With 197 entries, showmanship was the largest class at the 2008 Ford AQHYA World Championship Show, and after a tough prelims pattern and a semifinal go, it was anyone’s guess as to who would win the finals. The top 15 included several past world and reserve world champions and top 10’s in showmanship. But the 2006 and 2007 youth all-around year-end high point award winners T.W. Grose and Leaguer Legend of Naples, Florida, walked out with the win – they were the reserve youth showmanship world champions in 2007. It caps a stellar show season for T.W. and “Sam,” and T.W.’s parents, Ted and Carrie, cheering in the stands.
Q. What was the toughest part about this pattern for you?
T.W.: Just preparing to get those two setups and the turns. Other than that, everything worked pretty well. (The finals pattern) was a little tougher with the two setups and more spins.
Q. Tell me about Sam.
T.W.: He’s been a great horse for us. The late Bobby Pullin told me when I bought him that I would win the world in showmanship; and it happened. He loves to do showmanship – that’s his class.
Q. We heard that you had a bet with your mom, that if you won a world championship you wouldn’t ride English anymore….
T.W.: No. I’m done. I haven’t ridden English since January.
Q. What’s next?
T.W.: I don’t know. Maybe find a new horse, a project, and give Sam some time off. We’ll see what happens.
Q. It’s been a great show season; what’s been the most memorable moment?
T.W.: It would have to be right here. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Q. What do you like about showing in showmanship?
T.W.: For some reason it’s my best class, and the horse’s best class, and we work the best at it.
T.W. Grose and Leaguer Legend of Naples, Florida,
Q. How has it been to show in the Ford Youth World in Oklahoma City?
T.W.: We like being here a lot better. He shows better in this pen. It’s been great.
Q. How are you going to celebrate tonight?
T.W.: I don’t know yet. Probably sleep – I haven’t gotten a lot of that.
Q. Is there anyone you want to thank?
T.W.: I want to thank my parents. And definitely Michael Colvin; without him this wouldn’t have happened.
