“I wanted to prove to myself, and to everyone else, that I can win on a green horse. Sterling taught me everything I know, but I can do it on a green horse too.”

“He’s off the beaten path with the way he’s bred [CR Golden Nugget] , and he hasn’t been shown that much. We really like the way he’s made. He’s pretty scopey. He’s very mature and pretty faced. He has a lot to him. He has good size and good legs. There’s really not a whole lot you can find wrong with him.”

Keith Miller was in the irons of Hotforyourhonor to win Level 1 Hunter Under Saddle this evening at the All American Quarter Horse Congress for owner, Pamela Raad, and trainers, Gene Spagnola and Gretchen Mathes. But, this wasn’t your typical catch ride. 

Although she could barely talk, that certainly didn’t affect her riding skills. She piloted her 4-year-old mare, Shez Flat Mystical, to win a Congress Championship title in L1 Amateur Western Pleasure. For most of her equestrian career, Bailey has been a tried and true all-around girl. Her departure into the Western Pleasure pen started just a year ago. 

Today’s Halter classes recognized the pure power and strength of some beautiful Quarter Horse stallions.

Today’s Amateur Mares Halter classes have just concluded in the Coliseum, and there are a number of Congress Champions to congratulate.

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.