Morning AQHA World Halter Champions Include Wallinger-Rowan, Cassata, and Lincoln

By: Brittany Bevis

This morning at the 2017 AQHA World Championship Show has been entirely devoted to Halter competitors and their sleek and shiny counterparts. First up, Bob Cassata led Hesakeeper to win Amateur Weanling Geldings. Bob’s gelding is by Ecredible and out of Keepmee In Mind.

The Reserve Champion was Amy Jo Erhardt with Illicit Intention. Third was Sally Sullivan with Mistery. Fourth was Tammy Bradshaw with FG Execution. Fifth was Matthew Guthrie with Jimmie Choo.

Next, Amanda Wallinger-Rowan led Dimplez to win Amateur Weanling Fillies in near-unanimous fashion. She received four firsts and one second. Who beat her on that card? Her father! Steven Wallinger was at the lead of Cocco Chanel to place third in the class, behind his daughter and the Reserve Champion, Josh Weakly with Fantasyz.

“We’ve never been in the same pen together,” Amanda says. “He hasn’t shown since 2013 with Hey Coach. Literally, he hasn’t shown at a weekend show or anything, so we brought him in here guns-a-blazing! He was nervous, but he held it together and made us all proud.  I let him have one [judge], because then he will keep coming back!”

This win with Dimplez is special because the filly’s by Amanda’s family’s stallion, Acoolest Touchdown. She’s had a spectacular year, winning the Open Senior Fillies at the Breeders’ Halter Futurity, the Congress Elite Futurity in Open and Amateur, and the Congress Championship in Open, Amateur, and Limited. Next up, it’s trainer, Chris Arentsen’s, turn to compete. “I set him up, so he should be good!” Amanda laughs.

Fourth in the class was Robin Robinett with TNR Dee Lish. Fifth was Tammy Bradshaw with FG A Pretty Heiress.

Next up, Amanda found herself in the winner’s circle again in Amateur Yearling Geldings with Big Time Addiction, a double registered AQHA/APHA gelding by Kid Coolsified, that stays in training with Ted Turner. At the recent APHA World Show, this gelding won both the Open and Amateur divisions of Yearling Geldings.

Because the individual judges’ placings were a bit scattered, Amanda had no idea she’d won until the finals results were announced. “I thought we got third or above. I told Elizabeth [Beauchamp] congratulations, because I thought she had won. Then, when they announced her as Reserve, I just lost it. It was truly amazing.”

“When we first saw him, he was pretty fancy. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him, and he keeps getting better every day, so hopefully we can keep showing him.”

The Reserve Champion and L2 Champion was Elizabeth Thompson Beauchamp with Amazingunz. Third was Douglas Anderson with Total Intention. Fourth was Amy Jo Erhardt with Guns and Leather. Fifth was Suzonne Franks with TNR Ecredibly Cool.

We also chatted with the L2 Champion, Elizabeth, who’s competing at her first AQHA World Show this year with “Gunner,” another double registered, AQHA/APHA gelding.

“Gunner was excited to compete today, but that’s totally Gunner’s personality,” Elizabeth says. “He’s pretty unique. In addition to winning at the Congress this year, I was fortunate enough to win the Open division at the Breeder’s Halter Futurity, so we’ve had a great year.”

“I always talk about his personality, and I guess that’s not fair to overlook his correctness, but he’s really the compete package. His head is adorable, his body is amazing, and he’s great-legged.”

This was not only Elizabeth’s first big title earned at an AQHA World Show, this is also her first time here in Oklahoma City, and she’s loving the experience so far. “I’ve never even been a spectator at the World Show. I didn’t imagine it would be so relaxed and laid back. I felt like I showed the best I’ve ever shown. I have the tendency to get some nerves, but I had no nerves today because of how chill it is.”

Finally, Theodore Lincoln led Squires Famous Doll to win Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares. The Reserve Champion was Warren English with Baby Im Worth It. Third was Mariah Gipson with Trump This Mr.