Highpoint Performance Horses had an outstanding day in the trail pen on Thursday afternoon with three of the Top 5 horses in the Senior Trail class with 142 shown. Jason Martin and Heza Radical Zip (Troy) took home the win in the class with a score of 236.5, Sleeptite and Ashley Dunbar-Clark ended up reserve with a score of a 234.5 and Brad Ost and UF A Certain Star closed out the Highpoint domination with a fifth place finish.
Martin talked about his winning run. “I’m so lucky the Searles allowed me to be the trainer of Troy. He is such a kind horse that loves his job. This was the type of course that allowed me to show off Troy’s lope overs, and I think that’s what made the difference.”
Jason mentioned that he hasn’t had much luck lately at the Congress in the trail classes. The last time he won the Senior Trail at this show was in 1998 with the legendary, Zippo LTD. That was 19 years ago. “I’m glad he ended this streak with one of my horses,” Bonnie said and laughed.
Bonnie’s other horse, Sleeptite (Brad), is starting to step up big in his horse show career. He had a late start due to an injury when he was young. In only his second year of showing, the eight year-old gelding by Impulsions and out of the famous mare, Zipped Tight, is starting to make a name for himself. Last year, he was reserve in the Green Sr. Trail with Ashley.
Sheren was really excited about her horses’ wins when we talked to her after the class.
”Troy is a beautiful mover and enjoys what he does. He never pins his ears, and he is just a happy horse with great expression. He is a special horse and that was illustrated today.”
Earlier in the week, Heza Radical Zip and Jason also scored a 236.5 in the Senior Western Riding to win the class. That particular score seems lucky for this team at this year’s Congress.
Sheren also bragged on Ashley who showed Sleeptite today with an impressive score of 234.5. “Ashley is a fantastic person and trainer,” Sheren told us. “She seems to always be happy and even-tempered.”
We spoke to Ashley about her ride. “When I warmed him up, I knew he was in the zone. We hung it all out there because I knew we had to in order to have a chance for a prize. He listened to me every step of the way. He is one of my favorite horses, probably because we have a special bond that shows through in the show arena.”
We would like to congratulate Bonnie, Jason, Ashley and Brad for having a great day in the trail pen and wish them good luck during the rest of the show.
Click here to view Bonnie’s cover of the Congress GoMag.
