AQHA World Champions Include Turner, Smith, Robertson, and Finkenbinder

By: Brittany Bevis

Today’s Halter classes have crowned a number of World Champions already at the 2018 AQHA World Show.

First, Ted Turner was at the lead of Solair to win Yearling Geldings for new owner, Dan Fox. At the Congress, we had the chance to speak with former owner, Anthony Bladen, after he won the Amateur division. “I saw him at the Select World Show and loved him,” Dan says. “He was in the same barn alley as us. I told him that if he wanted to sell him, that I loved him. I asked for first option, and we got the deal put together. I’m really excited to show him next year.”

“Sully” is a 16 hand yearling and has a big, physical presence in the show pen, as well as a big personality. “Ted had his hands full today!” Dan laughs. “For a yearling, he’s huge; but, he’s not just big, he’s balanced and very correct with great hocks and a great back. He’s pretty cool.”

“I’m in California, and I always hear about shows on the east coast that I never get to go to. I have two horses with Andy Staton, a stallion and a mare. Now, I have a gelding so I can show some of the shows on the east coast. That’s my plan.”

This has been a great horse show for Dan, because his daughter, Katie, won Amateur Ranch Riding last night with Seismic Reaction.

The Reserve Champion in Yearling Geldings was Ross Roark with Erratic. Third was Jeffrey Pait with Scorz. Fourth was Tom Robertson with Elusive Pick. Fifth was Steve Ferguson with Illicit Intention.

Today marked a very special win for Dewey Smith and JL Robinson, whose wife, Penny, suffered a heart attack yesterday here in Oklahoma City, but is doing much better after her procedure. Our prayers go out to Mrs. Penny and JL, as well as congratulations on their win with Dewey Smith and Blue Ribbons N Lace in 2-Year-Old Mares. The Reserve Champion was Tom Robertson with Sheza Secret Fantasy. Third was Ted Turner with Inexces.

Tom Robertson led Baby I’m Worth It to win 3-Year-Old Mares and her eighth World title for Warren English and family. This year, “Penny” claimed a clean sweep by winning Open 3-Year-Old Mares with Tom Robertson and Amateur with Corrine English at the Congress, at the Select World Show with Laurie English, and here at the World Show in Amateur with Warren and Open with Tom.

 

This is the English family’s first Halter horse. They bought her two years ago and have had much success. She’s by Image Matters and out of a Perpetual Payday mare.

“I was more nervous watching Tom show than I was doing it myself!” Warren says.

“But, you were nervous going into your class, because I won and then Corrine won, so the pressure was on!” Laurie adds.

The family plans to pull two embryos to Penny for next year, and they have big expectations. “She’s a gorgeous mover,” Warren says. “I told my wife that we’ve had performance horses since the late 90s, and she’s probably the best moving horse we’ve ever had.”

“I want them to have her pretty head, nice big hip, nice topline, and straight legs,” Laurie says.

“We want everything! A mini Penny,” Warren says.

The Reserve Champion was Jason Smith with Jeweled. Third was Ross Roark with Squires Famous Doll. Fourth was Ted Turner with Shez My Addiction. Fifth was Steve Ferguson with My Secret Maggie.

Tim Finkenbinder was at the lead of There’s No Tellin to win 3-Year-Old Geldings for new owner, Anita Wiescamp. Just a few days ago, Shannon Wacker led the mare to win Amateur 3-Year-Old Geldings. The Reserve Champion was Ross Roark with Zydaco. Third was Tom Robertson with Mister Over Easy.