Sudden Impulse Futurity in Full Swing With HUS, Trail, and Western Pleasure

By: Jillian Sinclair

The “A Sudden Impulse” NSBA Show and Futurity is in full swing this week at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. The fourth day of competition played host to numerous Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, and Western Riding classes. It was a busy day with three arenas running simultaneously. Despite the many class conflict holds, competitors were in great spirits.

The day began with Junior Hunter Under Saddle, which was made up of 11 high-quality Hunt Seat horses. The horse that ended up winning the blue ribbon lived up to his name, Al Be Bleu, piloted by Tali Terlizzi. Keith Miller showed Im Willy Good Today to a second-place finish, followed by Troy Lehn and Hows That For Ya.

Junior Trail horses were competing in Arena Two in a tough class of 15. Ultimately, it was Brad Ost and Made In Detroit that loped into the winner’s circle. “She had a great year as a three-year-old last year, and I’m really excited to watch her trail career grow this year,” said Ost.

Michael Colvin and Sleepininthestands followed suit with their second-place finish, and Nick Mayabb took third with KM Best Dressed. The competitors all congratulated each other while exiting the arena.

Arena One met a change of pace after the Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation classes finished with Western Riding starting after the lunch break. With only a few entries in each class, the schedule moved quickly, finishing up with the Novice Youth Western Riding. Madison Fussell guided Ramblin Mann through a graceful yet precise pattern, which led to her unanimous first-place finish. Madison and her entire family were grinning from ear to ear as she made her way out of the arena, trophy in hand. Because it was Madison’s mother’s birthday, the family had a lot to celebrate this evening. Cynthia Sellers rode to the second-place spot aboard Hot Little Loper, while Isabella Buckley and Roses Only took third.

The Novice Amateur Trail took longer than expected due to numerous arena conflicts. Exhibitors took this chance to chat and joke with their fellow competitors, demonstrating true sportsmanship. Made In Detroit stood in the winner’s circle for a second time, after winning the class with his owner, Mallory Menard.

“This is her second year ever showing Trail, and it’s my first year, so it’s been a learning experience for both of us. This is our first win together, so it’s very exciting!” exclaimed Menard.

Coming in second-place was Jessica Baird aboard her gelding, IB Real Lazy. Both Menard and Baird’s horses are a striking grey color, making it a grey-filled day in Arena Two. Standing out from the crowd was the red roan mare, As Shes Lopin Away, and Carrie Riley, who came in third.

The day concluded in the Center Arena out in the bright Florida sunshine with not a cloud in the sky. The Three-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle started later in the afternoon with seven impressive horse-and-rider combinations. Amber Hanson Pickard and Enticed came in first-place with Beth Case and Blazing Hot Legacy coming in second. Alyse Roberts took third place with Armageddon.

The Three-Year-Old Maiden Hunter Under Saddle was originally scheduled for the afternoon, but because of the large number of entries, the show office rescheduled to have a preliminary round on Wednesday and the finals on Friday.  With 15 entries, the Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure concluded the fourth day of the show. Of those 15 swanky Western Pleasure horses, Ima Golden Machine earned the victory with Katie Green. Jay Starnes and Better Get To Livin received the second-place finish with Jason English and Made Sizzlin in third.

The competition will continue at the World Equestrian Center this week. Stay tuned for more coverage on EquineChronicle.com.