Editor’s Note: GoHorseShow had a “guest reporter for a day” series throughout the Congress where exhibitors and trainers reported on fun and exciting things that went on during the show. Read our final one here from Marsha Stigge and Dionne Stigge-Rucker of Award Decor.
FINAL REPORT – Marsha Stigge and Dionne Stigge-Rucker
Congress: The Long Haul
For 26 consecutive days in October, the All American Quarter Horse Congress dominates the Ohio State Expo Center. Exhibitors and spectators come from thousands of miles away to participate in the Congress.
The show attracts more than 650,000 people to the Columbus area. Be it showing, shopping, camping or eating, the days and nights are filled with work, play and usually more work.
For some, this horse show is longer than for others. Trainers with multiple horses in multiple events may be here from beginning to end. The braiders and the banders, the night-watchers and the grooms, all working odd hours to ensure that everything is perfect.
The show staff and OQHA officials who put on this brilliant annual event, working tirelessly to make sure it all runs smoothly. Every job is important and some are never ending throughout the month. It’s a long show with a HUGE following and the 2017 version is coming to a close.
Today is the next to the last day for this year. Cold, rainy and even a little snowy, with temperatures hovering just above freezing, the show continued. Today’s classes were:
- Amateur Select Hunter Under Saddle & Amateur Select Equitation – winner Laurel Champlin riding Look N Hott
- Level 1 Youth Pole Bending (91 ENTRIES) – Ranchel Liz Porath riding QCS Hickotas Classy
- Three Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Futurity – Beth Case riding Hubbout A Dance
- Junior Barrel Racing – Peter Oen riding Guys Dashing Jet
- Three Year-Old Open Western Pleasure Futurity – Jason English riding Gone Viral
- Amateur Pole Bending – Jessica Ford Coots riding Don’tplaywiththisfire
- Two Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle Stakes – Angela Fox riding HP Rusty Fox
- Amateur Western Riding – Jeffrey Johns riding Lopin For A Chex
- Congress Masters Two Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Deanna Searles riding Best Jazz Album Yet
- Congress Masters Two Year-Old Western Pleasure- Aaron Moses and VS The First Lady
So, that’s a wrap folks, see ya next year!
DAY 13 – Trainer, Farley McLendon
Although the youth classes are over and it’s now amateur week, I wanted to meet up with Cheyenne “Scoot” Augsburger. I talked to her about her big wins with two different horses in two completely different events.
Scoot, as she is affectionately called, is the daughter of trainers, Andrew and Lori Augsburger. They are the owners of Pine Tree Quarter Horses based out of Loxahatchee, Florida.
As I was taking care of my own horses this morning, I saw Scoot on the next isle working away to help pack up their tack room. I was able to steal her away for a quick interview.
Scoot’s first win came in the 11 & Under Hunter Under Saddle aboard 12 Year-Old, One Hot Kat, aka “Stifler”.
“He’s my dream horse,” Scoot tells me with a huge smile. “He and I are both the same age. My mom had a ton of success and I wanted to see if could follow in her footsteps.”
And that she did, but not without a big obstacle. Stifler is blind, and only has ten percent vision in his left eye. Scoot states that he has to trust you and know your voice. Once he does, he will do anything you ask. It appears Stifler trusted her just fine to be unanimous Congress Champions. Stifler earned his reward of a new jolly ball and hanging apple treats.
Scoot’s second title came in the 11 & Under Trail with Huntin For Candy, aka “Scamper.”
Scoot tells me that her dad purchased Scamper for a client when he was a two year old and he had been in the barn with several clients until about four years ago.
Scamper became Scoot’s new partner, and they were able to show for two years.
Unfortunately, Scamper got hurt and had to take a year off. Scoot informs me that they took the time to rehab Scamper properly in the hopes that he would be able to show again.
Last year, this team was Reserve Congress Champions in this same class. They returned this year to win it with a score of 233.
Scoot smiles as she tells me about how Scamper has the best personality. “He is always happy, always has his ears up and is bright eyed. You would think he was too fresh, but he loves his job that much. Oh, and he loves any and every type of human food he can eat.”
Scoot tells me she is looking forward to the Youth World next year with both horses as they’ve added the 13 & Under Division.
Good luck to this sweet, hard working young lady.
DAY 12- Amateur Exhibitor, Isabel Scobie
Many people dream of showing at Congress but think the obstacles are insurmountable. Maybe it’s the cost, or the feeling that they “won’t belong”, or that their outfits and tack aren’t fancy enough. For these two ladies, there were no excuses to realize their horse show dreams.
A Christmas Eve Delivery Becomes a Congress Dream Realized
Traci Landauer first saw her horse, One Last Romance (Skipper), in a Facebook video. He was everything she didn’t want, a stud and a weanling. The video kept popping up, however, and he did have a couple of things going for him – his movement and his color. When his price was lowered and the owner said to make an offer, Traci made a lowball offer never expecting it would be accepted. She didn’t even have a stall for him. The offer was indeed accepted, and she worked weekends for a month quickly building a stall addition.
Christmas Eve of 2013 brought the delivery of Skipper to her home in Berne, New York. For the next two years, Traci worked with Skipper on her own, hauling to local open shows for halter and starting Skipper herself as a two year old. Traci was able to send Skipper for a few months of training with Ricky Noiseux in Connecticut and then hauled in for lessons four hours away when she could.
Traci says, “At home, I did exactly what Ricky told me to do and nothing more.” After showing just halter, in the fall of 2016, Traci showed in an under saddle class at a local open show.
In January of 2017, Traci sent Skipper back to Ricky at Powder Brook Farm for a few months with a goal of showing in two AQHA shows, one in April and one in May. At that April show, Skipper was undefeated with Traci in hunter under saddle and with Jessica Ross in the Green Hunter Under Saddle. The May show brought even more success and Traci was close to pointing out of the Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle.
This would prove the pivotal point in Traci’s Congress dream. She had set a goal to get to Congress by 2020. Powder Brook farm trainers, Gene Spagnola and Gretchen Mathes, suggested that she might want to try for Congress this year.
Traci initially said, no, she could not afford to go, but with the support of her husband, Matt, and her family, she took on weekend jobs horse sitting and collected cans and bottles – carts and carts of them to raise her Congress funds.
This week, Traci has realized her dream, showing in both showmanship and hunter under saddle. Time to set some new goals!
A Congress Dream Pact
For Emily Messing (pictured right) of Palmer, MA, her Congress dream started many years ago when she was showing 4-H. In 2012, she did not own a horse, but wanted to participate at Congress. Somehow. She decided to join her state quarter horse association and to run for Congress Queen. Emily won the queen contest, and her great experience and the many friends she made only strengthened her goal of showing at Congress.
One of those friends was Leona Ransdell and together they made a pact to help each other achieve their Congress goals. For Emily, the first step was to get a horse.
In 2015, Hes Shameless Huh, was sent to Michele Carver to be sold. Emily had ridden with Michele, both at college and at Michele’s barn, trading work for lessons. Emily was able to purchase the five year-old gelding with her savings, and she was finally on her way.
In early 2016, Emily saved enough money and was able to put “Austin” in training. Michele has been instrumental in Emily’s horse career, “Michele works so hard and has been more than patient with Austin and I when we both make mistakes. She is very talented and I’m so thankful she kept me around even when I couldn’t afford to be a real customer.”
Emily was able to show at four AQHA shows in 2016; she was the Novice Hi-Point Champion at the Region 6 show.
Leona finally realized her Congress dream in 2016 and now, it was Emily’s turn. Emily set up a spreadsheet with every possible cost for a trip to the 2017 Congress and the target amount she felt she needed to save. Every Monday, Emily and Leona (pictured left) set a goal for the week, sometimes a riding goal and sometimes a goal to add a certain amount to her Congress account.
Emily, who already worked a full-time job, did odd jobs such as cleaning stalls, being a Mystery Shopper, ring stewarding, and she added birthday money to the pot as well.
Emily reached her target amount just two weeks ago and is here with Michele Carver showing Austin in Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation. Not only has Emily realized her Congress dream, today, beyond her expectations for a first Congress, she made the finals in Novice Hunt Seat Equitation and ended up twelfth out of a tough class of over sixty horses.
We applaud these two women for making their dreams of showing at the Congress come true despite the challenges and obstacles they had to overcome to show here.
DAY 11 – Amateur Exhibitor, Beckie Peskin
Today was a really mixed bag of events at the Congress. In the Coliseum, it started with the 4 & 5 Year Old Trail Stakes with some truly impressive runs on a really beautiful Tim Kimura course. Jess Bergantzel on Memphis Bound took home the Congress Championship with a 235.5, Troy Lehn on Good Like Jagger was reserve, and Robin Frid on No Question Im Lazy was third.
Then, it was on to the Three Year Old Trail Stakes where Jason Gilliam riding HP Prime Timewas champion with a 238. Both of these classes were PHENOMENAL…but my favorite moment of the day (ok, we are all totally biased) was when Alee Foss walked out with Robin Frid to get the medallion her mom’s (Andrea Foss) horse, Imma American Made, won in the 4/5 year old class.
Meanwhile, in the Celeste, it was a marathon (and I mean that literally) of Amateur and Select Amateur Showmanship. I think the amateurs may need to add “please drag between splits if you’re going to make us run that far” to the suggestion box. It was deep out there. When the amateur was finally done, it was a win for Ashley Hadlock, with her sister also placing in the top 10 (pictured right).
Dan Yeager and Rob Rivait took top honors in the Select Amateur Showmanship, and I’m thrilled to say two of my barn mates, Anne Wilson and Angela Dillahunty, were third and fourth.
I admittedly finished my day with a little bit of shopping, some prep for the Novice Amateur Trail, and some chilling in the lounge at our stalls. But we watched the finals of the 2 Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure and it was awfully fun to watch Clay Arrington – who I remember as a little tike showing the all-around – win big. He’s turned out to be quite a horseman.
DAY 10 – Amateur Exhibitor, Heather Lange
Jodi Mallette trains outside Toronto, Ontario. She encourages her clients to come to the Congress every year for the competition and experience. “Everything is bigger,” she says. “The show, the grounds, the competition. For my clients, this is the World Show.”
Her clients agree that the drive to show in the United States is worth the trip – a ten hour trip to be exact. They love meeting new people and facing deeper competition than they might see at their local shows. At the Congress, they especially love seeing all the great riders and the shopping.
This year, she brought five customers including three youths: Hannah Buijs, Abby Schaap and Darla Leroux. The three competed as part of the Ontario NYATT team and will be representing Team Canada at the 2018 Youth World Cup.
Hannah is the veteran of the group. She and her horse, Lopin to the Bar (Tucker), have been to the States for competition many times including the Ford Youth World Show. Hannah loves the late night rides and the tougher competition. The pair were eighth in the NYATT Horsemanship.
Abby and My Secret Addiction (Riley) compete in the hunter under saddle, equitation and showmanship. She says, “More competition causes you to show up to be the best you can be.”
While she has shown in the States before, this was her first time showing at the Congress. She knows she has had some personal best rides so far and is looking forward to the 12-14 Youth Equitation.
Darla is the rookie of the group. Not only is this her first time showing at the Congress, but it’s also her first time showing in the US. She and her horse, Go For The Hot One, showed in the hunter under saddle, equitation and showmanship. She was surprised at how calm she was here.
All three young women made the trip because of the NYATT tournament. They seem to have quickly formed a team. Only Hannah rides with Jodi on a regular basis. Abby and Darla live several hours away from Jodi and get lessons with Jodi every other month or so. Distance did not seem to dampen their team spirit as they laughed and teased one another. The support for each other was evident.
For me, the Congress is a great chance to meet new people from different places. Social media helps us keep in touch with our new friends throughout the year until we see each other again next year here in Ohio.
DAY 9 – Amateur Exhibitor, Lauren Stanley
While the weather may have taken a cold turn, the competition is heating up this week at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Youth exhibitors are finishing up their slate of classes, trying to bring home the coveted bronze and neck ribbon while the Amateur All Arounders are moving into town to vie for their own top spot.
A common trend among youth and amateurs alike is to work on their physical fitness to enhance their riding. I sat down with fellow horsewoman, Max Kuzo of That Girl Max, to see what she recommended to get in shape before arriving at the show, and how to maintain it once you’re here. Kuzo definitely knows what she’s talking about as she just won the Congress Level 1 Amateur Hunter Under Saddle Championship on Monday night with her horse, Only A Blue. For those who don’t know, Max grew up in the industry showing largely under the guidance of her father, Hank Clason.
“As a personal trainer, I focus on creating workouts that are fit for a rider. Since I show horses myself, I feel I have a good understanding of what muscles are important for what we do. I work on a lot of stability and balance. Core work is important as well as back exercises and legs, riding really involves your whole body.”
Making time to workout at home and creating a routine can be difficult, but once established, it can be so fulfilling. Unfortunately, once we get to a show, it becomes exponentially harder.
Max had some advice for that issue as well, “Just get moving, even if it’s only twenty minutes, that is better than nothing. Try not to do anything that you haven’t done at home, otherwise you may get sore. Bodyweight exercises are great ways to get your muscles moving and your heart pumping without getting too sore.”
After working out this morning, I made my way to the show grounds as the Youth Trail classes were going on. There were some excellent runs, with a 230.5 winning the 12-14 Trail and a whopping 239.5 winning the 15-18 Trail.
With scores that high, it can be intimidating for someone about to show at their first Congress. However Lauren Graves of Plano, Texas wasn’t deterred as she stepped into the arena at her very first Congress.
“It was really exciting and the competition was great. It lived up to all expectations of being a big time horse show.”
She showed earlier this week in the showmanship and then again today in the trail. “I wasn’t really nervous, but the best way I got over my nerves was by just getting in the pen and showing. I wanted to do well.” She did do well. Lauren and her horse, Sleepin In The Buff, were 6th in the 12-14 Trail with a great score of 223.
“I think my go was good, we could have improved in a few places, but I’m still learning and Nona was great. I definitely want to come back and show here next year because it is a great experience.”
Regardless of if you’re a Congress veteran or if you’re still dreaming of attending for your first time, the Congress is magical. Between the horses and riders, there is an indescribable amount of talent present wherever you look. So much knowledge can be gained by watching a class and so much experience can be gained by showing in it. Best of luck to everyone competing the rest of the week.
DAY 8 – Amateur Exhibitor, Courtney Chown
Denton Debuhr might have a broke foot but it isn’t stopping him here at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Denton owns and operates Denton DeBuhr Show Horses in Cedar Falls, Iowa where he Specializes in Western Pleasure Futurity and Show Horses.
Denton is no stranger to the winner’s circle here at the Congress, winning the 2 YO Limited Western Pleasure in 2013.
While you may see Denton headed to the show pen with his crutches this year, it isn’t holding him back any as he was in the finals of the Two Year Old Western Pleasure Stakes showing Zipped By Moonlite, a two year old mare sired by Only In The Moonlite.
Best of luck to Denton and thank you for giving us all the added inspiration to get through the final week, no matter how sore and tired we are.
DAY 7 – Youth Exhibitor, Catrina Guenther
Today was a very busy day at the Congress. Many exhibitors laid out beautiful patterns and rides. One thing they all had in common was confidence. Well-fitting, clean show clothing can give an exhibitor this confidence to ride to the best of their ability in the show pen.
I talked with Lindsey James about her work as a designer. James said, “We try to keep a range of styles of show clothing such as vests, jackets, horsemanship shirts, etc. available for the show. Everyone has distinctive styles while also accentuating various aspects of their clothing. I like to design symmetrically because it shows off squareness and edginess of a piece.”
I also asked about emerging trends in the show pen. James noted, “I’ve noticed boleros have become more popular recently.”
Whether you have a jacket dripping in gorgeous crystals or a classy suit, find an outfit that fits you and your horse correctly and cleanly.
I also had the chance to catch up with the Congress Youth Showmanship 12-14 Champion, Bella Rosa. Rosa’s best piece of advice is to try to stay calm and control your nerves in the show pen.
She stated that her winning confidence partially comes from show clothing. Rosa said, “My show clothes give me confidence by making me feel good, which helps me show well. My showmanship jacket holds a lot of memories. I bought it a few years back, and it has been good luck ever since. I love every designers’ show clothes, but Lindsey James has to be my favorite. My showmanship jacket and bolero is by her, and I absolutely love them.”
Congrats on your first Congress Championship, Bella!
DAY 6 – Youth Exhibitors, Bella Rosa and Sarah Finkel
Hi everyone! Bella Rosa and Sarah Finkel are reporting from the All American Quarter Horse Congress, where today, our day centered around the Level 1 Youth 14-18 Trail. Classes started at 8 am with the youth showing on one end of the Celeste and the junior horses showing on the other.
The Level 1 Youth class had 88 entries and Junior Trail wrapped up with 97 shown. One of the many competitors today was Jordan Schween of Gilroy, California, riding her new horse, Good Cuz Im Lazy (Tucker).
Jordan is a good friend of ours, and we have shown with her for many years. We used to know Jordan in association with her previous horse, Good N Dynamic (Nerd). This duo placed highly at shows all around the country.
Unfortunately, Nerd (pictured right) passed away in the spring, which was a huge loss for Jordan. He was loved by everyone who knew him and he is greatly missed.
Luckily, she found Tucker and after only a few months, made the western pleasure finals at the 2017 Youth World and placed 14th today in the trail.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing team. Congrats Jordan!
Good luck to everyone competing during the rest of the Congress.
DAY 5 – Amateur Exhibitor, Lisa Mazurka
The All American Quarter Horse Congress attracts trainers and exhibitors from all over the United States. Exhibitors travel from the West Coast, East Coast, North and South to compete at the Congress. In fact, I bet every state within the U.S. is represented at this largest single breed horse show in the world.
What’s even more impressive is that this horse show not only attracts exhibitors from all over the United States, it attracts exhibitors and trainers from other countries who travel quite a distance to take part.
What is it about this famous horse show that attracts so many?
Jadasa (Dasi) Jablonowski, owner and trainer of Dasi Show Horses, traveled all the way from Munich, Germany. Dasi has been attending the Congress for many years and works for Highpoint Performance Horses when here at the Congress. It normally takes Dasi 12 to 15 hours of travel by plane to get to Columbus Ohio. This year, Dasi had the biggest challenges she ever faced in her travels. “It was the worst trip of my life. My first flight was delayed, and I was stranded in Canada because I missed my flight while trying to get through customs.” This year, it took Dasi about 40 hours to reach Columbus.
Despite the long hours and challenges of travel, Dasi notes, “The Congress is the highest level of competition. I am so grateful that I am able to ride these talented horses. Sometimes, I can’t even believe I’m here doing this.”
In fact, Dasi held a long time dream of winning a Congress Champion jacket which came true for her last year when she won the Senior Hunter Under Saddle aboard Aint Gota Lot.
Dasi has finished in the top ten this year in both the Senior Hunter Under Saddle and the Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle Stakes.
This year is extra special to Dasi because she has her longtime best friend who she works with in Germany, Mirko Mueller, cheering her on in the stands making her long travels all worth it. “There are no guarantees in life that you will have the opportunity to ride such great horses. I am so lucky to have this opportunity.”
I also had the opportunity to speak with Christian Beauchemin, a Select Amateur who showed in all of the over fences classes. He trailered in all the way from Montreal, Quebec. This is Christian’s 15th year at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
“People don’t realize how difficult it can be to get across the border, especially hauling horses,” Christian told me. “It is very challenging. I recommend doing your homework and talking to people who have done it before so you know what to expect and what you need in regards to paperwork.”
So, what motivates Christian to drive 13 hours across the border to the All American Quarter Horse Congress? “This is where the best horses are, the best trainers are and the best trade show in the country is. Everyone and everything is here. No other show provides the opportunity to provide this all at one time. I cherish and love seeing people come outside the show pen after a big win. Seeing their smiles, their tears, and realization of their dreams come true is so incredible.”
Christian had top ten finishes in every class shown here at the Congress this year. Christian shows On Record, aka “Bruce”. Christian bought Bruce seven years ago. Just after purchasing him, he sustained an injury that was thought to be career ending, and Christian retired him. He has been enjoying his turn out every day, and, as Christian puts it, “Being with mother nature.”
“A few years ago, we started noticing him running in the field and he was sound,” Christian said. “I didn’t think too much about it. This past year, I started to think ‘what if’ and, I took the chance. Only a few short months ago, we started riding him. I wanted to be sure he was sound before I started the fence work. I was only able to jump him three to four weeks before coming to the Congress to compete. That makes this so extra special to do so well here this year. Bruce has taught me to never give up. Our horses never give up on us, we can’t give up on them.”
This very dedicated horseman and horsewoman show us that traveling the far distance is certainly worth every hour and every obstacle. This trip, no matter how far, allows us to chase our dreams and attain them. Never let us forget how lucky we are to attend this show and promote and showcase this beautiful, talented and versatile breed.
DAY 4 – Trainer, Dakota Diamond Griffith
What says Dakota Diamond Griffith more than the rainbows and unicorns all for a great cause last night to support the OQHA Foundation Crisis Fund? When it has to do with horses, charity, glamour, make-up, drama, and dressing up, I’m there front and center! Last night, nine lovely “Ladies” and their beautiful horses, converged at the All American Quarter Horse Congress to compete for top honors in the First Annual Drag Yourself to the Coliseum in “Ladies Versatility”. With events including “interview”, “showmanship”, and “pleasure”, what a night it turned out to be!
Our all-star group of judges included, Roger Landis, Jim Searles, Whitney Lagace, and Kelly McDowall who were in for an incredible night of talent and beauty, and brains (not to mention, braun). Ring Steward, “Kent Taylor” a/k/a Tim Zuidema, worked the crowd with his much anticipated flair and style, and rodeo announcer, Joe Coalter, proved to be up for the circus at hand.
The well coached Wade Parks, a/k/a “Peachy Bunz” stole the show with her charisma and knowledge of current events when she killed the interview portion with a “World Peace” platform. Winning the talent portion was Brian “Hollywood” Cox, appropriately dubbed “Lady Pearly Whites” when her grace and beauty defied gravity with death defying acrobatics on horseback. (Sorry Pearly, there was no talent medallion, but you were the hands down winner).
Chad Sandoval a/k/a “Chaddie Cakes” was the winner in my book by default when she embraced her inner unicorn, pink accents and rainbow chaps. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Melvin Yoder, a/k/a “Miss Crystal Balls” was shining bright like a “Diamond” in the sky, when she transformed into someone freakishly similar to myself, with a little help from her make-up artist, “moiré”. My fiancé will never be the same after nearly seeing double last night.
I want to assure everyone that I was not missing any of my fancy finger nails last night, but if you find one or more in the arena, they belong to “Friskie Franchesca” a/k/a Scott Kauffman who was a great sport and by far the most poised in the group. Brian Bennett, a/k/a “Miss Sweet Talk Dat”, brought a million dollar smile, and her bio indicated that she was looking for that special “Sugar Daddy”. Hope that worked out.
Might have to pay Jeff Burley a/k/a “Olive Burlesque” a visit today, because she was rocking a hot pink wig that I’m pretty sure I need. In the words of my late, beloved Nana, “No lady should ever be caught without her heels”, and Olive did not disappoint or miss a step in hers in the deep sand during showmanship.
Tim Kimura had no trouble navigating the Pandora trail, as native (Na’vi), a/k/a “Mo-At”. If Avatar doesn’t call, I’m pretty sure Blue Man Group will be contacting her shortly as she brought wisdom, and kindness to our Congress land.
Not to be outdone, a celebrity appearance by the one and only “Cher” a/k/a Brad Ost stole the show. Of course, this reporter knew she was nailing an interview, only to be confronted by Cher’s security team which let me know not so politely that the diva herself was “unavailable for interviews or autographs.”
I thought for sure I had an exclusive after a rather humiliating pat down. Aboard the equally famous, Rock County Kid, Cher needed no assistance in taking the top prize. It also didn’t hurt that Brad raised over $5,000 on his own! True to her Native American roots, Cher was never out of character and rode in bareback. Now, what could top that, people?
Thank you to the incomparable, Kelli Diaz for producing yet another amazing event for charity, as well as the support of Ohio Quarter Horse. The event which was sponsored by Good Ride raised over $10,000 for the OQHF crisis fund with a portion going to animals in need from the rath of recent hurricanes. It was a great cause and night to remember. See you at the next red carpet. Sashay, away!
Also if people still want to donate to help they can contribute here. OQHF will be doing another fundraising event, Talk Derby to Me, during the Congress and there is still time to register. Find out more details here.
View a slideshow of more pictures from the “Ladies” Versatility below.
DAY 3 – Amateur Exhibitors, Kari Jewell and Lauren Stepaniak
If you have been at one of the big fall horse shows in the wee hours of the morning or up late at night, you have probably run into Stacey Roberson. She is the epitome of ‘be the first one up in the morning and last one to bed at night,’ and it paid off here at the 2017 Congress. Roberson piloted Zip Up My Blumers for owners and long-time customers, Lori Wilt and Lindsey Wilt-Perotti, to a big win in the Congress Working Hunter Classic Stakes.
Zip Up My Blumers (J. Lo) is a 2010 mare by Too Sleepy To Zip that the Wilts purchased as a two-year-old. Jeff Roberson, Stacey’s husband, went and tried out J. Lo on Kyle Simmon’s farm in Texas as a two-year-old with just 20 or so rides on her. He recalled, “I went to look at her, and it was raining and muddy, absolutely crazy weather, and she handled it all great. I thought to myself, ‘if this one can handle all this, she might be alright.’ It turns out, I was right.”
And it sure seems like J. Lo’s personality hasn’t changed much since that day. Stacey said, “She is one of the kindest and most willing horses that I have been lucky enough to show.”
Have we mentioned that J. Lo is also gorgeous? Talent and looks – what more can you want in an equine competitor? Not only did Stacey have J. Lo as a two-year-old and then later start her over-fences career, but this was also the first year Stacey showed her in the Congress Hunter Classic, making it even more special.
Owner Lindsey Wilt-Perotti and J. Lo were 10th in the Non-Pro division. “It is just a great mix – myself, Lindsey and Lori, and J. Lo. I know Lindsey was super nervous before I showed the finals, but she looked at me and said, ‘Just have fun.’”
Stacey said in addition to Lindsey and Lori, she had a few people she wanted to thank. “I want to thank Julie O’Brien for all of her help with J. Lo. Julie has been truly influential in her show career, and we are beyond grateful for all of her guidance. I also want to thank Linda Crothers and David Miller for always answering any questions I have had about showing and riding the over fences. They have given me great advice.”
Now, while most people’s Congress is just beginning, Stacey and Jeff’s, Diamond R Ranch’s Congress is already in full swing. They had horses showing last week in the reining, including one shown by their daughter, June, who placed in both the 13 and Under and Novice Youth Reining, and they have horses showing in the All-Around classes the remainder of the horse show. From the reining and ranch riding to the jumping to the showmanship and horsemanship, they are the true definition of All Around trainers.
Before we left Stacey’s stalls, we asked her what the best part of the win was and after a very short, thoughtful pause, she said, “The support of my peers. Everyone was so genuinely happy for us, and it made the win that much more special.”
But trust us, if you have ever met Stacey, it isn’t at all shocking that she has the support of her peers.
We want to congratulate Stacey one more time on her win and wish her and the rest of Diamond R Ranch the best of luck for the remainder of the Congress.
DAY 2 – Youth Exhibitor, Emily Ambrose
The Congress holds a special place in my heart for countless reasons, the most significant ones being Brownie Delights, cinnamon rolls, apple dumplings, strombolis, pizza, and crockpot meals.
Aside from all the food, the Congress is the few weeks out of the year that I get to see some of my closest friends who are spread out across the country. In the short time, we have each year to spend making lifelong memories; I soak in every minute of it.
However, the ultimate reason I love the Congress is that I have the opportunity to watch riders make their way to the top. I see underdogs earn huge wins, trainers repeat a championship and Small Fry kids earn their first medallions. I get the same rush of nervous adrenaline by watching the placings as I do when I am an exhibitor in the arena receiving an award.
On Sunday, I got to watch ten-year-old and first time Congress exhibitor, Alyssa Moyer, jog up to receive her first Congress Championship in the Small Fry Western Pleasure aboard Charming Hot Pine, known as Charmin. Moyer beat out 50 other exhibitors to bring home the coveted bronze trophy.
“She’s really sweet,” Alyssa told me about her horse, Charmin. ”I get to ride her on most days at home, and I sometimes give her treats.”
Moyer, who is under the guidance of Breonna Royer, also showed Charmin in the Small Fry Horsemanship.
Although Alyssa shows in both classes, she explained, “Pleasure is my favorite class because you get to go really slow.”
A big challenge this adorable ten-year-old faced at the Congress was to handle all of the traffic in the show arena. Although she has been performing all year, this was her first big show, so it was a concern that the number of horses in the arena would interfere with her ride.
However, this did not cause a problem as she was the final one in the ring with no other horse to stop her from jogging up to her trophies and neck ribbon.
I cannot wait to watch more wins this Congress and see the excitement on riders’ faces as their dreams come true. It is, indeed, an incredible feeling to be one of the final exhibitors in the arena, so for those who reach that ultimate goal, soak in every minute of it.
Good luck to all exhibitors from Small Fry to Amateur Select to professionals for the rest of the show.
DAY 1 – Youth Exhibitor, Ellexxah Maxwell
The sun sets on another day at the Quarter Horse Congress. Like every day, this one was packed full of exciting classes and events, and for some, a trip down memory lane.
As an industry, we continually work to innovate and create new and fun ways to promote our sport. The Congress is no stranger to innovation. For 51 years they have claimed the month of October as their own. However, in the beginning, the Congress was only a few days long. Can you imagine all those classes in a few days?
Most of those years our new and youngest up and coming youth only had one chance in the spotlight. Those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, it was just a few years ago that Congress introduced all small fry events.
Now for that trip down memory lane. Ten years ago was my first Congress (pictured right). I was six years old and the Congress was just as magical as it is now. However, the only class available for a small fry like me was the horsemanship, which consisted of rail work in a horsemanship position. If you wanted to show showmanship or any other event, you had to show the Novice or 11 & Under.
It is impressive that in ten years we can make so much of an impact on not only our current members but our new and adorable generation of riders. It was an honor to be able to snap a few shots of this year’s three-peating showmanship winner, Allie Paul and Genuine Sheik and back-to-back horsemanship winner, Emma Gore and Hes Suddenly Handsome. (pictured left)
Good Luck to all of the Small Fry kids competing in the remaining events.
