10-Year-Old Ava Coughlin and Divas Invitation Win Small Fry Western Pleasure at 2014 QH Congress

By: Brittany Bevis

After the conclusion of three tough cuts and a finals of Small Fry Western Pleasure, 10-year-old Ava Coughlin was crowned the Congress Champion with her horse, Divas Invitation. Coughlin is certainly no stranger to the winner’s circle; she was the Reserve Champion last year in Small Fry Western Pleasure as well.

“I would say [I’ve been riding horses] I guess my whole life,” she says. “I’ve done the Congress last year and the year before. This is my first time winning. It feels awesome!”

Miss Ava and “Diva” have been a team for three and a half years now, and 2014 marks their last year competing in the Small Fry division.

“Next year, I will be doing three gaits,” she says. “I want to do Trail and Western Pleasure. I love Western Pleasure; it’s my favorite because you get to relax. Showmanship is one of my other favorites.”

Ava had plenty of supporters in the stands this evening including her mom and dad, aunts, grandpa, and friends. Standing close by the rail, trainer Randy Wilson was ready with some last minute advice.

“He said to keep her slow, keep my spurs in, keep her on the rail, and have good posture.”

Ava might be small in stature, but make no mistake, this young lady is quite the competitor. One item she feels helped her stand out was her fringed, black and gold show jacket. While some younger competitors are fans of bright colors like pink and purple, Ava wanted a “more professional” look.

“I love it!” she says. “I think that it looks more grown up and more professional. Tammy from All That Show Clothing made it for me.”

Following the win photo this evening Ava will be treating Diva to some of her favorite snacks and then she off to Rod’s for a shopping spree, for her horse of course.

“I have these giant peppermint treats, and I’m going to go to Rod’s and spoil her,” she says. “I’m going to get her more treats, brushes, and maybe a halter.”

That doesn’t seem like too much to ask for the newly crowned Congress Champion.

Small Fry Western Pleasure–

1-Ava Coughlin/Divas Invitation

2-Suddenly Moonlight/Chloe Smith

3-Best Change Yet/JR Pickard,

4-Snazzy Lil Chip/Briley Czerwinski

5-Miso Lazy/Alexis Potts

6-RR My Sudden Career/Grace Miller

7- Slow Lopin Louie/Grant Mastin

8- An American Leaguer/Delaney Bell

9- Sheza Shy Chex/Jordan Czerwinski

10- Im Good As It Gets/Brooke Jolstad

11- Zippos RV/Colton Worden

12-At The Bar For Hours/Emma Gore

13- Jessies Little Chip/Isabella Marie D’Onofrio

14- Perfect Bronze/Julia Preston

15- Ms April Investment/Tricia Gerken