“This is the second time we’ve won at the Congress. Also, we’ve won at the World Show for the past two years. He’s a very good Showmanship horse. It’s hard not to love this class when you have such a participant. I’ve never had one that goes in this class and tries so hard.”

Alexia has had “Rooster” since she was eleven years old. She’s now 16 and has just won her first Congress Championship in Trail. “He’s a really special horse and has gotten to be so broke. Especially with me as his owner, he has to be broke! He has the biggest heart and a big personality.”

Today’s classes at the Quarter Horse Congress began with Kent Ray Taylor riding Snap It Send It to win the 3-Year-Old Limited Non Pro Western Pleasure.

Ina is 84 years young now, and she’s so excited to have finally won her first Grand Champion title at the Congress. Making the win even more special is that she had plenty of family members in attendance. “My grandson and son came to watch me and provide support after I lost my husband two and a half years ago. He loved coming to the horse shows. I’ve been with Jeffrey and his family for five years. After my husband passed away, they took me in, just like family. He and his family are so supportive and devoted to their horses. They’re also so knowledgeable and can really get the best out of the horse and you.”

Ali Eidson was thrilled to score her first Congress Championship in the Super Sale 2-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure Stakes with her new horse of only three months, Made In The Moonlight. 

Audrey has been showing “Sinbad” for two years. Although he’s a really big horse, Audrey insists that he’s very sweet. “He’s big, but he has a good personality and he’s nice to me. To get his ears up all I have to do is hold my hand in front of his nose and snap my fingers.”

In today’s pattern, Nichole especially liked her spin in the box and the fact that she was able to accomplish something her trainer gave her as a goal. “My box was really good. We got all our lope overs in our spots, so I was excited about that. Also, Tommy told me to make sure I didn’t hit the back through. Overall, it was a very good pattern.”

“He’s always been good to me,” Sarah says. “He’s better than any gelding I’ve ever showed. He’s pretty special. He’s my unicorn.”

Terrie has been with Chuck for fifteen years and has been witness to his uncanny ability to match the perfect horse with each competitor. “He’s taught me pretty much everything! I know he’s excellent at Hunters, but what he’s really good at is picking out horses for people.”