Regional velvet

In the meantime, the Beverlys shrug it off with the mantra every contestant mouths, but no one really believes: "It's just another horse show," says Bekki.

Postscript: Meghann flew back to Dallas the next day, as did Nicole, whose horse was still too sore to ride. Four days later, Bekki Beverly and a well-rested Shamu won the Amateur Open Trail class at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress.