Jeff Sargent and Scoota Little Closer win Congress Championship in L1 Select Western Pleasure

The storms raged outside the Celeste Arena at the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress Sunday night, flapping tents and releasing torrents of rain, but Scoota Little Closer, who was born to be a Western Pleasure horse, prevailed.

When the results for the finals of the Level 1 Amateur Select Western Pleasure were announced, Jeffrey Sargent and “Ellie Mae,” by The Lopin Machine and out of Always Invite Molly, bred by Masterson Farms LLC, were crowned Congress Champions!

Jeff says he’s had Ellie Mae for a little over a year, but this is his first Congress trophy with her.  What went well out there in the arena, we queried, and Jeff responded, “We won!”

He adds that Shane Dowdy has taught him a lot about showing, and he’s very patient. “He taught me all the finer points, and I’ve learned some of them!” One key point that helped them in the class:  “Don’t think – just do it.”

Jeff says Ellie Mae is a really nice, sweet mare, and he’s going to continue to ride her for a while and see what happens.

Congratulations to Jeff and the Dowdy team!  See results through 15th place below:

The All American Quarter Horse Congress – Results for Class 242802 go 1