The 2015 Congress Masters Futurity was held Saturday evening in the Celeste Center. Despite the rainy weather and blowing cold, competitors came out with their two-year-olds. In order to enter the Congress Masters, the horses must never have been shown astride. Despite being new to the show pen, the young horses took everything in stride, making for tough decisions for tonight’s judges.
Nine horses showed in the Hunter Under Saddle. Beth Case was named Masters Champion aboard, A Boy Named Hoo, for owner Tammy Dyer, taking home a check for $15,000. Kristy Starnes and Al Fool Ya were named Reserve Champions. Al Ways Couture and Scott Jones placed third. Natural Ride with Dawn Baker came in fourth, and Al Hunt You Down with Jennifer Reams were fifth.
Starnes (pictured right) says she was thrilled with her ride on, Al Fool Ya, or Remi. The gelding, owned by Cappall Creek Farm LLC, was sired by Allocate Your Assets. “It’s kind of a Cinderella story,” she shares. “He was hurt as a yearling and spent some time in a cast. But, he came back so strong, and he felt great tonight.” Starnes says that she and the horse’s owner have plans to show him next year in the non-pro and open three-year-old futurities.
For trainer Beth Case, this was the third time winning the Congress Masters Futurity. Dyer and her daughter, Sharnai Thompson, were especially proud that their stallion, Hot Ones Only, who stands at Highpoint Performance Horses, sired the horse. “She won on Bruno, and now she won on his baby,” says Dyer. Interestingly, the horse’s dam, These Irons R Dancing, also has a long list of accomplishments. “She and Bruno were both shown in the Masters the same year. Then, later, they were both shown at the AQHA World Show in Junior Hunter Under Saddle. Bruno was champion, and she was reserve,” says Thompson.
Case says, “He had a late start and we weren’t sure he’d be ready. He’s been growing a lot, so it’s been questionable whether or not he’d be at the right place to show here.” Thompson adds, “We always knew he had the temperament to show the Masters. He really got the best parts of both parents.”
Thompson shares that it’s a fun story the way the colt got his name when he was born in April, 2013. “Danica Patrick was at the farm the night he was born, so we named him Patrick. He’s really a great colt; he’s the type that wants to be good.”
Case adds that she had a definite game plan going in to tonight’s class. “I wanted to get straight in and warmed up.” Thompson says, “By the time we all got up here to the gate she was on.”
Case believes the young horse stood out to the judges because of his presence and raw natural talent. “He’s really good legged, almost freaky legged. He’s very soft, and just floats across the ground. Plus, he has that white face which stands out.” She adds, “You never know what will happen when you’re showing a two-year-old. I went in with no expectations, but it really turned out well.”
View some candids below from the Master Hunter Under Saddle Class
Twenty-one horses showed in the Congress Masters Western Pleasure Futurity. The entries, up from only twelve last year, may have increased due to changes the OQHA recently made to the Masters. One change came as the OQHA opened entries to associations other than AQHA. Additionally, they changed the format for entries. The Masters used to operate as a slot class, and had a limit on entries. However, now it is run as a futurity, offering increased participation.
Gil Galyean rode, VS Lady In Red to the Champion title earning a check for $30,000. Jay Starnes and Its Best To Be Me by RL Best Of Sudden, took home the Reserve Champion title, making it a clean sweep for reserve in the Starnes family tonight. Brian Cox and Abbrakadabra placed third. Casey Willis was fourth aboard KM Suddenly So Easy, and Rusty Green was fifth with Up All Nite Long.
Galyean’s nephew, Wes, and his wife, Kristen, own VS Lady In Red, or Lady. Kristen Galyean’s stallion, VS Code Red, who also stands at Highpoint Performance Horses, sired the mare. Kristen shared that she’s thrilled with the outcome of tonight’s class. “I’m so happy, for not only my mare and Gil, but I’m ecstatic for Waylon, aka VS Code Red. This is his second baby to win the two-year-old pleasure at the Congress this year, and it’s so amazing to see him passing on his phenomenal attributes to his babies. God has truly blessed me and my family and I’m so thankful.”
Gil Galyean says that he picked out the filly early in her yearling year. “We saw her in a field at Wes and Kristen’s. I thought she might make a nice two-year-old, especially if she didn’t get too much bigger. She hasn’t and she’s about the same size as the day I picked her out. “And,” Galyean adds, “She’s out of a great mare I show, (multiple AQHA World Champion) Cool Krymsun Lady. This is the second of her babies to win the Masters.”
According to Galyean, the mare progressed easily from the time she started training. “Denton Debhur that works for me did most of the work with her this past spring. She just kept coming along and getting better and so when the time came to make the entries we did it.”
He adds that the mare combines great qualities from both her legendary sire and dam. “She’s strong in her top line, she takes a deep step behind and has a lot of lift in her body.” He adds that the mare’s quiet demeanor has made her a perfect candidate for the Masters. “She’s so easy to prepare. I don’t think she’s seen a longe line since last week.”
The night was doubly sweet for Galyean who was honored as NSBA’s first million-dollar rider. The ceremony took place just before the final placings were announced. Galyean’s many accomplishments within both the western pleasure and cutting pens were lauded, and many of his peers shared quotes about what an asset he’s been to the industry. The crowded Celeste offered Galyean a standing ovation as the first to hit such an incredible milestone. The ever-humble trainer didn’t say much about his honor, except that winning was a great way to celebrate.
“I’m proud of the accomplishment and I just hope it shows other young trainers that there’s a good living to be made in this industry. I’ve really been fortunate with great horses.”
Tonight was just another example of the great horses Galyean says he’s been blessed with. But, as we all know, showing horses is a team effort. It takes the right horse and the right trainer to make magic happen. And magic was on full display tonight amidst the talent two-year-olds making their show debut at the Congress Masters.
CLICK HERE to view the complete results of the Masters Hunter Under Saddle
CLICK HERE to view the complete results of the Masters Western Pleasure
View candids below of the Congress Western Masters Class
