Latest QH Congress $1,000 Trainer Award Winners- Johnson, Sutliff, Walton, Marsh, Quinlan, Bauer

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Check out the latest Tribute Equine Nutrition winners of $1,000 in the Quarter Horse Congress Trainer Award Program.

Oct. 5th- $1,000 winner- Bob Johnson

Both Karen Johnson and Rose Mason have so many great things to say about Bob Johnson. Karen says, “His communication of what he sees when you are showing from a judge’s point of few is priceless, and that helps me to adjust maneuvers.” She also explains how his advice is never sugar-coated, but that helps you succeed in the show pen. “He is always teaching, not just how to show, but how to become a better horseman. He strives to empower his clients so they will be able to process situations and adapt quickly.”

Rose Mason says of him, “He has a great personality and knows how to win. He is so great at assisting clients, but also will help those who aren’t his clients. He is just a great person.”

The Congress has been a special place, and Rose says, “He has done so much to help not only my horse but every horse in the barn. They all have won or been in the Top Five at the Congress in Ranch Riding for the last several years.” One of her fondest memories at the Congress was when Bob rode her best friend’s mare, and her mare to Champion and Reserve Champion finishes. “It was one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had. I was so happy for Bob, my best friend, and my mare.”

Oct. 4th- $1,000 winner- Andrew Sutliff

Linsday Seligman’s first time showing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress was in 2019. “If it weren’t for my trainer, Andrew Sutliff, I know I wouldn’t be as successful in the show pen as I am,” Lindsay remarked.

Trainer, Andrew Sutliff, took Lindsay under his wing a year ago when she first began Cutting. “He has made me who I am today,” Lindsay said. Lindsay said she is still growing and evolving as a person because of Andrew’s guidance. Andrew puts countless hours and heart into his program.

At the 2019 Congress, Lindsay was 13th out of 50 in the 15K Amateur Cutting and 9th out of 50 in the 2000 Limited Rider class. “What a truly humbling experience, I was only cutting for four months and got a Top 15 and a Top 10 finish at my first ever Congress. A big part of that was because of the help of my trainer, Andrew.”

Oct. 3rd- $1,000 winner- Trevor Walton

Rider, Erica Letherer, began riding again in her 30s after showing as a youth and is now accomplishing things with her trainer, Trevor Walton that she didn’t believe possible. “I am not only growing and advancing as a rider but also a true horsewoman,” Erica said. “Trevor has a unique ability to know just how hard to push a rider, when to step in and when to let the rider struggle through.”

For Erica, she believes Trevor is patient, yet tells it like it is. “I have grown by leaps and bounds as a rider,” she remarked. Erica said that Trevor is a fantastic trainer who works hard for both the horse and rider.

A unique memory for Erica was the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress. “My very first Congress. I had been dreaming of showing there for 23 years, since the very first time I attended.” Erica’s 10-year-old daughter also showed at Congress last year, and trainer Trevor Walton showed Erica’s horse to a Top 10 finish.

Oct. 2nd- $1,000 winner- Brent Marsh

Brent Marsh has made a lasting impact on June Kretzschmer, and it’s easy to see why. “Brent has taught me to be a better showman, and I have gained so much more confidence. He has taught me how to read my horse and how to react appropriately. I have learned to be patient and relax in all situations.” June also says that even though Brent is a fantastic showman, his love for the horse is greater than the glory of being in the show pen, and he loves and cares for all the horses as if they were his own.

One of June’s biggest dreams was to show at the Quarter Horse Congress, and three years ago, that dream came true. With Brent’s help and guidance, even missing numbers couldn’t stop her from having success. Realizing her numbers were nowhere to be found right before her class, Brent jumped on his bike and rode off. After returning winded, he pinned her numbers on, and they went up to the Celeste to show. After her run, Brent told her he had been so winded because he had to run to the show office- she needed to check in so she could pick up her numbers! “I will always be grateful that Brent kept calm and took care of something that could have easily ruined my first Congress experience. Instead, I had the best Congress and made Top Ten in both my classes.”

June also explains that riding was the only thing that brought a smile to her face for a time. “Being a part of Marsh Performance Horses was a huge part of bringing me back to life. I’m so grateful and lucky to be a part of this amazing team.”

Oct. 1st- $1,000 winner- Shannon Quinlan

For riders, Amanda Borlin and Laney Murphy, trainer Shannon Quinlan has taught them the importance of sportsmanship and the value of setting goals. “Shannon makes me feel that I am important,” Amanda said.

Trainer, Shannon Quinlan, makes sure that the focus is to compete against yourself and have a better ride than the previous one. If you didn’t have a nice ride, Shannon is sure to remind Amanda and Laney not to blame it on the horse and figure out how to do it better the next go-round. Shannon makes sure to help her riders set goals each year and assist in making adjustments if they get off target.

“When I’m doubting my abilities to compete in a class, she’ll encourage me to go for it. Like the time I ended up top 15 in the AQHA Amateur Reining at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress- and had so much fun doing it!” Amanda said.

A special memory for both Laney and Amanda are Shannon’s ride at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress, where she rode Ruf N Shiney through a phenomenal pattern and marked a 222 in the NRHA Open Reining. Shannon was the first woman to win the Open Reining after fifty-three years. “That moment for her was electric, and a catalyst for empowering women in a male-dominated industry,” Amanda remarked.

For a trainer who has accomplished many incredible things at the age of 30, “Shannon treats everyone with respect and is always happy to listen and help. She is friendly with other trainers and is open to collaborating. Shannon wants the best for the horses, clients, and competitors – everyone is treated like family.”

For Laney Murphy, “Shannon has taught me to be a better showman, and has helped me with the ranch riding.” Laney believes that Shannon is the hardest working person she knows. “Shannon is very knowledgeable in the reining and ranch riding discipline.”

Sept. 30th- $1,000 winner- Roy Bauer

“He always has a smile for the nervous exhibitors when they are walking to the herd, and is always reassuring them and giving them advice,” Regina Whitehair says of her trainer Roy Bauer. And during the 50th anniversary of the Congress, there was no expectation. Regina explained, and many would agree that being at the Congress has a way of making you feel like you’re in a different world. But with that comes nerves. Going into her class, Roy told her, “a good run is a good run, no matter where you are, so let’s do this just like we’re at my barn at home.” With that advice, Regina placed in the Top 5, and she says it would have never been possible without Roy helping her every step of the way.

In fact, before meeting Roy, Regina never had any interest in showing horses. But when she tried a horse at Roy’s, Regina immediately hooked on Cutting horses. “I went from never being in a show pen to winning a few trophy’s and some belt buckles over the last seven years.” And this wouldn’t have been possible without the time and dedication he gives to her. “He works with my horse doing his best to make us a team and me. He is always there for a pep talk when I need one. He celebrates every good ride I have and helps me work through the issues of every not so good ride.”

Regina says, “I’ve met some wonderful people and have had some of the best times of my life thanks to Roy.”