Appaloosa Reining Horse Association

What a dramatic finish to the ApHC Nationals Senior Reining Event last night in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Braving the 100 degree+ heat outside and the 65 degree temperature inside, 14 entrants took to the arena, running Pattern 10 and looking to bring home the blue.  At the end though, it looked like Kelly Hedges, (Perrysburg, NY) aboard This Juice is Smokin, had edged out Eric LaPorte, (France) riding Mr Awesome Affaire, by a mere 1/2 point – Hedges posting a blowout 214 1/2 and LaPorte with an exciting 214.

But drama begins with a review of the scores by the ApHC and along with two other contestants whose scores were reduced, Hedges score was reduced by 1/2 point, now making it a tie with LaPorte!

Both riders came back in for the work off, LaPorte first and Hedges second, and once again laid down incredible rides on their Appy’s – Hedges made a slight error by picking up a wrong lead for two steps, but it was enough to give LaPorte the edge and the championship.  LaPorte wins with a second score of 214 and Hedges ends the work off with a still very impressive 213!  Both men and both Appy horses performed beautifully – great job guys!