Youth Gelding Congress Champions Include Jolstad, Carter, West, Yount, Ronk, and More

By: Brittany Bevis

Today’s Youth Halter Geldings classes have just concluded in the Coliseum, and there are a number of talented young handlers to congratulate. First, Bailee Yount led The Gronkowski to win Youth Weanling Geldings. The Reserve Champion was Jordan Melegari with Cheerstoagoodtime.

In Youth Yearling Geldings, Margaret Carter led Elite to the win. The Reserve Champion was Hailey Speck with I’m Certainly Strutin. The winner of Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings was Bailee Yount with Mr MVP. The Reserve Champion was Audrey Cole with Guns and Leather. Third was Trace Toteff with California Kool. Fourth was Millie Landon with Amazing Vaquero. Fifth was Erin Mask with Dunn Gunnin.

Bailee has had a busy morning. After winning Youth Weanling Geldings with “Gronkowski,” she headed back into the pen again to win once more with “Bo” in Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings. “I love Gronk,” Bailee says. “He’s actually one of the most broke horses we have. He’s so sweet, and my little siblings can show him too.”

Just the other day, Tom Robertson led Gronk to be named the Reserve Champion in the Open division. He also scored a big win at the recent Breeders Halter Futurity. As far as “Bo” is concerned, Bailee says he wasn’t even supposed to be part of the family, but her dad simply couldn’t resist.

“It’s really funny. My parents weren’t going to get another horse, but my dad keeps wanting more. So, my stepmom’s joke is that he wanted a Bobcat for work; but, instead of getting a Bobcat, we got Bo! Then, Gronkowski was named that because my dad has a little thing for football, especially his fantasy football team.”

Bo is by Grandslam Touchdown, and, much like Gronk, Bailee feels very comfortable showing him. “He’s really good. I feel comfortable giving all of our horses to my younger siblings to show.” Bailee’s favorite part of Bo is his deep, dark color. “I love his color so much. I can wear some bright colors like red. I love the color contrast.”

Bailee has had a spectacular Congress thus far. Yesterday, she led Equities to be named the Reserve Grand Champion Mare, and this is just her first trip to Columbus. “I’ve never been to the Congress, even to watch. I’m walking out with four trophies, so I’d say it’s pretty good!”

In Youth 3-Year-Old Geldings, Elizabeth West led Mister Over Easy to a win. The Reserve Champion was Garrett Freeman with Zydaco. Third was Jessica Mcallister with Midknight Invitation.

Elizabeth is new to the Halter pen. She’s shown performance horses for seven years, but this is her first year competing in Halter. “Easy” is by Ecredible, and she’s thankful that he’s true to his name. “He’s easy to show. He always has a good expression on his face. I love his head. That’s my favorite part of him. His body is beautiful, but his face is just cute.”

Also here at the show, Elizabeth is competing with Chevrolatte in Equitation, Horsemanship, Showmanship, Trail, and Performance Halter. She’s very excited to turn 16 on October 24th; because, when she gets home, she will get her driver’s license!

Eli Ronk led Ima Cool Catch to win Youth Aged Geldings. The Reserve Champion was RJ Shepard with Entended. Third was Makena Beach with PF Kid Supreme. Fourth was Audrey Cole with DMM Secret Sinsation. Fifth was Margaret Carter with Coos Me In The Dark.

Out of a very competitive field of 33 entries, 15-year-old Eli led his 5-year-old gelding to a big win. Eli and his gelding are the returning Grand Champions from 2017, so there was a lot of pressure for this team. “I felt that I would have to do my best; but, no matter what, he’s still a great horse. I can’t be upset with him. He’s awesome.”

Eli has competed under the guidance of his horse trainer, John Boxell, for the past two years. At the AQHA Youth World this year, Eli and his Very Cool gelding were named the Reserve World Champions.

“He’s quiet, and he’s not disruptive. He has this attitude like, ‘This is me. Look at me. I’m good!’ My favorite thing about him is his hind end.”

Out of 68 entries, the Youth Performance Halter Geldings Champion was Brooke Jolstad with Betta Believe It. The Reserve Champion was RJ Wolen with To Sleepy To Flash. Third was Jordan  Czerwinski with Simply One Hot. Fourth was Rebecca Figueroa with Check Required. Fifth was Elizabeth West with Chevrolatte. 

The Youth Grand Champion Gelding was Ima Cool Catch, led by Eli Ronk. The Reserve Grand Champion was Entended, led by RJ Shepard.