Laurel Champlin and Look N Hott Score Double Congress Wins in Select Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation

By: Brittany Bevis

Laurel Champlin and her trusty partner of seven years, Look N Hott, aka “JJ,” just claimed double wins at the Quarter Horse Congress in Select Hunter Under Saddle and Select Equitation.

Laurel has owned JJ since he was four years old and, during that first year she brought him to the Congress, he won four titles. He also has nine World Champion titles to his credit.

 

JJ is by Hot N Blazing and out of a Rugged Lark mare, and Laurel thinks he just keeps getting better with age. “He makes me work for my wins, but he’s sweet, lovable, and kind. He just keeps getting better every year. I got him ready myself this morning. I got up early and went out and rode him. Beth [Case] didn’t get on him today, but I rode him with her a couple of nights ago. I feel like, at this point, I’ve been riding so long that I need to learn how to prepare him myself. That’s what helps you actually get to this level. He’s got to respect me.”

Laurel explains that while JJ is reliable in the show pen, he can be a bit fresh getting there. “He’s great when he’s in the right frame of mind,” Laurel laughs. “He’s very spooky. I came out in the warm up pen, and they were picking up the jumps, and I had to go away and come back. He jigged the whole way up here because of the Barrel Racing horses. But, he usually goes in the pen, takes a really deep breath, and then he’s fine. He’s done that since I bought him. He likes the show pen better.”

As far as her strategy for today’s class, Laurel worked on keeping JJ is positions where he would be able to use his expression. “He’s tired, and he’s starting to pin his ears, so I really worked today on putting him in positions where he will use his ears. Then, I scratch his withers. I trot in early to try to stay away from the traffic. It’s a lot of work, but he’s a moody kind of guy so you have to keep him happy.”

While Laurel isn’t planning to retire JJ anytime soon, she’s embarking on a new journey with a 4-year-old Western horse named The Production Line. “JJ is such a nice pony, but I can’t ride him every day. He’s older and, after the World Show, he will get turned out for a few months. I’ve really always wanted to do Western all-around.”

 

The Reserve Champion in Select Hunter Under Saddle was Sandra Morgan with Willy In The Sky. Third was Tammy Dyer with A Boy Named Hoo. Fourth was Kelley Christy with Kruzen Fora Shu Show. Fifth was Tracie Petersak with Only Sparks Fly.

The Reserve Champion in Select Equitation was Jennifer Coleman with Coats N Socks. Third was Cheryl Kolb with Dress Elegant. Fourth was Karen Lee Tegner-Manseth with Definately A First. Fifth was Debra Craig with PF Put It N Park.