Deanna Searles Wins Congress Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle With She Says Aloha

By: Brittany Bevis

Although it’s a bit chilly here at the Quarter Horse Congress, (41 degrees to be exact) She Says Aloha brought some Hawaiian spirit and sunshine to the Celeste by winning the NSBA Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle with Deanna Searles in the irons. According to Searles, “Miss Daisy,” the delicate, little flower that she is, persevered through the cold to bring home a big win and a nice $3,487.92 check. Just yesterday, she placed fourth in Junior Hunter Under Saddle as well.

5-year-old Daisy is by the AQHA stallion, Allocate Your Assets, that stands at the Searles Ranch in Arizona. “Al’s” kids have had a great Congress so far. Taylor Searles rode an AYA mare, Al Be Your Sweet Art, to a Reserve Congress Championship yesterday in the NSBA 3-Year-Old Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle Limited Finals and won the Southern Belle Breeders’ portion of the class. Also, the Reserve SBB winner was an AYA foal, Al Bet Cha with Meaghan Whelan in the irons.

If Deanna had to pick one word that could describe all of Al’s foals it would be effortless. “Everything they do is effortless; it’s not hard. You don’t have to wear them down. When they know their job, they just do it. Daddy is doing great, and he will be very proud of his children!”

Later on at the Congress, Taylor will show Daisy in 15-18 Hunter Under Saddle and NYATT Hunter Under Saddle. Also, Deanna’s mount for the Equine Chronicle Masters 2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle is Daisy’s full sister. When Daisy competed in the Masters, she placed third, so the Searles clan is hoping the family tradition of top placings in the Masters will continue.

The Reserve Champion in the class was Katy Jo Zuidema with David Buckham. Third place was Beth Case with Willy Has Potential. Fourth place was Leslie Lange with Kamanyawannadance. Fifth place was Heidi Piper with Doodle Jump.