Yearling Maiden Halter Stakes Success at 2026 Congress for Skyler Horn and KR Night Life
By Delores Kuhlwein
The Yearling Maiden Halter Stakes Limited kicked off its second year at the 2026 All American Quarter Horse Congress with even more added money than year one.
In 2025, the inaugural stakes classes for mares, geldings, and stallions who were making their show pen debuts offered $30,000 guaranteed money. The original sponsors, JL & Penny Robinson, Headley Quarter Horses, and The Equine Chronicle, each committed to three years of support while the event got its footing.
Then the ante was upped in 2026, with Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses and Warren English joining as additional partners, raising the added money from $30,000 to $50,000, creating excitement and bringing new horses to the show.
Mares showed first at the Congress on Sunday, and in the 2026 Yearling Maiden Open Mare Halter Stakes–Ltd., Gunfightin Annie made her winning debut with Justin Bisel for owner Marilee Montgomery. See the story: Gunfightin Annie Makes Winning Debut with Justin Bisel in 2026 Yearling Maiden Open Mare Halter Stakes–Ltd. | Equine Chronicle
Then the stallions showed on Monday, and the Bradshaw Quarter Horses program’s TB Laredo took top honors. View the story: Homebred TB Laredo Continues Bradshaw Program Maiden Stakes Success at Congress | Equine Chronicle
Tuesday welcomed the geldings to the VS Code Red Coliseum, and the Champion crowned in the Yearling Maiden Open Geldings Halter Stakes – Limited was KR Night Life with Skyler Horn for Terry and Anastasia Kull, earning a payout of $7222.50.
The young gelding is dubbed Wilbur, due to his dam’s name of Willow, explains Skyler. Since the maiden halter stakes was designed to benefit horses that needed extra time to blossom, it worked for Wilbur, who Skyler says was small early on.
“We knew it was something that just needed a little time. He got to get turned out for most of the year, brought him in about 90 days ago to get ready for this deal,” he explains.
Since it was KR Night Life’s first horse show, Skyler says he was very proud of Wilbur. “He couldn’t have handled it any better. He wants to be a show horse, so I’m excited for this one. He’s really, really good.”
When asked what he thought about the sponsorship monies that are starting to be added into the halter, Skyler says people are getting fired up about it. “It’s fun to be a part of and fun to watch, and we’re very thankful for all of them.”
In addition, he wishes to thank the Kuhls, Dave and Brenda Kellerman, and the countless others who assisted them in getting to the Congress Championship.
Results and payouts for the class below:
Champion: KR Night Life with Skyler Horn for Terry and Anastasia Kull-$7222.50
Reserve: Highnoon Cowboy with Jake Wicker-$5617.50
Bronze: Hez Tel N Secretz with Justin Bisel for Tiffany Burke-$3210.00
Fourth: Born Crooked with Kendra Myers for Mackenzie Myers
Learn more about the groundbreaking stakes class program:
