Open Horses and Exhibitors in the Spotlight at the 2015 APHA World Show

[source: APHA.com]

Top Open horses and exhibitors found themselves in the limelight for a bit of extra recognition for a job well done at the 2015 APHA World Championship Show, which took place November 4–14 in Fort Worth, Texas. Based on their stellar performances over the show’s 10 days, the following earned coveted all-around and high-point awards at the show.

All-Around Open Horse & High-Point English Horse
I Got Em Talkin 

After making a hard chase for elite titles at last year’s show, Dominic Destefano refocused his goals for I Got Em Talkin’s 2015 APHA World Championship Show. 

“Our goals this year were just for ​’Buzz’ to have a good show,” Dominic said. “Last year, we ran him in the barrels, poles and more, but then didn’t quite get the all-around title. This year we really weren’t aiming for anything other than good classes.”

Paired with trainer Mason Lyon of Burleson, Texas, Buzz, a 2010 gray overo stallion by I Got Charisma and out of Fight Over Emmie (TB), took his World Show classes in stride. Focusing on core English classes—no speed events this year—Buzz earned a world championship in Junior Hunter Hack, reserve world championships in Junior Working Hunter and Utility Driving, third in Junior Pleasure Driving and fourth in Jumping.

When the dust settled, Buzz’s triumphs brought him to the top of the High-Point English Horse and All-Around Horse standings.

Owned by Dominic, who is from ​Edmond, Oklahoma, Buzz was bred by Deb and Eric Jarvis of Kaufman, Texas. 

For his High-Point English award, Buzz takes home an M. Toulous English Saddle, courtesy Smart Pak and APHA; $500 cash, courtesy APHA; Wellfleet Fancy Stitch Padded Halter and Nameplate, courtesy SmartPak; $100 gift certificate, courtesy of SmartPak; Equine Wellness Supplement, courtesy of Platinum Performance; 11″ x 14″ photograph, courtesy Larry Williams. 

For Buzz’s All-Around Horse award, he received a Western trophy saddle, courtesy Blue Ribbon Tack; $2,500 cash, courtesy APHA; $500 gift certificate to SmartPak, courtesy SmartPak; saddle pad, courtesy Platinum Performance; bridle bag, courtesy Saratoga Horseworks; Equine Wellness Supplement, courtesy Platinum Performance; and a 16″ x 20″ photograph, courtesy Larry Williams Photography.

High-Point Exhibitor
Shannon Gillespie

Shannon Gillespie of Whitesboro, Texas, took the 2015 World Show by storm to capture the distinguished High-Point Exhibitor Award. The race for the elusive honor was neck-and-neck until the last day of exhibition, and Shannon came out on top. 

Shannon garnered world championships in Junior Western Riding and 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle. She also took home a reserve world championship in Senior Western Riding. 

For the High-Point Exhibitor award, Shannon received $500 cash, courtesy APHA; SmartPak Fleece Cooler, courtesy SmartPak; saddle pad, duffle bag and Equine Wellness Supplement, courtesy Platinum Performance; and a bridle bag, courtesy Saratoga Horseworks.

To read the full results on APHA.com, click here.