“Do you know how everybody has that one horse that makes you love this sport and horses in general? Willy is that horse.”

“He’s just a puppy dog to be around. You can pet on him, and he hangs his head down and wants to be loved on. I just don’t think you see that in many stallions.”

This evening’s Amateur Western Riding finals crowned Kirsten Thomsen with Elis A Sleepin as the World Champions. Kirsten and “Eli,” a black gelding by Too Sleepy To Zip and out of Vested Investment, scored a 233 to take the win. 

Today’s classes at the AQHA World Show have been dedicated to the Halter discipline. 

Terry Bradshaw was at the lead of Inexces to win Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares. The Reserve Champion was JL Robinson with Blue Ribbons N Lace. Third was Sarah Headley with Enchanting Intention. Fourth was Anita Wiescamp with BPF Guilty Secrets. Fifth was Ganelle Rivers with Existingsecretfinale.

“Everybody has had their turn with him. Now, it’s my turn!”

“When I look at her, she’s one one of those mares that has a lot of pretty. She’s not the most massive horse. She’s feminine and pretty. She’s really sweet to show. She’s got a little quirk; but, when you work it just right, she’s perfect.”

“Actually she’s quite talented in Trail, but she’s going to have an adorable lead change and her Western Pleasure is really good.”

“Hunter Hack is the introductory class. It’s judged 70% on those three jumps, so they have to be pretty, darn good. Consistency is the big thing. They have to canter well, and I have a specific look that I like. They have to be low to the ground, be real forward, and be really good with their head and neck. He’s got that.”

“I had some of my friends give me a pep talk and some suggestions, and I went out and put all that in play. I got my confidence and his confidence back, and I felt great about it today.”