New Changes to 2018 American Royal Bring Big Numbers to Missouri

Photos courtesy of An Equine Production.

By: Brittany Bevis

A new schedule, new flat rate for NSBA classes, and new Versatility Ranch Horse classes were some of the changes to the American Royal this year that brought AQHA competitors to Kansas City, Missouri, over the weekend. Judging the September 6-9 event were Daren Wright, Clint Fullerton, Lori Gordon, Will Knabenshue, Jennifer Thompson, and TW Grose.

The Most Spectacular Host

Always a bit hit at the show is the Royal Feast Exhibitor Party that took place on Friday evening. Groups of competitors partnered up to serve dishes in front of their stalls. A printable menu was provided and exhibitors and spectators were invited to graze the selections, while enjoying the company of fellow show patrons. The winner of the “Most Spectacular Host” award, and a crystal trophy, was John Konecne’s group with their creative Trail theme that came complete with miniature Trail obstacles that directed you through a cornucopia of trail mix treats.

Some of the largest class sizes at the show were seen in the leveled classes, particularly Trail, Horsemanship, and Western Pleasure.

• Amateur Performance Halter Geldings- 14
• Senior Trail- 16
• Versatility Ranch Riding- 16
• 14-18 Showmanship- 16
• Select Western Pleasure- 17
• L1 Trail- 17
• L1 Amateur Western Pleasure- 19
• L1 Youth Horsemanship- 19
• L1 Youth Showmanship- 21
• Ranch Riding- 25

Harlow Greenwood and Krackalackin Krymsun were named the Small Fry High Point Champions. The Reserve team was Katelyn Hazlett with A Strollin Fantasy. Winning the L1 Amateur W/J division was Leigh Nitcher with Mister Sawyer Brown. The Reserve Champion was Patty Wellendorf with Nice Girls Only. The L1 Youth W/J winning team was Harlow Greenwood with Krackalackin Krymsun. The Reserve Champion was Jordan Macan with Zippo Romeo.

Winning the Versatility Ranch Horse Amateur High Point Champion title was Keri Sigman with Wimps Quixote Cody. The Reserve Champion was Jo Gadberry with Just Plain Spooky. The Versatility Ranch Horse Youth division winner was Kat Dixon with Genuine Peps Rooster. The Reserve Champion was Lola Morris with Peg Scooten Whiz It. Kati Dixon and Genuine Peps Rooster also won the Versatility Ranch Horse Open title. The Reserve Champion was Sixes Sixgun, owned by Crofoot Ranches.

Kim Hidden and A Presidential Veto won Novice Amateur L1 High Point. The Reserve Champion was Kristen Bye with No Doubt Im Stylish. Missy Merwald and Hes Wiser won Amateur High Point. The Reserve Champion was Natalie Ward with PS Bringin The Bucks.

Carley Rutledge and VS Born To Be Good won Open High Point. Briley Czerwinski and Sleepy N I Know It won the Reserve title. Kelleigh De Monbrun and Lucky N The Moonlite won Select High Point. Marty Oltjen and Can’t Be Caught came in Reserve.

Carley Rutledge and VS Born To Be Good won Novice Youth/L1. The Reserve Champion was Alexis Rutledge with Touching Invitation. Carley also won the 13 and Under High Point. Kaylynn Heitman and Hunting Blue Skies were the Reserve Champions. Paige Wellendorf and Good To Be Sudden were named the 14-18 High Point winners. The Reserve Champion was Morgan D’Albini with Do It Like That.