There is always one horse that impacts our life in a way that changes us forever. For Monica Hamm, her horse, RPL My Te Cheerful, who we all know as Henry, is that horse. Friday they were named unanimous Grand Champion Youth Gelding at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in their final youth appearance.
Even though their win Friday was one of their many, Monica said, “This win with Henry is very special, since it was my last time showing as a youth!” Henry is not done showing at the Congress this year. He still has the Amateur Aged Geldings on Monday.
Although officially owned by her grandfather, Vern Habighorst, Monica and Henry have a very special relationship, including sharing the same birthdate of April 29th. “Henry truly is my best friend,” she told us about the 12-year-old gelding. “We first got him in 2009 and I showed him at the AQHYA World Show. At that time I was still shy and not as confident in showing as I am today. Now, seven years later, I am a little wiser and he is a little more stubborn in his old age.”
This is not the first time they have won the Grand Championship at the Congress. In fact, Henry has won a total of 15 Grand Championships at the Congress in Youth, Amateur and Open. He has also won an unprecedented 24 AQHA World Championships in the Youth, Amateur and Open divisions. 
The two have shown together off and on for the last seven years and have made many memories together. One of Monica’s favorites was watching him eat an ice pop for the first time. She said, “His reaction was priceless!”
The most dominating horse in AQHA halter history, a little-known fact is that Henry’s first Congress Championship didn’t come until his three-year-old year. In 2007 he won the Amateur Three-Year-Old Geldings with then owner, Peter J. Cofrancesco III. That year, he was also Reserve Grand Champion in Amateur Geldings. (Pictured right)
Congratulations again to Monica Hamm and RPL My Te Cheerful for being the Grand Champion Youth Gelding at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Photo © Jeff Kirkbride
