Bailey believes Tom’s ability to power through the extended trot portion of tonight’s pattern is what allowed them to come out on top. “There was a lot of extended trot in the pattern, so I really focused on getting him to really stretch out to set us apart. I always focus on keeping my upper body back, staying confident in my neck position, and looking up.”

Out of 68 entries, the Youth Performance Halter Geldings Champion was Brooke Jolstad with Betta Believe It. The Reserve Champion was RJ Wolen with To Sleepy To Flash. Third was Jordan  Czerwinski with Simply One Hot. Fourth was Rebecca Figueroa with Check Required. Fifth was Elizabeth West with Chevrolatte. 

Gil and “Joy” received a big check for $3,335.88 for the win. Joanie has owned the striking, black filly by RL Best of Sudden and out of Dark Jasmine for just a few months. The search for the perfect mount has been going on for a few years now.

10-year-old Audrey Cole was the winner in Youth Aged Mares with Be A Diva. She then led “Diva” to win the Youth Grand Champion Mare title. This is Audrey’s first time competing at the Congress.

This evening’s main events at the Quarter Horse Congress included Junior Hunter Under Saddle and Senior Western Pleasure. First, Dasi Jablonowski skipped across the pond to show Hubbout A Dance to a big win in Junior Hunter Under Saddle for High Range Ranch. 

Scott and “Hank” have been a team or the past five years and, during that time, they’ve won two Reserve Congress Champion titles and two Reserve World Champion titles in Pleasure Driving. Today marks their first big win and Scott’s first Congress Champion title.

Just a month ago, at the NSBA World Show, Dani was the Reserve Champion in Green, Junior, and 4-6 BCF Western Riding. “I feel like he’s always a bridesmaid!” Troy says.