Aaron Moses and Lope With Grace Win AQHA World 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure

By: Brittany Bevis

Aaron Moses is on quite a roll here at the 2017 AQHA World Show. Just a few days ago, he rode A Diva By Moonlight to win Senior Western Pleasure. Today, he rode Lope With Grace to win 2-Year-old Western Pleasure.

Just a few weeks ago, Aaron rode “Ellie” to win the 2-Year-Old Maiden Western Pleasure at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The large bay mare is by Lazy Loper and out of Halle Saywell-Baldwin’s old show mare, A Gifted Invitation.

“I’ve had her since the first of March,” Aaron says. “Rob Foster put a good start on her and did a great job. I’ve been riding her ever since.”

Halle believes Ellie definitely takes after her mother, Gracie, in both temperament and looks, with the exception of her deep bay coloring. “We actually bred her, so I had no choice but to like her!” Halle says. “But I did love her, right off the bat. She came out and was absolutely beautiful and kind. I see a lot of Gracie in Ellie, in the way she moves, her looks, and personality.”

Aaron commented on the competitive group of two-year-olds that have been campaigned this year. “The 2-year-olds are really nice this year,” he says. “This mare is a really great mover, and she’s a big horse. When a big horse can move that well, I think it gives a little something extra and is eye-catching. She’s a really good jogger and lopes good both ways. She’s a beautiful horse.”

Looking forward to next year, Halle is excited to show Ellie in 3-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure events. She also has a few half siblings coming down the line. We have a How Bout This Cowboy, a VS Code Red, and another VS Code Red in the belly,” Halle says.

The Reserve Champion in the class was Brian Baker with No Doubting Me. Third was Denton DeBuhr with Whata Moonlite Ride. Fourth was Sara Simons with She’s A Flatliner. Fifth was Casey Willis with KM Cheerstothebest.