Moxie Machine Claims Second APHA World Title in Green Hunter Under Saddle

By: Brittany Bevis

Moxie Machine is having quite a show so far here at the 2017 APHA World Championship Show. Last night, his owner, Andrea Foss, rode “Wishbone” to win the Non-Pro 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Sweepstakes. Today, Shannon Gillespie rode the gelding to win Green Hunter Under Saddle.

Wishbone has only been in the Gillespie’s show program for a month, but he’s already finding his niche. “He’s been a blast,” Shannon says. “We showed him for the first time last weekend in Waco, and he won the Premier Paint Sires class and Junior Hunter Under Saddle. He shows really honest, and he loves it.”

Wishbone is by Fleet Machine and out of a Quarter Horse mare named RB Touch of Moxie, both of which were owned by Andrea. She sees both his sire and dam in his movement and personality. “I think there is a little bit of both in him. I’ve shown a half-brother to him, and they definitely have some of the same personality traits. They like to be petted on and are loving on the ground.”

Looking forward to the future, Shannon is excited to see what Wishbone can do in other events besides Hunter Under Saddle, possibly foreseeing a future in Equitation, Horsemanship, Showmanship, and Trail. “It’s going to be fun to see what else he can do,” Shannon says.

“I think he’s got a lot of potential,” Andrea agrees. “We’re looking to get a lead change, and he can already turn around.”

The Reserve Champion in the class was Carly Veldman Parks with Check Required. Third was Raelyn Nakahara with Divalicious. Fourth was Laura Spell with Al Amony. Fifth was Brian Isbell with Al Bet Ur Two Faced.

Sixth was Julie Schmidt with EPR Face It Im Fancy. Seventh was Teresa Pelton with ZZR Hez Rich N Famous. Eighth was Keith Miller with Candy Confidential. Ninth was Rylee Morgan with Radified Sensation. Tenth was Beth Case with Hide Your Crazy.