Sunday, October 1st was all about Youth Ranch horse exhibitors at the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress. The day saw the very first NYATT Ranch Riding classes allowing Youth Ranch riders to earn points toward their respective state youth teams.
Sarah Rose Jons and Inferno Joe Win NYATT Ranch Riding
Sarah Rose Jons piloted Inferno Joe to win the inaugural NYATT Youth Ranch Riding class, earning points for her youth team, the Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association.
“We call my horse Buddy. He’s five years old,” Sarah said. “I’ve had him for about a year and a half. He’s really sweet and he is willing to do anything you ask him to do. He really listened to me in the class today.
“We show in Ranch Riding, Western Working Rail and Trail. This is my second time to show at the Congress. Last year we placed, but this is my first Congress championship. We did win the 13 & Under Ranch Riding at the 2023 AQHYA World Show.”
Unfortunately, Sarah won’t be able to stay at the Congress and cheer on her teammates in the rest of the NYATT classes later in the show because she will be going back to Texas to return to school. “I’m in the eighth grade in Boerne, Texas,” she said.
Ellie Hill Dominates Small Fry Ranch Riding
Eight year old Elizabeth “Ellie” Hill came to the 2023 Congress to dominate the Small Fry Ranch Riding, and she did just that, winning first and second with her two horses, Chics Dig Jersey Nic and Wimpys Coded Chex.
“It feels pretty good,” Ellie said of her top finishes. “Both of my horses were pretty good. The mare had some parts she did better and Benny had some parts that he did better. I’ve been to the Congress before, but this is the first time I showed here. It was fun.”
“She is very serious about it,” noted Ellie’s trainer, Steve Meadows. “I have some adult clients who aren’t as intense about as she is. She’s becoming a great little hand, too.”
Cole Gouthro Sweeps First and Second In 13 & Under Ranch Riding
Cole Gouthro showed what he calls two very different horses to first and second in the Congress 13 & Under Ranch Riding on Saturday, showing Bad Habits to the win and Rebelvintage to the reserve title. It was also Cole’s very first Congress championship.
“He had a lot of good parts,” Cole said of his palomino gelding who is known as Jovi. “He’s by Paleface Dunnit and out of a Starbuck Dude mare. He’s really easy. He’s honest and he’ll do whatever you ask him to do and will never cheat you. I haven’t had him quite a year.
“I’ve had had Rebel about two years. It’s a little challenging showing two horses. Rebel is always angry and Jovi is always happy,” Cole said with a laugh. “So you ask for things from them in different ways.”
The 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress continues through Sunday, October 22. To view complete show results, please visit the Horse Show Tracker or quarterhorsecongress.com. You can also view the show’s live video feed at quarterhorsecongress.com/livestream.
