Joyce Maggio
AFF: Clanton Performance Horses # of horses competing: 1 How many years have you been competing at U.S. Nationals? Showed at my first U.S. Nationals in 1975; only took 40 years to earn a top ten, but in all honesty, there were many, many years in between that I did not show. What is the highlight to date for you at U.S. Nationals? Being named 2015 U.S. National Champion H/A Ladies Western Side Saddle AAOTR and also capturing that elusive H/A Western Pleasure Top Ten the same year! What are you looking forward to most at this U.S. Nationals? Watching my new H/A Western horse compete at the national level for the first time. If you were giving advice to an owner showing for their first time at U.S. Nationals, what would it be? Just breathe, you’ll never live this moment again, and when in doubt, just add a little more leg! What does the farm you are affiliated with do at shows to make the event special? Food … Friends … an amazing cheering section and, of course, adult beverages!
This being the 50th Anniversary of U.S. Nationals, what is a historical moment for you of one horse that stands out in your mind that you’ve had no affiliation with? I honestly don’t have an answer for this one— have seen so many amazing moments at U.S. Nationals! What is something you love doing at shows that does not involve the showing of horses? Spending time with good friends. What is your motto or words of wisdom when competing? Don’t obsess about winning every time. Just get in the ring, be faithful, be tenacious, have integrity, have fun, be steadfast and trust yourself.
Krystal McCulloch AFF: Chrishan Park
How many years have you been competing at U.S. Nationals? This will be my 5th consecutive Nationals show. What is the highlight to date for you at U.S. Nationals? Riding Second Sight to my first National Championship in Costume last year! What are you looking forward to most at this U.S. Nationals? Looking forward to the chance to get another silver trophy—anything CAN happen! If you were giving advice to an owner showing for their first time at U.S. Nationals, what would it be? Even if it is your first or fifth time, see as many sections as you can. I like to be at the show at daylight and I leave when dark. The opportunity to watch and learn and see these incredible equines in preliminary classes is wondrous. What does the farm you are affiliated with do at shows to make the event special? Chrishan Park does a great job of hosting friends and family; there is never a shortage of food or drink! This being the 50th Anniversary of U.S. Nationals, what is a historical moment for you of one horse that stands out in your mind that you’ve had no affiliation with? Forever ingrained in my mind is a picture of
Tom McNair riding Sakr in Costume. Something about a fine man on a gorgeous white Arabian stallion just captures my attention. What is something you love doing at shows that does not involve the showing of horses? Everything revolves around the horses: talking to trainers/owners about their horses, watching horses work and show, smelling horses ... an occasional cocktail with friends, etc. What is your motto or words of wisdom when competing? Focus on the ‘now.’ I must be aware of how my horse is feeling each time I get on him. Horses can be quirky, and something that worked last week may not work today. It is up to me to adapt, as that is my job as a rider—at least that is what Shan Wilson says!
Ar abian Horse Times | 133 | Volume 47, No. 4A