Morning Champions at APHA World Include Cassata, Baerg, Page, and More

By: Brittany Bevis

Today’s APHA World Show kicked off first thing this morning with Amateur Weanling Mares. Andrea Olsen led Truly Virtuous to a win. Reserve was Carol Menuey with CW Shameless Kisses. Third was Callie Hernandez with Cool Ruby. Fourth was Adam Matthews with Pack Lady. Fifth was Kendall Staton with Ms Double Charming.

Christopher Page led his home-bred filly, Talk To My Agent, to win Amateur SPB Weanling Mares. The happy, little girl is named “Pop Tart.” Just a few weeks ago, Pop Tart placed fifth at the Breeders Halter Futurity. She’s by Heza Secret Agent and out of BBs Prissy Girl, a mare that has foaled several World and Reserve World Champions. In fact, she was a Weanling Champion at the Breeders Halter Futurity in 2014.

“I knew right away,” Christopher says. “Her head is beautiful, and she sits back in her shoulders and withers. She’s put together really well, is fine bodied, and has good muscle tone.”

There was another Page family member in the class today, Christopher’s son, Elijah, led Kechin Yer Attention to place fourth. She’s out of a daughter of BBs Prissy Girl.

Bob Cassta celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with a win in Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares with Shes Stylish.

“I had her as a baby, and then we sold her at the Breeders Futurity to Dewey Smith’s customer,” Bob says. “Then, I bought her back, and I think we’ve bought and sold her at least three or four times since then. We just keep loving her more and more.”

Besides her bay, good looks, Bob appreciates her kind demeanor and easygoing attitude, which was evident when his great granddaughter, 7-year-old Georgia Cook, showed her to win at the APHA Youth World Show this summer.

As Bob led his mare up to accept his award, he pointed to the sky while his favorite song, Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” played over the loudspeaker. “God is great,” Bob says. “That’s my favorite song. They’re going to play it at my funeral.”

Reserve was Kade Byers with Shes So Radiant. Third was Carol Menuey with Brooks Impressions. Fourth was Billy Franks with TNR All Eyes On Me.

Kimberly Baerg won her first World Championship title with HCF Baby Darling in Amateur 3-Year-Old Mares at her first APHA World Show. Not only was this her first win, this is her first time showing south of the Canadian border.

“Miley” is by Caribbean Curves, a stallion that stands at the family’s facility, Eagle Hill Equine, just north of Calgary. The two are almost identical in coloring and markings.

According to Kimberly, this first World Show has “exceeded all expectations.” Miley will be shown by Ted Turner in the open division on Thursday.

Reserve was Laurie Roden with Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Third was Janel Trammel with Sugar N Spice Girl. Fourth was Christyn Unzueta with Obviously A Playgirl.

Bob Cassata led Red Hot N Stylish to win Aged Mares. Reserve was Suzonne Franks with TNR Say Grace. Third was Melvin Leathers with Secret Blessing. Fourth was Laurie Roden with KR Long Star Lola. Fifth was Anne Ray with Girl Crush.