The fifth day at the NSBA World Show shined bright as exhibitors across all disciplines. Today’s winners feature incredible horses, exhibitors and owners who create true champions. She’s Willy Awesome, affectionately known as “Booger” has been competing in the Trail arena all week, but switched gears this morning and walked into the $2,500 Limited Rider/$2,500 Horse Western Pleasure class with Clint Ainsworth. “She’s very good in the Trail,” explained Clint. “We were lucky enough to win the 4-5-year-old Trail yesterday. However, a true all-arounder, she has also done well in the Western Pleasure. “They talked me into riding in this class and I have no experience,” laughed Clint, who is obviously more comfortable in classes off the rail. “I was pretty nervous today. While I was out there I was trying to think of everything they told me, to stay relaxed and just implement everything they told me to do. I don’t know if I’m good at [Pleasure] now, but I think the horse was well prepared but I did have fun!"
Gone Viral, aka “Monkey” walked out of the show pen this morning after his last class of the World Show. He walked in five times and walked out with a World Championship title five times. His rider, Kari Craft was in awe of the ride he’s had. “I can’t ask any more of him. I felt really good about [the ride]. I knew we were having a good ride. He’s so easy to show. He’s just great. Kari describes Gone Viral’s show success as “unbelievable”. We’re five for five and we’re done after this!” She continued, “I think he’s such a special horse, and I think it takes a special horse to do what he’s done here.”
Sid Carr knows what it feels like “almost make it”. Last year, he placed Reserve in the BCF Color 3-6-year-old Non Pro Western Pleasure with 6-year-old Hide Your Crazy. However, this year, with a huge smile on his face, he was named Champion. “ I did it! I feel wonderful. This is my very first Pleasure win and I’m thrilled to death.” He continued, “I pulled her out of the broodmare pasture and started riding her. She’s as honest as they come. I love riding her.”
Aubrey Alderman is no stranger to success, at eighteen years old, she has won numerous NSBA and AQHA awards and like a true champion, she added the BCF 2-year-old Intermediate Non Pro Western Pleasure to her list. The incoming college Freshman described her emotions as “really excited”. Aubrey rode Live N It Up “Gismo” for the first time today and hit it off with the 2-year-old. “I knew going into it that it was going to be tough, but it’s my first time showing him so I just wanted to have a good ride and get a feel for him.” She continued, “He’s got a great personality. He’s so lovable and always wants to be right in your pocket.” The goal is for Aubrey to continue showing Gismo into his 3-year-old year. No doubt this pair will continue to be great! Over in the Senior Trail, NSBA’s largest World Show class with 122 entries, Snap Krackle Pop ruled the pen walking away with another World Championship. Blake Weis, who also won Jr. Trail earlier in the week described their ride as “really good.” He continued, “She loves her job. She loves the Trail because it makes her think. She went out there and really focused. She’s kind of funny because she looks around and you don’t always think she’s focusing but she always is.”
Away from the competitive arenas today, the NSBA Markel Insurance Yearling Sale Preview gathered sellers, potential buyers, and enthusiasts to the Super Duty Arena to get a glimpse of future champions. The sale will take place tomorrow at 4:00 pm. For more information, please visit www.nsba.com and like NSBA-National Snaffle Bit Association on Facebook and Instagram.
