The Cherry family of Oklahoma City have had an amazing Congress so far. Chad Cherry won the Amateur Heeling and the Amateur Cinch Shootout and was third in the Amateur Heading. This was Chad’s first time to compete at the Congress. His wife, Molly didn’t show this year, but she was a great cheerleader for both her husband and their 11 year-old daughter, Gentry.
Chad said that he enjoyed showing this year, “It was great actually roping and winning some money in the shootout as well as watching my daughter show and do well in her jumping events–that was priceless,” he said.
Gentry tore up the 13 and Under and Novice jumping events with her horse, Hez My Valentino, (Rudy), who they bought from Terrie Booth. Gentry and Rudy were Reserve Champions in the 13 and Under Equitation Over Fences, and 13 and Under Hunter Hack. This duo also placed sixth in the Novice Youth Working Hunter and were eighth in the 13 and Under Working Hunter. They still have the Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation classes to go.
Gentry says that she enjoys jumping and that those are her favorite events. This is her first year to show in the jumping events at the Congress, and she said she enjoyed the experience. Gentry is under the guidance of Chuck Briggs and says she enjoys working with him because he is always fun and positive. She also loves her horse.
“My horse is awesome. I love everything about him,” Gentry tells GoHorseShow. “I like the challenge of the jumping events. It was really cool being second with the older kids. Rudy is a great horse to learn how to jump on.”
Gentry’s mother, Molly, who is no stranger to the show pen, adds, “This has been my favorite Congress because Rudy is so easy. There weren’t any midnight rides, and I actually got to go to sleep early.”
Molly who grew up in the industry and is an AQHYA World and Congress Champion in the Reining and accomplished Hunter Under Saddle exhibitor, says that she wanted her daughter to be involved with horses because of the responsibility that it teaches and also the time she gets to spend with her family doing something they love.
“We’ve met so many amazing friends, and Gentry gets to travel and see new things,” Molly says. “There is nothing better than horses and family.”
Photos © Jeff Kirkbride
