2011 Congress All-Around Winners Announced

Press Release

The All American Quarter Horse Congress, held October 7-30 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, showcases some of the best horse and rider combinations in the world. Throughout its three-week duration, exhibitors compete in a wide variety events, from Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure to Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Some of the most prestigious awards highlight the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, and its ability to successfully compete in many different types of classes. These awards include six All-Around awards, one each for Open, Amateur, Youth, Youth aged 15-18, Youth aged 12-14 and Youth aged 11 and Under, as well as four High-Point awards, one each for Amateur Select, Novice Amateur, Novice Youth aged 14-18 and Novice Youth 13 aged 13 and Under.

In order to be eligible for an All-Around award, the horse must compete in at least three different categories of events, as determined by the American Quarter Horse Association. Each horse then receives points, based on how they placed in each class.

This year’s Congress Open All-Around Champion was an extremely close race, with three different horses tied at 21 points after all were finished showing. Show management used the number of classes each horse placed in to break the tie.

When all was said and done, it was A Chance For Romance, who took home the Congress Open All-Around Award. Placing in a total of four classes with a 6th in Performance Halter Stallions, 4th in Junior Pleasure Driving, 3rd in Junior Working Hunter and 2nd in Junior Hack, this five year old stallion secured the win with Sandra Vaughn showing for owner Amy Brosch of Sorrento, Florida.

The Reserve Congress Open All-Around Award went to Vital Signs Are Good, owned by Joe and Karen Moran of Laguna Hills, California. Placing a close second in the Congress Open All-Around Award standings, the 11 year old mare placed 3rd in Senior Trail and 3rd in Senior Western Pleasure with Charlie Cole aboard. Jason Martin took the reins in Senior Western Riding, and came up with a Reserve Congress Championship. Unfortunately, “Lucy” placed only 10th in Performance Halter Mares with Ted Turner, which kept her out of the running for the top Congress Open All-Around Award. According to AQHA Rules, only the top nine placings are counted towards All-Around titles.

Deserving an honorable mention is Must Be A Detail, owned by Highview Ranch Quarter Horses, Inc. out of Rapid City, South Dakota. Placing 6th in Senior Hunter Under Saddle with Beth Case in the irons, 2nd in Pleasure Driving with Charlie Cole and 1st in Hunter Hack with Ryan Paint, this nine year old gelding certainly deserves recognition for his efforts.

Congress Amateur All-Around
Champion: Cool Movin Lady, owned and shown by Jessica Baird of Rockville, Indiana – 16 points
Reserve: Cool Assets, owned and shown by Emily Cramer of Dallas, Texas – 15 Points

Congress Youth All-Around
Champion: Flashy Attraction, owned and shown by Taylor Searles of Scottsdale, Arizona – 29 Points
Reserve: Hez My Valentino, owned by Chad and Molly Cherry and shown by Gentry Cherry of Guthrie, Oklahoma – 23 Points

Congress Youth 15-18 All-Around
Champion: Im A Natural Detail, owned and shown by Samantha Chiodo of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan – 19 Points
Reserve: Lethals Hot Weapon, owned and shown by Ty Paris of Tipp City, Ohio – 17 Points

Congress Youth 12-14 All-Around
Champion: Zip To Open, owned by Becky Harris and shown by Samantha Harris of Westchester, Ohio – 19 Points
Reserve: Chex By Wrangler, owned by John Briggs and shown by Bryce Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas – 18 Points

Congress Youth 11 and Under All-Around
Champion: Flashy Attraction, owned and shown by Taylor Searles of Scottsdale, Arizona – 29 Points
Reserve: Hez My Valentino, owned by Chad and Molly Cherry and shown by Gentry Cherry of Guthrie, Oklahoma – 23 Points

Congress High-Point Novice Youth 13 and Under
Champion: Flashy Attraction, owned and shown by Taylor Searles of Scottsdale, Arizona – 20 Points
Reserve: Zippos Tiger Bar, owned by Jim McKillips and shown by Aubrey Alderman of Beloit, Wisconsin – 18 Points

Congress High-Point Novice Youth 14-18
Champion: Remarkable Can, owned and shown by Rachel Kolb of Lebanon, Ohio – 21 Points
Reserve: My Ace Is Hot, owned and shown by Keaton Crawford of Golden, Colorado – 15 Points

Congress High-Point Novice Amateur
Champion: You Don’t Know Jacks, owned and shown by Maria Salazar of Portland, Oregon – 24 Points
Reserve: Skippers Moondance, owned and shown by Wallace Battles of New Castle, Pennsylvania – 18 Points

Congress High-Point Amateur Select
Champion: Knowtorious, owned and shown by Susan Wilson of Rancho Santa Fe, California – 29 Points
Reserve: Skippers Moondance, owned and shown by Wallace Battles of New Castle, Pennsylvania – 27 Points