Across the Country Travel to Compete in Breaking Events at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 29, 2020 – Hundreds of top-level riders traveled thousands of hours to the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit to take part in the record-breaking event. Entries increased in record numbers with riders of all ages traveling from all coasts to compete. Some made the trip to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center for the first time, while others have been competing at the renowned event for decades.
Seven-time World Champion athlete Laurel Champlin journeyed from Pilot Point, Texas to the Gold Coast for the first time in four years and is thrilled to be back. Champlin swept the top spot aboard Look N Hott on all three judges’ cards in the massive Amateur Select Hunt Seat Equitation class. The class is always a favorite of hers, and after Champlin’s performance Tuesday, it is doubtful that will change.
Appealing to even the youngest competitors, 10-year-old Cole Gouthro has been coming to the Fairgrounds since he was born. Gouthro hailed from Staunton, Virginia and placed in the top three aboard his mount Doya Think Im Flashy in all his classes. Gouthro’s father, Matt Gouthro, acts as coach when he is not competing in ranch riding. Father and son have a friendly contest at the shows, and so far this year it is a tie!
Appealing to even the youngest competitors, 10-year-old Cole Gouthro has been coming to the Fairgrounds since he was born. Gouthro hailed from Staunton, Virginia and placed in the top three aboard his mount Doya Think Im Flashy in all his classes. Gouthro’s father, Matt Gouthro, acts as coach when he is not competing in ranch riding. Father and son have a friendly contest at the shows, and so far this year it is a tie!
Quarter horse trainer Melissa Shetler enjoys the balmy weather, beautiful facility, and level of competition in her inaugural visit to the Gold Coast event. The Saegertown, Pennsylvania resident has already placed in a trail class riding Be All Righteous, and is looking forward to more of the same in the two remaining days of the show.

Competition at the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit continues Wednesday, Dec. 30, with AQHA, APHA and NSBA hunter, equitation, pleasure, horsemanship and trail classes.
The Gold Coast will be streamed daily. To watch live, click here.

Melissa Shetler (Saegertown, Pennsylvania) and Be All Righteous
Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography
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