Ranch Riding Kicks Off NSBA Classes at the 2017 Congress
As Central Ohio began to show her fall colors, the All American Quarter Horse Congress showed off exhibitors whose horses could perform tasks around the ranch as Open, Youth and Amateur Ranch Riding events took place in the Coliseum. Several NSBA and AQHA champions were crowned on Tuesday, October 10.
Busy Day for Meadows
Steve Meadows had a busy day both as an exhibitor and a coach, with success in both roles. Steve showed Wimpys Major Affair for Sandy Thompson and Red River Western Wear to win the AQHA and NSBA Senior Ranch Riding, as well as earning second both divisions aboard Shiners Surprise for Kaylynn DeBernard.
“This was a special win for Sandy,” Steve said. “She’s had a lot of physical problems this year and broke her foot. I was really happy with our go. This was a fast pattern, and the maneuvers came up quick. Both of my horses were great, it just boiled down to the style you like.”
Barry Takes Junior NSBA title
Jon Barry showed a four year old bay mare to reserve champion AQHA and NSBA champion in Junior Ranch Riding for Chloe Smith. “This is just such a kind animal,” Jon said of his mount.
“I’m so proud of her go, because she’s just a baby in this class. We got her from Alex Ross in April. Her owner’s mom, Dana Hunt-Smith, has such a history in this business, that it’s really exciting to see the next generation involved. Chloe hopes to be able show in Ranch Riding in the future with this mare.”
Non-Pros Earn Hardware
John Falls and Tom Kruzer kicked off the Non-Pro champions, winning NSBA and AQHA Level 1 Amateur Ranch Riding. “I’ve shown for about ten years, but I’ve only been doing Ranch Riding for about a year,” John said.
“This is my first Congress championship, and it’s so cool. We’ve been working toward this all year, and it feels great to accomplish our goal. It feels surreal!”
Karen Johnson is no stranger to the Congress winner’s circle and added another AQHA and NSBA Amateur Ranch Riding champion to her trophy case with Gotta Hot Gun. “We call him Kangaroo,” Karen said of her eight-year-old gelding.
“He can be kind of quirky. And when he’s bad, he gets kind of scared. But he’s very talented, and he’s worth the extra work!”
Caroline Fredenburg and MWS Flashy N Chock earned two NSBA bronzes in the Youth division. The pair won AQHA and NSBA Level 1 Youth Ranch Riding, and were reserve AQHA and NSBA champions in Youth Ranch Riding.
“This is my second year showing Ranch Riding,” Caroline said. “I like it because I can relax and I don’t have to worry about my hand and body position so much. This is my brother’s horse, and we call her Sweet Pea. I usually just show her in Performance Mares. This was my first time to get to show her in Ranch Riding. We just got her midway through the year.” Caroline and the 15 year old gray mare will also compete in Youth Trail 12-14.
Roping classes will fill Wednesday and Thursday’s schedule at the Congress, with Heroes On Horses on Friday and EWD and Small Fry events dominating the weekend. For the compete show schedule, results and additional information about the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress, visit www.quarterhorsecongress.com.
