Morning Congress Champions Include Thomas Coon/Inexces, Amy Jo Erhardt/Pass Da Pepper, Cori Cansdale/Promotional Asset

By: Brittany Bevis

It’s been a busy day so far at the 2016 All American Quarter Horse Congress with the Congress Super Sale underway and multiple finals taking place in both the Coliseum and Celeste Arena.

First up this morning, Thomas Coon led Inexces to win the Amateur Weanling Fillies as well as the Limited division of the class and the Elite Halter Futurity portion. The Elite Halter Futurity is a new addition to the Congress this year, so Thomas and “Sissy” are the inaugural winners of the event. Also, in a fun random entry drawing, Tammi Michelle Smith won a year’s use of an Elite horse trailer!

Earlier this week, Thomas led his My Intention-bred filly to a Reserve finish in the Open Weanling Fillies and a win in the Limited division, an accomplishment he’s very proud of, because this is his first year competing at the Congress.

“I bought her at the Breeders’ Halter Futurity from Angie Watts Schmeck,” Thomas says. “This was my first time showing her. We won $3,500 the other day and $4,100 today, so it’s been great so far!”

Thomas would like to thank his trainer, Ted Turner, for his masterful fitting of this filly as well as his guidance in her purchase. “She stood out to me big time at the Breeders’ Halter Futurity. I told Ted if he saw something he liked, we would get it. There were about ten people wanting her. I said, ‘I will give X amount for her,’ and we got it rolling.”

Watch for Ted, Thomas, and Inexces at the upcoming AQHA World Championship Show.

The Reserve Champion in the class was Jennifer Jubb with Hip Hip Haray. Third was Joy Stehney with Telling Touch. Fourth was Angie Watts Schmeck with Why Not. Fifth was Bonnie Overbeck with Final E.

In Amateur Yearling Fillies, Jim Roth led Baby I’m Worth It to win the Congress Champion title and the Limited division. The Reserve Champion was Anthony Bladen with Mandalae Bay. Third was Sharon Fisk with She’s Intent. Fourth was Tiffany Burke with Shez Cool N Elusive. Fifth was Richard Peden with JCG Elegant.

Frank Berris was at the lead of Bee Jewelled to win Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares. The Reserve Champion was Amy Jo Erhardt with Dawns Cool Girl; this team was also the Limited division champion. Third was JL Robinson with PF Elusive Lover. Fourth was Lea Ann Koch with Elicious. Fifth was Kelli Jensen with BPF Cheek To Cheek.

Then, it was Amy Jo’s turn in the winner’s circle in Amateur 3-Year-Old Mares with Pass Da Pepper. The Reserve Champion was Rose Bode with Got My Sass On. Third was Jeff Habighorst with Cheers To Being Cool. Fourth was Scott Trahan with Ladies and Lace. Fifth was Delbert Hostetler with She’s Showin Off.

Amy Jo has owned the Very Cool-bred mare, “Pepper,” since last November when she purchased her from breeder Scott Trahan. She credits trainers, Bob and Karen Johnson, with doing a wonderful job of preparing Pepper for this show, as well as her Reining and Ranch Riding horses they also have in training.

“She’s so balanced, put together, and really feminine,” Amy Jo says. “She really looks like a mare. That was really important to me, that she not be big and massive.”

In the previous class, Amy Jo was named the Reserve Champion and Limited Champion in Amateur 2-Year-Old Mares with Dawns Cool Girl. Trainer Matt Woodson was the Limited Open division Champion of the class a few days ago.

Over in the Celeste, the first winner of the day has been crowned in 12-14 Showmanship. Cori Cansdale led Promotional Asset to win her first Congress Championship title.

Cori and her mother had been keeping a close eye on the scoreboard, so they knew she was in the running for the win… if she could outlast all of her competitors. “They did have the scores on the board, so I knew I won it, but it didn’t feel real until they actually announced the results,” Cori says. “Then, I broke down crying. It’s so amazing and incredible.”

Cori and her 13-year-old bay gelding, “Chuckie,” have been a team for just a little over a year. “We’ve really bonded over the past year and we get along so well.” Cori’s favorite parts of today’s pattern were Chuckie’s speedy spins and smooth back. “I thought his turns were incredible. He whipped around there, and the last one was a turn and three quarters. He kept it all together so well. His back was also really good. He just threw it in reverse and kept going!”

Cori and Chuckie currently compete under the guidance of Nancy Alto-Renfro. They also compete in Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding

The Reserve Champion was Jessica Mcallister with A Good Order. Third was Kendalyn Herlocker with Can’t Skip A Hot Chip. Fourth was Grace Himes with Gota Lota Lace. Fifth was Samantha Burn with Swell By Choice.