 divisions was a really good idea. "It's especially nice for the 13 & Under exhibitors to be recognized, because they have such a hard time competing against the older, more experienced youth," he said.

Burton says his own customers were looking for a show that had a large number of exhibitors to compete against, and the Regional Experience fit the bill. The five clients who came with Burton to this year's show, Melanie Leininger, Sandra Peters, Meggan Gray , Karen Seymour and Lakyn Buchanan, ranged in show experience from one in her "rookie season" to several who have more show experience.

"Some people will tell you that you can't earn points at the Regional, but there aren't that many shows where you can win a $500 belt buckle or a $300 blanket set," said Burton. "I know the prizes mean a lot more to my customers than the points."

As Burton left the photo backdrop with several customers toting their prizes, he exclaimed: "We're definitely coming back - and maybe bringing more clients next year!"

reported by Connie Lechleitner