Megan Brown and All On The Line Win APHA World Masters Amateur Sr. Hunter Under Saddle
By: Brittany Bevis
The fancifully colored APHA gelding named All On The Line was able to do what few horses accomplish during their careers: maintain dominance in a discipline when moving into a new age division. Last year, Megan Brown and “Sly” were named the World Champions in Masters Amateur Junior Hunter Under Saddle. Now that the 17.2 hand giant is six, it was time to move into the senior age division with more experienced horses.
Megan has owned Sly since he was two years old, and the team has competed under the guidance of Alyse Roberts for many years. Last year, the trio attend the All American Quarter Horse Congress and took home a Reserve Championship title in the Open Limited Hunter Under Saddle Maturity, a thrill for Megan. Sly isn’t double-registered, but thanks to a change in Congress policy that made futurity classes all-breed, Sly was able to attend.
“I kind of wanted to prove that the Paint Hunters are just as good as the Quarter Hunters. A good horse is a good horse; That’s what Alyse and I say.”
Sly is by the APHA Hunter Under Saddle Champion- producing powerhouse, All Time Fancy, and out of a mare named PT Cruiser. He certainly takes after his daddy with his size, white facial markings, dark coloring, and smooth moves. “He’s a great mover, and he’s got a really good trot. He’s a great, big loper, and he’s pretty looking. He’s kind of a freak because of how big he is. He’s 17.2, so it’s a long way down!”
Despite his intimidating size, Sly is a sweetheart, and quite spoiled, according to Megan. “Last night, we came back to the barn, we unsaddled him, and he got to eat his dinner in the aisle way. He’s a little spoiled, and he definitely likes his treats.”
But when he’s not snacking down on his favorite probiotic treats, Sly is all business. In preparation for today’s class, Megan and Alyse took a slightly different approach than most. “Alyse has worked a lot on my body position. She’s tuned me back up, because I don’t ride that often. It’s a lot of work on my equitation, putting my heels down and using my legs, things that we tend to forget about when going around on the rail but that affect our horses. I spent a few days doing two point, something I did as a kid!”
After Sly competes in Senior Hunter Under Saddle tomorrow with Alyse, their journey here at the APHA World Show will be complete and they’ll head home to begin preparations for the Congress.
The Reserve Champion in the class was Coleen Bull with Timeless Assets. Third was Kelli Foster with A lot To Offer. Fourth was Tracy Hull with Big Ones Only. Fifth was Brenda Ball with Got To Love It.
