As the spring season kicks off, Grace Christian School students Julius and Robert Culwell started the month of April in the show arena with their horses. Earlier this month, the brothers headed to the Lauderdale County Agri-Center in Meridian to compete in the Heart of Dixie Palomino Exhibitors (HOPE) Association Azalea Classic Horse Show. The one-day show offered Palomino Horse Breeders of America Association (PHBA) approved show classes along with open horse breed classes in which the brothers showed in both.
Older brother Julius won high point youth exhibitor in the PHBA youth ranch competition, while younger brother Robert won high point youth exhibitor in the PHBA youth gymkhana classes. Overall, Robert was named high point PHBA youth for the show, and Julius was named reserve high point PHBA youth. Julius also showed in the open horse breed classes with his American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) filly. Julius was given his filly through the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program.
For the first show for Julius and his filly, the duo won first in the youth junior mares halter class and in the youth walk/trot showmanship class within the open horse breed division. After a successful show, the brothers are looking forward to their next PHBA/Open horse show, the Southern Nationals Horse Show, which will be on June 10 at the Pontotoc County Agri-Center in Pontotoc. Individuals interested in the upcoming June show can find information on the HOPE Facebook page.
