On the Congress EC Cover- Morgan Brehm and Invitemeforchocolate
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Morgan Brehm & Invitemeforchocolate
by: Brittany Bevis
Be on the lookout for a dynamic team coming to the AQHA majors this fall, Morgan Brehm and her 2006 Invitation Only gelding, Invitemeforchocolate. Morgan and “Shaggy” have been a team for two years now, but she considers 2015 to be her first competitive year in the big leagues with her new partner. Just recently, at the 2015 NSBA World Show, the pair took Reserve Champion honors in Novice Amateur Trail.
This year, at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Morgan and Shaggy will compete in Amateur Horsemanship, Novice Amateur Trail, Amateur Trail, Novice Amateur Western Riding, and Amateur Western Riding. The pair has also qualified for the AQHA World Show in Level 2 Amateur Trail, Level 2 Western Riding, and Level 2 and 3 Amateur Horsemanship. They will be relying on the guidance of trainers, Robin and Jenny Frid, as they continue their journey towards mastery of Western all-around events. Robin Frid will also pilot Shaggy at both the Congress and World Show in Senior Western Riding and Trail.
Morgan describes her beloved Shaggy as a big personality who truly loves to compete, especially in the duo’s favorite event of Trail. “He’s a lot of fun, because when we’re ready to show, he gets into the zone and goes out and does his job. Trail is one of the first classes we really clicked in. One thing that really helps him in Trail is that he’s got a lot of personality through his face, and he shows that when he goes over poles. He puts his ears up and it makes a nice picture. Plus, he has a nice, clean lope that enables him to make it over all the poles,” she says.
While Morgan is still relatively new to all-around events, she is no stranger to competing or having success in the show pen. After getting her start in halter classes, at the age of eight, under the guidance of Denny Hassett, she competed in her first AQHA Youth World Show at the age of nine. She now has seven Halter World Champion titles to her credit. When Morgan’s interests evolved to include Western performance classes, it was time to purchase her first 4-H mount, a dark chestnut mare with white socks named IZA Zippo. “As I grew up and shows started getting more competitive, Mom bought me a horse I could show at AQHA shows. From there, we’ve been stepping up with better horses,” she says.
“Morgan started riding when she was pretty young and had very good instructors like Jeff Allen,” says her mother Debby. “He definitely taught her how to sit a horse well. When she was ready to show on a national level, we changed to Robin’s program, and it’s been a naturally progressive step. I’ve shown halter horses for 31 years with Denny, and Morgan continues to show in halter to this day. Denny and Dana are like family to us.”
Debby currently competes with her Western Pleasure mare, A Certain Luxury, under the guidance of Rusty Green. The team recently placed 6th in Western Pleasure at the Select World Show and 8th in Performance Halter. Their next stop is also the Quarter Horse Congress.
For both mother and daughter, showing horses isn’t just a hobby but a way to connect. “I’m glad Morgan wants to show, enjoys it, and has had so much success,” Debby says. “I’ve been showing for most of my life, and it’s nice that she wants to do this with me. It’s fascinating to watch her compete in some of the other events, because it’s made me realize how difficult it is and how much work goes into it.” Morgan shares, “It’s fun that we have something we can share. A lot of times, interests can be different within families. Mom tries to go to every show, makes sure I have enough time to practice, helps me get ready, and videos my classes.”
When asked how nerves play into the competition, the ladies have identical responses. “I’m way more nervous when Mom shows!” Morgan says. “And I’m way more nervous when Morgan shows!” Debby exclaims. She says, “It’s kind of nice that both trainers are in Texas so we’re able to go to 75% of the same shows together.”
Regardless of how the final placings line out this year at the big events, we’re certain both Morgan and Debby will be in the stands enthusiastically, and anxiously, cheering for each other.
