“It’s tough leading, going into the finals. I did that a couple of years ago. Of course, there’s more pressure, but I tried to stay focused and give it all I had.”

Decker is in fact double registered with AQHA and APHA, a fact that’s evident from his four, high, white socks and large belly spot. But, interestingly enough, he wasn’t bred that way. “He has two Quarter Horse parents,” Tami says. “He’s by Certain Potential.”

“You have to be confident; because, if you’re not confident, you’re going to get into problems. But, your horse has to be well broke too.”

“You couldn’t miss a beat or you’d get yourself in trouble. Also, going first is always a challenging position, because you don’t get to see anyone else ride the course. He was very clean. He had only one light tick. He was in the zone.”

“I thought he looked fantastic at the Congress, and then seeing him here, it’s as if he peaked even more. Timing was everything.”

“I’d like to thank the Lord, first of all; because, without him, nothing in my life would be here.”

“Sly” is not only a Champion earning Halter horse, he’s also a Barrel Racer! “He got 15 points in Barrel Racing this year,” says owner, Travis Dobbs. “My daughter, Dylan, is pushing to show him next year. After this show, when he comes off his routine, and we draw him down, we will go run some barrels. He really is fast!”

“It’s super fun when you’re out there, because it’s so easy to get your spots, and you’re never stressed. It has to be the most fun I’ve ever had showing a Trail horse.”