Santa Barbara National Horse Show celebrates 103rd year at Earl Warren Showgrounds

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-All breeds including Morgan horses, Friesians , Saddlebreds, Welsh Ponies, Tennessee Walking Horses, Andalusians, competed in this summer's Santa Barbara National Horse Show.

The first week of the show celebrating its 103rd year wrapped up Saturday at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

As Madonna music played in the ring the most experienced riders competed in the Rae Dean Stone English Pleasure stake in the late afternoon.

The winner took home a $1000 prize.

Earlier in the afternoon one of the youngest riders took home a ribbon and a trophy in her first show riding MBA Silver Haze also known as Fred.

Genny Nichols said she planned to hang her first place ribbon in her room.

The 11-year-old said she fell in love with horses when she was 9.

"I went on a trail ride on my ninth birthday in the Hollywood Hills and I decided to ride after that."

When asked what is next for Nichols, Coach Robb Wallen of Wallen West Farms & Riding Academy in Temecula, California said the "sky is the limit."

Wallen said improvements at the showgrounds make it a winner, too.

"The horses being athletes themselves, they need to have the proper footing underneath them to be able to perform up to their maximum ability," said Wallen, " So, they're spending the money. It was good money spent on bringing the footing up to par."

The riders get to go around a practice ring before heading into the arena.

People sitting in the stands watched the horses and riders being judged walking, trotting and cantering.

Santa Barbara National Show Manager Lance Bennett of San Diego said they can enjoy jumping next week

"Next week from the 12th to the 16th will be our jumper week, so it's a two week show," said Bennett.

When asked if he had any favorites in the show Bennett said, "I can't tell you my favorite. They're all my favorites."

Watching is free.

For more information visit https://earlwarren.com