When APHA’s No. 1 Classic Amateur exhibitor Tami Dietrich-Dobbs received the news that she’d won the use of a beautiful three-horse gooseneck trailer from APHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailers, she almost didn’t believe it. While the horsewoman from Tioga, Texas, had a good year with longtime show partner Seems Like Heaven, she didn’t realize she was leading the trailer race, too. The news was a happy surprise for the veteran exhibitor.
“I was so surprised and honored,” Tami said. “I’m still on cloud nine.”
Balancing work and family life with her riding, Tami didn’t strike out to win the All-Around Amateur trailer in 2014—instead, she just wanted to enjoy her time in the saddle and work on perfecting some new classes. A deep partnership with “Eddie,” her 2006 chestnut tobiano gelding by Zips Heaven Sent and out of Shesa Real Pleasure, helped the team earn the greatest number of qualifying points of any Amateur team in 2014.
“Eddie is definitely a one-of-a-kind horse,” she said. “He loves to be a show horse, and that’s the key. I trust him and he trusts me. I’ve shown my entire life, and I’ve never had this much of a connection. I feel like everyone gets one once-in-a-lifetime horse, and Eddie is mine.”
The trailer, a three-horse gooseneck with custom detailing, was awarded to the No. 1 Amateur competitor overall based on the number of qualifying points earned in Novice, Classic and Masters Amateur divisions. This is the second year Hart has awarded use of a trailer to APHA’s top Amateur exhibitor. Last year, Coleen Bull of Reed City, Michigan, took home the trailer following an illustrious show season in 2013 with Timeless Assets.
With a focus on enjoying her Paint Horse and personal growth in the saddle, Tami is looking forward to 2015; so is her husband, Trevor, a team roper who has already claimed use of the Hart Trailer for his events, too.
To learn more about Tami’s road to the top of the APHA Amateur ranks and stories from more No. 1 winners from 2014, read the April 2015 Paint Horse Journal. Subscribe or renew online or by calling (817) 222-6423.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.