November 8-23, 2013, Oklahoma City

Weanling Mares

Luke Castle and Love Storry are bringing a gold trophy back to the ranch.

by Allison Grayson
The American Quarter Horse Journal

Having raised Love Storry on his farm in Wayne, Oklahoma, AQHA Professional Horseman Luke Castle’s win on November 15 holds special meaning. He and “Allie” are taking home the gold in weanling mares at the 2012 AQHA World Championship Show. 

“It’s a great feeling,” Luke said. “You know, to win a big class like that, a tough class like that and (she) was raised at our place, so that’s even more special to watch her grow up. We’ve had her ever since she was born.

“She is by Sirprizerized, out of a daughter of Im Kiddin,” he said of the 2012 sorrel filly. “She’s really, really good-natured. Really good to be around. She’s always been a tall, real pretty filly. Here in the last 2 months, she’s really put on some muscle and she likes to show.”

One thing about Luke, though, is that he doesn’t take the majority of the credit for having trained Allie.

“You know, that’s the thing,” he said. “These trophies and stuff, it’s a team effort, from my owners to the help at the house, to my wife. My kids, they work at it. So we’ve got a whole group that makes this happen. It takes a team to do it.”

With their success at the World Show and all of the people helping them continue their success, Luke has some big plans for Allie next year.

“We’re gonna give her probably 3 or 4 months off, probably let her play outside every day,” he said. “And then we’ll get her ready to come back here and show her probably quite a bit next year.

“We will probably take her to the (World Conformation Horse Association) Futurity next year in Tennessee,” he said. “And then we’ll bring her here to the World Show and maybe to the (All American Quarter Horse) Congress.”

Luke has been very impressed with the show this year and thankful to those who helped put it on.

“I just want to thank the AQHA staff that put on this horse show,” he said. “They did an excellent job and this is a great event for us.”

He also had a few other people that he wanted to thank.

“My owners and all my help at home,” he said. “Like I said, it takes a team for all of us to make this work.”

Luke has been especially happy with Allie’s owners, as well as all of his other customers back at the ranch.

“(Allie’s owners have) been customers of mine for a long time,” he said. “They’re great customers. They love to have great show horses. Those owners are what make it go ‘round for all of us trainers. I’ve got a really good set of owners.

“They’re here (and) they’re excited and I think they’ve already got their buckles on,” he said of Allie’s owner’s with a laugh. “They’re very excited.”

And Allie’s owners weren’t the only people cheering her on during her go in the show ring.

“My daughter’s here,” Luke said. “She skipped school today to come watch her show. She’s watched her grow up, too.”

As far as celebrating, the members of Castle Ranch are gearing up for more classes.

“We’ve got horses going tomorrow and Saturday,” he said. “But you know, come Saturday night we’ll be kicking our heels up.”