Steve Wheat and Rain Makes Me Sleepy Making Western Pleasure Great Again at AQHA Youth World in 13 and Under

By: Brittany Bevis

A very patriotic and poised young gentleman, Steve Wheat, did his part to help make Western Pleasure great again by riding his new horse, Rain Makes Me Sleepy, to win the first-ever 13 and Under Western Pleasure class at the AQHA Youth World.

Steve is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having been named a Congress Champion in the past with his horse, Suddenly Charming. But, now that he’s 14, it was time for a new mount. His new partner of one year is a 6-year-old gelding by Too Sleepy To Zip, named Rain Makes Me Sleepy, aka “Ray.”

“I will have had him one year in the fall. He’s great. He’s the most sweet thing, and he always wants you to pet him. He will follow you for a treat and almost knock you over.”

Steve thinks Ray is the total package when it comes to Western Pleasure. He likes his quality of movement, consistent topline, and easygoing demeanor. “I thought he did great today. He did everything I asked for and more. He was awesome! He’s a great loper and a great jogger, and he has plenty of hock.”

We had to ask Steve about his very patriotic show shirt that reflects his love of America and the Armed Forces. “I’ve always been very patriotic, and I wanted to have something to display that. One day, I thought it might be nice to put a flag on the back of my shirt, and then it grew from there.”

Steve also had his mother embroider the names of several branches of the military onto his collar and shirtsleeves: Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Sadly, he couldn’t fit the Coast Guard. Steve’s favorite branch of the military is the Navy, and he hopes to serve his country when he’s old enough.

Steve would like to thank his mother and father, as well as friends, Shelley and Kim Donovan, and Ken and Marilyn Masterson.

Look for Steve and Ray at the Quarter Horse Congress this fall.

The Reserve Champion was Brody Galyean with Cool Poco Dot. Third was Blakey Abbott with Made Just Right. Fourth was Zoe Macbeth with A Lazy Lady. Fifth was Spencer Hardin with Zipit Martha Stewart. Sixth was Avery Mortman with Just A Touch More. Seventh was Sydney Swallom with Pawn Star. Eighth was Emma Gore with My Only Good Shoes. Ninth was Abby Faulkner with Hot Lopin Goodbar. Tenth was Sutton Howard with Amblin Good and Easy.