Oakley/Flashy Looking Touch and Wiseman/Touched Softly Win Evening Congress WP Classes

By: Brittany Bevis

It definitely takes a special touch to win a Congress Champion title and that was something both of this evening’s Congress Champions had in common. They both happen to have been sired by the AQHA stallion A Touch Of Sudden.

First, new daddy, Tate Oakley, rode Flashy Looking Touch to win the Maturity Open Western Pleasure Limited finals. Cheering alongside in the stands was his wife Jamie Oakley and the newest addition to the Oakley clan, three-month-old Baby Ava. The Reserve Champion was Charlie Cole with Cee Money. Third place was Blake Britton with The Only Leadin Lady. Fourth place was Wade Black with Got My Swag On. Fifth place was Blake Weis with Snap Krackle Pop.

In the 11 and Under Western Pleasure, 12-year-old Kylee Wiseman rode her 5-year-old mare, Touched Softly, aka “Georgia,” to their first Congress Championship title.

“We bought her around this time last year,” Kylee says. “I rode her for the first time here last year, right in that arena over there. As soon as I saw her, I knew she was the one. I like her lope and how she can get her hip out, but she’s soft with her feet.”

Kylee was understandably a little nervous competing at such a large venue like the Congress, but she relied on the guidance and advice of her trainers, Ty and Karen Hornick. “They said I needed to remember to have fun and show my horse. I also needed to remember to shorten my reins before I backed up.”

Later on in the show, Kylee will remember that advice when she and Georgia compete in Novice Youth 13 and Under Western Pleasure and NYATT Western Pleasure. In addition to receiving a win ribbon, belt buckle, new Blue Ribbon saddle, and a check for $100, she also gets a new puppy from Grandpa!

We had to cut this interview short because Kylee had a very important person who wanted to wish her congratulations over the phone. “I’m talking to Georgia’s previous owner, Katie [Johnson]. She says she’s so happy for us and she wishes she could’ve been here to see it.”

The Reserve Champion in the class was Kendalyn Herlocker with Can’t Skip A Hot Chip. Third place was Taiya Capitola-Christopher with You Light My Fire. Fourth place was Julia Crane Preston with One Good Diva. Fifth place was Ava Elisabeth Pratt with Iz Just Lazy.