InStride Edition July 2026

JULY 2026

JULY 2026

COVER STORY GEORGIA COOK 10-15

By Corrine S. Borton

Photos by KC Montgomery & Shane Rux FEATURES TIE ONE ON: EXHIBITORS LOOK TO SCARVES TO COMPLETE A PROFESSIONAL LOOK 19-22

By Corrine S. Borton Photos by Kelsey Keathly

HEARTS OF GOLD: PALOMINO HORSE BREEDERS OF AMERICA SECTION 31-35 EVENTS BACK TO BERRIEN: AARON MOSES WINS PREMIER EVENT FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR 30-34

By Corrine S. Borton Photos by Cody Parmenter & Courtney B. Ament SHOW STOPPERS REDBUD CIRCUIT 23 LITTLE BUCKEYE 30 PROFILES

AMATEURS 38 Hannah Morgan YOUTH 45 Riley Potts REGULAR COLUMNS

“INSIDE” THE LAW 39-40

By Katherine Jarve “INSIDE” HEALTH 46

By Eleanor M. Kellon

ASSOCIATION NEWS 47 THE BUZZ 49 Download the Sweet Shop App by Texting SWEET SHOP to 33733 4 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

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ADVERTISING SALES Courtney B. Ament Deanna Green Willis WEBSITE ADVERTISING Courtney B. Ament TECHNICAL ANALYST Brent Adam Borton CIRCULATION Corrine S. Borton

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Courtsey Designs Emajes Hampel Designs Jakovich Marketing Miles Partnership Superlative Equine Valor Designs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Courtney Borton Ament Corrine S. Borton Quinn Ellis COLUMNISTS Eleanor M. Kellon Katherine Jarve COPY & RESEARCH Corrine S. Borton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Courtney Borton Ament Awestruck Photography Bar H Photography Corrine S. Borton Harris Leather & Silverworks Jeff Kirkbride KC Montgomery Bryan Nigro Cody Parmenter Shane Rux

Equi+Focus and Equi+Calm Pellets and Paste • Prices Vary • https://shopehi.com/collections/equine-performance-pastes 6 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

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Text Corrine S. Borton Photos KC Montgomery & Shane Rux

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Georgia Cook knows exactly what it will take to be successful at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Show next month in Oklahoma City. She’s been there before.

Georgia says she needs to “stay calm, trust the training and remember what her trainers have taught her.” Even though the 15-year-old youth competitor from Cypress Texas has been riding since she was 6 years old and started competing at age 7, she knows that show can be stressful but it can also be a lot of fun.

“What I love the most is meeting all the people on my team, hanging with old friends and making new friends,” she said.

This year Georgia has a full schedule. With the assistance of Georgia trainers Andy and Katie Cochran, she will show multiple World and Congress Champion Line Up Behind in Western Pleasure and six-time Congress Champion If I Were A Boy in Hunter Under Saddle. Robin and Jenny Frid train Georgia and her all-around partner, KM Betcha Im Best, and she will show Sultree and Endigo – Halter horses owned by her grandfather and prepared by Adam and Kelly Wainscott.

Georgia’s also got a strong support system. Both of her parents - JR and Melissa Cook - came from show families and have competed at the highest level. And both her sisters, 12-year-old Isabella and 10-year-old Elizabeth compete alongside her.

“I love that they get to all experience showing horses together,” Melissa said. “The girls are respectfully competitive. They are happy for each other when they win even if they were in the same class. We are a tight family, and we share so many fun memories from showing horses. Whether the day was good or bad, we are there together supporting, thinking about the how lucky we are to be chasing these dreams together.”

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Georgia took over the reins of Line Up Behind (Calvin), a 2017 bay gelding by VS Flatline out of Shez Immortal, in January, 2024, from her father, who won numerous World and Congress championships with him in Western Pleasure.

Andy Cochran started Line Up Behind under saddle while working for Capital Quarter Horses and he was a favorite right from the start.

“His talent was effortless,” he said. “He was always big and strong and smart.”

The Cochrans started working with Georgia and Calvin last August and coached them to a win in the National Youth Association Team Tournament Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse Congress in October, marking Georgia’s first in a performance event. They say Georgia is easy to coach because she works so hard.

“Georgia is great,” Katie said. “We enjoy having her as part of the team. She loves to ride and practice.”

Andy said that because Georgia and Calvin have moved into the 14-18 division this year, they will need to have a very soft ride, stay out of the penalty box and “go for it.”

“It’s the World Show so there is no playing it safe,” he said.

Andy has a lot of confidence in both of them.

“Calvin and Georgia are a seasoned team at this point,” he said. “They both know and understand what it takes to succeed. Calvin is a very easy horse to prepare, he knows his job especially on big stages like the AQHYA World Show. We gave him some good R&R earlier in the year. He got to swim and stay fit doing that. He looks better than ever.”

JR Cook says it can be both helpful and intimidating for Georgia to show Calvin after he enjoyed so much success with him.

“I hope it is more helpful than intimidating,” he said. “In the beginning I offered some help and little things that I learned about him.

Once she started to figure him out, I stepped back and let her learn what worked for her.”

Georgia is just getting started showing If I

Were A Boy (Celeste). The 2022 gray by mare Allocate Your Assets out of IE Maliblue Barbie, won six Congress championships her 2-year-old year with Katie Cochran and her then owner, Morgan Miller.

“After the Congress last year when we decided it was time to entertain selling her, I just knew I had to keep her because of everything she has done for me,” Katie Cochran said. “I was going to buy her for myself and raise babies out of her.”

At that point, Georgia didn’t have an English horse, but Katie knew she loved Hunter Under Saddle.

“I called JR and asked if this was something we needed to pursue,” Katie recalled. “He was already thinking ahead of me. If Georgia was going to be competitive in this class she needed a big physical horse.

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ttt Georgia Cook is pictured on the opposite page with her new Hunter Under saddle partner, If I Were A Boy. The six-time Congress Champion is sired by Allocate Your Assets out of IE Maliblue. On this page Georgia is pictured riding Line Up Behind. The multiple World and Congress Champion is sired by VS Flatline out of Shes Immortal.

They didn’t even come ride her. They trusted me. I told the Cooks I couldn’t make any promises, but I do know this horse and I know she can do it. All that I asked was for the opportunity one day to buy her back so I can retire her and raise her babies.”

Georgia and Celeste made their debut together at the Arizona Sun Circuit, earning an overall class championship in Youth Hunter Under Saddle.

“We have been building on that ever since,” Katie said.

“They have not had a lot of show time together, but they have been getting in a lot of seat time especially the past two months. I felt it was very import for me to keep Celeste on the road and show and school her as much as possible.”

The past two years Celeste’s focus has been on winning at all the major futurities but now it is time for her to transition into a youth contender.

“This new job title is very different so it’s been important for me, as a trainer, to start developing her into that throughout this year,” Katie said.

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Georgia, a student at Berean Christian Academy, knows she has to do her part.

“She is really fun to ride but it is not always easy,” she admitted. “We will need to stay calm and remember what we did in practice.”

As with the Western Pleasure, Katie says that to be successful at the AQHA Youth World Show Georgia and Celeste will need to “go for it” and stay out of the penalty box.

“We have been working on World Show rides the past couple of weeks and the two are starting to really connect and come together at the perfect time,” she said.

Navigating the event is going to be a bit of a challenge for the Cook family this year. In addition to Georgia competing with Line Up Behind, If I Were A Boy, KM Betcha Im Best and her grandfather’s two Halter horses, her two sisters will compete as well.

Bella will show Line Up Behind in 13 & Under Western Pleasure and Kruze Control in 13 & Under Horsemanship and Showmanship. Elizabeth will compete in 13 & Under Horsemanship and Showmanship with HP Sure I Will Be. “Between hair, make up, chaps, making sure everything is clean, making sure the kids are all on time, it can be a bit much at times,” JR admitted.

But since JR and Melissa grew up showing horses themselves, they know what to expect and what it takes to compete at this level. It has always been important to them that each daughter makes her own decision about whether or not she wants to show horses.

“Like many people do, we have all our trophies displayed in the house, JR said. “We live on 15 acres and have always had some horses on the property.” ttt Georgia, Isabella and Elizabeth Cook are pictured at right. They all show together as a family and all three will compete next month at the AQHA Youth World Show. On this page (top) Isabella and her all-around show partner Kruze Control. On the opposite page (top) Elizabeth and HP Sure I Will Be, her Showmanship and Horsemanship partner.

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As the girls got older, naturally the questions started about the pictures and the trophies.

“We were always very careful not to push it on the girls,’ JR said. “It was going to be their decision no matter what. This sport requires a lot of work and has a lot of ups and downs. To truly enjoy it and benefit from everything this industry has to offer, it needed to be their decision and their desire.”

For Georgia, the best part of showing alongside her father and sisters is having someone in the pen with you or someone to go sit by on the rail.

“And, my mother fills many roles in my show life, like getting me ready on time, videoing me, but most importantly she is my number one cheerleader in the stands,” she said.

As the girls got older and more and more involved, Melissa decided to put her own show career on hold.

“I would choose watching my girls and JR show over me showing any day,” she said. “I cannot imagine if I missed a big important moment because I was showing my own horse.”

What JR and Melissa want their daughters to get out of showing horses does not revolve around the trophies, but rather on developing sportsmanship, work ethic and grit.

And, it is important to them that they raise daughters who are thoughtful, kind and responsible.

“Our girls are expected to have manners and treat everyone with respect,” Melissa said. “If JR or I saw our girls being rude or bratty they would lose privileges very quickly! Luckily, they are all truly respectful kids. We also expect them to keep up with their schoolwork. If we have a long horse show, they are expected to gather their school work before we leave and to return to school with it all completed.”

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By any measure, today's western show ring is more competitive than ever.

Whether you're walking into a breed association or futurity class, exhibitors understand that success comes from careful preparation. Hours spent conditioning horses, perfecting maneuvers, and refining communication between horse and rider remain the foundation of every winning performance. Equally important is presenting a polished, professional appearance that reflects the quality of that preparation.

For male exhibitors, one of the most influential – but often overlooked – elements of that presentation is the scarf tie.

A well-chosen tie doesn't win a class, but it completes the picture. It demonstrates attention to detail, complements the horse, and reinforces the clean, sophisticated image expected in today's western events.

Geneva, Ohio trainer Jim Chafin, said he has hundreds of different combinations of different colors of ties ready to go when his team heads off to a horse show.

“When selecting a new tie there’s a lot to take into consideration including color combinations and matching the best we can with the colors in the saddle pad, the color of the horse beng shown, and, of course, the color of the shirt it will be paired with,” he said.

Chafin gravitates toward a mixture of colors.

“A little bit wilder the better,” he said.

Taft Dickerson, a professional trainer from Mount Airy, North Carolina, also has a arsenal of approximately 30 ties ready to go at any given show.

“I like a solid colored tie with a longer length and an absolute deal-breaker is comfort,” he said. “It absolutely can’t be scratchy.”

Harris Leather and Silverworks has been selling scarfs for ties for nearly half a century now.

“They have been a staple in our store since the early days,” said Stanton Harris. “Believe it or not, I

“Vibrant colors and designs that compliment your shirt and pull in colors/match your show pad. Sometimes the perfect tie can “tie” it all together.

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can remember barely being tall enough to reach up and spin the scarf tie rack as a kid and being memorized by all the colors.”

Today's Show Ring Has Raised the Bar Western show attire has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. While classic cowboy tradition remains at its heart, modern exhibitors have embraced refined tailoring, luxury fabrics and custom-designed apparel that enhances rather than distracts from the horse.

“The perfect tie for every show style is out there, you just have to find it,” Harris said.

Just as women's show clothing has become increasingly specialized, men's attire has seen significant innovation. Custom shirts, premium hats, tailored jackets, and handcrafted accessories now give exhibitors countless ways to express individual style while maintaining professionalism.

Dickerson said he always wears a tie in a futurity or World or Congress class but not always at a weekend show. “”It definitely gives a put-together, professional look, much like a necktie does to complete a suit,” he said.

The same is true of Chafin.

“Typically on the weekend shows I will not wear a tie, but any futurity event, World Show, Congress, etc.

I always wear a tie,” he said. “It’s a must.”

The tie has become an important part of that evolution.

Harris said when selecting the right tie there are four things to consider: fabric, size, color and workmanship.

Color Is About More Than Matching Experienced exhibitors know that selecting a tie is about creating harmony throughout the entire presentation.

Many begin by considering the horse first. A rich bay, striking palomino, elegant gray or bold paint each creates a different visual backdrop. The rider's attire should complement – not compete with – the horse's natural color and presence.

Next comes coordination with the shirt, vest or jacket, hat and chaps. Rather than matching every piece exactly, many exhibitors use the tie to introduce a secondary accent color that ties the entire outfit together.

Deep jewel tones remain favorites because they project richness under arena lighting. Navy, emerald, wine, charcoal, bronze, and silver accents continue to be popular choices, while subtle metallic threads can add depth without overpowering the overall look.

“Look for vibrant colors and designs that compliment your shirt and pull in colors/match your show pad,” Harris explained. “Sometimes the perfect tie can ‘tie’ it all together.”

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Quality Shows in the Details Judges are evaluating the horse and its performance – not clothing – but presentation still matters.

A crisp collar, centered knot, wrinkle-free shirt, polished boots, and properly fitted tie communicate professionalism before the first maneuver begins. They tell the judge that the exhibitor values preparation and respects the class.

Small details also become increasingly important in today's high-definition photography and live-streamed events, where every image represents both the exhibitor and the sport.

“You don’t want to have a frayed or unraveling edge,” Harris said. “The look of an expensive silk tie can be compromised if the edges are not hemmed properly.”

Harris also suggests exhibitors pay attention to the colors that are prevalent on the corners of the tie, as these are what mainly show when tied around the collar or the shirt.

“Lots of folks get hung up assessing the pattern or colors as a whole, when only the corners are what really show,” he explained.

Fabric Matters Competition days are long. Exhibitors may spend hours grooming, warming up, waiting for classes, and traveling between arenas.

For that reason, durability is almost as important as appearance.

Silk remains a timeless favorite for its elegant drape and rich color, while woven microfiber offers excellent wrinkle resistance and easy care. Many custom tie makers now create equestrian-specific designs that hold their shape throughout an entire show day while coordinating beautifully with modern Western apparel.

“100% silk fabric is the softest and ties the best,” Harris said. “It’s has less of a memory than some other alternatives so it seems to hold up better over time.”

Texture often makes a greater impact than bold patterns.

Fine woven designs, understated paisleys, and tone-on-tone fabrics add sophistication while keeping the emphasis where it belongs – on the horse.

Confidence Through Consistency One of the hallmarks of accomplished exhibitors is consistency.

Their turnout looks intentional. Every piece works together. Nothing appears accidental or overly flashy.

That consistency builds confidence. When an exhibitor knows every detail of their presentation has been thoughtfully prepared, it's one less thing to think about when the gate opens.

The tie becomes part of that confidence – a finishing de-

tail that contributes to an overall professional appearance.

Investing in a Timeless Wardrobe Unlike trend-driven fashion, quality western show attire often serves exhibitors for many seasons.

A collection of versatile ties in classic colors allows competitors to update multiple outfits without replacing an entire wardrobe. Navy, burgundy, silver, black, and bronze remain enduring staples because they pair well with a wide range of shirts and jackets.

Many exhibitors gradually build a collection of premium ties that can transition from local weekend shows to major events such as the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show, the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Championship Show, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Show, the Palomino World Show and the Appaloosa World Show.

More Than an Accessory In Western competition, excellence is found in the details. Every polished boot, every clean stitch, every well-fitted hat, and every carefully selected tie contributes to the complete image presented in the arena.

The necktie may never be the center of attention – and it shouldn't be. Its purpose is to quietly reinforce the professionalism, confidence, and pride that define today's Western exhibitor.

When horse, rider, and presentation come together seamlessly, the result is more than good turnout. It reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and tradition that continue to shape the western show ring.

Moses claims victory in premier class for the third straight year Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Cody Parmenter & Courtney Ament For the third straight year, Texas professional trainer Aaron Moses captured the premier $10,000 Added $2,500 Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure at the 2026 Back To Berrien Futurity, this time riding ImJustAGirll, owned by Tommie Prichard.

Winning this ultra-competitive class, sponsored by dac Vitamins and Minerals, once is a career-defining achievement for most trainers. Winning it three times consecutively defies the odds in an industry where young prospects change every year and judging margins are often razor-thin.

The victory earned a top prize of $4,186, cementing Moses’ status as the Top Money Earning Open Rider at the event and crossing him over the $1 million mark in lifetime National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) earnings. He becomes only the fifth rider in NSBA history to reach this legendary milestone, joining an elite circle alongside Gil Galyean, Rusty Green, Jay Starnes, and Katy Jo Zuidema. Crucially, Moses also enters the record books as the youngest rider ever to achieve this status.

ImJustAGirll, a 2023 AQHA/APHA sorrel mare, sired by Certainly A Vision out of Hot Black Chocolate was bred by Victoria Summers, of Boerne, Texas. She bested 18 other horses to capture the championship title.

Houston Huff rode Mama Made Me Right, a 2023 sorrel mare by Machine Made out of My Mama Said So, to a Reserve in the class and was the Intermediate Champion, earning $3,289 plus the $500 Intermediate bonus.

Third place and a check for $2,541 went to KM We Know Hes First, a 2022 sorrel stallion, sired by The Lopin Machine out of KM Weknowsheshot, bred and owned by Masterson Farms and shown by Blake Britton.

Jamie Hartman teamed with Johnnie Walkr Red, a 2021 red roan mare, sired by VS Code Red out of Johnnie On The Spot, to claim fourth place. Owned by Karen Perkins, Johnnie Walkr Red earned $1,495.

The Party Machine and Brent Garringer placed fifth in the class and earned the Limited Division Championship. The 2022 chestnut gelding, sired by The Lopin Machine out of Sheshere Fortheparty, was bred and is owned by Alyssa Garringer. The team took home $1,345 in the class plus the $500 Limited bonus.

Sixth place went to Couture Made and Courtney Laney.

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Couture Made, a a 2023 bay gelding, sired by Machine Made out of Only Couture is owned by Joel Stein and earned $1,196 Seventh: The Milkmann, a 2023 brown stallion, sired

by RL Best Of Sudden out of Jasmines Lil Image, bred and owned by Susan Ostrander and shown by Dave Archer; $900.

This year’s Back To Berrien Futurity drew owners and exhibitors from across the United States and Canada to the Berrien County Fairgrounds in Michigan June 17-20.

The facility was home to the Tom Powers Futurity from 1986 until 2018 when it was announced that the futurity would be moved to Wilmington, Ohio and then was discontinued.

In 2022 Gil Galyean, Jon Barry and Charles Cannizzaro took the initiative to bring a new futurity “Back to Berrien.”

Other 2026 Back To Berrien Futurity winners include: LOnGE LInE Open Western Longe Line (15 shown) – Champion, Makin Em Talk, owned by Bob or Kathie Kennedy, shown

by Kathie Kennedy; Reserve, Willy Big Assets (Makin Me Willy Wild x Shez Got Assets), owned by Brett & Heather Caplinger, shown by Heather Caplinger.

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Aaron Moses (pictured on the opposite page) rode Imjustagirll to a win in the DAC $10,000 added $2,500 Novice Horse Western Pleasure class, collecting a check for $4,186. On this page (top) Kathie Kennedy shows Makin Em Talk to a win in the Open Western Longe Line. Makin Em Talk is owned by Bob & Kathie Kennedy and also won the Western Non-Pro Longe Line with Bob Kennedy as exhibitor. At top right, the flag is presented prior to the start of the event.

Non-Pro Western Longe Line (15 shown) – Champion, Makin Em Talk, owned by Bob or Kathie Kennedy, shown

by Bob Kennedy; Reserve, Small Town Gurrl (Batt Man x RL Best Brand Yet), owned and shown by Nancy Randall.

Open Hunter Longe Line (9 shown) – Champion, Boys Entice Me, owned by Shanna Reynolds, shown by Anthony Leier; Reserve, Coldplay, (Good Better Best x U Betchur Assets), owned by Elizabeth Gorski, shown by Anthony Leier.

Non-Pro Hunter Longe Line (10 shown) – Champion, Mesmereyezed (Easy On The Eyez x Skyline Boulevard), owned by Brett and Heather Caplinger, shown by Heather Caplinger; Reserve, Boys Entice Me, owned and shown by Shanna Reynolds.

WESTERn PLEASURE 3-Year-Old Int. Open Western Pleasure – Champion, Nettworth, shown by Rebecca Britton; Reserve, Best Be Lookin, shown by Houston Huff.

3-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure (11 shown) – Champion, Girl Code, owned by Kristen Galyean, shown by Aaron Moses; Reserve, Momma Im Comin Home, shown

by Katy Jo Zuidema.

Color Open Western Pleasure (4 shown) – Champion: Machine Made Gold, owned by Linda Lu Kostal, shown by Taft Dickerson; Reserve, Hot Without A Doubt, shown by Drew DeBurhr.

50 & Over Non-Pro Western Pleasure (11 shown) – Champion, Cool Liike Me, shown by Debby Brehm; Reserve, Shesa Hot Moon Rising, shown by Tammy Conroy.

Maturity Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure (10 shown) – Champion, Vital Lines Are Red, shown by Gracelyn Galyean; Reserve, Certainly Persistent, owned by Richard & Betty Car, shown by Richard Carr.

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3-Year-Old Novice Horse/Novice Rider Western Pleasure (2 shown) – Champion, Clik Bait, shown by Penny Hembry; Reserve, Gettin Batty Wit It, shown by Caitlin Foster.

All Age Novice Non-Pro Western Pleasure (13 shown) – Champion, Vital Lines Are Red, shown by Aislynn Galyean; Reserve, HayDay shown by Brooklyn Baker.

3-Year-Old $2,500 Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure (10 shown) Champion: Girl Code, owned by Kristen Galyean, shown by Aaron Moses; Reserve, Cool Gypsy Woman, shown by Jamie Hartman.

3-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure (4 shown) – Champion, Ole School Cool, shown by Kylie Craven; Reserve, Best One Made, shown by Hanna Walier.

1D Western Pleasure – Champion, The Glow Getter, shown by Mark Katafiasz; Reserve, Friday After Five, shown

by Tony Schurmann.

2D Western Pleasure – Champion, The Best No Doubt, shown by Chad Piper; Reserve, Saltt Life, shown by Rebecca Britton.

3D Western Pleasure – Champion, Waffle House, owned by The Glover Galyean Partnership, shown by Aaron Moses; Reserve, Certainly Persistent ,owned by Richard & Betty Carr, shown

by Jay Starnes.

Maturity $1,000 Novice Horse & Novice Rider Western Pleasure (4 shown) - Champion, RL Dream Take Flight, owned and shown by Kaitlyn Barrett; Reserve, HP Zippin The Best, owned and shown by Aleksandra Foss.

4-Year-Old $5,000 Limited Horse Western Pleasure (5 shown) - Champion, I Wrote The Code owned by Kristin Kern, shown by Aaron Moses; Reserve, Certainly A Blessing, owned by Christine Bivens, shown by Jamie Hartman.

3-Year-Old $2,500 Limited Horse/Limited Rider Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Champion, Friday After Five, owned by Steve Strickland, shown by Tony Schurmann; Reserve, Best One Made, owned and shown by Hanna Walier.

3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure (4 shown) – Champion, Girl Code, owned and shown by Kristen Galyean; 26 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

Reserve, Ole School Cool, owned and shown by Kylie Craven.

Maturity Limited Open Western Pleasure (9 shown) – Champion, Wanna Meet Sherlock, owned by Christine Hull, shown by Chad Piper; Reserve, Machine Made Gold, owned by Linda Lu Kosal, shown by Amber Pickard.

3-Year-Old Non-Pro 50 & Over Western Pleasure (6 shown) – Champion, VS Im No Doubts, owned by Gorman & Alice Barger, shown by Gorman Barger; Reserve, Best Be Lookin owned and shown by Kevin Spicer.

Maturity $2,500 Ltd. Horse NonPro Western Pleasure (8 shown) – Champion, Cool Gypsy Woman, owned and shown by Renee Norleen; Reserve, RL Dream Take Flight, owned and shown by Kaitlyn Barrett.

Small Fry Western Pleasure (2 shown) – Champion, City Limit Signs, owned by Katie Meyer, shown by Macy Meyer; Reserve Champion, Good

Miss Breeze, owned by Lana Markway, shown by SJ Dowdy.

Maturity Non-Pro Western Pleasure (3 shown) - Champion, Cool Liike Me, owned and shown by Debbie Brehm; Reserve, Hot Real Troubles, owned and shown by Patti Greene.

Youth Western Pleasure (2 shown) – Champion, Made Sleepy, owned and shown by Anna Dehrkoop; Reserve, Friday After Five, owned by Steve Strickland, shown by Olivia Strickland.

4-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Champion, I Wrote The Code, owned by Kristin Kern, shown

by Aaron Moses; Reserve, Saltt Life, owned by Kylee Wiseman, shown by Blake Britton.

3-Year-Old Limited Open Western

Pleasure (10 shown) - Champion, Icee Hot, owned by Stephanie Janis, shown by Ricky Noiseux; Reserve, Ole School Cool, owned by Kylie Craven, shown by Mark Katafiasz.

MI, IL, IN, OH Non-Pro Western Pleasure (6 shown) – Champion, Lopin Hottie Tottie, owned and shown by Karen Boxell; Reserve, NothinButLazy, owned and shown by Teresa Pankau.

4-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure (6 shown) - Champion: Saltt Life, owned and shown by Kylee Wiseman; Reserve, Batts The Way, owned and shown by Suzan VonEssen.

5-Year-Old Intermediate Open Western Pleasure – Champion, Machine Made Gold, owned by Linda Lu Kosal, shown

by Taft Dickerson; Reserve, KM Easy Being Me, owned by Jay & Kristy Starnes, shown by Kristy Starnes.

5-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure (8 shown) – Champion, Waffle House, owned by The Glover Galyean Partnership, shown by Aaron Moses; Reserve Champion, Certainly Persistent owned by Richard & Betty Carr, shown by Jay Starnes. sss

On the opposite page (clockwise from top): A little fun after hours; Allison Rassinoux and Plot Twistt; Anthony Leier and Boys Entice Me. On this page (clockwise from top) Kristen Galyean and Girl Code; SJ Dowdy and Good Miss Breeze; and Sailor Hutchinson in Lead Line.

3D Non-Pro Western Pleasure – Champion, Saltt Life, owned and shown by Kylee Wiseman; Reserve, Start Ur Engines, owned and shown by Yvonne Robeson.

Maturity $10,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure (6 shown) - Champion, Shes Ruthless, owned by Starland Ranch, shown by Blake Britton; Reserve, Batts The Way. owned

by Susan Von Essen, shown by Jason English.

HUnTER UnDER SADDLE 4-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (6 shown) – Champion, Real Southern Assets shown by Heidi Marhoffer; Reserve, You Proof shown by Haley Hartman 3-Year-Old Novice Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle (8 shown) – Champion, En The Kruzin Lane shown by Amber Pickard; Reserve, Plot Twistt, shown by Farley McLendon.

3-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (9 shown) – Champion, Plot Twistt, shown by Allison Rassinoux; Reserve, En The Kruzin Lane, shown by Lauren Deeds.

4-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) – Champion, Shezza Outlaw, shown

by Jamie English; Reserve, Hot Love N Emotion, shown by Katy Jo Zuidema.

3-Year-Old Limited Open Hunter Under Saddle (11 shown) – Champion, Plot Twistt, owned and shown by Allison Rassinoux; Reserve, Ill Sleep On It, owned by Rebecca Edward, shown by Suzanne Pickard.

Novice Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle (7 shown) – Champion, En The Kruzin Lane, owned by The Deeds Family Trust, shown by Amber Pickard; Reserve, Thee Legend, owned by Jean Ann Jordan, shown by Jamie English.

50 & Over Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (5 shown) – Champion, Best Hidden Agenda, owned by Jerry or Vickie Strickland, shown by Vickie Strickland; Reserve, Better Be Couture, owned and shown by Norma Hamilton.

Maturity $2,500 Limited Horse Open Hunter Under Saddle (3 shown) – Champion, Expect An Escape, owned by Heidi Kallenberger, shown by Erin Lieurance; Reserve, Hot Love N Emotion, owned by Marcie McClenon, shown by Katy Jo Zuidema.

Maturity Open Hunter Under Saddle (7 shown) – Champion, Real Southern Assets, owned by Heidi Marhoffer, shown

by Amber Pickard; Reserve, Only Ride The Best, owned by Caroline Cavallo, shown by Dawn Baker. $1,000 Novice Horse/Rider Hunter Under Saddle (5 shown) – Champion, Hot Love N Emotion, owned by Marcie McClenon, shown by Devon Meshach; Reserve, Pretty Moves, owned and shown by Allyson Merrill.

3-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle (9 shown) – Champion, Marilynd, owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt, shown by Amber Pickard; Reserve, Plot Twistt, by Allison Rassinoux, shown by Farley McLendon.

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 27

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JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 29

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Share Your Golden Stories Tell us why your Palomino is special and be part of our upcoming tribute Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Kelsey Keathly There is an undeniable magic to the palomino horse. With their gleaming, sun-kissed coats and striking flaxen manes, they have been the stuff of myth, cinema, and legend for centuries.

We want to celebrate these golden beauties, and we are inviting you, our readers, to tell us why your palomino holds such a special place in your heart.

They can belong to a variety of breeds and are known for their luminous eyes, intelligent demeanor, and willing attitudes.

Long before they were capturing hearts in the show ring or starring in old Westerns, golden horses were the favored mounts of queens, emperors, and desert warriors. Born from a special cream dilution gene that transforms a chestnut base, the palomino is more than just a color. To own one is to have a living piece of art right in your pasture. Their shades can range from a pale, sandy cream to a brilliant, deep butter-coin gold, shifting beautifully with the seasons.

While their beauty is what first turns heads, it is their unmistakable personalities that keep us hooked. Palomino owners often note that these horses boast bright, intelligent, and eager-to-work temperaments. Whether your golden friend is a gentle trail companion that helps you unwind, an athletic competitor, or a goofy, loyal "puppy with hooves", their individual stories deserve to be shared.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU We here at InStride Edition are compiling a special feature for our upcoming issue, and we want to celebrate the real stars of the barn: your Palominos.

We invite you to tell us what makes your golden horse oneof-a-kind.To participate, we’d love for you to share: • Your palomino's name, age, and breed • A favorite memory or adventure you've shared together • One paragraph that best describes their unique personality.

• The Look: What shade of gold are they, and how do they change in the summer?

And if your registered Palomino is not golden in color but Palomino Bred, we want to hear from you too. In fact, we will

32 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

have a section of our upcoming tribute reserved just for Palomino Bred horses and their owners.

Send your stories and your favorite high-resolution photos of your golden horse to our editorial team and don’t forget to include a caption explaining what your horse’s name is and where the photograph was taken.

We can't wait to feature a selection of your heartfelt tributes in an upcoming print and digital edition.

You can email your submissions to: InStride Edition Editor Corrine S. Borton at Corrineborton@instrideedition.com.

Remember! Photo submissions must be a minimum of 300 DPI (no web only images) and all images must be released by the originating photographer.

The deadline for submission is Thursday, Oct. 1.

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ADDED MONEY CLASSES INCLUDE: $21,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred Yearling Stallions, Mares & Geldings Halter Stakes $15,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred 2 Yr. Old Stallions, Mares & Geldings Halter Stakes $15,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred 3 Yr. Old Stallions, Mares & Geldings Halter Stakes $10,000 All-Age//All-Breed Ranch Riding $ 5,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred All-Age Western Pleasure $ 5,000 All-Age//All-Breed Non-Pro Walk-Trot Western Pleasure $ 5,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred Hunter Under Saddle $ 5,000 All-Age//All-Breed Western Pleasure $ 3,000 All-Age//All-Breed Open Trail $ 3,000 3 Yr. Old Snaffle Bit Palomino//Palomino Bred Western Pleasure Derby $ 1,000 2 Yr. Old Snaffle Bit Palomino Bred Western Pleasure $ 1,000 Costume Showmanship $ 1,000 Amateur Reining $ 1,000 Palomino//Palomino Bred High Point All-Around Games (payout based on NSBA payout chart) $ 1,000 Open Palomino Ranch Riding $ 650 2026 Versatility Challenge

And More to Come!

Come Join Us . . . There’s Something for Everyone!

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 35

Hannah Morgan

KANE, PENNSYLVANIA

Age: 30 Family: My parents are Dan and Mardi Means. I have two older brothers: Brandon married to Alexa; and Jacob married to Ashley. I have three nephews (Hunter, Parker, and Connor) and two nieces (Laikyn and Jaylen). My grandparents are Walt and Donna Dick who reside in Alabama. I married my loving husband, Colton, in 2024.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education from Clarion University. I will complete my master’s degree with honors in applied Behavior Analysis from Slippery Rock University in December.

Occupation: Middle school special education teacher at Kane Area School District and the Student Council Advisor.

How I got involved with horses: My mom had horses all through her childhood and teen years, when I was old enough, her goal was to purchase my first horse. She bought my first horse (Lacy) when I was 3, and I have had the “horse bug” ever since. I started showing at local 4-H shows and moved up into AQHA level circuits when I was 9.

Trainers: Chase Barnes & Jennifer Stein and their assistants Jessica Spilman and Kelly Cleveland.

Current show partners: Made To Envy (Goose), a 3year-old AQHA/IBHA gelding by MadeFourIt and out of Willy B Stylin. I purchased Goose from his breeder and my dear friend Michelle Walters as a yearling. This is his first year showing, and he is so much fun to show. Goose’s favorite class is the Hunter Under Saddle and is also currently excelling in the Equitation and Horsemanship.

38 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

Biggest Prize: My biggest prize as an owner was when Chase Barnes won the Quarter Horse Congress with Double Dose Of Iron in the 2 Year Old Hunter Under Saddle Congress Sale Stakes. The biggest prize/achievements of my own are multiple Congress top fives, NSBA World Show top fives and tens and Level 1 East Championships top tens.

Interests Outside the Show Pen: I enjoy reading, hunting, fishing, gardening, basically anything outdoors. I love going to all my nieces and nephews’ sports competitions and spending time with my dogs and my husband. I prioritize spending time with my family as much as I can, and you will rarely see me without my dogs.

My Motivation to Show: The partnership I have with Goose. Every ride is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better team. While I love setting goals and challenging myself, my horse's well-being will always come first. The prizes and accomplishments are wonderful, but they're never more important than his happiness, health and trust.

People would be surprised to learn that: I have an obsession with Hey Dude shoes. I have 30 pairs, and I feel no shame about it! They are even in color order in my closet. My entire wedding party wore them on my wedding day and I had a pair of custom white Hey Dudes made.

Amateur Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for an amateur profile email Corrine Borton, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.

TWO-YEAR RULE by Katherine Jarve AQHA’s repeal of controversial regulation raises important legal considerations

s

One of the most debated breeding policies in the American property rights and breeding decisions. Additionally, opponents argued that the rule created an arbitrary distinction beQuarter Horse industry has been officially repealed following tween horses foaled before and after 2015. This particularly the 2026 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Confrustrated young stallion owners. In the event of an untimely vention. death, a young stallion’s legacy would be drastically limited, The rule, which was adopted in 2015, limited how long while older horses are allowed to continue breeding uninhibfrozen semen or embryos from certain horses could be used to ited. produce AQHA registered foals. For more than a decade, What are the Legal Implications?

AQHA’s “Two-Year Rule” shaped breeding decisions, influAQHA did not take ownership away with the Two-Year enced the value of frozen semen and embryos, and sparked deRule, but it did meaningfully restrict the value and use of bate regarding genetic diversity, property rights, and the future owned frozen semen and embryos by limiting registration. of the breed. The repeal of the Two-Year Rule now represents After that two-year period, any resulting foals would not be elia significant shift in AQHA policy and raises important legal gible for AQHA registration, effectively ending that horse’s considerations for breeders, owners, and other equine industry breeding legacy and plummeting the value of the foal. Now, professionals. the elimination of the Two-Year Rule restores flexibility for What Was the AQHA Two-Year Rule? owners of frozen semen and embryos from affected horses. Of The rule applied to stallions and mares foaled in 2015 or course, this rule change has important legal consequences. later and placed strict limits on the use of frozen genetics after Since 2015, many sale contracts, breeding agreements, syndicaa horse’s death or sterilization.

Specifically, under AQHA REG111.6, frozen semen from a tion contracts, stallion ownership arrangements, and estate qualifying stallion could not be used to produce an The repeal of the Two-Year Rule now represents a AQHA-eligible foal more than two calendar years following the stallion’s death or gelding. Similarly, significant shift in AQHA policy and raises important legal under AQHA REG112.9, embryos from a qualifyconsiderations for breeders, owners, and other equine ing mare could not be used to produce an AQHAindustry professionals. eligible foal more than two calendar years after the mare’s death or spaying. If frozen embryos were plans were drafted with the Two-Year Rule in mind. Some of involved, both the stallion’s and mare’s timelines applied. those agreements may now need to be revisited and amended.

The rule did not prohibit owners from storing semen or For example, many high-value stallions are owned through embryos indefinitely. Rather, it restricted whether resulting offspring would qualify for AQHA registration after the applicable syndicates, where multiple parties hold fractional interests in breeding rights, semen distribution rights, or embryo productwo-year period expired. Of course, that ability to register a tion income. foal is vital to its economic value.

The repeal of the rule highlights the importance of having Notably, the rule did not apply to horses foaled before a carefully drafted agreement between the parties. The agree2015, meaning semen from many influential stallions that died prior to that date could continue to be used without the same re- ment should always address the ownership structure and share rights, breeding rights, revenue distribution, breeding managestriction. ment, and sale or transfer rights.

The Debate Behind the Rule Now, the agreements should also contemplate the ownerFrom its inception, the Two-Year Rule generated intense ship and management of the stored semen indefinitely. Who debate throughout the industry. Supporters argued that the regucontrols the semen 10-20 years from now? Do rights automatilation promoted genetic diversity, limited overuse of certain cally transfer to heirs upon death? Are there any limitations on elite bloodlines, and placed boundaries around frozen genetics. the use of frozen semen? Who is entitled to revenue from They contended that modern technology allowed popular stalsemen sold 10-20 years later? These are just a few questions lions and mares to influence the gene pool long after their that may arise. Syndication agreements that were previously deaths, which could potentially increase genetic concentration within the breed. On the other hand, opponents viewed the rule drafted assuming a limited post-death window for breeding as an unnecessary restriction and served as an interference with may now produce unexpectedly extended income streams.

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 39

TWO-YEAR RULE (continued) Looking Ahead Although the Two-Year Rule has been repealed, the underlying policy debate is far from over. AQHA is still concerned about genetic concentration amongst the breed. Despite the repeal of the rule, AQHA has established a task force to continue studying genetic diversity and potential future policy options and present its findings at the 2027 AQHA Convention. Therefore,

40 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

it remains an open issue as to any future restrictions or limitations that may be recommended or introduced in the future.

Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil liti-

gation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.

44 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

Riley Potts

FOUNTAIN INN, SOUTH CAROLINA

Age: 16.

Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut School: Rising senior, South Carolina Connections Academy.

Favorite Subject: U.S. History because I love learning about this country and how we got where we are today.

How I got involved with horses: I am a fourth-generation horseman and have lived all my life on a farm with horses.

Family: Mother, Christine Potts; Father, TR Potts; Sister, Alexis Potts.

Trainers: My father, TR Potts.

Current show partner(s): Lookin Dirty, a 2022 sorrel gelding, sired by Hay Goodlookn out of Dirty Zip Zip in 1418 Youth Western Pleasure.He's a very talented horse that is still green but he improves every day because he has a lot of heart & a lot of try.

Organizations: AQHA, NSBA, Woodmont High School Baseball Team, DPC Travel Baseball Team in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Biggest Prize: I was the 2023 Level 2 Champion in Western Pleasure 13 & Under at the American Quarter Horse

Association Youth World Show riding The Kissing Machine.

Greatest Accomplishment Outside the Show Arena: Hitting a walk-off single while playing for the Woodmont High School Baseball Team against our school’s rival to win the game.

My Hero: Jesus Christ.

My motivation: Accomplishing small daily goals with young horses and eventually seeing them succeed in the show pen.

Best Advice I Ever Got About Showing Horses: Dad always tells me when training a horse to not only prepare them physically but to ensure I am building them up mentally as well, enhancing their confidence which will give me a long-lasting show horse.

Favorite Class To Watch: Any 3-Year-Old Maiden Western Pleasure class.

When I’m Not Riding I Enjoy: Playing baseball, golfing, fishing and any activity with my friends.

What Most People Don’t Know About Me: I am also a National Snaffle Bit Association World Champion in Youth Small Fry Hunter Under Saddle.

Youth Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a Youth profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 45

FREE CHOICE FEEDING by Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD Caring for a horse with insulin resistance requires major lifestyle changes pellets only once daily.

Whether it’s preventing gastric ulcers or “resetting” the The mares fed only once daily had an expected exaggermetabolism of a horse with metabolic syndrome, free choice ated insulin and glucose peak after feeding, but their cortisol feeding is not the answer.

As many as 70.9% of horses with 24/7 pasture access have levels were lower than the mares with constant access to hay or pasture at all testing times. gastric ulcers (le Jeune, et al. 2009). Obviously there’s a lot Freestone, et al. 1991, did find small (but not statistically more going on than constant food. significant) rises in cortisol in ponies fasted 24 to 72 hours, Correctly caring for a horse with insulin resistance (IR) consistent with the tendency of ponies, but not horses, to detakes some major lifestyle changes. It is up to the caretaker to velop exaggerated release of fat into the bloodstream with fastimplement those changes. ing. The metabolism of ponies (and minis, donkeys) is This can be a major advantage for the horse, who doesn’t have to rely on his own will power, or it can throw any number distinctly different from horses.

What about the fact that feral horses spend 18 to 20 hours of obstacles in his path.

We hear things like ‘The horse can’t possibly be happy without pasture’, despite the fact that By all means feed your insulin resistant horse (IR) with a millions of horses around the world are, many of slow feeding set up to avoid long gaps with no food that might which do not even have pasture as an option. lead to insulin peaks and also just to keep her busy, but don’t Another is that they can’t possibly be healthy on a diet restricted in amounts or types of food, worry that going without food for even short periods will when in truth it is the human imposing their own increase cortisol and make IR worse. emotional reaction to that possibility on the horse.

Most dangerous are objections that sound like they are based in science when they are not. One is that not per- a day eating? This observation does not automatically mean horses have to spend this much time eating to be metabolically mitting an IR horse 24/7 access to food will cause stress and a healthy. You have to remember that grass is over 70% water cortisol increase that will actually make him worse. This has a while hay is typically around 10% and a much more concenring of truth to it, but it’s wrong.

Sticker, et al. 1995, fed mares either 100% of requirements trated calorie source than pasture. They have to spend that much time eating native pasture to get enough calories. or restricted calories by 50%. The restricted mares had a drop By all means feed your insulin resistant horse (IR) with a in cortisol levels.

DePew, et al. 1994, fasted mares and stallions for 19 hours slow feeding set up to avoid long gaps with no food that might lead to insulin peaks and also just to keep her busy, but don’t then fed a pellet and hay meal. Cortisol rose after feeding, and worry that going without food for even short periods will indid not change in response to fasting for 19 hours.

Glunk, et al. 2015, fed adult Quarter horses a restricted hay crease cortisol and make IR worse.

Research has proven that’s simply not the case. In fact, in diet of 1% of their body weight either as loose hay, or from study after study a drop in cortisol has been found with fasting slow feeder nets, divided into two feedings, with 15 hours beor restricted feeding of horses. tween the afternoon and morning meals.

The floor fed horses finished their meals much quicker.

There was no difference in cortisol levels between the two types of feeding. Cortisol dropped in both groups over the 28 Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD, is a graduate of the University day trial despite the markedly restricted feeding and weight of Pennsylvania Veterinary School and completed her internloss. (Horses were sampled every 30 minutes after meals and ship and residency in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at hourly between feedings.) the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. She is curStorer, et al. 2007, fed both normal and hyperleptinemic rently a Staff Veterinarian for Uckele Health and Nutrition, Inc. (IR) mares either constant pasture, free choice hay or hay and

46 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

The

ASSOCIATIONS

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

(IN) APHA NEWS

Thanks to generous endowments from American Paint Horse Foundation supporters, seven AjPHA members were tapped to receive 2026 academic scholarships to help pursue their academic goals. They include: Robert Culwell, of Louisville, Mississippi, describes his life’s purpose as “giving back to [his] community.” He has taken on leadership roles and contributed to a variety of Youth horse activities.

Culwel is a dedicated supporter of equine-assisted therapy. By sharing his firsthand experiences, Culwell seeks to help others and show how horses positively impacted his life.

Drew Dayhuff, of Knightstown, Indiana says his long-term goal is to become a doctor of kinesiology and nutrition. He is specifically interested in how diet and exercise can be valuable tools for helping a variety of illnesses. Dayhuff hopes to one day start his own business, where he can offer free information and affordable health resources.

Madeline Glaize, of Volant, Pennsylvania, will attend Liberty University. She seeks to positively impact the lives of others by pursuing a degree in nursing. In the future, Glaize also hopes to travel to a wide range of communities and health-care settings to better serve patients.

Kayden Johnson, of Dayton, Texas, is attending Sam Houston State University, where she will major in animal science with a pre-veterinary concentration before enrolling in veterinary school.

Johnson seeks to promote responsible animal stewardship and preventative health measures, especially in areas with limited access to veterinary services.

Daphne Ries, of Salem, Oregon, seeks to become a dental hygienist. Her involvement in a wide variety of extracurriculars, from mock trial to 4-H to APHA, gave Ries valuable skills that she can leverage to pursue her long-term academic and professional goals.

Brayden Siersma, of Fruita, Colorado, will use his scholarship to pursue his goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. His dream is to serve patients by keeping them comfortable and safe during surgery. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, Siersma plans to complete medical school.

Natalie Snapp, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, plans to study business management. She hopes to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the professional world and make a positive impact on additional organizations in the future.

HORSE OF THE YEAR TITLES

NSBA NAMES RECIPIENTS IN FOUR CATEGORIES The National Snaffle Bit Association has announced its four 2025 Horse Of The Year awards.

RC Kola, a 2022 gelding sired by Its A Southern Thing out of Its Al Over, is the Rail Horse of the Year. He was shown by Joy Wheeler, Keith Miller and Madeline Bayless to wins that included the Orange Blossom Classic Maiden 3-Year-Old and Older Hunter Under Saddle and the Premier Hunter Under Saddle Stakes, as well as NSBA World championships in 3-Year-Old Open, Non-Pro and 3Year-Old Novice Horse Hunter Under Saddle and BCF championships in 3-Year-Old Open and Limited Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle. Their year also included multiple Quarter Horse Congress championships and an AQHA Reserve World title in Junior Hunter Under Saddle. On his way to the award, R C Kola won 310.5 NSBA points and $67,744.97 in NSBA earnings.

The Batchelor, a 2017 gelding by How Bout This Cowboy out of Shes Blazing Cool is the All Around Performance Horse of the Year. Competing with Ady Kallay and Sara Simons, he enjoyed class wins at the Sun Circuit, Orange Blossom/A Sudden Impulse and Premier. Kallay and The Batchelor won NSBA World championships as well as AQHYA Championship in Western Riding, Equitation and Horsemanship. Simons added a Reserve Championship in the NSBA $100,000 Senior Trail class at the Championship Show as well as an AQHA Reserve World Championship in Senior Trail. Throughout 2025, The Batchelor earned 935 points and

$31,492.65 in NSBA earnings.

DGS Legacy, is the Hunter/Jumper Horse of the Year. Jessica Johnson guided the 2020 stallion

by DGS Replicated out of PR Real Quiet to wins in Junior Hunter Hack and Level 1 Working Hunter and the duo also won the Gulf Coast Hunter Derby.

They claimed a NSBA World Championship in Green Working Hunter and a Reserve World Championship in Junior Hunter Hack, a Quarter Horse Congress Championship in Level 1 Working Hunter, and AQHA world titles in Junior Hunter Hack, Level 1 Hunter Hack, Level 1 Working Hunter and Progressive Working Hunter. DGS Legacy earned 252 points and $17,065.83 on his way to earning the Horse Of The Year: Hunter/Jumper title.

Ranch Performance Horse of the Year honors went to Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, a 2015 black stallion by Wimpys Little Step out of Im Not Blonde.

He was shown by Matt and Beth Gouthro in Open events and owner Erika Collins Sterling in Non-Pro classes. Matt and Sterling each earned NSBA Reserve World Championships in Senior Ranch Riding and Amateur Ranch Rail, while Matt and the black stallion won the Open Working Western Rail Stakes and the Open Ranch Trail Stakes at the Quarter Horse Congress. Beth added an AQHA Reserve World championship in Level 2 Senior Ranch Riding and Sterling piloted him to win an AQHA World Championship in All Age Non-Pro Ranch Rail.

Xtra Wimpys Catalyst won 688 points and $41,849.48 in NSBA earnings in 2025.

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 47

BUZZ

The

ON THE WEB (www.instrideedition.com)

AT BACK TO BERRIEN FUTURITY AARON MOSES IS THE YOUNGEST TO REACH $1 MILLION IN NSBA LIFETIME EARNINGS MILESTONE

The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) recently announced that Aaron Moses, of Pilot Point, Texas has become its AQHA and NSBA competitor Cydney newest member to achieve $1 million in lifetime NSBA earnings.

Benes, wed Spencer Sorrells on June Moses reached the milestone after winning the $10,000 Added 11, at The DAC $2,500 Limited Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure at the World Equestrian Center in Back To Berrien Futurity in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in June.

He becomes the fifth rider to reach $1 million in earnings Ocala, Florida. and the youngest rider to do so, joining professional trainers Gil Cydney graduGalyean, Rusty Green, Jay Starnes and Katy Jo Zuidema. ated from Texas Moses grew up in Saco, Maine, and although he was not Christian Univerraised in a horse family, he had a passion for horses the sity and is employed by Covetrus North stemmed from his early childhood memories of the cowboys he America. saw when his family had been in Colorado.

Moses began his horse journey at Maine AQHA trainer Al The APHA Board of Directors recently Dube’s barn. He later went to work for Gil Galyean, and stayed elected Rachel Kooiker as their next with his training program for nearly eight years before starting president-elect. The Aaron Moses Show Horses in 2017. He was inducted into the president-elect is seNSBA Quarter Million Dollar Club in 2020. lected from and Moses has won numerous futurities at major shows across elected by the existthe country that include horses such as Only Girls Invited, Good ing members on the Luck Only, Cool Lookin Machine, Moonlite Madnez, Its A Pretty APHA Board of Directors. Rachel will take the reins as president- Thing, VS The First Lady, Heart Stoppin, VS Lady In Red, Lope Ryde, Anti Hero, City Limit Signs, Annonymous, When N Where, With Grace, Moonrageous, Snap It Send It, For One Night Only, elect in March 2027 and take office as The Whoo, Not Just An Illusion, Yall Hashtag This, Isthatcoolwith- Waffle House, Smalltownsouthrnman, Workin Nine To Wine, president in 2028. you, Snippity Snap, Ima Golden Machine, Itsa Southern Belle, VS Kristal Klear, Boifriend Material, First Thingz First, Girl Code, I Should Have Known, Dang Theres No Doubt, Despurado and Only The Fireman, The Way I Talk, Saay My Name, This Cowboys (IN) WORK On Nettflix.

Mine, Flying To The Moon, Socks For Dayz, Hello Handsom, Air The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) recently announced that professional trainer ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION IN MICHIGAN Mike Hachtel has $56,000 RAISED FOR NSBA’S TRAINER CRISIS FUND DURING AUCTION AT BACK TO BERRIEN FUTURITY been added to the Quarter Million Dollar held the Galyean Ranch during the 2026 A total of $56,000 was raised for Club. Hachtel reached the National Snaffle Bit Association FounNSBA World Championship Show, a the milestone of win- dation’s Trainer Crisis Fund at the Back To guided fishing trip in Montana and a basning more than ket full of brand-name designer purses.

Berrien Futurity last month in Michigan. $250,000 in lifetime NSBA earnings at the Breedings to stallions Enticed and Icee Attendees were generous with their Madness in Wilmington, Ohio, in May. donations and their bids to an annual live Hott, as well as an embryo out of BestThere, he earned eighth place in the Madseatnthehouse were also bid heavily. The auction that has become a tradition since ness 3-Year-Old & Older Novice Horse Westauction also featured several gift certifithe show started. ern Pleasure Slot class, earning $1,500 Following a barbecue dinner sponcates for boots and hats, and a number of with SST Super Sport (QH), showing for additional items. sored by Super Sires, the bidding was fast ity of people,” noted announcer-turnedNettie Olsen, earning his place in the NSBA auctioneer Peter Cannizzaro who facili“The NSBA Foundation is grateful and furious for items that ranged from Quarter Million Dollar Club. Hachtel owns tated the sale. “When we ask people to home-made moonshine to jewelry, workto the organizers of Back To Berrien for inand operates Espuela Ranch in Collinsville, donate and to help raise money for the cluding the fundraiser as part of their aning tack and show items to two of Cliff Texas. He has specialized in developing nual show, as well as to all those who Hartman’s bred Angus cows and breedings Crisis Fund, they always step up."

Western pleasure horses for more than 30 Among popular items in the auction donated items and bid generously,” noted to Enticed and Icee Hott to a basket of deyears. He has won numerous NSBA, APHA, was a free Cutting lesson with NCHA Hall Bob Kennedy, 2026 NSBA Foundation signer purses.

ApHC world and futurity titles chair.

“It always amazes me the generos- Of Fame Trainer Wesley Galyean, to be

(IN) LIFE

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 49

50 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 51

Aaron Moses Show Horses .....................37

Galyean, Gil ........................................51

Pilot Knob ............................................50

Glover/Galyean ...................................51

Rail Horse Assoc....................................44

Backes QH ..........................................51 Baker Futurity Horses .............................51

Roberts, Alyse ................................... ..50 Harris Leather ......................................56

Bauer Gooding Show Horses................BC

Starnes Insurance Agency ......................51

Blake Britton Show Horses................. ..50

Jacobs, Aubrey ................................54-55

Briere, Pierre ........................................51

Jeff Kirkbride Photography .....................50

Brinks Hattery ........................................4 Burris, Tony ..........................................50

Tali Terlizzi Show Horses .....................2-3 Kathy’s Tails ..........................................50 Kendalls Western Hats ...........................50

CAC Show Horses ............................. ..50

Van Slyke, Katie ..............................36-37

Kennedy, Kathie ...................................51

Chafin Perf. Horses ..............................51 Cochran Show Horses ...............FC, 10-15

Sweet Shop ....................................... ..51

Wilkes, Lisa ....................................28-29 Lakins, Kenny ........................... 28-29, 50

World Equestrian Center ..........................9

Mayabb Show Horses ..............................5

Zeitler Show Horses ..................................54-55

Cook. JR ...................................FC, 10-15

Dobbs Insurance ..................................50 North Farm .....................................41-43 Equine Healthcare Int ..............................6 English Show Horses ..............................7

52 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

Pickard Hanson Show Horses...........16-18

DECEMBER JULY 2026 2025 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 53

54 | INSTRIDE EDITION | JULY 2026

JULY 2026 | INSTRIDE EDITION | 55