10/18 Congress Champions Include Maxwell, Ronk, Toteff, Cole, and More

By: Brittany Bevis

Today’s Youth Halter classes have just concluded here at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Starting off the day with Youth Yearling Geldings, Ellexxah Maxwell led Premos Instyle to the win. Reserve was Bronson Groff with Evenger. Third was Katie Houser with Kid Ikon. Fourth was Shelby Byrd with Styled In Yella. Fifth was Griffin Holliday with Olive Is My Momma.

Kaylee Hamm led Misster E Maximum to win Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings. Reserve was Cameron Thompson with JCG Grid Iron.

Trace Toteff was at the lead of California Kool to win Youth 3-Year-Old Geldings. Reserve was Victor Beauchamp with Mr MVP. Third was Nathan Sheyer with The Chosen Intention. Fourth was Audrey Barnes with Missin Sleep. Fifth was Madeline Rippeon with Amarillo By Moonlite.

When the final placings began, and Trace was announced first, he actually thought he came in last place. However, the reason the individual placings were not announced is because Trace was unanimous under all the judges! “For a second, I actually thought I was last, because they called me out first,” he laughs.

12-year-old Trace has been showing “Kool”  since he was two years old. The large gelding is by Very Cool and out of Deja Vu. He competes under the guidance of Grandpa, aka Tom Robertson, who always gives helpful advice. “He always tells me to stay calm and not to jerk too hard. Also, to get his ears up, I use my comb that I flick, and I use breath spray. He likes that.”

Trace has been showing horses since he was four years old, so he’s an old pro at this point and knows the best way to set up a Halter horse. “When I set him up, I normally try to walk him into the back set first, and then I do the right front and the left front. He showed great today, but he was a little playful! The thing I like best about Halter is having a connection with the horse. I like that.”

Youth Aged Geldings was won by 11-year-old Audrey Cole with DMM Secret Sinsation. Reserve was Elizabeth West with Mister Over Easy. Third was Trent Searles with Gunnarockya. Fourth was Peyton Baxter with Coos Me In The Dark. Fifth was Ava Specht with Gee I Jo.

Audrey has been showing “Sinbad” for two years. Although he’s a really big horse, Audrey insists that he’s very sweet. “He’s big, but he has a good personality and he’s nice to me. To get his ears up all I have to do is hold my hand in front of his nose and snap my fingers.”

Audrey’ favorite part of showing at the Congress are the large class sizes, despite the fact that she has to stand in the lineup for a very long time. In order to prepare to show in Halter, Audrey works with her trainer, Ted Turner, the night before the class. “The night before the show, we go out and practice. Each foot has a number, and he tells me which one to move. I start with the back feet first, and then I go to the front feet.”

Just last week, Audrey had the opportunity to watch Reining here at the Congress, a discipline that caught her eye. Next year, she plans to compete in Ranch Riding with her horse, “Okie.”

Youth Performance Geldings was won by Eli Ronk with Lu Johnny. Reserve was Jordan Czerwinski with Simply One Hot. Third was Brooke Jolstad with Betta Believe It. Fourth was RJ Wolen with To Sleepy To Flash. Fifth was Rebecca Figueroa with Check Required.

The Grand Champion Gelding was DMM Secret Sinsation, led by Audrey Cole. Reserve was Mister Over Easy, led by Elizabeth West.