Brooklyn Wesley of Decatur and her American Quarter Horse Royal Billie Boon captured the world champion cutting title at the Ford American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show Saturday in Oklahoma City.
The 16-year-old was pushed to the end as she won the title with a work total of 219, just one ahead of Lauren Kleck of Sallisaw, Okla., and her horse Lucky Nurse with 218. Dakota Thaggard of Madden, Miss. and his horse Haidas Toddy was third at 213.5.
For her efforts, Wesley received a prize package that included a custom-designed gold tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, Cripple Creek leather jacket, Professional's Choice product and a WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket.
The 2,474 entries at this year's event represented competitors from the United States, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The show, which featured 45 cutting teams, was held at Oklahoma State Fair Park.
There is no break for Wesley, however, as she will be back in action this weekend at a local show in Graham.
"I show every weekend, but the World show was definitely a way bigger show than just a weekend show," she said. "We work all year around for the World show."
Wesley made her first trip to the World event last year where she missed making the finals by one point. She said the experience she gained last year made a big difference in her return in 2009.
The Decatur girl carried that confidence into Oklahoma last weekend where she faced a tough start as she was in 14th place after prelims. However, she made the final cut of 17 to get a shot at the big prize.
"On the first cow, he got a little loose and I kind of waited it out and told him 'Whoa,' and he calmed down," Wesley said. "On the second cow, he was a lot better for me and read the cow better."
Wesley, who has owned Royal Billie Boon for three years, said that the 8-year-old horse is ornery but never lets her down when it counts.
"He is really hot-headed and real antsy," she said, "but in the show pen he is really good. I just have to keep getting a lot of runs with him. He is still a little green so we are just trying to keep our hand down on him."
The Ford AQHYA World Championship Show is the world's largest, single-breed, youth world championship show. This is the pinnacle for youth around the world who must qualify for the event by earning a predetermined number of points to earn the right to compete in each of the 33 classes representing halter, English and western disciplines.
