Farley Sliss Wins 3-Year-Old Limited HUS; Drew Debuhr Wins 2-Year-Old Limited WP

By: Brittany Bevis

This evening’s limited classes crowned two first-time Congress Champions. First, Farley Sliss rode Sleep A Lilbit Longer, aka “Hank,” to win the NSBA 3-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle Limited Futurity. The enormous, 18 hand tall Hank epitomizes the phrase “a gentle giant,” so much so that Farley hopes her now six-year-old daughter might like to show him in a few years.

“He’s part of the family,” she says. “He wants you to love him. He’s good with kids. I can’t describe him any other way. He’s just Hank.”

Hank is by Too Sleepy To Zip and out of a Don’t Skip Charlie mare. “He is the epitome of the BSB R11 breeding program, and I’m very blessed to have him. There is only one like him.”

“He’s very consistent in his head and neck, and he swings from his hip and his shoulder. He got a lot stronger this year than he was last year. He’s gotten a lot bigger and a lot better and finally matured. Also, he’s just pretty. When you see him walk in, you want to like him.”

Farley is thrilled to have won her first Congress Champion title, especially aboard her beloved Hank. “This is my first Congress win and it’s a bucket list thing,” she says. “I’m happy. I don’t ever have to win it again. I’m thrilled.”

The Reserve Champion in the class was Shannon Gillespie with The Wow Factor. Third place was Sandra Morgan with Pretty Ones Only. Fourth place was Keith Miller with Al Bet Cha. Fifth place was Judy Zeitler with Sketchie Details.

In the Two-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure Limited Futurity, Drew Debuhr rode Lazy N Shy to win his first Congress Champion title. “Shazy” is by No Doubt I’m Lazy and out of a daughter of Don’t Skip Zip.

“Words can’t describe how this feels,” he says. “I started working for Pat [Heeley] this time last year, and he has allowed me to show some really nice horses. I’m very thankful for that.”

When Drew first saw Shazy, he was attracted to her self-carriage and impressive hock. “I liked how she could trot so well, and she’s got a wonderful hock. You can just sit there and let her do her own thing, because she’s got a lot of self carriage. She’s a real nice horse.”

The Reserve Champion in the class was Mike Hawkins with Whiskey In The Dark. Third place was Adam Smith with Krymsun Zip. Fourth place was Beckey Schooler with My Assets Are Slim. Fifth place was Patrick Harris with Huntin Hot Tottys.