JAN SHEPHERD PITTMAN RIDES ONA GOOD IMPULSE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
BY KATIE HENDRICKSON, MARKETING INTERN
Jan Shepherd Pittman of Panama City, Florida, and her 4-year-old mare, Ona Good Impulse, beat out 57 of the world’s best Select western pleasure competitors to earn the 2008 Select world championship trophy. It was both her first time at Select and her first world championship. The applause from the stands as she made a victory lap reaffirmed the judges’ decision. In between many congratulations and celebration, the Journal was able to speak with Jan.
Q. What kind of strategy did you have going into finals today?
Jan: I changed my shirt, this is my lucky shirt. This is the same shirt I wore at the (All American Quarter Horse) Congress and won in the Congress with and the (National Snaffle Bit Association) worlds, so I went back to my lucky blue shirt. That was the only change we made (from prelims).
Q. Will you tell us a little about Imp’s personality?
Jan: Today she was just wonderful. She gave me her heart. She’s just real special. She’s the type of horse where she’s laying in her stall and you go in and lay down with her. I guess the best thing about her is I raised her.
Q. Who is your trainer?
Jan: I work with Brett and Candy Parrish. They’ve done an awesome job with her. Candy shows her also in open, and they take great care of her, which I think matters a lot.
Q. What plans do you have for her future?
Jan: We’re going to show in Congress this fall and continue competing in western pleasure next year. I think I would like to try some western riding if my bones are not too old by then!
Q. Any final thoughts about your world championship?
Jan: A win just shows your hard work. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of teamwork. Candy and Brett have done a phenomenal job. (Imp’s) a great mare. I’m just lucky. This only comes once in a lifetime. I’m excited, very excited!
Fun Fact: Ona Good Impulse was in the top 10 in 2-year-old snaffle bit western pleasure at the 2008 AQHA World Championship Show.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Ona Good Impulse Pedigree: 2004 sorrel mare by Impulsions and out of Zippos Good Image by Zippos Mr Good Bar Exhibitor: Jan Shepherd Pittman, Panama City, Florida Owner: Jan Shepherd Pittman, Panama City, Florida Trainer: Brett and Candy Parrish
Total class entries: 57
World Champion Prizes: Custom-designed gold-tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, neck wreath, gold medallion, Cripple Creek-logo jacket, world champion patch, Tex Tan product
