Friday’s show schedule at The Madness saw Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation classes as well as several NSBA futurity classes, but the highlight of the day was the Three Year Old and Older Novice Horse Western Pleasure Slot class.
Dillon Wins Novice Horse Western Pleasure Slot
Fourteen horses and riders took on the Sanctuary Arena at the World Equestrian Center on Friday evening to vie for the $20,000 first place prize, but it was a home-bred stallion named Gun Smokke, who has the appropriate barn name Dillon, who took the title unanimously under judges Eric Petersen, Elizabeth Baker, Sara Simons and Garth Gooding.
Cody Parrish guided the bay stallion flawlessly through the class to win the title for his parents, Bret and Candy Parrish. “We bred and raised him,” Cody said of Gun Smokke, who is by Machine Made and out of KM Hot Number. “He’s just always had a presence about him. He’s just different. He’s so good minded and trainable, but the biggest thing I can say about him is he has the most self-carriage of any horse I’ve ever ridden.”
This was the second outing for ‘Marshal Dillon’ and Cody. “We showed in Ocala, and we were third there,” Cody said. “We went back home and worked harder and then came here. He listened so well and showed great. He was so obedient, and did everything I asked him to do and never said no. Wherever I put him, he went, and he just flowed. It was just fun showing him today.”
The Parrishes have developed a knack for bringing young Western Pleasure stallions along. Bret showed RL Best Of Sudden to win the 2004 Reichert Two Year Old Western Pleasure $100,000 Open Challenge, and Cody piloted Fiire N Ice to win the inaugural $100,000 A Sudden Impulse Maiden Western Pleasure in 2021, where they won both the Open and Limited portions of the class. Gun Smokke now joins that legacy. When asked if ‘Dillon’ will be staying in the Parrish family, Cody emphatically replied “Oh yes!”
The Parrishes plan to continue campaigning Dillon in the Novice Horse classes and Three Year Old events for the remainder of 2024.
Adam Mathis and Americann Made, showing for Nettie Olsen, won the Limited Rider Bonus purse of $6,500 in addition to their fifth place finish (tie) payout of $2,700.
Evie and Houston: Looking Like A Winner In the $10K Western Pleasure
Houston Huff piloted VS Looks Like A Lady to win the $2,500 Added NSBA Maturity $10,000 Limited Horse Western Pleasure. The duo showed for owner Christi Avery, earning a paycheck of $1,585.00.
“I got ‘Evie’ in the Spring of hear and she’s two year old year, and she’s four now,” Houston explained. “We showed in the Maiden slot class here last year and were third, and we were top ten at the Congress in the Open Three Year Old Western Pleasure last year. We just showed her lightly last year and kind of let her grow up a little bit. This year as a four year old, she’s stronger and more mentally mature.
“What I like about her is that she lopes all over and makes it look so easy. She has a great top line and such a great expression. She’s always happy and her ears are always up. You don’t have to do a lot of training on her.”
Houston noted that Kristi will soon also be in the saddle showing in Non-Pro classes and All Around classes will be part of Evie’s future. “We’ve already started lead changes, and she reminds me of her mother when she does them,” he said. “Our goal is to be ready for the Junior Western Riding at the Quarter Horse Congress.
A "Sweet" Win For Candi and Lola
Candi Cane and Lola Knight, showing for Pinnacle Quarter Horses LLC, were quick studies of each other, and their quick bond earned a win in the $1,500 Added NSBA $2,500 Rider/$2,500 Horse Western Pleasure. The duo earned $1,134.00.
“We just bought Candi in Venice, so I’ve mainly worked with her here,” Lola said. “She’s very easy. She did everything I asked her to do, and stayed with me all through the class.”
Lola will continue showing Candi in Limited division classes, with Becca Britton showing her in the Three Year Old Open Western Pleasure events.
Good Ride, Clyde
The well-named Goodride Clyde was true to his name on Friday in the $1,000 Added NSBA Three Year Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle. Samantha Columbus guided Clyde to the win, earning $625.
It was the first NSBA bronze trophy for Clyde. “We just got him in November,” Samantha said. “He’s by VS Goodride. I love that he is very sweet and fun to ride. He’s pretty fancy at the canter. He has a very good demeanor and is just a good boy.”
Samantha will continue to campaign Clyde in Limited Non-Pro and Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle classes as well as Showmanship. “Later on, we hope to add more All Around events for him,” Samantha said.
The Madness AQHA and NSBA show continues through Sunday, May 12. Saturday’s schedule includes a full slate of Trail classes and the SOQHA Three Year Old and Older Maiden Horse Western Pleasure Slot Class. The winner of the class will receive $25,000. To view complete show results, please visit the Horse Show Tracker app.
