Emilee Yost and Kruzin On A Star Shine with Emotional Win in Their First Congress Appearance
By Sarah Welk Baynum
Tears of joy streamed down Emilee Yost’s face on Sunday as her number was called as the champion in the Youth Working Hunter 13 & Under at the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Not only was this Yost’s first-ever appearance at the Congress, but it also marked her first Congress championship—with a relatively new partner in the show ring.
“We got Kruzin On A Star, who we call Julio, last December because I wanted to jump again,” Yost said. “We haven’t been to many shows together, and honestly, I hadn’t done over fences in quite a while either. Before that, I was showing in the all-around and ranch classes. I started riding Hunter over fences when I was about nine, but I only began competing in it again and at the bigger show circuits recently.”
Even though their partnership is less than a year old, Yost has no trouble describing what makes Julio such an exceptional show-ring partner. “He’s just perfect,” Yost said. “He always does everything I ask and couldn’t be a better horse. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him. One of the cutest things about him is that he absolutely loves ice cubes—he’ll be getting lots of them today!”
Yost said Julio’s steady temperament and reliability helped her stay calm in the show ring, even with the pressure of competing at her first Congress.
“I loved how relaxed he was when we went into the arena,” Yost said. “I could just trust him completely. I was a little nervous about the lines because he has such a big step, and I thought we might eat them up—but he was so good, perfect as usual.”
Fresh off their championship win, Yost said she still has more to show at Congress.
“I still have a few more classes tomorrow,” Yost said. “We’re showing in the Level 1 and the 13 & Under Hack, my 13 & Under Equitation, and then the Working Hunter Under Saddle—all with Julio.”
Update:
Monday afternoon, Emilee and Julio were crowned Congress Champions in the Youth Hunter Hack 13 & Under!
Results for Youth Working Hunter 13 & Under
