Joetta Bell hadn’t shown halter at the AQHA World Show since she was 11. She returned this year and led Double Oh 7 to the World Show amateur weanling stallion championship.

Sired by Golden Gunslinger, “James” proved his conformation standards match those of his breeding. Before Golden Gunslinger died at 3, he won multiple championships. World champion 2-year-old stallion in 2005, world champion open and amateur yearling stallion in 2004, and two-time Palomino Horse Breeders of America world champion, Golden Gunslinger has passed down his legacy.

“I’m hoping that he’ll be as good as his dad,” Joetta said. “And I hope he sticks around a lot longer than his daddy did.”

Joetta will be keeping James but might not continue showing him.

“I may just want to end on a good note,” she said.

Her husband, Don, who is an AQHA Professional Horseman, will continue training the colt.

“He’s our little baby,” Joetta said of James. “He just has a lot of personality. He loves being brushed and he loves people.”

And popcorn, she told the crowd applauding in the World Show arena.

Bred by Oscar and Brenda Black of Weatherford, Texas, James competed against some of the best weanling stallions in the nation.

With 14 world championships during her show career, Joetta qualified to compete in several classes at this year’s World Show aboard Sweet Talkin Jeannie.

On November 15, Sweet Talkin Jeannie will be the center of attention as she retires from her show career. The mare has won five world championships and multiple reserve world champion titles including two at this year’s World Show. Look for Sweet Talkin Jeannie and Joetta during FedEx Open Week in senior western pleasure and senior western riding.