By Sarah Welk Baynum Jessica Johnson had a full schedule in the Open Hunter Classic at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, piloting several talented horses throughout the class. Not only did she capture the championship title despite the highly competitive field, but she also claimed the reserve championship—along with fourth and sixth place finishes. In […]
By Sarah Welk Baynum For Jarrell Jackson, winning the inaugural Yearling Maiden Stallion Stakes with TB Double Feature, owned by Terry Bradshaw, was more than just another victory in the show ring—it was a triumph of resilience. “We flushed two embryos,” Jackson said. “We showed that weanling last year and decided to let TB Double […]
Continue reading …The city of Chino Hills in southern California is a suburban equestrian community nestled among cattle and horse ranches–and the childhood home of sisters Cassie Ehrle and Alex Baca. It’s no surprise that the girls developed an early love for horses given those surroundings. In fact, a shared experience at a local pony camp ignited the spark that took hold of their hearts and continues their passion for horses today.
Continue reading …Ashlyn Gonzalves’ Almost Decade-Long Dream Realized at the Perfect Time By Sarah Welk Baynum 22-year-old Ashlyn Gonzalves gracefully accepted the title of 2025 Quarter Horse Congress Queen, fulfilling a dream that began nearly a decade ago. “In 2016, during my first Congress, I watched Amy Brown get crowned as Congress Queen,” Gonzalves said. “She had […]
Continue reading …Rose Santos and Baddiee Claim Yearling Maiden Open Mare Halter Stake Congress Championship in Mare’s First-Ever Competition By Sarah Welk Baynum For Rose Santos, the win with her mare Baddiee was even more meaningful because of the special bond her family shares with the young mare. “We raised Baddiee, who we call Bingo at home,” […]
Continue reading …By Sarah Welk Baynum This wasn’t Michael David Brown’s first time entering the Heroes On Horses Walk Trot Independent class at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, but he says what makes it truly special is how it unites heroes from across the nation. “I placed third the first time and fifth the second, but […]
Continue reading …“When I achieve my personal goals for an individual horse or rider, that’s the win!” says Cecelia Vatterott, as she describes the hallmark of her philosophy as a trainer.
Continue reading …The Horse Protection Act (“HPA”) is a federal law passed in 1970 to combat the inhumane practice of “soring” that generally refers to intentionally causing pain to a horse’s feet and/or legs to exaggerate its gait for competitive advantage. While historically associated with gaited breeds like Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses, the HPA applies broadly to all horses, regardless of breed or discipline. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which enforces the Act, has reaffirmed this point repeatedly.
Continue reading …The 2025 competitive season is well upon us. Travel can be like any of the other experiences in life–one that is positive and rewarding or one that produces health-threatening stressors and fatigue, and it often depends on the choices we make.
Continue reading …It’s not uncommon for horse owners to feel anxious about the use of sedatives in their pets, but the truth is that sedatives are commonly used, safe, and often easy to administer. In many cases, they aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Horses are powerful animals, and their size and fight-or-flight instincts can make for dangerous situations for themselves and those around them. There are also parts of a horse that aren’t physically visible or accessible to a veterinarian–such as their teeth–unless the horse is sedated and relaxed.
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