Laurel Champlin Wins “Triple Crown” With Look N Hott in Select Hunter Under Saddle

By: Brittany Bevis

It is literally freezing here in Columbus at the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress, but things were HOT in the Select Hunter Under Saddle as Laurel Champlin rode Look N Hott to win what she describes as the Triple Crown of titles.

“I always set goals every year,” she says. “My goal this year, once I won the NSBA World, was to win at the Select World in Amarillo. Then, my next goal was to win the Triple Crown, which was the Congress. Last year, I was second here, so this year I accomplished my goal!”

Like most horses that have been at the Congress for nearly two weeks, “JJ” was feeling a little tired and cranky this morning; however, he was able to stick with Laurel and deliver a picture perfect ride.

“We always find out a way to get it done, but he definitely has his Congress quirks. He was a little grumpy today; but, other than that, I just tried to keep him away from other horses so he might use his ears a little better. We’ve been here for so long that they are all tired. But, he felt so good today. I could push him on in the trot and canter, and that’s a great feeling!”

JJ is now ten years old, and he and Laurel have been a team since he was just four. Earlier here at the show, they placed third in the Non Pro Maturity, and Caley Coffey rode him to a Reserve Championship in the Limited Open and fifth place in the Open Maturity. “This was the first time she’s shown JJ, so I was thrilled for her!”

The Reserve Champion was Sandra Morgan with You Could Be Next. Third was Penny Jargella with As The World Terms. Fourth was Marcie Budine with Lastminuteinvestment. Fifth was Carrie Ann Warren with Dreamin To Extreme.