TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI—Excitement reached a peak
for Appaloosa enthusiasts during the National Snaffle Bit
Association’s prestigious Southern Belle Invitation as Appaloosa
stallion, Chocolatey, wowed crowds and judges at the multi-breed
show held July 18-22 in Tunica, Mississippi.
The 2-year-old was only shown in two classes—2-Year-Old
Open Western Pleasure and 2-Year-Old Color Horse Western Pleasure—but
in those few moments in front the judges and spectators, Chocolatey
made quite an impression as the only horse in the entire show
with a blanket.
Troy Compton showed the stallion, also known
as “Harry”, in the 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure class,
where Harry tied for first place with My Sensational Cookie
(AQHA), taking home $1,937.74 in prize money. Though My Sensational
Cookie was awarded the coveted champion trophy by the tiebreaker
judge, owners Noelle Schmidt and Joe Geraci could not be prouder.
“For me, Harry finally received recognition
for the horse he was, for the horse I always thought he was,”
Schmidt said.
Chocolately also showed his dappled backside
in the 2-Year-Old Color Horse Western Pleasure class with
exhibitor Patrick Heeley, where he placed fourth among a dozen
great horses of various breeds.
“I consider the NSBA-level horse to be the
best,” Schmidt said. “And I am happy to have horses that can
hang at that level.”
