Shayne Gilliam and VS Im Urs N Ur Mine cinch a Congress Championship in 14-18 Western Riding

October 19, 2025 | Filed under: Around The Ring Galleries,Featured,Show Results & Gallery | Posted by: Delores Kuhlwein

Always there for everyone else when they win, Shayne Gilliam received payback of the best kind in return Saturday night in the Celeste Arena at the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress.

After a tough class of 14-18 Youth Western Riding, when the patterns were complete, Shayne and VS Im Urs N Ur Mine won the title of Congress Champion. To have that feeling, says Shayne, “was awesome. The adrenaline was just crazy. I love this horse so much – he means so much to me.”

“Thomas” was given to Shayne just for this horse show because earlier this year, she lost her own show horse very suddenly. Her last show was The Premier in Kentucky, she explains, and she wore the same shirt, and it now represents some very special moments.

Even though she has only known Thomas for a short time, she clicked with him right away. “He’s really easy to get along with and he makes a great partner,” says Shayne, who says she also did showmanship with him that morning and she was really happy with it.

Conquering the tough 14-18 class, since it’s her first year in the very competitive division, means even more, she says. When she exited the arena, she was met by her dad, Jason Gilliam, who told her he was proud of her, and she deserved it.

For the opportunity to show Thomas, Shayne says she has many to thank. “Eric Felt, Jarrett, my parents for supporting me, and my grandma, and everyone.”

As someone who overcame a seemingly insurmountable obstacle this year and came out on top, her advice to other youth: “Keep trying, talk to a lot of people and just keep going and don’t quit. Don’t give up.”