PASO ROBLES — The Triple Crown Classic, which goes by the mantra “A Working Cowhorse Triathlon,” continued to stand out as a show which was particularly rider friendly to amateurs and non-pros, in giving them a place to start out or continue working on their skills.

While the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship was held Nov. 6-21, some California riders who were not competing at the AQHA year-end show in Oklahoma City chose to show in Paso Robles. The Nov. 13-15 Triple Crown Classic at Paso Robles Event Center had a total of 71 horses showing, three off from last year. The Bridle, Limited and Greener Than Grass divisions were the largest classes.

The Triple Crown Classic, an event sanctioned by National Stock Horse Association, was one of the only ones like it in the country. All of the divisions, including the Limited and Greener than Grass, show out of the herd.

“For most of them, it is the only time they get to show out of the herd since they don’t go down the fence,” show manager Kristen Staebler said. “It is a lot of fun for the Non-Pros to show and have their trainers with them–without the trainers trying to get their own horses ready.”

Weather conditions during the weekend were up to usual, California standards in the fall. “The weather held out for us and we missed the rain storms on Thursday. Everyone had to bundle up on Friday for the herd work since it was so cold, but Saturday and Sunday were typical beautiful Central Coast days,” Staebler said. “Saturday evening, we had wonderful dinner that everyone had time to sit, relax and enjoy each others company.”

Many trainers were on hand to help all the non-pros and a lot of them generously donated to the purse. “Our new event sponsor this year was Blackstone Tire/4P Ranch, Rick and Susan Petty from Fresno,” Staebler said. “Chandler Ranch, Linda Wood and Polly Potocar were our EMT/ambulance sponsors this year.”

Other horse show staff included judge Tim Stewart, announcer Russ Greathouse, cattle coordinator Brandon Staebler, and back-gate coordinator Van Luse.

For complete results, visit the Web site: www.triplecrownclassic.net