Kari Ellingson of Social Circle, Georgia, and Mostly Chocolate celebrate with a victory lap after winning the 2007 AQHA World Champion amateur horsemanship.

With four more classes to compete in, Kari Ellingson and Mostly Chocolate rode

their way to the 2007 AQHA world champion title in amateur horsemanship.

The win secures the pair from Social Circle, Georgia, as serious contenders for the 2007 Sooner Trailer Amateur All-Around title. Look for Kari and Mostly Chocolate to compete in amateur showmanship, amateur trail and amateur hunt seat equitation as well as junior trail and junior western riding.

The talented duo trains with Jason English and Carmen Moss of JC Show Horses. Kari purchased the 5-year-old chestnut gelding two years ago and has taught him the ins and outs of showing.

“When I got him, he didn’t know anything but how to go on the rail,” Kari said. “So we taught him all the pattern skills.”

Kari approached the horsemanship pattern with humble confidence.

“I was just hoping to come here, make the finals and have a good go,” she said. “I never, never imagined anything like this.”

She described Mostly Chocolate as loving and kind.

“I just got through it and he did everything I asked specifically,” she continued. “He tries so hard. He’s just an amazing horse. This means more to me than anything.”

Kari and Mostly Chocolate also made it back to the finals in amateur trail and compete November 4.

For an AQHA Pro Horseman's analysis of the horsemanship pattern click here.