Madison Rafacz Clinches Congress & Reserve Ranch Riding Championships in Class of 84

Madison Rafacz Takes Congress Championship with WhizenBoonSmal and Reserve Championship with Got Twisted In Vegas in the Youth 14-18 Ranch Riding

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Madison Rafacz is no stranger to the Championship title—or taking both Champion and Reserve Champion in the same class. And Friday at the 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress, she did exactly that despite a rough start to the week and a large 84 draw in the class.

“WhizenBoonSmal, who we call Peter, was very good for me today. We’ve been battling all week with him being fresh because it was a little chilly. He also already has his quirks, so it’s been an ongoing battle, but I think we’re finally mellowing out a little bit! He was just great for me today—I wouldn’t have asked him to do anything different,” says Rafacz.

Her other mount, Got Twisted In Vegas, called “Jasmine” around the barn, was Reserve Champion in the class.

“She’s been second to Peter a few times—the same thing happened in the non-pro where I was first and second on both of them. Jasmine is going to be having her baby after this show, so I really want her to win a Congress championship this year, too! While I have no complaints about how good she’s been, I do really want that for her! She was great for me despite having had a long week, and it’s about to get longer, because she is the freestyle reining tonight,” says Rafacz

Rafacz hopes other youth riders interested in doing ranch give it a try because of how fun it has been for her.

“I know that the Ranch class the entry numbers have gotten a lot bigger, and it’s super exciting to see this many people wanting to do these classes! It’s extremely fun, the patterns are all fun, so is the atmosphere, and the people are great, too. Congress is definitely my favorite show of the year!” adds Rafacz.

Results for the class:

 

 

Earlier in the week, they placed the same in Non-Pro Ranch Riding Stakes (65 entries) – Presented by TheEquineChronicle!

Champions: Whizenboonsmal, Madison Rafacz, $6,777.00

Reserve champions: Got Twisted In Vegas, Madison Rafacz, $4,879.44

Third: Xtra Magic Doctor, Eric Mendrysa, $3,524.04

 

And before that, at the 2024 Championship Show in the $20,000 NSBA Non Pro Ranch Riding Challenge!

1st: Madison Rafacz and WhizenBoonSmal

2nd: Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas

3rd: Lane Kail and Winn Like Flinn