Two More L2 Champions Crowned at AQHA World- Sara Simons and Carli Pitts

By: Brittany Bevis

Falling in line with their focus on expanding opportunities for exhibitors to compete against their peers of similar skill sets and accomplishments, the AQHA World Show will once again be crowning L2 Champions in a variety of classes this year. Last night, two L2 Champions were crowned in Senior Western Pleasure and Junior Hunter Under Saddle.

Sara Simons rode You Could Be Next to win Junior Hunter Under Saddle L2 for owners, Stacy Huls and Margie Chan. The Reserve Champion was Valerie Kearns with Red Code Review. Third was Mackenzie Fallis with Vinn Diesel. Fourth was Julian Harris with Al Wayz On Your Mind. Fifth was Brittany Andrews with Stealing The Prise.

This L2 Championship was a very exciting accomplishment for Sara, because it’s the first time she’s ever competed at the AQHA World Show. “This is the first time we’ve ever even had the option, because it’s the first year the APHA World and AQHA World haven’t been right on top of each other. That’s definitely a good thing, because it helps to get everyone more people involved, and anything we can do to make the shows more inclusive is great.”

She’s also excited that AQHA has decided to include L2 classes at the World Shows. “I thing it’s a wonderful program, and it really looks like it’s taken off, considering how much in its infancy it still is. It seems like a lot of people are doing it, and anything to get another horse on the trailer is helpful.”

Sara only had the opportunity to ride the bay, 3-year-old stallion just once before competing last night. They were named the unanimous choice of the judges. “Stacy has done an amazing job. He showed super well. It was pretty much point and shoot. He was pretty easy for a three-year-old stud. You’d never know he’s a stud. He’s puppy dog quiet and has such an amazing trot and canter. I think he will offer a lot, as a stud, to the industry someday.”

Stacy will show You Could Be Next in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle L3 finals on Thursday.

Sixth was Karen Graham with Jerry Jonesz. Seventh was Jessica Johnson with One Hot Ironman. Eighth was Christopher Gray with Kruzin Pretty. Ninth was Jennifer Paul with Al American Girl. Tenth was Millisa Daurer with Al Amaze You.

Winning Senior Western Pleasure L2 was Carli Pitts with Cool Lookin Moonie. The Reserve Champion was Andrew Sharp with Lazy Lopin Lady. Third was Adam Smith with Shes Suddenly Hot. Fourth was Clint Collingsworth with KM Call Me Honey. Fifth was Andrea Kail with Movin The Chains.

Sixth was Sara Simons with KM Jazz It Up. Seventh was Adam Mathis with Money Making Machine. Eighth was Tommy Sheets with Caught Me Looking. Ninth was Shannon Gillespie with First N Line. Tenth was Erin Lieurance with Livin Ona Prayer.

Stay tuned to find out who will be crowned the World Champion in the Senior Western Pleasure L3 and Junior Hunter Under Saddle L3 on Thursday at the AQHA World Show.