Dawn Blake of Orange, Connecticut, showed her 5-year-old mare Shes Hot Straw, “Straw,” in the 2009 amateur western riding and made the finals. She flew home, but she and her husband, Jason, came back for FedEx Open Week to watch AQHA Professional Horseman Pierre Briere show the mare in the junior western riding finals. The two were up against a talented field of horses and riders, riding sixth in the draw. With the scores held, the anticipation mounted as the placings were announced, and Dawn could hardly believe it when Pierre and Straw were left in the arena last. Jay jumped into the arena to unlock the well door to let Dawn into the arena for the awards presentation. Back in the Super Barn, the Journal discovered that it was a first world championship for all parties: horse, rider and owner.
Click here for The Winning Run
Click here for class results
