New and Familiar Faces Among Wednesday’s Champions at the Congress

A few familiar faces and a historic new figure were among the champions named Wednesday at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The Way To Go talked with a few of Wednesday’s winners.

Historic First Congress Futurity Win

Sara Simons and Rock My Motion made history by becoming the first Appaloosa Horse Club-registered horse to win a Congress futurity championship. In addition to registered American Quarter Horses, Congress show officials opened up futurity entries to registered with the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA), International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA), Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) and the Jockey Club for the first time in 2015.

“I can’t even wrap my mind around this,” Simons said after the win. “I am so humbled to win this Congress championship.” Simon showed the five year old gelding, by Hot Chocolatey Chip and out of Shes Radical (by Radical Rodder) for owners Janis and Jordan Semmelmayer.

“When we first saw that the Congress had added the other breeds, we didn’t think it would work for us because the Appaloosa World Show and Paint World Championship Show are so close after the Congress,” Simons said. “But when we saw the show schedule, we were able to come and show.”

With three firsts under the judges, the duo cinched the championship award. “He is just really solid,” she said. “He has super self carriage and a great top line. And he’s fun to show.”

Mitch Leckey piloted KM Perfect Ten to win the Southern Belle Breeders portion of the class for owner Linda Berris. 

Piper and Doodle Jump Win Junior, Limited Open Maturity Hunter Under Saddle

Heidi Piper and Doodle Jump had a busy day Wednesday showing with a great outcome. The pair won the NSBA and AQHA divisions of Junior Hunter Under Saddle, as well as won the Limited division of the Open Maturity Hunter Under Saddle.

“I think he saved his best go for the last class,” Piper said of the gelding. “He felt even better in the Maturity than he did in the Junior. He’s had a lot of showing in two days because I think he went four times yesterday in the Non-Pro, and I know he’s tired. But he was great. I am so blessed to be able to work with him.”

Owner Jenna Jacobs was nervous before her horse showed. “I was nervous because it’s a big show, and you never know what can happen,” Jacobs said. “I’m just so happy that he did so well.”

 To read the full article on NSBA.com, click here.