Riding a Homebred to the Top: Sue Merchant and Two Timin Gentlemen
Rowdy, Sue, and Ashley Merchant.
Many aspire to raising and riding their own World Champion, and for Sue Merchant of California, that dream came true on Friday at the 2026 APHA World Championship Show with her homebred horse, Two Timin Gentlemen.
They topped the field in the Masters Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation Friday evening to win the world title, and Sue explained afterward that she bred and raised the 2011 chestnut Tobiano gelding by Gentlemen Send Roses and out of Two Timin Date, so as she said, “He’s been with me since day one!”
She explained that “Rowdy” just turned 15 on June 19th, and approximately four years ago, they were reserve in the same class, but they’d never won before. “This is my very first World Championship and I’m ecstatic right now.”
The success was even sweeter, according to Sue, as Equitation has always been a challenge for her, considering elements like diagonals. Her daughter, Ashley Merchant, helps her at the shows and at home. “My wonderful, wonderful daughter,” said Sue, who revealed that Ashley has her perform drills such as sitting trots while asking Sue to feel, just feel, and not look.
Even though Rowdy wasn’t always easy, Sue said they have become a team over time. “We just know each other, as I’ve been showing him for 12 years now.”
Her advice to others who want to chase the dream, especially in a class like Hunt Seat Equitation: Keep practicing. I ride my horse like six days out of the seven each week. Practice, practice, practice.”
Watch the winning pattern of Sue and Rowdy by clicking the link below, thanks to Jennifer Barbee:
Top Six results:
Masters Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation
Champion: Sue Merchant and Two Timin Gentlemen
Reserve: Rachel Goffard and Candy Confidential
Bronze & Int Champion: Christi Christensen and Suit N Tie Sensation
Fourth: Brenda McCarthy and Ay Bay Bay
Fifth & Int Reserve: Angela Caldwell and The Manhattan Club
Sixth: Laura Bracken and Hoos Sophisticated
Complete results courtesy of APHA: https://press.apha.com/worldshow/results/2026/RAPHAAHS61.htm
