Morning Winners at 2016 APHA World Show Include Cassata, Heisinger, Weldon, Christensen, Darr, and More

By: Brittany Bevis

Numerous World Champions have been crowned here in Fort Worth, Texas this morning at the 2016 APHA World Championship Show.

First up, winning Amateur Weanling Mares was Susan Darr with She Curls My Toes. The Reserve Champion was Terry Nutt with Shez Hell On Heels. Third was Justin Ware with MS Star Intensions. Fourth was Curtis Petersen with Intended Conclusion. Fifth was Bob Cassata with Impeccable Style. There was a Breeders’ Halter Futurity Bonus Payout for this class with $3,355 going to first place, $2,666 to Reserve. $1,777 to third, and $888 to fourth.

Winning Amateur Yearling Fillies was Bob Cassata with Hot Fire and Style. The Reserve Champion was Charie Beseke with Rstyle. Third was Leann Fast with Thankz. Fourth place was Susan Drawdy with She’s That Clueless. Fifth was Robin Robinett with Essence of Chrome.

Bob first laid eyes on Hot Fire and Style when the filly was shown by Ted Turner at the APHA World Show last year. Even before the results of the weanling class were announced (she was later named the World Champion) Bob contacted trainer, Kelley Stone, and asked her to begin negotiations for the purchase.

Just one class later, Bob found himself in the winner’s circle once again in Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares, this time with Red Hot N Stylish. The Reserve Champion was Andrea Olsen with My Secret Dream. Third was Suzonne Franks with Sheza Obvious Image. Fourth was Paticia Borland with My Dirty Intentions. Fifth was Laurie Roden with KR Lone Star Lola.

Following both wins today, the announcer played Bob’s favorite song, “I Did It My Way,” by Frank Sinatra, to which Bob tipped his hat in appreciation. He’s very excited to be competing at the upcoming AQHA World Championship Show for the first time next week. He’s even more thrilled that he has purchased a full sibling to Frank Berris’ recently crowned Congress Grand Champion mare, Bee Jewelled.

In Amateur 3-Year-Old Mares, Karen Lonski came all the way from Australia to compete, and win, with her horse, RJN Centerfold. The Reserve Champion was Ramsey Berry with She’s Got Guns. Third was Ronda Huffman with Shezmaknacquisitions. Fourth was Cameron Dees with Beadsandbourbonstreet. Fifth was Richard Burns with TDkids Chantilly Lace.

In Novice Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation, Pamela Heisinger rode her horse, Sensational Cookie, to win their first World Championship title as a team. Although the pair had a small bobble during the pattern, Pamela and “Cookie” were able to best the competition thanks to their accurate transitions and seamless rail work. “I thought I might be a finalist, so this is completely a surprise!” Pamela says. “I feel like we plussed all of our transitions and we hit everything right at the cones.”

Pamela and Cookie currently compete under the guidance of Karen Qualls Performance Horses and plan to show in Novice Amateur and Masters Amateur classes in various other disciplines here at the show including: Showmanship, Trail, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and more.

The Reserve Champion was Haley Cooper with Cool Hotrod. Third was Allie Aldrich with Zips Baby Doll. Fourth was Christi Christensen with I Got Em Talkin. Fifth was Tarah Lazowski with Hezahandsomehilfiger.

Over in the Jumping pen, Payton Weldon was named the World Champion in Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences. The Reserve Champion was Lauren Williams with The Big Dog. Third was Amy Stonehocker with Rock Star Tuxedo. Fourth was Maggie Griffin with Ill Be Sensational. Fifth was Cameron Rohn with Secret Treasure.

Winning Novice Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences was Christi Christensen with I Got Em Talkin. The Reserve Champion was Carlee Christian with Too Much Blush. Third was Patricia Hartwig with Take Time To Look. Fourth was Morgan Oberg with Chocs Super Hero.

Stay tuned for more coming from the APHA World Show right here on EquineChronicle.com.