Although a blustery, rainy day in Columbus, Monday was still bright for several Congress champions who were crowned throughout the day in Trail, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship.
The Tale of Trail
Emma Brown won her very first Congress champion title in AQHA and NSBA Youth Trail 15-18 aboard her horse, Some Hot Potential. "We practiced the pattern a couple of days ago, but he can sometimes anticipate what to do so we didn't work on it today," she said. "He was perfect. He was right there with me and did everything I asked.
With ten year old Brett, Emma said she has found her 'once in a lifetime horse.' "He is wonderful, and to win this class is just amazing," she said. Emma has committed to Auburn to join the equestrian team in the fall of 2018.
In the AQHA and NSBA Youth Trail 12-14, Jessica McAllister was the very last go of the class with A Good Order, and bested the class with a score of 230.5. "He's pretty cool," Jessica said of her horse, whom she calls Lincoln. He is by Presidential Order.
"I've had him three years. I like to go last. You show, and then you don't have to wait to know how you did. Today we scored the highest we ever have in a class."
Jessica noted that Trail is her favorite class. "I like that you have to think on the spot," she said. "You sometimes don't know where you'll end up, and you can have a choice to take a certain number of strides on an obstacle."
Cheyenne Augsburger picked up another champion title with her horse, Hunt For Candy, when the duo showed in AQHA and NSBA Youth Trail 11 & Under. They earned a score of 233. "Probably Trail and Hunter Under Saddle are my two favorite classes," Cheyenne said. "I thought the serpentine was probably going to be the biggest challenge, but it wasn't too bad."
Course designer Tim Kimura was impressed by all of the competitors in Monday's Youth Trail classes. "They all brought their 'A game' today, and it was very competitive," he said.
Western Winners
Natasha Blanchard and Made N The Shade added another Congress champion title to the list when the duo won the Three Year Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure Futurity and Southern Belle Breeders. As was the case in the Limited finals, the decision came down to a tiebreaker, this time with Hillary Roberts and Johnnie On The Spot.
Trainer Katie Green noted that 'Mikey' was purchased a year ago at the Congress. "We saw Taft Dickerson riding him around last year and Rusty and I looked at each other and thought he would be the perfect horse for Natasha," she said. "The original plan was to build him into a horse for Natasha in 2018, but what we didn't realize was how much heart Mikey has. He is an amazing horse, and Natasha has worked so hard with him."
"He was just so perfect for me," Natasha said. "He was fantastic. Rusty and Katie have just helped me so much with him."
RR Magical Moonlite earned his third 2017 Congress title, while his owner Kiley Wiseman earned her second championship with him at this year's Congress when the duo won the AQHA and NSBA Youth Western Pleasure 12-14.
"I was really nervous, but we had a great ride," Kiley said. "I didn't expect to be that high on each judges card." The pair earned three firsts and a second among judges Rick Baker, Tony Burris, Mike Carter and Rob Meneely's placings.
"Mouse has the biggest personality. He likes to get hugs and kisses, and he's willing to give you his best. His ears are always up. He loves to do his job," Kiley said. Kiley and Mouse also won the NYATT Western Pleasure the day before, and Mouse and Kenny Lakins Junior had won the Maturity Western Pleasure on Saturday.
Masterson Farms two entries in Junior Western Pleasure were neck and neck in the placings, and pitted Casey Willis against his girlfriend Blair Townsend. Casey and KM Suddenly So Easy took the AQHA and NSBA win, with Cole Baker and Loping Radical, showing for Marcie Budine, earning reserve. Blair and KM Weknowsheshot earned third.
"I was getting worried she was going to beat me," Casey said with a laugh. "This is the only class for Penelope this year, but she's going on to the AQHA World Show. We just had two spectacular horses. Blair's horse, Mercedes, will be showing with Marilyn Masterson in the Amateur Select Western Pleasure."
Casey reflected on working at Masterson Farms. "I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work for the Mastersons," he said. "They are great people and they have phenomenal horses that we get to work with. I can't say enough about them.
Other champions from Monday included Chex Is The Choice and Natalie Kay Devencenty, winning AQHA and NSBA Youth Horsemanship 15-18; Cracking The Code and Dan Yeager, champions in AQHA and NSBA Amateur Select Horsemanship; and Only A Blue and Mackenzie Clason Kuzo, winning AQHA and NSBA Level 1 Amateur Hunter Under Saddle.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress continues through October 29. To view complete show results or learn more about the show, please visit www.quarterhorsecongress.com.
