Current Congress News

Good Luck Girl and Tina Kaven take the Masters Western Pleasure

Last November, J.R. Reichert and Tina Kaven found themselves on opposite ends of a bidding war in Oklahoma City at the AQHA World Show Sale. The object of their affection was Good Luck Girl, a chestnut yearling filly by Zippos Mr Good Bar and out of a Hotrodders Jet Set mare, that they both knew was destined for greatness. "I knew the first time I saw her move, she had the ability to be in the Masters," said Reichert. "When I realized who was bidding against me, I told Tina to take her home and make her a winner."

Kaven gladly obliged. "She is just such a great jogger as well as a great loper. She has that combination to be one of the great ones," she said. " She just came out so relaxed. The more we rode, the better she got. I'd have to say this is one of the best rides I have ever had here tonight."

The judges took notice of their performance, with Kaven standing at the front of the line under Tony Burris, Jeff Allen and Gigi Bailey, and third on Holly Hover's card in the 23-horse field. Kaven becomes the first woman to win the Congress Western Pleasure Masters in its three-year history, as well as earning Reichert a check for $100,000.

Both Reichert and Kaven noted that showing in the maiden events can be hard on one's nerves. "When you show in a maiden class, you never know how the horses will handle the arena, the crowd and all the commotion," said Kaven. "It definitely keeps your attention," added Reichert with a laugh.

With her maiden trip now completed, next on the mare's agenda is a show career as a youth horse. Reichert recently sold the mare, whom Kaven calls "Merlot," to the McDonald family. Merlot will continue to be trained by Kaven.

Taking the reserve title in the Masters Western Pleasure was Cool Krymsun Lady and Gil Galyean, while Randy Wilson and Crystals Legacy were third. The High Point Limited Rider was Cleve Wells, showing LL Cool Bay, placing ninth.

There's little time for celebration by Kaven, however. She will prepare another entry for the Congress finals on Saturday, and next heads to the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City. But even Kaven would have to admit, there's nothing like a bit of Merlot to end the day.

by Connie Lechleitner, photos to come from Jeff Kirkbride Photograpy