Written by Larri Jo Starkey Photo credit, The American Quarter Horse Journal
Sladen Summers returns to the show ring with a big win at the 2017 Farnam Central AQHA Level 1 Championships.
After more than 20 years, Sladen Summers returned to the show ring with a bang. Sladen led In The Act to the amateur halter champion of champions title April 11 at the 2017 Farnam Central AQHA Level 1 Championships in Oklahoma City.
Sladen, who lives in Boerne, Texas, showed for years, but when his daughters started showing, Sladen became head groom. “I’ve been the groom for the last 20 year – 25 years,” he said. “I think my daughter did a pretty good job (today). The tables have turned.”
In The Act is a 2010 sorrel gelding by My Intention and out of Kids Lil Sister by Obvious Conclusion. He was bred by Jim and Georgia Snow of Quinlan, Texas, and is owned by Victoria Summers of Boerne, Texas.
Sladen’s daughters have been showing “Teddy” in youth halter for about three years, but now Sladen is getting his turn. When he got his Level 1 invitation in the mail, he said, “I guess we’ll go. “It’s a great show,” he said. “We’ve really enjoyed being here.”
When Sladen was showing in the past, there was no leveling, he said. “Being able to share the wealth with everyone has made a big difference,” he said. “That’s the biggest change I’ve seen.”
The reserve amateur halter champion of champions was Lanora Doud of Cedar Creek, Texas, leading Star Six Intel, a 2014 sorrel gelding by Interesting and out of Apretty Dandy Mr by Mr Conclusion. He was bred by Dianne N. Wright of Bullard, Texas.