The Cutest Good Sportsmen Ever Rewarded in Youth Gelding Classes at QH Congress

By: Brittany Bevis

Youth competitors who have the opportunity to compete at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, let alone own the caliber of horse that can compete, should feel supremely blessed and appreciative for their patient trainers, understanding horses, and supportive parents. So when we have the opportunity to witness unsolicited good sportsmanship in these young equestrians, it makes all the hard work and sacrifice completely worth it.

This morning, two little horsemen were rewarded during Youth 3-Year-Old Gelding classes in the Coliseum. Cameron Thomson was named the Congress Champion with JCG Game On during his first time showing the horse AND at his very first Quarter Horse Congress. Coming in a close Reserve was Colton Smith with Initially A Cool Kid. Following the awards presentation, Colton and Cameron, 10 and 11, respectively, sought each other out to shake hands, without any prompting from Mom, Dad, or trainer. We caught up with these two gentlemen to find out more about their horses.

Cameron is quick to acknowledge that the horse he led today actually belongs to his Grandpa. “We’ve had him for quite a long time,” he says. “It’s my first time showing him, and my first time showing at the Congress. My Uncle, Dillon Groff, is my trainer.” Cameron isn’t the only young showman in the family. His twin brother also loves to compete.

The more seasoned of the two, Colton, has been showing for two years now with his massive gray horse, Initially A Cool Kid. “In the barn, we either call him ‘Gray Boy’ or ‘The Gray Machine!'” Colton competes under the guidance of his parents, Dewey and Tammi Michelle Smith.

Just recently, Colton led Gray Boy to a Reserve Championship finish at the AQHA Youth World Show, an event he’s waited very long to be old enough to compete at. His favorite part of his Halter horse is his muscles. “Probably, his best part is how muscly he is. I know some judges don’t like muscles, but most of them do. I like it!”

Colton would like to thank Mr. Terry Bradshaw for selling Gray Boy to his family, and Cameron would like to thank his Grandpa and Uncle for giving him the opportunity to compete here at his first Congress.

When asked why they sought each other out to shake hands and share congratulations, the boys gave a simple answer, one that would make any parent very proud. “It’s just good sportsmanship. It’s important,” Colton says.

Third place in 3-Year-Old Youth Geldings was Katie Mae Houser with Be Like A Cool Kid. Fourth was Lexi Ann Hansen with Sierra Slammer. Fifth was Lucy Mae Eier with BMQ Im Just A Tool.

In other Halter news, Cassidy Jensen led Forever My Hero to win Youth Weanling Geldings.

In Youth Yearling Geldings, Erin Nicole Mask led Dun Gunnin to a win. The Reserve Champion was Margaret Carter with California Kool. Third was Kale Eversull with BRT Elite. Fourth was Millie Landon with Amazing Vaquero.

The Champion in Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings was Cade Prime with Morthanamaizing. Reserve was Elizabeth West with Mister Over Easy.