Western Pleasure Champions Crowned at Sudden Impulse NSBA Futurity- Moses, Baker, Anderson, Streit

By: Brittany Bevis

The competition is heating up at the Sudden Impulse NSBA Show and Futurity today at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida with numerous Western Pleasure winners being crowned. First, Aaron Moses took yet another win with his seasoned Senior horse, Moonrageous, in Senior Western Pleasure for Starland Ranch. The Reserve Champion was Ty Hornick with She Isa Crowdpleaser. Third was Kenny Lakins with Lazy Holla Dayz.

Given “Spider’s” success over the past few years, Aneene Miller, who owns the gelding with her husband, Jim Gustafson, feels it was definitely the right decision to wait to show the horse until his three-year-old year. “We didn’t start showing him until late,” she says. “He missed his two-year-old year. Soundness is very important, and when you pound on horses too much as two-year-olds, sometimes they don’t make it, so it was a good decision.”

“He’s been fabulous. We try not to show him much, except for at the bigger shows. We try to keep him fresh. He’s got the prettiest, sweepy front leg, and he splits really well behind, so if you watch him going down the rail, he’s very balanced, solid, and consistent. Most judges pick up on that.”

Winning the 3-Year-Old Novice Novice Western Pleasure was Natalie Anderson with Cool Criminal. Reserve was Debra Craig with Acrobatt. Third was Kenny Hoffman with Lonestar Dreamer.

15-year-old Natalie has competed at the World Equestrian Center before. In fact, she showed at the very first show held on the grounds- the Tom Powers Christmas Challenge last year. “I love this place,” she says. “It’s so nice and fun to show at.”

Natalie has been a partner with her horse “Jackson” for a little over one year now with trainer, Katy Jo Zuidema. Her favorite class is Western Pleasure, but she’d like to practice a bit more in the hackamore. “I love showing him. He’s challenging, but it’s fun. You never know what he’s going to do. Katy just tells me that I need sit back and everything will be ok if I show like I normally ride.”

The Champion in the Color All Age Western Pleasure was Cole Baker with Livin Da Dream. Reserve was Aaron Moses with Made In The Dark. Third was Katy Jo Zuidema with Moola.

Our readers will likely remember the spotted sensation “Kurt,” following an article we published a few months about about his miraculous, moving spots. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, click here.

Despite his appearance, Kurt is a double registered APHA/AQHA gelding, although he looks like an Appaloosa. “Everyone knows about his spots now,” Cole laughs. “He’s gotten a lot of interest from that article.”

Besides his flashy looks, Cole describes Kurt in glowing terms in regards to his movement and style in the show pen. “He’s a really natural mover. He’s naturally big and slow with his legs, and he carries his head level. He’s very laidback, easy to prepare, and pretty fun to show.”

Garrett Streit won his first ever Futurity with Made To Ride in the 3-Year-Old Limited Open Western Pleasure. Reserve was Stephanie Armellini with Best Money Made. Third was Gaven Young with Only A Dream Machine.

Garrett is an assistant trainer for RJ King and Blair Townsend, and this was his first time showing “Foxy.”

“She’s an easy horse,” he says. “It didn’t take a lot to get her ready. She wasn’t difficult for sure. She’s easy. She cracks her hock and doesn’t really have any problems. She’s a show horse.”

Natalie Anderson also won another class, this time the All Age Novice Non Pro Western Pleasure with Geez What Breeze. Reserve was Trinity Bell with The Beat Gos On. Third was Laura Gilliam with Do I Look Lazy.

Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for more videos, interviews, results, and photos from the show.