The first NSBA Dual-Approved classes got underway on Sunday at the 54th annual All American Quarter Horse Congress. Open, Youth and Amateur Ranch Trail classes put exhibitors through numerous obstacles including a solid gate, serpentine, trot overs, lope overs, a side-pass, bridge and either slicker for youth or log pull for Open and Amateur exhibitors. The classes were moved to the Denny Hales Arena, where exhibitors had plenty of room to maneuver in the class as well as warm up.
Robert Johnson and Lollipop Win Open Ranch Trail
The eight year old palomino mare A Busy Affair, shown by Robert Johnson for Steve and Kathy Headley, had a flawless run in the Open Ranch Trail to kick off the day’s competition. They bested a field of 55 entries to win the class.
“We call her Lollipop, and she’s just been a great show horse,” Robert said of the mare. “She’s by Busy Winin Chex and out of Coronoas Affair by Corona Cody. I think she has an advantage because she’s such a pretty mare, that you get a few points just for her look.”
Robert also liked the flow of the pattern in the class. “The serpentine, to me, really shows how broke these horses are,” he said. “If they follow their nose and pick up their shoulder as they go around, you know they are well broke. It was a really good class.”
Steve Headley was also pleased with the first win of the Congress. “We’re so thankful to Tammye Hutton for selling Lollipop to us,” he said. “Bob found her and started working with her, and she’s been on a roll ever since. We really enjoy the Ranch Horse classes and it feels like one big family when we show – everyone just cheers for each other and is happy for a good go.”
Lexie McCallam and Huntin A Bluemoon Take Youth Ranch Trail
The gray gelding Huntin A Bluemoon had quite a morning in Ranch Trail. Trainer Jonathan Himes showed ‘Vern’ to third in Open Ranch Trail and owner Lexi McCallam earned the Congress championship in Youth Ranch Trail.
“I’ve had very for about two years,” Lexie said. “We started out doing Reining, but he really enjoys Ranch classes more, so we’ve been doing that for the past year. Vern is by Huntin For Chocolate and out of a Smart Chic Olena mare. He’s so laid back, and I love his personality. He’s in everybody’s business but his own. But when you show him, he gives you 110 percent every time. He thinks he’s the star.”
Lexie liked the Ranch Trail pattern, but one element concerned her. “The pattern flowed really well, but that single lope pole had me worried,” she said. “I was overthinking it.”
Lexie and Vern have several more Youth Ranch classes to go at the 2021 Congress.
First Congress, First Win for Claire McClintock and April
Claire McClintock has only been doing Ranch Riding since December of 2019, but she’s already making a name for herself and her horse, Juiced In Hollywood. The duo won the Congress championship in Amateur Ranch Trail to round out the first day of NSBA champions at the 2021 Congress.
“People were talking about the change in arenas from Cooper Arena to the Denny Hales, but I had never been here before so I didn’t even know anything about Cooper Arena,” Claire said. “I just liked where we showed and though it worked really well. The pen was great.”
The mare, known as April, is a family affair. “April is really my mom’s horse,” Claire said. “She’s by Smart Like Juice and out of a Hollywood Jac mare. She was a Reiner until she was seven years old. She loves the Ranch classes and I do too. I love that they’ve added so many Ranch classes now like the Trail.”
Claire recently came home from a successful NSBA World Championship Show, earning two reserve championships and one bronze trophy in Amateur Ranch classes.
Ranch classes continue on Monday in the Coliseum with Junior, Senior, Level 1 Youth, Level 1 Amateur Select, as well as Youth 13 & Under and 14-18 Ranch Riding classes. Remaining Ranch classes will continue on Tuesday in the Coliseum and the Celeste Center.
The 2021 All American Quarter Horse Congress continues through Sunday, October 24.To learn more about the 2021 All American Quarter Horse Congress or view results or the live stream, please visit www.quarterhorsecongress.com.
