The exhibitors, spectators and horse community came together Friday evening at the Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity to help one of their own during a special additional event to the show schedule.
A No Bridle Western Pleasure class was held to raise money for Alaina Collingsworth, the widow of Clint Collingsworth, a young trainer who recently died unexpectedly. Horse and rider teams were auctioned Calcutta style before the class, and the exhibitors asked following the class and before the judge’s results were read that the class be re-auctioned to allow more funds to be raised. The proceeds were to be split between Alaina and the highest bidders for the winning teams, however most bidders returned their winnings to Alaina. A total of more than $19,000 was raised from the two auctions. In addition, a pendant with the tagline #ridelikeclint was created and donated by Hannah and Ronnie Casper, and was auctioned just prior to the class and purchased for $1,800. T-shirts and ball caps with the tagline were also available to purchase for a donation.
Seven riders participated in the class, including Ashley Lakins, Adam Mathis, Patrick Heeley, Ryan Small, Dawn Baker, Kelby Hutchinson, Kristy Starnes and Julian Harris. Kelby, Kristy and Julian Harris added to their degree of difficulty by riding bareback, and several riders dropped their neck rein during their performance to the delight of the crowd.
Patrick Heeley won the class showing Huntin For Certain, who is owned by his mother in law, Susan Knapp. “It was really special for me to win this,” Pat said. “Clint was a dear friend, and I miss him every day. He was such a great guy and a really good horseman. It was just tragic that we lost him.”
Ashley Lakins, who helped organize the event, placed second riding VS Code Me Lucky, while Adam Mathis showed Sleep Machine to third place. Judges for the class were Angie and Charles Cannizzaro, Taft Dickerson and Jason DuCharme.
