Ali Good made it two titles for two entries during her first visit to the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Eastern Nationals when she marked a 222 to win the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro. Riding Cat Atat Cat, the gelding she won the Senior Youth with, Good collected $3,777.
“I have so much confidence in my horse that as long as he goes down there and tries, whatever the outcome is, I’m happy with him,” Good said. “I show my horse and whatever happens, happens.”
In Good’s opinion, winning both the Senior Youth and the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro at the same show is a testament to Cat Atat Cat (High Brow Cat x Miss Stylish Pepto x Peptoboonsmal), who was bred by Glenn and Debbie Drake/Big D.
“There aren’t many horses that can go in the youth classes and win and then go win another one,” Good said. “It’s neat to have a horse who can do that. I have to give credit for the wins to my horse.”
Sticking with the strategy of cutting shape when needed helped her win the Senior Youth title. In the non-pro class, after having a first cow that didn’t do a whole lot, Good took her chances on her second cow.
“The first cow was soft, but it was the second one that really got me in the lead. It was quick and pretty fast. It would have been tough for other horses, but that’s usually what he’s the best on – he can really hold a tough cow,” said Good, who had to go from wall to wall and do work in the middle to hold the second cow. “The third cow was just something to finish on.”
Good will use her winnings from the Eastern Nationals to pay more entry fees. After she competes in the Youth World Finals at the NCHA Summer Spectacular in July, she’ll shift her focus from youth competition to non-pro and has hopes of earning money at the Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting. In 2017, Good placed third in the Mercuria Non-Pro at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
“I’m fortunate to be able to have this horse,” Good said. “My grand-dad [Bill Riddle] showed me how to work him when we first bought him, and ever since, I’ve been able to fix what I need to fix. If I have a problem I’ll ask, but I haven’t needed it all year.”
Canadian cutter Eric Vanboekel rode Bobbie and Dottie Hill-bred Peppys Cashin Checks (Im Countin Checks x Peppys Stylish Lena x Docs Stylish Oak) to a score of 220, receiving the Reserve Championship and $3,123.
