Natalia Devencenty and Chex Is The Choice Win First Congress Championship in 15-18 Equitation

By: Brittany Bevis

Natalia Kay Devencenty returned to her roots this evening at the 2015 Quarter Horse Congress and won her first Congress Champion title in 15-18 Equitation. Her equine partner for the class was the 13-year-old gelding, Chex Is The Choice, who she purchased at the Congress last year. 

“I’ve been showing Hunter Jumpers for the past 11 years, and I do the A circuit, which are Warmbloods,” she says. “We were looking for a Quarter Horse Hunter originally, but we couldn’t find one, so we started looking for an all-around horse. We found one that I did my novice and 13 and under classes with, and then we found Chex. He’s been perfect.”

Just a few weeks ago, Natalia and Chex were named the Reserve Champions in Youth Equitation at the NSBA World Show. Just yesterday, they were named the Reserve Champions in Novice Youth 14-18 Western Riding. Later on in the show, they will compete in Novice Youth 15-18 Trail, NYATT Horsemanship, 15-18 Horsemanship, Youth Trail, and Youth Western Riding.

“I feel more comfortable with English events, but I really enjoy the Western events too,” she says. “My favorite class is Horsemanship, but English is definitely home. It’s still a little odd to ride with one hand! It’s different, but I think that’s what I like about it. It’s challenging for me, and I really like that part.”

Natalia is proof positive that even if, at first, you don’t succeed, you should never quit trying. Although her first pattern didn’t go quite as she’d planned, she returned for the finals determined to have a winning performance.

“In my first pattern, we had a little bit of a rough time, but we came back for our second pattern and it was a lot better. I was a little worried about my forehand turn, because I get a little confused about which way to go. I was also a little worried about the hand gallop part, but he went in and showed great for me. He was awesome.”

“[Mt trainer] Kelly [McDowall] tells me to have fun and relax, because Chex gets a little nervous when he shows. I can’t really be too nerved up or too tense on him. I have to chill out a little bit and let him feel like it’s all ok. I have to go in calm, relax into his moves, and hope for the best.”

The Reserve Congress Champion was Olivia Nicole Derlis with Royality In Blue. Third place was Calley Huston with Colossal Asset. Fourth place was Harley Huff with GW Jack Bar. Fifth place was Paige Stopperich with Cowboys R Hot.