The Junior Western Riding at the Congress on Tuesday afternoon was clearly a challenge for both horse and rider. Strong winds whipped through the tarp outside of the Celeste and it unnerved several horses. However, First N Line, ridden by Shannon Gillespie emerged unphased. First N Line, who is by RL Best Of Sudden and out of Sheiks Bodys Hot, finished first in line with a 222.5 to win the class. This talented double registered (AQHA/APHA) gelding known as “Kenny” is owned by Susan Juroe of Longmont, Colorado.
Kenny’s trainer, Shannon Gillespie told us that Susan has owned him for a year and a half. Gillespie and Kenny won the Junior Green Trail last year at the Congress and just started the western riding this year. Kenny was the 2013 Congress Two-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure Champion.
“He is just a lot of fun and has great expression. I have really been focusing on this class, especially to get ready to show here in Columbus, and he rose to the occasion. He is just super honest and you can always trust him,” Shannon Gillespie told us at their stalls in the Buckeye Barn. “He really loves showing, and he is really beautiful and a pretty mover which doesn’t hurt either.”
Earlier today, Ross Roark and Kenny were fourth in the Open Performance Halter Geldings.
The Gillespie’s and Juroe are also looking forward to showing Kenny at the APHA World Show in several events.
CLICK HERE to view First N Line’s ad in the Congress issue of Go Mag
Lope Out The Doubt (“Frank”) and Charlie Cole ended up Reserve in the class scoring a 219 with a 
minor bobble on the jog log. “Besides the log, I was really happy with our go. His lead changes were gorgeous,” Cole told us under the tarp at Celeste. “We still have the Junior Trail and Green Western Riding to go, so I look forward to showing him in those classes.”
Frank’s owners, Rick and Marijo Meredith were there cheering on their homebred horse who is out of their mare, Sweet Talkin Jeannie and by No Doubt Im Lazy. “We, of course, are still madly in love with Frank,” says, Rick Meredith. “Horses make mistakes and winning isn’t everything. It’s the love of the horse that matters. We were still very pleased with his performance.”
Marijo Meredith adds, “Charlie is the best trainer for Frank, and he will always be with Charlie.”
CLICK HERE to view Lope Out The Doubt on the cover of the Congress issue of GoMag
