The 43rd annual All American Quarter Horse Congress, held October 2-25, 2009, exceeded everyone’s expectations in both quality and quantity, proving that change can be good. 2009 was the first year for many new classes at the Congress (Southern Belle Invitational futurity classes, FEI CRI 2* qualifying classes and the 6666 World Series of Cutting classes), as well as the first year with new executive vice president – Cam Foreman.

According to Rhonda Harter, the Congress Show Secretary, there were 17,000 entries for 2009, which is a much larger number than officials expected for the show.

Out of these 17,000 entries, more than 300 Congress Champions were named, and nearly 5,000 awards were given out – to the tune of nearly $3 million in awards and prizes. Of these prizes, the two largest paychecks were: $100,000 to Steve and Susan Thompson of Hillsboro, Ohio, owners of Certainly Inspired, shown by Rusty Green – winner of the Congress Masters Western Pleasure; $50,000 awarded to the Kaplow Family of Chappaqua, New York, and Quality Art, shown by Beth Case – winner of the Congress Masters Hunter Under Saddle.

Several other “big winners” were named during the 2009 Congress. Gunnatrashya (owned by the Arcese Family) and Shawn Flarida were named Congress Champions in the NRHA Reining Futurity – Open Division, with Shawn also showing the Reserve horse in that Futurity class (Whizkey N Diamonds). Pete Kyle was the Congress Champion in Freestyle Reining on Whizs Bronze Star, owned by Kaitlyn Townsend. Pete also showed the Reserve Champion in this class (Gimme Major Bucks). The Non-Pro Freestyle Reining was won by Kimberly Crupper and her horse, Quick Enterprise.

In the NCHA Cutting events, 2009 marked two new events at the Congress. The 6666 World Series of Cutting sponsored the Open and Non-Pro Cutting Finals, awarding $25,000 to the winner of each class. With the extra money and publicity, Cutters flocked to the Congress to have their shot at the World Series. In the end, however, only one person can be the champion in each class. In the open division, Dual Rey Me and owner/exhibitor Jeremy Barwick were named the Congress Champions and awarded the extraordinary check. For the non-pro division, Sister CD and Elizabeth Queen were named the champions.

In other classes, Junior Western Pleasure was won by Diesel Only (owned by Gail Wilkinson) and Shane Young. A Certain Vino (owned by Lee Reeve) was named the Congress Champion in Senior Western Pleasure, with Karen Hornick aboard.

These Irons R Dancin (owned by Betty Jo and Richard Carr) and Trisha Yamber received the bronze in Junior Hunter Under Saddle, with the Senior Hunter Under Saddle award going to Big League Potential and Kim Reynolds. Big League Potential is owned by Karen Pinto.

In the Halter classes, Randy Jacobs led the Grand Champion Stallion – Heza Stemwinder, owned by Greg and Dr. Gigi Davis. Rita Crundwell owned the Grand Champion Mare. Pizzazzy Lady was shown by Ross Roark for her Grand Champion award.

RPL My Te Cheerful was named the Grand Champion Gelding, shown by Ted Turner, Jr., and owned by Vernon Habighorst.

For the 2009 Congress All Around awards, several lucky exhibitors and horses were honored to receive their CR Morrison bronze trophies. The AQHA All Around Horse awards was given to The Krymsun Kruzer, owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt, with the Reserve award earned by Sleepin In The Rain, owned by Tammy Dyer.

For the Amateur division, the All Around Amateur was Sharnai Thompson with Sleepin In The Rain. Reserve was awarded to Jessica Johnson and Royality In Blue. The award for All Around Novice Amateur was handed to Cheshire Whitledge and Lotsa Detail, with Sunni Chemega and A Potential Asset winning the Reserve Novice Amateur All Around award.

The All Around Select Amateur award was earned by Susan Wilson with her horse, Knowtorious. The Reserve All Around Select Amateur went to Ann Wilson with her horse, Visible Investment.

In the Youth classes, the All Around Youth award was earned by Brittany Donald and Chips Private Star, with Erin Gillette and Radical By Choice winning the Reserve award.

The All Around Novice Youth 13 and Under trophy was awarded to Kaylee Mellot and Dam Im Hot, with Lacy Watson and Top This Shenanigan earning the Reserve award for that division. For the All Around Novice Youth 14-18 division, Brittany Donald and Chippen In Style walked away with the Championship jacket. Taylor Prince earned the Reserve award for the All Around Novice Youth 14-18 with her horse, Mystical Machine.

In the High Point youth divisions, the High Point Youth 11 and Under Championship was earned by Kaylee Mellot and Dam Im Hot, with Klay McDowall and Naughty Zippo receiving the Reserve award. Brittany Donald (receiving three of these awards!) also received the High-Point Youth 12-14 award with Chips Private Stars. Erin Gillette and Radical By Choice were close behind her in the Reserve slot.

The High Point Youth 15-18 Championship was received by Kara Oldford and her horse, Im Shy But Deluxe. Gillian Chant and Zippo Romeo earned the High Point Youth 15-18 Reserve Championship.

For more information on the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress, as well as information for the upcoming 2010 Congress, please visit www.oqha.com.