SENIOR TRAIL

LOPING TO THE LEAD.

BY KIMBERLY FRENCH, JOURNAL INTERN

Double T Blue Chip’s lope won the horse’s first world championship for owner Kelsey Moody of Woodstock, Georgia.

AQHA Professional Horseman Michael R.Colvin of Snellville, Georgia, who trains and exhibits the 2006 senior trail world champion in open classes, was thrilled with the gelding’s tractability and smoothness.

“We had the lope around, and I thought he moved through very well,” Michael said. “That was probably my favorite part of the run as I thought he guided really well, was very fluid and listened to me.”

Double T Blue Chip and AQHA Pro Horseman Michael Colvin win a gold trophy for owner Kelsey Moody of Woodstock, Georgia, in senior trail.

Michael was pleased with the 9-year-old’s effort right from the gate.

“It started out at the gate,” Michael said. “I thought that went really well, and my horse was right with me from the very beginning.”

“Blue” was reserve year-end all-around youth horse in 2004 and 2003 for Kelsey. Her mom, Kay, shows the horse in amateur and novice amateur classes.

The black gelding possesses a unique nickname besides Blue.

“Kelsey Moody is the owner, and he has a little white that shows up on one eye,” Michael said with a smile. “So we have nicknamed him Mad-Eyed Moody but that is not his personality.”

Blue’s team is excited with his victory and has more goals for future.

“It’s wonderful,” Michael said. “Our major goal is getting to the Youth World next year with Kelsey.”

WINNER STATS Horse name: DoubleT Blue Chip  Pedigree: Chips Hot Chocolate x LJSR Kizzie by The Flying Saint Exhibitor/Trainer: Michael Colvin, Snellville, Georgia Owner: Kelsey Moody, Woodstock, Georgia Breeder: Patricia Apple, Littlestown, Pennsylvania Total class entries: 66 Purse: $29,536.32 World Champion Prizes: Custom gold-tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, Cripple Creek World Show jacket, Tex Tan silver halter and spurs, Justin ostrich Techno Crepe boots, 100 pounds of Nutrena feed, Professional’s Choice and WeatherBeeta product. Total purse and prizes for the 2006 AQHA World Championship Show: $2,457,010