Keeping It All In The Family at AQHA L1 Championship Central
The Jolstad family with trainer, Kelly McDowall.
By: Brittany Bevis
Last week, we introduced you to the Jolstad family, whose horse, Betta Believe it, helped three of their family members win gold trophies at the 2018 AQHA L1 Championship Central. Julie Jolstad and “Maurice” won Amateur Performance Halter Geldings and Amateur Halter Champion of Champions. Julie’s daughter, Brooke, won 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle, and Julie’s son, Jake, won Youth Performance Halter Geldings and Youth Halter Champion of Champions.
But, the Jolstad family wasn’t the only equestrian dynasty keeping it all in the family.
The Cochran Champions
Well-known Western Pleasure trainer, Andy Cochran, has clearly passed on his skills to his two sons, Alec and Aden. Big brother, Alec, was up first in L1 Amateur Western Pleasure, riding Only Ever After to win the class. He was followed in Reserve by Tanna Petersak with Lazy Open Invitation. Third was Alison Petersen with Gettin Impulsive. Fourth was Christine Mclarn with Won Hot Cowgirl. Fifth was Chapman Maraman with Impulsively Loping.
Next, little brother, Aden, rode his horse, RR Certainly Invited, to win Walk-Trot Western Pleasure. The Reserve Champion was Hunter Laraway with Huntin A Sweet Zippo. Third was Alexandria Adams with RR Kiss By Moonlite. Fourth was CJ Kirkland with BCQH Diamond Lass. Fifth was Chloe Engelbrechtw with See You At The Party.
Go Grammy Go!
Kathryn Bunting not only rode her grandmother’s horse, Take Me Home Tonite, to win Rookie Western Riding, she also placed third with her own horse, Machine Power, in the same class. Then, Kathryn and Take Me Home Tonite placed third in 14-18 Western Riding, and she rode Machine Power to win 14-18 Equitation.
Not to be outdone, Kat’s 74-year-old grandmother, Jeanne Tiller, won a gold trophy of her very own! During her second time competing in the class, Jeanne rode Take Me Home Tonite to win Amateur Walk Trot Trail. In addition, Jeanne also placed 13th in Rookie Amateur Showmanship.
