Dad’s Turn in the Winner’s Circle; Robert Huver and All But Sudden Win Amateur Western Riding

By: Brittany Bevis

Our readers are probably familiar with hearing the name, Livvie Van Lanen, announced in conjunction with the 7-year-old, all-around superstar named All But Sudden. But today, it was Dad’s turn in the winner’s circle. Robert Huver was named the Congress Champion in a competitive Amateur Western Riding class of 41 entries this afternoon at the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Robert and “Stevie” posted a score of 233 for the win. The Reserve Champion was Jason Wanderer with Zippos Petite Prince scoring a 232. Third place was Kirsten Thomsen with Elis A Sleepin with a 231.5.

Earlier at the Congress, we had the chance to interview Livvie Van Lanen when trainer Charlie Cole piloted Stevie to a win in the Senior Western Riding. She commented that her favorite part of Stevie’s Western Riding patterns are his cross-over changes. Today, Dad certainly got the stamp of approval from his proud daughter.

“He was good, and it’s his last day,” Robert Huver says. “He’s shown every day here, so he was a little tired, but he always puts his best effort out. Now, he gets a few weeks off before the World Show.”

Before Robert entered the pen this afternoon, trainers Charlie Cole and Jason Martin gave him some specific advice, which included dropping his rein hand, using his legs, and trusting in his horse’s ability. Robert and Stevie have been a team for the past three years, but this is Dad’s first time winning a Congress Champion title.

Earlier in the show, Stevie was named the Congress Champion in Senior Western Riding, Congress Champion in Novice Youth 14-18 Trail, Reserve Congress Champion in Novice Youth Horsemanship 14-18, and now Congress Champion in Amateur Western Riding; that’s three Congress Champion titles (and one Reserve title) with three different riders. Also, Livvie and Stevie were named the All-Around Novice Youth team and Reserve 15-18 All-Around team here at the Congress.

We wondered when it will be Mom’s turn to step in the show pen…”One of these days, Mom will start showing in the Select [division],” Jane Platten Huver says. “We won’t throw that at Stevie just yet. He is an awesome horse, and he never says no. Bless his heart, because we ride him in a lot of classes.”

After Stevie gets a few weeks off, he will head up to Oklahoma City where he will compete in Amateur Trail and Amateur Western Riding with Robert and Senior Trail and Senior Western Riding with Charlie at the AQHA World Show.

Amateur Western Riding-

1-All But Sudden/Robert Huver 233

2-Zippos Petite Prince/Jason Wanderer 232

3-Elis A Sleepin/Kirsten Thomsen 231.5

4-Ima Petite Classic/Darcy Reeve 231.5

5-The Vital Invitations/Kathyryn DeVries 227.5