Lorrie Partridge and Lida Spook cinch an Emotional Win in the Amateur Select Ranch Riding

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Tears of joy marked an emotional win for Lorrie Partridge and Lida Spook in the Amateur Select Ranch Riding at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Competing in only her third Congress and still relatively new to the Ranch Riding classes, Partridge describes the victory as nothing short of a dream come true.

“Last year, Lida Spook—who we call Nitro—was Reserve Champion in the Level 1. To return this year, move into Select, and win is truly a dream come true. It’s all from God—I’ve been tremendously blessed with an amazing horse, my incredible trainer Anthony Douglas, and the whole team at Pine Tree Quarter Horses. I’m never leaving them—they’ve made all my horse show dreams come true. Nitro is a truly special horse, and we love him immensely. He gets all the treats and spoiling because he’s just that great.”

When Lorrie Partridge was searching for her next show ring partner, she nearly passed over Nitro as an option. But the moment she met him, it felt like fate—and the timing of his purchase, along with the bond they’ve built, has made their win even more meaningful.

“We were looking at other horses when they mentioned one more was available, but he was a little out of our price range,” Partridge recalls. “We decided to look at him anyway, and when they brought Nitro out, history was made. I honestly feel like he came from my dad. My father passed away the day after I bought Nitro. My dad loved horses but wasn’t a fan of horse shows—he used to tell me, ‘those trophies don’t pay for groceries.’ I think when he went to heaven, he said, ‘I was pretty hard on her, bless her with a good one.’ I’ve only had Nitro for three years, but he’s been my buddy through this whole ranch riding journey. He’s truly amazing.”

The pattern in the class gave Lorrie Partridge the perfect opportunity to showcase some of Nitro’s strongest qualities—especially his standout extended trot.

“I loved this pattern,” Partridge said. “I really got to show off his extended trot—he was so floaty and right on point. I went in with confidence, knowing exactly how I wanted to lay it out, and I wanted to highlight just how handy he is. We were able to capitalize on all of his best qualities, and I’m so thankful the judges recognized that. I absolutely love patterns—ranch riding, ranch trail, all of it. I enjoy the technical side, even when it keeps me up the night before a show, because that’s the part that makes it so rewarding.”

Amateur Select Ranch Riding

 

Champion: Lorrie Partridge and Lida Spook

Reserve: Jenny Honey and Katie Chex Your Gun

Bronze: Karen Johnson and Iscream For Icecreme

Fourth: Lon Crain and One Great Spirit

Fifth: Wendy May and Magnums Gun

Sixth: Susan Dudley and Gunnabe My Best

Seventh: Kerry Papendick and Chex Out My Dough

Eighth: Lori Lantz and Custom Made Jewels

Ninth: Sydney Freeman and Electric Berry

Tenth: Lori Lantz and Wimpy Chics Rule