While the Reining continued to hold court in the Celeste Center at the Congress, Ranch horse classes continued in the Coliseum, including the crowning of the first Congress Youth Ranch champion for 2023.
Never Say Never: Clayton Jerrell Wins Three Year Old Ranch Riding Futurity
One day ago, Clayton Jerrell said in jest that he would never be interviewed as a class winner at the Congress. A day later, Clayton ate his words when he emerged from the Coliseum as the champion in the Three Year Old Ranch Riding Futurity aboard Another Dream Maker. The red dun gelding earned $7,177.29 for owners Kentucky Lake Trailer Sales Inc and the Wynn and Bagby families.
“I don’t even know what to say right now,” Clayton said of the win. “We got ‘Maverick' about mid-July. He was in training for Reining, but the trainer felt he wasn’t going to be enough horse to be competitive in Reining. He’s by Magnum Chic Dream.
“The Wynn and Bagby families thought he could do the Ranch classes so they brought him to me and trusted me with him, and I can’t thank them enough. I have a long history with them, their daughter started riding with me when she was in kindergarten, so it’s really special.
“This was just my third time to show him. He’s just a super honest horse and he’s a lot of fun to show. I loved everything about our go - I wouldn't change a thing. I was really happy with his side-pass and turn, and he broke down to the walk really clean too.”
The team isn’t sure what the future holds for Maverick since he is for sale.
Also in the class, Jeff Honey showed Moonlights Dream for owner Laska Anderson to 13th place, and after placing in the top 15, earned the $10,000 side purse that was set aside for graduates of the Congress Super Sale Ranch Horse section from the 2022 sale.
Mike Moser and Clooney Win NSBA Title in Junior Working Western Rail
With the reserve AQHA award and the champion NSBA award, Mike Moser piloted Clooney to earn the NSBA bronze for owner Carol Dewrell.
“We’ve only had him since the first of July,” Mike said. “We bought him at the Paint World Show from John Irish, and he’s been a great horse. He’s by Frozen Enterprise, and out of a Gunner mare, so he’s really bred for Reining. I really liked him for his conformation, but he’s so natural, so good minded and handles so well.
“Carol shows him in the Amateur Select classes, and we’re planning to show at the AQHA World Show in Level 1 Open Ranch Riding, Junior Ranch Riding and Working Western Rail.
Kailee Rife and Chic Win Level 1 Youth Ranch Riding
“My horse is Chic, or Biker Chic Dream. I’ve had her for almost a year. She’s the best mare ever. She’s a Magnum Chic Dream mare.
"I’ve had a lot of Reiners, but I kind of wanted a Ranch Rider to compete with. I was attracted to the environment of it and the patterns in general. I think Ranch is just the funnest thing.
“I was a little nervous going in, because I tend to get nervous at big shows, but she felt really good going in. I knew I could put my trust in her and really go for it. I really liked my lead change in the pattern today. I am so thrilled. I knew I had a good pattern, but I wasn’t sure where I would place – I was hopeful. I need to thank my parents and my trainer, Elizabeth Yoder, for believing in me and helping me.”
Additional Wins For Mendrysa, Lyon
Two Ranch classes saw repeat champions on Tuesday. Xtra Magic Doctor and Eric Mendrysa became second-time Congress champions by winning the Amateur Ranch Riding, while Sumac Gunnabeflashy and Bud Lyon, showing for Leslie Lange, earned their second Congress championship in Senior Ranch Riding.
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.
