Chad Sandoval and Cityboy Or Cowboy Win Congress Amateur Pleasure Driving

By: Brittany Bevis

Plenty of excitement accompanied this morning’s Pleasure Driving classes at the 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress. There were feathered frocks and velvet tuxedos, a slight equipment malfunction, and the loudest cheering crowd ever heard during a Pleasure Driving class.

Amidst all of the hubbub, Chad Sandoval drove his trusty gelding, Cityboy or Cowboy, to win his third career Pleasure Driving title at the Congress. The Reserve Champion in the class was Cathy Corrigan Frank with the very colorful, double-registered, AQHA/APHA stallion Living Large. Placing third was Tina McElroy with Giv Romance A Chance. Fourth place was Rodger Call with Go Big Sky. Fifth place was Sue Mulford with Stay Shining.

Mrs. Sue definitely won the award for having the loudest cheering section thanks to her “Wear Blue For Sue” Crew. The group donned the color blue to bring awareness to colon and small intestine cancer, both of which Sue has been diagnosed with, is currently fighting, and has beaten in the past! We wish her the very best of luck with this most recent diagnosis and congratulations on today’s accomplishment!

The newly crowned Congress Champion, “Cowboy,” has been in the winner’s circle a few other times here at the Congress, once in Novice Amateur Pleasure Driving with Chad, Junior Pleasure Driving with Jerry Erickson, and now Amateur Pleasure Driving this morning. But, this particular win is special because Cowboy is just returning to the show pen after sustaining an injury last year.

“He got hurt last year, so we only showed one time this summer to finish qualifying for the World Show,” Chad says. “This is his second horse show.”

“He’s so sweet. He’s the most loving horse, and he’s never naughty. We’re just starting him over fences, so hopefully we’ll be showing in Hunter classes in Florida this winter. Since he’s coming off an injury, we’re taking it easy and making sure he’s completely healthy.”

Earlier this morning, Cowboy was driven by Brian Holmes to a fourth place finish in Senior Pleasure Driving. “I had to get him warmed up for Chad and get all the kinks out,” Brian laughs. “It’s really a good thing when your amateur does better than you do!” “That’s what we pay the big bucks for!” Chad adds.

All joking aside, Brian believes Cowboy has all the characteristics of an ideal Pleasure Driving horse. “He’s solid,” Brian says. “He looks like a rock, and so many of those in Pleasure Driving don’t look the same every time the judges or spectators watch them. You want a horse to be consistent and dependable, and I think he does that. Most of the time, he looks like he’s enjoying his job. He’s got his ears pricked up, and he’s a happy camper.”

Before Chad and Cowboy entered the pen this morning, Brian had a few words of advice and encouragement. “Before I went in, he said, ‘Make your momma proud.'” “He did too,” Brian says. “She was in tears up there. She’s a dyed-in-the-wool show mom.”

“She is my number one supporter,” Chad adds. “You want a breakfast sandwich? She makes the best breakfast sandwiches. She doesn’t show, but we just got her a mare to compete with in Performance Halter.”

Later on in the show, Jerry Erickson will show Cowboy in Senior Hunter Under Saddle and Chad will show in Amateur Hunter Under Saddle. We wish them the best of luck!

In Senior Pleasure Driving, Jason Martin drove Ride The Blue Sky to a win. The Reserve Champion was Kevin Dukes with Living Large. Third place was Charlie Cole with Go Big Sky. Fourth was Brian Holmes with Cityboy Or Cowboy. Fifth place was Chick Briggs with Blue Sky Serenade.