With the Wednesday soundtrack setting the tone, Taylor Roeder and Custom Nite entered the arena for what would become one of the most talked-about rides of the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Halfway through her freestyle routine, Roeder reached down, tied a black blindfold around her eyes, and guided ‘Ammo’ into a jaw dropping series of spins and stops—completely without her sight.
That unforgettable routine helped Roeder sweep both the Open and Non-Pro Freestyle Reining divisions, taking home more than $6,000 in earnings cementing her as one of this year’s breakout stars of the Congress.
Behind the Freestyle: How a Wednesday-Inspired Routine Took Shape
“The theme came from the Wednesday TV show on Netflix,” Roeder said. “Her dance in the first season became pretty popular, and then in the second season she has a blindfolded fencing scene with her mother. That’s where I got the idea to work the blindfold into my routine.”
From there, the rest of the performance fell into place. “The rest of the routine was based on the speed and rhythm of the music,” she said. “Ammo really fed off the crowd’s energy—he loved it.”
But executing the blindfolded portion took weeks of dedication. “Being blindfolded is a bit tricky,” Roeder said with a laugh. “I started practicing about 30 days before the show. Each day I’d put it on at the end of my ride to practice and walk him out. The first couple of times were extremely difficult, but it became more comfortable as I learned to feel where we were in the arena. It was all about trust.”
A Horse That Loves His Job
Custom Nite is a 7-year-old stallion by Gunners Special Nite and out of Custom Made Dunit, that Roeder leases from Warnimont Performance Horses. Roeder says his easygoing temperament and willingness make him the ideal freestyle partner.
“This is my second year showing him,” she said. “You’d never know he’s a stud—he’s super easygoing and loves his job. He gives it his all every time I show him.”
That consistency has become the foundation of their success. Whether it’s a traditional pattern or a high-energy freestyle routine, Ammo’s reliability allows Roeder to take creative risks in the arena.
Riding for Legacy
For Roeder, the moment in the arena carried more meaning than a pair of Congress titles. Her win was also a tribute to the person who first taught her to ride—her late mother, Jan Roeder.
“I wouldn’t be half the rider I am today without my mom,” Roeder said. “She taught me how to ride and how to really connect with my horses. She passed away four years ago, but I know she was with me in that arena.”
That connection, both to her horse and to her roots, was something Roeder felt deeply during her freestyle. “I really wanted to connect with the crowd and have each generation recognize the Addams Family theme,” she said. “It was exciting, and it felt like everything came together in that moment.”
Still, she’s quick to point out that a performance like this doesn’t happen alone. “I couldn’t do it without my support team,” Roeder said. “They’ve been there every step of the way to help me achieve my dreams. A special thanks to Jordan Roeder, Verl Warnimont, Gina Manley, Cheri Turner, and Jerry Coleman—and countless others who’ve helped me along the way.”
