Evening APHA World Wins Go to Switzer, Harris, Bradshaw, Fortenberry, and More

By: Brittany Bevis

First up this evening, Julian Harris rode a fancy-colored 3-year-old to win the Breeders’ Futurity Gold 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle. The Reserve Champion was Lisa Ligon with I’m All In Your Face. Third was Dale Sullens with Strike N It Big. Fourth was Brooke Dixon with Stuck In Neutral. Fifth was Julie Marweg with Dancin For A Living.

Nicole Dalton led Coated N Couture to win Amateur SPB Yearling In Hand Trail. The Reserve Champion was Marlene Beall with I Luv Xes N Ohs.

Erin Bradshaw rode Elicious to win Non-Pro 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure Sweepstakes. Elicious may look familiar, because the youngster is sired by Bradshaw’s stallion, John Simon, and he certainly shares his daddy’s looks and smooth moves. The Reserve Champion was Taylor Kokemiller with Only This Krymsun. Third was Megan East Hogan with Impulsive Popstar. Fourth was Tracy Stenroos with Last Of A Good Thing. Fifth was Debbie Boyd with Oh So Original.

Anne-Marie Fortenberry won her third title of the horse show with a World Championship finish in Classic Amateur Western Riding with The Only Kiss To Envy. She was followed in Reserve by fellow Gillespie Show Horses barn-mate, Tami Dietrich-Dobbs, with Seems Like Heaven. Third place was Maggie Griffin with I’ll Be Sensational. Fourth was Christine Weiser with Nighttime Sensation. Fifth was Spencer Chelwick with Goodnight Charlie.

Pamela Switzer rode her 18-year-old gelding, Zippos Redemption, to win their first World Championship together in Novice Amateur Western Riding. The Reserve World Champion was Michelle Sloan with Only Roses Will Do. Third was Shelley Busch with He Sent Me Invitation. Fourth was Madison Dunphy with Mr Big Sensation. Fifth was Bethany Healy with Your Invited.

Then, in Masters Amateur Western Riding, Pamela and “Tucker” found themselves in the winner’s circle once more with another World Championship finish. She was followed in Reserve by her Simons Show Horses barn-mate, Bell Crisp, with Sheik’s Winning Colors.

This is Bell’s first time winning a World Show title with the 13-year-old gelding she calls “Jethro.” Pamela has been riding Tucker since May, but she’s been with Simons Show Horses for the past four years.

“It’s a lot of consistent work; that’s what it comes down to, really,” Pamela says.

“It’s about body position, setting up your horse correctly, and not being timid. Sara tells us to go out and go for it!” Bell adds.

Both ladies agree that it gives them confidence to know their horses are seasoned show ring veterans who have been competing and helping teach their riders for many years. “The horses have been well kept and they’re well maintained,” Pamela says. “They will do the right thing, if you do!” Bell adds. “Jethro has been so good for me. I was a passenger for the first two years I had him. Then, I went to Sara, and she’s made me a rider.”

“Western Riding takes a lot of practice,” both ladies agree.

Coming up next, Pamela and Tucker will compete in Horsemanship. Bell and Jethro still have Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, and Bridleless Western Pleasure left to go.