Scott Reinartz and Investin A Goodbar a Bridesmaid No More in Amateur Pleasure Driving

By: Brittany Bevis

Scott Reinartz and his 9-year-old gelding, Investin A Goodbar, have broken the streak! “No longer a bridesmaid!” Scott exclaims.

Scott and “Hank” have been a team or the past five years and, during that time, they’ve won two Reserve Congress Champion titles and two Reserve World Champion titles in Pleasure Driving. Today marks their first big win and Scott’s first Congress Champion title.

“I originally bought him as a Hunt Seat prospect, and then I saw him go over some poles and I thought he would be really cool at Trail and I could so Hunt Seat with him. That’s a great combination, you know… But he doesn’t like to canter, so we didn’t end up doing Hunt Seat. But, he likes to trot, so taught him how to do Pleasure Driving.”

In addition to Pleasure Driving, Hank and Scott also compete in Trail, Horsemanship, Showmanship, Performance Halter Geldings, and Western Riding. They will compete in all of these classes here at the Congress and the AQHA World Show. They show under the guidance of Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes and have done so for the past three years.

“I don’t have a favorite class. I love them all. Trainers always ask, ‘If you could have one class to show in, what would it be? I say I wouldn’t show, because I couldn’t pick just one.”

Scott believes that one of the most important aspects of a proper Pleasure Driving presentation is confidence… and excellent maneuvering skills. “It’s like driving on a freeway. I’m always looking ahead and kind of paying attention to what’s behind me. Then, I make a strategy. Do I have to go faster, slower, or stay on the rail? [When it comes to the road gait] I love to go. The faster the better!”

Because Hank isn’t of the typical Hunt Seat size and stature, Scott believes its his correct movement that gains him points with the judges. “I think what the judges like about him, in particular, is that he’s a very correct mover and he’s very consistent in his topline.”

The Reserve Champion was Tina McElroy with Giv Romance A Chance. Third was Jill Flint with Only Drink To That. Fourth was Susan Kempfer-Weeks with Millennium Cowboy. Fifth was Brianna Clark with Taxable Assets.