By: Brittany Bevis
AQHA competitors gathered in Gifford, IL. July 19-22, for the Gordyville Classic Futurity and Shootout, which included six S/C AQHA shows, NSBA Futurity classes, and the always popular Shootout events.
Michelle Tidwell, Mike Hoeppner, and Will Knabenshue judged July 19-20 and Stephen Stephens, Terry Cross, and Jeff Allen judged July 21-22.
A highlight of the horse show were three $1,000 Shootout classes- Showmanship, Western Pleasure, and Hunter Under Saddle, for which competitors had to qualify. Winning the Western Pleasure Shootout was Karen Boxell with Good Going Danika. The Reserve Champion was Sherri Banta with Touch My Potential. Each of these ladies received custom silver spurs.
The Champion in the Hunter Under Saddle Shootout was Tracie Petersak with Only Sparks Fly. The Reserve Champion was Sara Fransen with No Simple Man.
The Showmanship Shootout Champion was Madison Spak with Hot Flowin Jazz, who received a beautiful silver show halter. The Reserve Champion was Lydia Brahler with Sure A Hot Krymsun, who received a set of silver spurs.
Great prizes continued down to tenth place and included $50 Closet Space Gift certificates, Goryville Champion sheets, Gordyville Boot Shine Kits, Marigold gift certificates for custom show shirts, quilted cotton hunt saddle pads, and Gordyville Shootout braiding/mounting stools.
In addition to the Shootout, a number of All-Around Champions were crowned for their excellence and consistency for the entire duration of the show.
All Around Results:
Open- Only The Best Chips, owned by Karen Boxell
Small Fry- Ainsley Pick and Turns Me On
Rookie Amateur- Anthony Grevengood and JH Caribbean Cowboy
Amateur- Kara Flentje and SH Counting Stars
Select Amateur- Karen Boxell and Good Going Danika
Novice Amateur- Elisabeth Cox and Its All For The Blue
Youth 14-18- Rachel Kruchten and Chex Out My Lope
Youth 13 and Under- Olivia Wynn and Sheza Good Story
Rookie Youth- Mya Klingenberg and Secretary of State
Novice Youth 13 and Under- Olivia Wynn and Sheza Good Story
Novice Youth 14-18- Grace Haugstad and This Midnight Cowboy
Scroll below for more fun photos, courtesy of Cami Van Aiken and Elizabeth Brahler.
Stay tuned for complete show results coming soon.