Big Winners in Over Fence Classes at 2017 AQHA Youth World Show

By: Brittany Bevis

This morning at the 2017 AQHA Youth World Show was all about high flying action in the Over Fence events. First, Gentry Cherry rode her gelding, Al E Hondro, to win Working Hunter and repeat her iconic victory lap from yesterday’s win in Hunter Hack. Coming in Reserve in Working Hunter was Ashley Youngkin with Hez Itchy Too. Third place was Emma Graf with One Sweet Mercedes. Fourth was Chandler Runnells with She Lukes Starstruck. Fifth place was Anne Vorhies with Pact With Assets.

Next up in Equitation Over Fences it was Ashley Youngkin’s turn in the winner’s circle with Hez Itchy Too. Ashley and “Itchy” have been a team for seven years now, and this is their final Youth World Show appearance. “I got him as a ten-year-old, and he had 30 days on him. I’ve done everything with him, so good or bad it’s my doing! I actually have three horse trainers- Joey and Crystal Brumbaugh and Cathy Carol.”

Last year, Ashley and Itchy were named the World Champions in Working Hunter and came in Reserve in Equitation Over Fences and Jumping. Earlier today, Ashley came in Reserve to Gentry Cherry in Working Hunter.

The Reserve Champion in Equitation Over Fences was Gentry Cherry with Al E Hondro. Third was Reilly Medema with Notaminute Too Soon. Fourth place was Olivia Derlis with ATM. Fifth place and the 13 and Under winner was Abigail Hardy with My Secret Past.

We also had the opportunity to chat with Chandler Runnells, who rode She Lukes Starstruck to a win in L2 Working Hunter and a fourth place finish in L3 Working Hunter. 16-year-old Chandler and her 11-year-old mare, “Pepsi,” currently compete under the guidance of Chuck Briggs and Linda Crothers, whose clients have been having a fantastic Youth World thus far. “Gentry won two classes and got Reserve, and then Addison Kliewer rode Lets Get Started to win Hunter Hack Level 2!”

Chandler has achieved previous Top 5 and Top 10 finishes in the past at the Youth World, but this is her first big win. She also competed at the show with her other mare, Dance If You Wanna. They were named finalists in Working Hunter and placed fourth in L3 Hunter Hack.

Despite her success, Chandler has been having a bit of a rough time at the show due to a stomach flu. However, she was a trooper and was able to pull out her final performance at the Youth World this morning in L3 Working Hunter with Pepsi and placed fourth. Up next, she will be taking Dance If You Wanna to the All American Quarter Horse Congress.