TQHA Lucky Seven Classic Delivers Record Growth, Standout Competition, and National Visibility
All photos by Miranda Taylor Photography, courtesy of TQHA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2026
TQHA Lucky Seven Classic Delivers Record Growth, Standout Competition, and National Visibility
Murfreesboro, Tenn. — The Tennessee Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) welcomed exhibitors from across the country to the 2026 Lucky Seven Classic, delivering a week defined by strong competition, meaningful payouts, and continued momentum across the American Quarter Horse industry. The show recorded more than 5,200 entries—an 18% increase year over year—with especially strong participation in the Ranch and Over Fences divisions, highlighting the versatility and demand across disciplines.
VS Code Red Western Pleasure Challenge Open winner- Taft Dickerson and RL Dream Take Flight.
A marquee feature of the week, the VS Code Red Western Pleasure Challenge, brought added excitement and significant earnings opportunities to both Non-Pro and Open exhibitors. The inaugural event showcased deep competition and rewarding payouts across both phases.
Limited Rider and Reserve Champion Kendyl Kyle and Born Again — VS Code Red Western Pleasure Challenge.
In the $5,000 Limited Horse Non-Pro Western Pleasure Maturity, Kaitlyn Barrett and RL Dream Take Flight claimed the top honor and $2,250. Natalie Zvanya and Gone Tailgating earned $1,750 for second, followed by Annette Britt and Invited To The Rail with $1,000. Barrett also secured the title of highest placing Limited rider, earning a pair of silver spurs from Harris Leather & Silverworks in addition to her prize money and NSBA trophy.
The momentum continued into the Open division, where the $5,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure Maturity delivered a competitive and high-quality pen. Taft Dickerson and RL Dream Take Flight topped the class, earning $3,000. Kendyl Brooke Kyle and Born Again followed with $2,000, while Carli Jerrell and Gone Tailgating rounded out the top three. Kyle was also recognized as the highest placing Limited rider, taking home a Harris Leather & Silverworks headstall.
TQHA extends its appreciation to VS Code Red, Katie Van Slyke, and Harris Leather & Silverworks for their support in launching the Western Pleasure Challenge and creating meaningful opportunities for exhibitors. Van Slyke’s coverage of the event also brought significant visibility to the industry, reaching millions of viewers and introducing new audiences to Quarter Horse competition.
In addition to Western events, the Lucky Seven Classic proudly hosted the third stop of the AQHA English Versatility Series, presented by VS Code Red—a 10-show national series where riders compete throughout the year to become the highest-earning exhibitor in both the Open and Non-Pro divisions. At the conclusion of the series, top earners will be awarded premier prizes including Butet saddles, Holly Spagnola silver, and additional awards.
In the Open division, Allison T. McCulley and Never Forgotten claimed the win and $255, followed by Kimberly Stewart Burritt and Do You Have A Winner with $202.50, and Delaney Rostad and The Karolina Kruzer earning $150. McCulley also topped the Non-Pro division aboard Never Forgotten, earning $240. Burritt and Do You Have A Winner placed second with $165, while Emilee Yost and Kruzin On A Star took third with $142.50.
Additional awards elevated the competition, with the Non-Pro Champion receiving a $300 gift certificate from Espoir Equestrian, and the Open Champion earning a custom hunt shirt from Custom Collars along with a saddle pad from FarmVet.
First Thingz First Open Western Riding winner
Further supporting the show, First Thingz First—another stallion owned by Katie Van Slyke—sponsored $1,000 classes throughout the week, including Amateur Hunter Under Saddle, Junior Trail, Open Western Riding, and Select Amateur Pleasure.
First Thingz First HUS winner.
“We are incredibly grateful for all the competitors that attended the Lucky Seven Classic this year. Several trainers and exhibitors traveling from Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin were here for the first time.” said Patrick Kayser, President of the Tennessee Quarter Horse Association. “That level of support speaks volumes about the strength and reputation of this event and its community. It also wouldn’t be possible without the incredible behind-the-scenes work from our show committee, volunteers, and the Amateur Association, whose hospitality—especially at the Derby party—helped create an experience that goes far beyond the show pen. With record growth, strong competition across disciplines, and expanded national visibility, the 2026 Lucky Seven Classic reinforces TQHA’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for exhibitors at every level.”
First Thingz First Junior Trail winner.
For more information on the AQHA English Versatility Series, visit aqha.com/
Media Contact:
Sarah Elder Chabot
865-803-6835
