Natasha Blanchard and Made N The Shade Win Congress 3-Year-Old Ltd. Non Pro WP Futurity

By: Brittany Bevis

Natasha Blanchard took home quite a payday for winning the 3-Year-Old Non Pro Ltd. Western Pleasure Futurity this morning at the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress, scoring a big check and a beautiful Harris headstall in addition to the Congress bronze and several NSBA and Southern Belle Breeders’ trophies. Natasha’s partner for the class was Made N The Shade, a big, bay gelding by Machine Made.

For Natasha, this win is very special, because it’s her first time winning a futurity at the Congress. She has a previous Congress title in NYATT Western Pleasure to her credit.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” she says. “Going in, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I’m so excited. It’s a little overwhelming.”

Natasha describes her horse, “Mikey,” has having somewhat of a goofy personality, but she says he’s all business when he enters the show pen. “Right when you step into the pen, he knows it’s show time, and he has to be super serious. He gave me his all today.”

Natasha and Mikey rely on the guidance of Rusty and Katie Green for their Western Pleasure training. “They have taught me, when it comes to showing a baby in a hackamore, to use more of my legs instead of going right to my hands, so  I always try that first.”

As for that big check, Natasha says, “Maybe I’ll split it with Dad to help him pay for Mikey’s bill!”

Coming up later in the show, Mikey will show in Amateur Western Pleasure, 3-Year-Old Non Pro Open finals, Junior Western Pleasure, and 3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure.

The Reserve Champion in the class was Kari Craft with Gone Viral. Third was Debby Brehm with Whatilikeaboutyou. Fourth was John Pauluzzi with Certainly Flatlined. Fifth was Kerk Sanders with JT Patron. Sixth was Carli Armenta with Cherrie Bomb. Seventh was Riley Preston with Well Oiled Machine. Eighth was Katie Jo Jones with RV Wonit Lopin Lazy. Ninth was Mary Raeth-Knight with Made The Ladies Look. Tenth was Jane Humes with Cool Cruzen Lady.