Racing Record APHA member Kim Couch of Rattan, Oklahoma,
blazed into Alvarado, Texas, in a big way. Riding her 12-year-old sorrel solid gelding JL Treasured Smash, Kim flew through the cloverleaf pattern to earn a record- breaking title at the Better Barrel Races Oklahoma-Texas Regional Challenge on November 16. Beyond capturing the 1D championship, Kim and
“Irish” set a new arena record, clocking a :15.294. “I thought I better go up Friday and make a run to
get ready for Saturday and Sunday,” Kim explained. “I thought it would be our casual go-through, and he just flew. I was shocked when I came out. I was ecstatic of course, but when Michelle called to tell me I broke the arena record, I was so excited. I kept asking ‘Are you sure?’”
The fastest duo at the Diamond W Arena, Kim and JL
Treasured Smash also collected more than $3,000 for their weekend winnings. Paired with “Irish” for just over 10 months, Kim is consistently amazed by the gelding’s speed and strength. Michelle West of Henrietta, Oklahoma, who trained Irish, has been instrumental in his ongoing success, Kim says. “He’s amazing,” she said. “He has more ‘want-to’ than any horse I’ve ever ridden. He’s absolutely a jewel to be around, and I have Michelle to thank.”
10 JANUARY 2013 PAINT HORSE RACING Contact Us:
To share Paint racing news, email Editor Jessica Hein at jhein@apha.com.
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