Luke Here Honey won the senior hunter under saddle world championship with Nancy Sue Ryan in the irons. The horse is owned by Roger Call's late wife, Ann's estate. He is being presented his awards by AQHA President Frank Merrill and NSBA representative Leslie Lange.

The late Ann Call of Fort Worth, Texas, would be proud.

“She would be looking down just elated and delighted and thrilled to see that her Luke Here Honey boy did so well with Nancy Sue,” said Ann’s husband, Roger.

Riding in the senior hunter under saddle finals at the 2007 AQHA World Championship Show, AQHA Pro Horseman Nancy Sue Ryan of Nocona, Texas, piloted the Calls’ sorrel gelding, “Honey,” to the world championship win.

Gathered in the arena to receive the trophy, both Roger and Nancy Sue said to the cheering crowd, “This is for Ann!”

“We saw this horse three years ago when he won the junior hunter under saddle with Nancy Sue showing him then,” Roger said later, back in the barn. “And he was reserve in the junior pleasure driving back then.

“Nancy Sue told us we ought to buy this horse. So we did. And my wife was thrilled to have this horse.”

A longtime amateur exhibitor, Ann was well-loved in the World Show arena and at AQHA shows across the country. A diabetic, she had struggled with health issues for years and was an amputee, but that never stopped her from competing in the pleasure driving.

She passed away July 3.

“But (Luke Here Honey) was qualified to come to the World Show,” Roger said. “He’s been at (AQHA Pro Horseman) Chuck Briggs’ barn. He was seventh this year in the green working hunter, and he was (eighth) in the senior hunter hack with Paula Pray.

“We’re just delighted to have him and thrilled that he did so well and grateful for all the people who have been such a support and help and it’s exciting.”

Roger said the horse’s temperament is what really makes him stand out in any class, including tonight’s performance. And it was one of the things Ann loved about him.

“He has great mind-set,” Roger said. “He’s very gentle and kind.

“I won the novice amateur hunter under saddle at the (All American Quarter Horse) Congress; there were 92 of us in the class,” he continued. “When I ride him, I don’t pick at him and nag at him and aggravate him. I get on and say, come on, Honey, let’s do it. I talk to him and he listens and we have a good go.

“It’s a thrill that I’m able to use Ann’s horse and do well and enjoy it.”

Luke Here Honey was bred by Nancy Sue’s mother, Nancy MacGregor. He is by Luke At Me, the 1994 world champion in junior hunter under saddle whom Nancy Sue trained and rode and proved as a sire.

Roger plans to continue to point the successful hunter under saddle horse to the over-fences classes, advancing his career. And Roger plans to ride Honey in amateur working hunter classes.

“And I’m going to start doing the pleasure driving,” Roger said with a smile. “I had always allowed that to be Ann’s event because she loved it, and she was so good and she had such style and presence in her hats and in her driving outfits and such.

“But I’ve decided he’s so good that I’m going to start driving him in January.”

In fact, Honey won the 2007 reserve world championship in senior pleasure driving with AQHA Pro Horseman Charlie Cole. Going into the finals November 16, the gelding was sixth in the standings for the Sooner Trailer Superhorse Award.

“I’m grateful that we are so involved in the American Quarter Horse Association,” Roger added. “It’s been a great experience for us as a husband and wife, and for our children and hopefully for our grandchildren.

“We look forward to the day when they get to participate and experience the friendship and the competition and the travel and the excitement of coming to AQHA horse shows, whether they be in Texas or anywhere. It’s fun to go.”