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It’s been said that ambition is the path to success but persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
Iowa breeder and Amateur competitor Kari Jewell has both.
Although Jewell’s involvement in the show horse industry dates back to the 1990s, she has only competed once or twice in the past five years. In 2019 she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time and it took her away from her passion for a while.
But now she’s back and the return is extra special since she’s showing Baby You The Best, a 2021 chestnut filly by RL Best Of Sudden out of Jewell’s own mare, Lazy Lopin Moonlight.
“I am very excited to get back at it,” she said.
Jewell grew up in Maysville, Iowa, a small town of about 150 people. After high school she attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2000 with a major in accounting and a minor in finance. After college she moved to Chicago to work for one of the “big four’ accounting firms.
“I remained there until 2006 when I was diagnosed (the first time) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and decided to move back home to be with my family during treatment,” she said. “I ended up staying in Maysville and built a house in 2015 on some ground my family owned.” s
All settled in Maysville, Jewell went to work as CFO for her family’s Davenport, Iowa companies – Jewell Machine & Fabrication, a machine shop; and Jewell Tool Technology, a cutting tool manufacturing company. She works alongside her brother, Matt, who serves as president. They lost their dad to to leukemia in 2014 but spend time with their mother who splits her time between Iowa and Florida. In 2019 Jewell started dating her brother’s friend, Troy Vollbeer. She has known him since high school and they are now engaged to be married.
“Luckily, he is very patient with me and my lifestyle,” she said.
Jewell also owns a farm just outside Maysville where she raises show horses. Her trainer, Millissa Daurer, runs her own training operation – MKD Performance Horses – out of Jewell’s farm and she trains Jewell’s all-around horses.
“Millissa and I have known each other for years – technically for decades since we showed POAs together as kids – and she helps manage my breeding program,” Jewell said.
At the center of that breeding program is Lazy Lopin Moonlight, sired by Lazy Loper and out of the highly decorated American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) show mare, Zippo By Moonlight.
“I was lucky enough to purchase Lazy Lopin Moonlight from Dana Smith through Jon Barry at the end of 2018,” Jewell explained. “As soon as we bought her, we immediately started planning to flush embryos. We were so excited since mares with her breeding don’t come along very often.”
For the first couple of years, both Smith and Jewell were able to flush embryos. The very first baby Lazy Lopin Moonlight produced is Moonlights Dream, sired by Magnum Chic Dream, owned by Laska Anderson.
“Jon Barry and Dana had a vision when they paired a great-bred Western Pleasure mare with a great Reining stallion and they hit it out of the park by creating a National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Champion and Quarter Horse Congress Champion on the first try,” Jewell said.
The return of cancer in 2019 forced Jewell out of the show pen for a while but her breeding program forged ahead. She bred Lazy Lopin Moonlight to RL Best Of Sudden in 2020 and the following April she was blessed with a stunning chestnut filly that she named Baby You The Best (Karina).
thinking, ‘This one is going to be a show horse,’” Jewell said.
Some of the foals born at Jewell’s farm are sent out to be developed into futurity contenders.
“We currently have futurity horses with both Casey Willis in
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and with Drew Debuhr in Eldora, Iowa,” Jewell explained.
“When Casey started taking outside horses, Millissa suggested that we reach out and see if he would be willing to take a couple of our young ones. We love
“When she was first born, I just remember ttt
Casey Willis is pictured (top) riding Baby You The Best and inset at the Arizona Sun Circuit. Below that (left to right) Kari Jewell with Invite Me Anytime at the 2008 Quarter Horse Congress; with KM Zip Me Suddenly at the AQHA World Show; with This Version Glows at the 2010 Congress; and Millissa Dauer riding Lazy Lopin Moonlight at the 2019 NSBA World Show
his approach and his end product, and we are raising horses we thought would be tailor-made for his program since he has had a lot of success with both RL Best of Sudden and Zippo By Moonlight babies. We essentially picked Casey with Karina in mind even though she was a brand-new baby when we first started sending horses to him.”
Willis said he has loved Karina since the moment she arrived.
“She was a beautiful mare and great-legged from the start,” he said.
Last year, Willis and Karina placed in the top 10 in the 3-Year-Old & Over $2,500 Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure Stakes at the Quarter Horse Congress and the Level 1 Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show.
This year, Willis and Karina were named Circuit Champions in Green Western Pleasure at the Florida Gulf Coast Circuit, the Arizona Sun Circuit and the Mid-Summer Madness. They were Reserve Circuit Champions in Green Western Pleasure at The Madness and were Reserve Champions in the $10,000 Maturity at both The Premier and The Madness. In addition, they are currently leading the nation in AQHA Level 1/Green Western Pleasure.
“After watching Karina make her debut last fall and seeing how broke she has gotten this year she just seemed like she would be a great fit for me,” Jewell said.
Willis agreed.
“We decided this year she would be ready for Kari to start showing,” he said. “She’s an incredible show horse, she puts her ears up and does her job.”
In June Jewell finally got her turn.
“It was absolutely great to be back in the pen,” she said. “I have only shown maybe twice in the last five years so there was definitely a lot of knocking the cobwebs off and just getting back in the saddle but I was so happy to be back.”
And she’s happy to be making her return on a horse she raised.
“Karina is huge hocked just like her mama and can jog a hole in the ground,” she said. “She is an RL out of a Moonlight mare so she might snort a little bit on the walk up to the pen but she always gets down to business when its showtime. It’s really uncanny how much she reminds me of her mama.”
Jewell has plenty of experience in the show pen. At her first appearance at a Quarter Horse Congress in 1998, she won the Novice Amateur Showmanship with Barpassers Glow, who has since retired to serve as cornerstone of Jewell’s breeding program.
“Barpassers Glow is the granddam to Jana Simons great gelding Gimme UR Best Stuff, who we raised out of my broodmare This Version Glows, sired by Good Version out of Barpassers Glow,” Jewell explained.
She won the Congress again in 2008 with Invite Me Anytime in Amateur Performance Halter Geldings.
Then in 2017 she placed third at the AQHA World Show in the Level 2 Amateur Western Riding and fourth in Level 2 Amateur Trail with KM Zip Me Suddenly.
But Jewell is laser-focused on this year and doing her best with Baby You The Best.
“I’m excited to show her in the Level 1 Amateur Pleasure at the Congress this year and eager to show her more throughout 2026, she said. “My main goal is to just get back in the pen and remember how to show. It would be awesome to see Karina and Casey win the year-end title in the Green Western Pleasure as well.”
But that is just the start of it.
“This year we hit the jackpot by having a black stud colt with four white socks who is a full brother to Karina,” Jewell said. “ Casey called dibs on him at eight hours old.”
A horse that is working hard in a hot environment can lose two to hour gallons of sweat per hour.
Oklahoma Amateur competitor Erika Sterling had just been on the grounds for the 2025 American Paint Horse Association World Show for two days when she noticed something was definitely wrong with her Ranch partner Princess Ice (Siri).
“We went out for a quick practice and I noticed her breathing seemed very elevated for the brief amount of work that had been done,” she explained. “She has a big mane so I flipped her mane up and noticed no sweat.”
Siri was at the annual event June 19-July 5 in Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in Ranch Rail, Ranch Riding, Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Trail and Ranch Reining in Open, Novice Amateur and Amateur divisions. But at the moment, competing was the last thing on Sterling’s mind.
She stopped walking Siri around and immediately told her trainers, Mat and Beth Gouthro, that she had concerns. After untacking, Sterling headed to the wash rack to try to cool Siri off.
“I rinsed her and ran the water over her chest and neck and then went and stood her in front of the Porto Cool we rented,” she said. “She was still puffing incredibly hard so I headed to the Mystic Ice Cryo trailer and had her examined.”
Siri had three back to back sessions in 24 hours to try to reset her body thermostat. She was already on electrolytes so Sterling went looking for some other products to help.
“In the end our concoction was daily Electrolyte paste, One AC supplement twice daily, and dark beer twice daily and cryo and cold water spas,” she said. “We already had two fans per stall installed because last year we had heat issues with a different horse. And we were very careful with warm up and work. I went into every class basically cold and scratched a couple last minute if I felt she was breathing too hard. Her health and comfort are worth more to me than forcing a class.”
Sterling’s story had a good outcoming.
“Despite her not sweating she still gave me everything and came away with a World Championship title and numerous Top five and ten placings,” Sterling said.
By the end of the show Siri seemed to get back to normal and they were able to continue on to the Palomino World Show in Springfield, Illinois the next week where she went back to sweating and breathing normally.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, horses are normally able to cool themselves by sweating. The
sweat evaporates from the skin surface and causes a cooling effect. Less sweat evaporates during times of high humidity. A horse that is working hard in a hot environment can lose two to hour gallons of sweat per hour. Generally, horses can acclimate to hot and humid weather conditions. Air temperature and relative humidity affect the horse’s ability to cool itself.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HORSE COOL & COMFORTABLE
• Provide free access to clean water - Always provide unlimited access to clean, cool (45 to 64 F) water. At rest, an adult horse in a cool climate will drink about 6 to 10 gallons of water daily depending on feed. They’ll drink much more while working or in hot conditions. A horse’s stomach can hold between two to four gallons of fluid without becoming over distended.
• Allowing a hot horse a few swallows of cool, fresh water every few minutes is key to combat the effects of heat stress. Clean water buckets and tanks more often in hot weather to prevent algae and bacteria from growing.
• Consider Electrolytes - Consider providing electrolytes to horses that have been sweating heavily or you expect to do so. If you add electrolytes to drinking water, also offer plain water. Some horses don’t like the taste of electrolytes and will drink less. Only use electrolytes formulated for horses.
ADDITIOnAL TIPS
• Provide turnout during cooler times of the day (early morning, late at night or overnight).
• Use fans to improve airflow. Keep the cords and plugs out of the horse’s reach to prevent electrocution.
1.) Airflow will speed the cooling process.
2.) Misting fans are even more effective at cooling.
• Provide free access to salt to promote drinking. Loose salt is preferred over a salt block.
• Clip horses with long hair coats (horses with Cushing's disease) to enhance cooling.
• Transport horses during the coolest part of the day. Make sure that trailers are well ventilated and offer water often. Don’t park in direct sunlight with horses inside.
• Watch horses with anhidrosis who have little or no ability to produce sweat. These horses are prime candidates for heat stress.
COOLInG THE OVERHEATED HORSE
To cool an overheated horse (rectal temperatures above 103° F):
• Spray the horse’s head, back, neck, rump and legs with a steady stream of cool water.
• Repeat this continuously until the horse is cool. You can add ice to the water to speed-up cooling for very hot horses (rectal temperatures above 105 F).
• Research shows using ice to cool a hot horse is safe.
• Ice baths reduce core body temperature and lower heart rates after hard exercise.
• Horses were also found to trot more freely after an ice bath.
• Don’t directly apply ice water over the hind end (large gluteal muscles). Focus on areas where the blood vessels are more prominent: head, neck, back and rib area.
• Don’t place a sheet or blanket on the horse when trying to cool it. Blanketing will block water evaporation from the skin. Don’t blanket during hot and humid conditions.
SIGnS OF HEAT STRESS
• Rectal temperatures above 103 F.
• Increased heart rate.
• Increased breathing rate.
• Profuse sweating.
• Droopy ears.
• Tiredness.
• Dehydration.
• Skin tent lasting several seconds after pinching the skin of the neck or shoulders.
• Reduced feed intake. Reduced feed intake combined with changes in metabolism during hot weather can cause bodyweight loss.
HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke is a serious overheating condition in horses, which may occur when horses are worked hard in extreme heat or humidity. Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your horse is having a heat stroke.
Signs of heatstroke:
• Rectal temperatures above 106 F.
• Rapid heart and breath rates that don’t decline within
20 minutes of stopping exercise.
• Whinnying and distress.
• Dehydration with dry mucous membranes and prolonged skin tents of 4 to 10 seconds.
• Muscle weakness.
• Incoordination.
• Collapse.
SMOOTH SAILInG
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) urges exhibitors to have a plan for emergency situations. Going to competitions during the hot months, can increase your horse’s chances of heat stress. Along with the stress of travel. the heat could be the factor that makes a fun trip to the horse show a fatal endeavor. Making sure you are prepared for your show is key for a successful and enjoyable riding and your horses health.
All trips can benefit from preparation and planning, helping to ensure you're ready when the truck and trailer reach the destination. Here are some ways to help make your trip a success:
• Equipment: One or two days before leaving, make sure all tack, clothing and grooming supplies are packed and on your trailer. This includes water buckets, supplements like electrolytes etc.
• Paperwork: Be sure to bring current health certificates, proof of a negative Coggins test, and copies of association membership cards and registration papers.
• Travel safety: Plan your travel route and timing early, allowing for traffic and any inclement weather. If it is a long trip, have your stops planned accordingly to make sure you are offering your horse water, especially if the temperature is hot.
• Backup plan: Even if you are only traveling a short distance, check your emergency kit to be sure it includes necessary tools and medical supplies.
• Stresses, such as travel, can lead to equine stomach ulcers. When a horse has ulcers, some horses will consume more water, while others will consume less. If your horse is consuming less water, your horse is at higher risk for heat stress.
Sterling said she was incredibly concerned when her show mare showed signs of stress at the show.
“This mare is my absolute heart horse,” she said. “The fact she wasn’t her normal happy goofy self had me just sick. While trying all the things I mentioned above I knew it could take time. So I was willing to do what I needed to keep her most comfortable.”
Her advice is to be prepared.
“Pack your fans and an electrolyte,” she said. “If you know the location is hot and could potentially be a trigger, please listen to your gut, check them for anything out of their normal. I’m blessed she is a very quiet low motor mare. I was able to still compete in most of my events with careful and minimal preparation. When I felt she wasn’t recovered enough to go in back to back classes I scratched. No class even a World Show class was worth the risk. So mostly trust your gut, be aware and do what’s best for your horse. They give us everything and deserve the very best out of us.”
Erika Sterling is pictured on the opposite page with her beloved Ranch show mare, Princess Ice and (top) competing in a class at the 2025 APHA World Show. Photos/Becky Ruehl & Shane Rux
$1.6
million in cash, prizes
awarded at 2025 Texas event
Text Courtney B. Ament/APHA Photos Ruehl Photographix
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) awarded more than $1.6 million in cash and prizes across all events during its World Championship Show held in Fort Worth, Texas. From June 20 to July 6, Paints and their exhibitors converged from around the world to compete for their share of the awards in over 400 classes.
All-Around Champions and Leading Award Honorees included:
• Leading Owner: Kathryne Kristine Zachrich of Delaware, Ohio, with Shine Mega Shine & Cookies And Dream.
• Leading Breeder: Simons Show Horses LLC, of Aubrey, Texas.
• Leading Owner/Breeder/Exhibitor: Joyce Sue Conklin of Hallsville, Missouri, with Best Ingredient, a 2020 bay overo mare by Lopin My Best (QH) and out of Special Ingredient.
• All-Around Youth 13 & Under Champion: Adalyn Stultz of Montgomery, Texas, and Unchecked Invitation, a
2015 overo sorrel mare by Required Invitation and out of Unchecked Terms
Reserve: Journey Frericks of Quincy, Illinois, and Its Korona Time, a 2020 sorrel tobiano mare by Gentlemen Send Roses and out of Hot Time Zip.
• All-Around Youth 14-18 Champion: Peytyn Goodin of Pilot Point, Texas, and Even More Sensational, a 2013 bay overo gelding by Zippos Sensation and out of Good Enchantment (QH).
On the opposite page (top) Katy Jo Zuidema and Andy Cochran await the final results in the Breeders Trust 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stakes. On this page (top left) Jeffery Gibbs guides The Margarita Stop to a win in Junior Trail and (right) Beth Case takes a victory lap after winning the 2-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle SBB Class.
Reserve: Izzy Hostetler of Eureka, Illinois, & Platinum Cowgirl, a 2015 gray overo mare by The Original Cowboy out of Ms Silver Sensation.
• All-Around Novice Youth 13 & Under Champion: Adalyn Stultz of Montgomery, Texas, and Unchecked Invitation, a 2015 overo sorrel mare by Required Invitation and out of Unchecked Terms.
Reserve: Amelia Rose Widoff of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Only Good Intentions, a 2010 bay tobiano gelding by A Good Machine (QH) and out of Colored Star Tyme.
• All-Around Novice Youth 14-18 Champion: Serena Remley of Wilsonville, Oregon, and Someone Like You, a 2013 sorrel overo mare by Zippos Sensation and out of HF Diva (QH).
Reserve: Quintessa Wolff of Boerne, Texas, and WW I Likit Like That, a 2020 red roan overo mare by VS Code Blue (QH) and out of Come N At Ya Hott.
• All-Around Youth Walk-Trot Champion: Hazel Heinbuch of Hammond, Wisconsin, and Ima White Sensation, a 2007 sorrel overo gelding by Zippos Sensation and out of Scotch And Zip
Reserve: Reese Fischer of New Braunfels, Texas, and Your One And Only, a 2007 black overo mare by One Hot Krymsun (QH) and out of Huslersmickeymouse. s
• All-Around Youth English Champion: Marley Ann Smith of Caledonia, Michigan, and Welovepie, a 2015 sorrel overo gelding by The Big Sensation and out of Sox All The Time.
Reserve Champion: Charlotte Bertanzetti of Thornton, Colorado, and Sleepy All The Time, a 2018 sorrel overo mare by Too Sleepy To Zip (QH) and out of Fancy Edition.
• All-Around Youth Ranch Champion: Emily Klucevsek of Claremore, Oregon, and Modified Ryde, a 2018 sorrel solid gelding by Inferno Sixty Six and out of Vella Juice (QH).
Reserve Champion: Kennedy Beltz of Friendswood, Texas, and PS Remington, a 2017 bay overo gelding by Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Smart Chic Toy (QH).
• All-Around Amateur Champion: Lila Jane Owens of Winter Park, Florida, and Best Made Machine, a 2016 chestnut overo gelding by Machine Made (QH) and out of Beyond My Best (QH).
Reserve Champion: Catherine Goffard of De Pere, Wisconsin, and Obsessed To Be Best, a 2019 bay overo gelding by The Lopin Machine (QH) and out of Its Best To Be Hot.
• All-Around Masters Amateur Champion: Rachel Goffard of De Pere, Wisconsin, and Candy Confidential, a 2015 chestnut overo gelding by All Time Fancy and out of Too Sleepy For Candy.
Reserve Champion: Steven Rissman of Broomfield, Colorado, and Starring Mr Hoyt, a 2012 sorrel overo gelding by Decks First Winner (QH) and out of A Little Lot Of Love (QH).
• All-Around Novice Amateur Champion: Brooke Alva of Covina, California, and Sensational Cookie, a 2009 bay overo mare by Chips Cookie Monster (QH) and out of Zippos Fancy Gold
Reserve Champion: Katie Shiver of Port Orange, Florida, and The Call Girl, a 2018 chestnut overo mare by The Gentlemans Club and out of Virtual Gold Digger (QH).
• All-Around Amateur Walk-Trot Champion: Michele Guerra of Madera, California, and PDF Original Aura, a 2015 bay solid mare by The Original Cowboy and out of Born Radical (QH).
Reserve Champion: Amanda Giombi-Lorenz of Franksville, Wisconsin, and One Dirty Martini, a 2019 bay overo gelding by The Best Martini (QH) and out of Without Mercy.
• All-Around Amateur English Champion: Rachel Goffard of De Pere, Wisconsin, and Candy Confidential, a 2015 chestnut overo gelding by All Time Fancy and out of Too Sleepy For Candy.
Reserve Champion: Sarah Bankford of Celina, Texas, and TWF Only The Roanly, a 2018 bay roan overo gelding by The Wow Factor and out of Ima Good Squaw.
• All-Around Amateur Ranch Champion: Jeanine Jones of Whitesboro, Texas, and Gott This, a 2020 buckskin solid gelding by Gotta Twist It Up and out of Beat This Enterprise (QH).
Reserve Champion: Jenny Honey of Greenbrier,
Arkansas, and Katie Chex Your Gun, a 2018 sorrel overo mare by Gunnars Indian and out of Howdy Nu Cash (QH).
• All-Around Novice Amateur Ranch Champion: Jennifer Wiggins of Overton, Texas, and Hustled By Magcat, a 2018 gray overo gelding by Magneticat (QH) and out of Hustled By A Sailor (QH).
Reserve Champion: Alexis Daugird of Waunakee, Wisconsin, and Dunit The Magnum Way, a 2018 palomino overo mare by Magnum Chic Dream (QH) and out of Dunit The Gunner Way.
• All-Around Open Show Horse Champion: Wake Up For Candy, a 2016 bay overo mare by VS Flatline (QH) and Too Sleepy For Candy, owned by Susan Juroe of Longmont, Colorado
Reserve Champion: VS Whole Lotta Lucy, a 2020 red roan overo mare by VS Flatline (QH) and out of VS Lady In
Red (QH), owned by Christy Lenhart of Richmond, Michigan.
• All-Around Open Western Performance Horse Champion: Metilion, a 2019 palomino overo stallion by Metallic Cat (QH) and out of Sparktilion, owned by Daniel Schrock of Green Forest, Arkansas.
Reserve Champion: Cattys Top Gun, a 2021 bay tobiano stallion by Catty Hawk and out of Calicos Top Gun Star, owned by Katherine Joos of Gainesville, Texas.
• All-Around Open English Performance Horse Champion: Classy Blue Chassis, a black solid mare by Skys Blue Boy (QH) and out of Sacred Class, leased by Katherine Domenico of Lakewood, Colorado.
Reserve Champion: The Manhattan Club, a 2016 sorrel overo gelding by The Gentlemens Club and out of The Gypsy Tigress, owned by Angela Caldwell of Queen Creek, Arizona.
• All-Around Open Ranch Horse Champion: Gun A Lida, a 2018 palomino solid stallion by Gunnatrashya and out of Spook A Lida (QH), owned by Cynthia Theil of Dublin, Ohio.
Reserve Champion: Lil Trash Talk, a 2015 chestnut solid gelding by Gunnatrashya and out of Dainty Little Step (QH), owned by Susan Van Cleve of Weatherford, Texas.
• All-Around Open Exhibitor Champion: Bryce Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas.
Reserve Champion: Steve Meadows of Staunton, Virginia.
About APHA: The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. For results from the 2025 APHA World Show visit ww.apha.com.
New champions crowned at 77th annual event
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) hosted its annual World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show, which is held in conjunction with the National Appaloosa Show, June 26 to July 3, at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. New champions were crowned in nearly 70 classes, including Halter, Pleasure, Equitation and Trail, as well as in speed events.
This year’s winners included: Western Pleasure
• Mens Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Champion: The Mouse Is Stoppin; owned by Brenda O’Neil, Summerfield, Florida, shown by Brian Isbell.
• Ladies Western Pleasure (5 shown)Champion: Sleepin N Paradise; owned by Stefanie Salinas, Abilene, Texas; shown by Mackenzie Fallis.
• Senior Western Pleasure (6 shown)
– Champion: The Caped Crusader; owned by Simran Krishnamurthy; shown by Brian Isbell.
• Non-Pro Walk-Trot Western Pleasure ( 13 shown) – Champion: Stoppin For Chocolate; owned by Brenda Weyers, Two Rivers, Wiconsin; shown by Natalie Weyers.
• 3-Year-Old Snaffle Bit Western Pleasure (3 shown) –Champion: All Red Dee Lazy; owned by Char O Lot Ranch, Myakka City, Florida; shown by Cheryl Schembri.
• Youth Walk-Trot Western Pleasure 10 & Under (9 shown) – Champion: Charries Ala Mode; owned by Robin Meirs, Cream Ridge, New Jersey; shown by Harper Hein.
• Youth Western Pleasure 13 & Under (5 shown) – Champion: Invited For Chocolat; owned by Preslee Tauer, Monrovia, Indiana; shown by Rory Tauer.
• Youth Western Pleasure 14-18 (10 shown)
– Champion: R Elle; owned by Lawrence Northway, Laurens, Iowa; shown by Violet Sangwin.
• Novice Youth Western Pleasure 13 & Under (4 shown) – Champion: Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd; shown by Aubrey Bandu.
• Novice Youth Western Pleasure 1418 (10 shown): Shez Kryptonite; owned and shown by Abagail Burrows, Blacksburg, Virginia.
• Green Western Pleasure (7 shown) – Champion: Breakfast At Tifanys; owned by Evelyn Bitner, Columbus, New Jersey; shown by Pat Odell.
Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Ruehl Photographix
• Non-Pro Western Pleasure (9 shown) – Champion: Rageous Thanh; owned by Brenda Wilkerson; shown by Chase Wilkerson.
• Junior Western Pleasure (5 shown) – Champion: The Mouse is Stoppin; owned by Brenda O’Neil, Summerfield, Florida; shown by Cheryl Schembri.
• Non-Pro 35 & Over Western Pleasure (7 shown)Champion: The Mouse is Stoppin; owned and shown by Brenda O’Neil, Summerfield, Florida. Hunter Under Saddle
• Novice Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) Champion: One Number Away; owned and shown by Kassidy Murray, Parma, Michigan.
• Youth Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle 10 & Under (6 shown) – Champion: Certainly A Dandy, owned by Heather Lynne Bischoff, Newton, New Jersey; shown by Reagan Bischoff.
• Youth Hunter Under Saddle 13 & Under (5 shown) –Champion: Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd, Cookville, Tennessee; shown by Aubrey Bandy.
• Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18 (9 shown) – Champion: Hunting By Moonlight; owned by Emma Erickson, Blairstown, New Jersey; shown by Tessa Erickson.
• Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) –Champion: Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd, Cookville, Tennessee; shown by Aubrey Bandy.
• Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18 (9 shown) – Champion: Ima Bigdeal; owned and shown by Gabriella Walior, Fall City, Washington.
• Youth Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle 11-18 (1 shown) – Champion: Pretty Pretty Pretty; owned by Tammy Horton, Houston, Texas; shown by Peyton Wheeler.
• Senior Hunter Under Saddle (6 shown) – Champion: By All Means; owned by Susan Jansen, Oshkosh, Wiscon-
sin; shown by Kelly Schwartz.
• Non-Pro Masters Hunter Under Saddle (9 shown) –Champion: Air Ride Equipped; owned and shown by Lisa Berger, Parkland, Florida.
• Junior Hunter Under Saddle (6 show) – Champion: Air Ride Equipped; owned by Lisa Berger, Parkland, Florida; shown by Brian Isbell-Garcia.
• Green Hunter Under Saddle (6 shown) – Champion: Blazeless; owned and shown by Taylor Pearson, Woodburn, Kentucky.
• Non-Pro 35 & Over Hunter Under Saddle (9 shown) – Champion: Air Ride Equipped; owned and shown by Lisa Berger, Parkland, Florida.
• Non-Pro Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle (6 shown) – Champion: Hero In Disquise; owned by Katie Chatonan; shown by Katie Chatman.
• Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle (5 shown) – Champion: Allocated BY Design; owned and shown by Carmen Conrad, Aubrey, Texas.
• 3-Year-Old Snaffle Bit Hunter Under Saddle (1 shown) – Champion: Air Ride Equipped; owned by Lisa Berger, Parkland, Florida; shown by Brian Isbell-Garcia.
Western Riding
• Green Western Riding (10 shown) – Champion: Collect The Blue, owned by Kobyn Greathouse, Abilene, Texas; ; shown by Lonnie Cruse.
• Non-Pro Western Riding (4 shown) – Champion: Hotroddin In Winter; owned and shown by Isabella Doan, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
• Youth Western Riding 18 & Under (2 shown) –Champion: The Lazy Version; owned and shown by Gabriella Walior, Fall City, Washington.
• Open Western Riding (4 shown) – Champion: Red Chocolate; owned by Jeffrey Klein, Gainesville, Texas; shown by Mackenzie Fallis.
Showmanship
• Youth English Showmanship 13 & Under (10 shown) – Charlie Davidson; Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd, Cookville, Tennessee; shown by Aubrey Bandy.
• Youth English Showmanship 14-18 (18 shown) –Champion: Breakfast At Tifanys; owned and shown by Evelyn Bitner, Columbus, New Jersey.
• Non-Pro Showmanship (5 shown) – Champion: Allocated By Design; owned and shown by Carmen Conrad, Aubrey, Texas.
• Non-Pro Walk-Trot Showmanship (4 shown) – Champion: King Of Swing; owned and shown by Melissa Harris, Rockfield, Kentucky. s
• Novice Non-Pro Showmanship (5 shown) – Champion: Allocated By Design; owned and shown by Carmen Conrad, Aubrey, Texas.
• Non-Pro 35 & Over Showmanship (3 shown) – Champion: Down Town Charlie; owned by Judith Gerardot, Clements, California; shown by Jennie Shrout.
• Youth Showmanship 13 & Under (7 shown) – Champion: Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd, Cookville, Tennessee; shown by Aubrey Bandy.
• Youth Showmanship 14-18 (13 shown) – Champion: Breakfast At Tifanys; owned and shown by Evelyn Bitner, Columbus, New Jersey.
• Youth Walk-Trot Showmanship 10 & Under (9 shown): Kat Ona Hot Tin Roof; owned by Deborah Anne Dryer, Blacksburg, Virginia; shown by Reese Groome.
• Novice Youth Showmanship 13 & Under (6 shown) –Champion: Leavum Uncolored; owned by Jennie Shrout, Clements, California; shown by Mackenzie Shrout.
• Novice Youth Showmanship 14-18 (10 shown) –Champion: Shez Kryptonite; owned and shown by Abigail Burrows, Blacksburg, Virginia.
• Youth Walk-Trot Showmanship 11-18 (3 shown) –Champion: Summer Blue Sky; owned by Elizabeth Walker, Waterford, Wisconsin; shown by Carter Chwala. Equitation
• Novice Non Pro Equitation (3 shown) – Champion: Lopin Money Machine; owned and shown by Lauren Wardell, Valparaiso, Indiana.
• Youth Equitation 13 & Under (5 shown) – Champion: Down Town Charlie; owned by Judith A. Gerardot, Clements, California; shown by Mackenzie Shrout.
• Youth Equitation 14-18 (9 shown) – Champion: Invite The Big Guns; owned and shown by Anna Louis Martin, Seattle, Washington.
• Youth Walk-Trot Equitation 10 & Under (5 shown) –Champion: Certainly A Dandy; owned by Heather Lynne Bischoff, Newton, New Jersey; shown by Reagan Bischoff.
• Novice Youth Equitation 13 & Under (3 shown) –Champion: Charlie Davidson; owned by Chynette Todd, Cookville, Tennessee; shown by Aubrey Bandy.
• Novice Youth Equitation 14-18 (15 shown) – Champion: Chocolatey Paradise; owned and shown by Hannah Forrester, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
• Ranch Conformation (10 shown) – Champion: Dun Jacked My Heart; owned bythe Dryden Family, Tioga, Texas; shown by Jim Jirkovsky.
• Junior Ranch Riding (7 shown) – Champion: Slick Bandit (7 shown) – Champion: Slick Bandit; owned by Jerry Salinas, Abilene, Texas; shown by Mackenzie Fallis.
• Green Ranch Riding (9 shown) – Champion: Slick Bandit (7 shown) – Champion: Slick Bandit; owned by Jerry Salinas, Abilene, Texas; shown by Mackenzie Fallis.
For additional information about the ApHC and complete results from this year’s National/Youth World Show visit www.appaloosa.com.
Roan Horse Association presents 7th World Show in Murfresboro, Tennessee
Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Ryan Geiger
Ohio competitor Shanae Hardy says My Ride Or Dye (Pingpong) has the biggest heart and the most try of any horse she’s ever ridden.
“He is dependable and as honest as they come, allowing me to focus on doing my best knowing he will always have my back,” she said.
And if you need any more evi-
dence, consider that Pingpong returned to the American Roan Horse Association (ARHA) World Show this year after winning championship titles last year in Western Pleasure to capture yet another win – this time in the Roan To Riches (R2R) Hunter Under Saddle with Hardy in the irons.
In addition, Pingpong and Hardy
won Reserve World Championships in both Amateur Western Pleasure and Amateur Hunter Under Saddle.
Hardy said, with the help of her partner and Pingpong’s trainer Jim Chafin, her strategy heading into this year’s World Show, held June 25 to 29, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was to trust.
“I focused on trusting myself, trusting my horse and trusting that all the work all three of us put in would showcase itself,” she explained. “Horse showing is not just a test of training, but a test of mental preparation. It is easy to become overwhelmed or nervous when showing at any level. Therefore, I thank God I have Jim and Pingpong in my corner.”
Chafin, Hardy and Pingpong attended their very first Roan World Show in 2024. There Chafin won the R2R Western Pleasure as well as the Junior Western Pleasure on the 2021 red roan gelding by VS Goodride out of She Iza Keeper. Hardy, not to be outdone, won the Amateur Western Pleasure.
“After that, we decided to add Hunter Under Saddle to Pingpong’s repertoire,” she said. “Thanks to Jim's exceptional training, the transition was rather seamless. I found that it was more about me learning to trust the forward movement of the event.”
Eau Claire, Wisconsin exhibitor Kelly Ponce made her first appearance at a Roan Horse World Championship count when she and her show partner TJ Codebreaker (Griffin) won the Amateur Showmanship, one of the largest classes
at the show with 17 entries. They also tied to win the Amateur Equitation and placed in the top 10 in Amateur Horsemanship, Amateur Western Pleasure and Non-Pro Halter Geldings.
“Showmanship is one of our strongest and favorite events,” Ponce said. “We finished our AQHA (Showmanship) Superior in 2024, so we had a lot of experience as partners going in to the Roan World Show. It also helps that Griffin is quite handsome and presents a lot of eye appeal.”
To prepare for the World Show Ponce focused on always being correct.
“I mentally lay out a precise and efficient pattern and then practice consistently hitting all the marks I choose,” she explained. “Once those pieces are in place, all I need to do on show day is take a deep breath, stand up tall with confidence and smile.”
Ponce said TJ Codebreaker, a 2015 bay roan gelding by VS Code Blue out of NK Hot N Lacy is a very kind horse who loves attention.
“One of his favorite things is
when my dad scratches under his neck,” she said.
Ponce purchased Griffin as a 6year-old who had been well started but on the back-burner.
“Despite the slow beginning to his show career, he is now a six-event horse with Western riding being the next addition,” she said. “He has points in Performance Geldings, Showmanship, Equitation, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Trail. He has proven himself to be an excellent Trail horse. My next goal is to learn Trail with him and delve into that arena myself.”
Ponce and Griffin train with Elizabeth (Betsy) Olander of ERO Performance Horses in Hastings, Minnesota.
“Betsy has done such a wonderful job with Griffin,” she said. “She has taught him to be a terrific all around horse.”
Ponce said she is glad she decided to attend the Roan Horse World Show and she had a wonderful time.
“This was a tremendously positive experience, and I came away with not
only success and cool prizes, but new friends that I look forward to seeing again somewhere down the rail.” she said. “I definitely advise anyone with interest to give it a try! It is a fun show with strong competition.”
This is the third straight year Kaylee Mueller, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky has competed at the Roan World Show. In 2003 and 2004 Mueller and her show partner Full Code (Codee), a 2015 bay roan gelding sired by VS Flatline out of Principles Tammy Te, were Reserve Champions in Amateur Trail. But this year, the team came back to win the class with nine entries and Full Code won both the Open Trail and the R2R Trail with Mueller’s trainer Rusty Rea.
“The pattern was well laid out and had such a great flow,” Mueller said. “Codee was with me stride for stride and I could not have asked him to have shown any better. I knew the moment I stepped into the pen to start my pattern that he was dialed in.”
This was the first trail pattern Mueller and Codee have shown where a flying lead change was required.
“That’s a strong point for Codee,” Mueller said. “II knew this pattern was good for him if I could pilot him to the correct spots and execute our plan as we had prepared for.” ttt
Pictured on the opposite page at the 2025 American Roan Horse Association World Show are Elivia Papcum and Zips Good N Hot, winning the Youth Equitation and Shanae Hardy and My Ride Or Dye, winning the R2R Hunter Under Saddle. On this page (left) Kelly Ponce and TJ Codebreaker, Amateur Showmanship winers and Carson Handeland and Certified Goodride, R2R Western Pleasure Champions. s
The following is a list of winners at the 2025 ARHA World Show:
Western Pleasure
R2R Western Pleasure (9 shown) – Champion: Certified Goodride, owned by Patricia Murray, shown by Carson Jeffrey Handeland.
Non-Pro Walk-Trot All Age Pleasure (15 shown) –Champion: Certified Goodride, owned and shown by Patricia Murray.
Junior Western Pleasure (4 shown) – Champion: Certified Goodride, owned by Patricia Murray, shown by Carson Jeffrey Handeland.
Amateur Western Pleasure (13 shown) – Champion: VS Blue Impulse, owned and shown by Lori Ward.
Senior Western Pleasure (7 shown) – Champion: Gritt N Grace, owned by Buddy Boykin, shown by Blake Moore.
Green Western Pleasure (10 shown) – Champion: Notice My Goodride, owned by Patricia Murray, shown by Carson Jeffrey Handeland.
Youth Western Pleasure (8 shown) – Champion: A Rush Of Adrenaline, owned and shown by Della-Ivy Jones.
Hunter Under Saddle
R2R Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) – Champion: My Ride Or Dye, owned by Chaffin Performances, shown by Shanae A. Hardy.
Youth Hunter Under Saddle (11 shown) – Champion: Wrap Up The Money, owned and shown by Maycee Watt.
Amateur Hunter Under Saddle (8 shown) – Champion: Drinks At A Goodbar, owned and shown by MvClellan L. Grimm.
Non-Pro Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) –Champion: Firstimeforevrything, owned by Jennifer L. Taufmann, shown by Lola Malynn Tauffman.
Green Hunter Under Saddle (4 shown) – Champion:
Looks Cooler In Code, owned by Molly Mullady, shown by Jessica Ann Daniels.
Junior Hunter Under Saddle (3 shown) – Champion: Looks Cooler In Code, owned by Molly Mullady, shown by Jessica Ann Daniels.
Senior Hunter Under Saddle (7 shown) – Champion: Brock Lesnar, owned by Helenn M. Voss, shown by Lynne M. Puthoff.
Longe Line
R2R 2-Year-Old & Under Longe Line (4 shown) –Champion: VS Goodride Cowgirl, owned and shown by Emily Marschand.
Amateur Longe Line (2 shown) – Champion: RocKN It In Gold, owned and shown by Kent Young.
Open 2-Year-Old & Under Longe Line (2 shown) –Champion: RocKN It In Gold, owned and shown by Kent Young.
Horsemanship
Walk-Trot Horsemanship (7 shown) – Champion: Love On The Rox, owned and shown by Francesca Caroline.
Youth Western Horsemanship (11 shown) – Champion: The Roan Show, owned and shown by Molly Mullady.
Amateur Horsemanship (17 shown) – Champion: Good To Bea Red Rock, owned by Cyndi Mehl, shown by Abby Lynn Mehl.
Trail
R2R Trail (6 shown) – Champion: Full Code, owned by Kaylee Ann Mueller, shown by Rusty Rea.
Green Trail (10 shown) – Champion: Justa Crackin, owned by Carol Wilbanks, shown by Dustin Milsap.
Youth Trail (5 shown) – Champion: The Roan Show, owned and shown by Molly Mullady.
Amateur Trail (9 shown) – Champion: Full Code, owned and shown by Kaylee Ann Mueller.
Open Trail (9 shown) – Champion: Full Code, owned by Kaylee Ann Mueller, shown by Rusty Rea.
Non-Pro Walk-Trot Trail (6 shown) – Champion: Brock Lesnar, owned and shown by Helenn m. Voss.
Hunter In Hand
2-Year-Old & Under In Hand Trail (3 shown) – Champion: Mr Luvah Luvah, owned by Laura B. Smith, shown by Hattie Carter.
Western Riding
Open Western Riding (8 shown) – Champion: Im Good To The Max, owned by Elizabeth K. Witcher, shown by Kayla Kohler.
Equitation
Pictured on the opposite page (clockwise from top left) are: Kaylee Mueller showing Full Code in Amateur Trail; Rusty Rea showing Full Code in Open Trail and Jessie Macy showing Gotta Lil Strut in Open Ranch Riding. On this page (clockwise from upper left): Emily Marschand showing VS Goodride Cowgirl to a win in the R2R 2-Year-Old & Under Longe Line; one of the beautiful buckles presented at the 2025 Roan Horse World Show and Hattie Carter showing Mr Luvah Luvah to a win in the 2-Year-Old Hunter In Hand class.
Youth Equitation (10 shown) – Champion: Zips Good N Hot, owned by Dawn Marie Papcun, shown by Elivia Hazel Papcun.
Amateur Equitation (10 shown) – Champion: TJ Codebreaker, owned and shown by Kelly Ponce.
Walk-Trot Equitation (3 shown) – Champion: This Girls Stylin, owned and shown by Skylar J. Stuchal.
Showmanship
Youth Showmanship (13 shown) – Champion: Zips Good N Hot, owned by Dawn Marie Papcun, shown by Elivia Hazel Papcun.
Amateur Showmanship (17 shown)Champion: TJ Codebreaker, owned and shown by Kelly Ponce.
Halter
Non-Pro Halter Mares (10 shown) –Champion: JMK My Initials Only, owned and shown by Michael L. Howell.
Open Halter Mares (5 shown) – Champion: JMK My Initials Only, owned and shown by Michael L. Howell.
Non-Pro Halter Geldings (14 shown) –Champion: Full Code, owned and shown by Kaylee Ann Mueller.
Open Halter Geldings (9 shown) – Champion: Donta Worry Be Happy, owned by Rosemary Messer, shown by Jim Chaffin.
Reining
Open Reining (1 shown) – Champion: Ima Freckled Playa, Ima Freckled Playa, owned by Thembisa, shown by Maya Shaffer.
Ranch
Youth Ranch Riding (2 shown) – Champion: Ima Freckled Playa, owned by Thembisa, shown by Maya Shaffer.
Amateur Ranch Riding (4 shown) – Champion: Gotta Lil Strut, owned and shown by Jessie Macy.
Open Ranch Riding (3 shown) – Champion: Gotta Lil Strut, owned and shown by Jessie Macy.
Youth Ranch Rail – (2 shown) – Champion: Ima Freckled Playa, owned by Thembisa, shown by Maya Shaffer.
Amateur Ranch Rail (5 shown) – Champion: Hannasshastaspoonful, owned and shown by David Coffman.
Amateur Ranch Rail (5 shown) - Champion: Gotta Lil Strut, owned and shown by Jessie Macy.
Open Ranch Trail (2 shown) – Champion: Ona Hott Suggestion, owned by Jerri Taylor, shown by Kyle Simmons.
Amateur Ranch Trail (1 shown) - Champion: Hannasshastaspoonful, owned and shown by David Coffman.
Youth Ranch Trail (2 shown) – Champion: Rowdy Valentine Pep, owned by Sarah McKee, shown by Addison Nicole McKee.
ANIMAL WELFARE by Katherine Jarve
Unerstanding the implications
of AQHA’s animal welfare rule enhancements
Recently, the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission met the at 2025 AQHA Convention in in Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss animal-welfare related rule changes recommendations. The Animal Welfare Grievance Committee is made-up of industry professionals, including AQHA judges, AQHA Professional Horsemen, university professors, veterinarians, and association professionals. As a result of the meeting, several proposed rule changes were submitted to the AQHA Executive Committee, which were approved this past May. The changes are to be implemented immediately and are designed to further promote AQHA’s mission that every American Quarter Horse shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion.
So what the are new rule changes that are most likely to affect you?
First, performance alteration testing is here to stay and, in fact, will be expanding. AQHA has approved formation of a “task force to develop and implement a plan to expand performed alteration testing to appropriate shows throughout the year.” This means you are likely to see performance alteration testing not only at the AQHA Championship shows, but also many of the “majors” throughout the year. As a reminder, the performance alteration testing program includes neck testing for abnormalities in structure and movement, tail testing for alterations to create a “quieter” tail carriage and drugs testing for forbidden substances. Horses that fail such testing may be determined to be not fit to compete and/or be required to forfeit any titles earned at the show.
AQHA will also be scrutinizing the use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) upon horses prior to competition. Effective Jan. 1, no horse may be treated with ESQT within 24 hours prior to competition unless:
• ESWT must be administered by licensed veterinarian within such state or with a written prescription by a licensed veterinarian that has a valid Client-Patient-Veterinarian relationship.
• AQHA Medication Report Form must be filed within one hour of administration on each case per AQHA Rule VIO403.
• A log must be kept by the administering party documenting date, total number of shocks per anatomical region and the horse’s registered name and number.
• ESWT application to the back and dorsal pelvis area may
The changes are to be implemented immediately and are designed to further promote AQHA’s mission that every American Quarter Horse shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion.
be administered by licensed veterinarian within such state or with a written prescription by a licensed veterinarian that has a valid Client-Patient-Veterinarian relationship within the 24hour prohibited period, but no closer than 12 hours prior to competing. If sedation is required, it must be administered 24 hours prior to competition by a licensed veterinarian and will be considered therapeutic and a Medication Report Form (MRF) must be filed, per AQHA Rule VIO403.
Next, AQHA will be implementing the “use of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliant microchips or additional forms of permanent identification of horses at 2026 AQHA Championship Shows.” This use is voluntary for 2026, but will become a requirement in 2027 for all horses entering an AQHA Championship Show. Microchipping and other permanent forms of identification allow for immediate onsite verification of horses for purposes of testing and biosecurity. In addition, AQHA plans to establish a World Show Vaccination/Biosecurity/Identification Task Force to develop a biosecurity plan for AQHA Championship Shows. Generally, this is intended to significantly reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread at horse competitions. This brings AQHA in align with other equine organizations. For example, beginning December 1, 2025, all horses competing in USEF-licensed or endorsed competitions must be microchipped.
Lastly, AQHA has taken another significant step forward in protecting American Quarter Horses from inhumane treatment. AQHA will now penalize those for the inhumane treatment of a horse that “occurs somewhere other than at or in connection with an AQHA-approved show.”
Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil litigation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.
SEDATIVES by Jeff Hall, DVM
When used correctly, they are safe, easy to administer and extremely helpful
It’s not uncommon for horse owners to feel anxious about the use of sedatives in their pets, but the truth is that sedatives are commonly used, safe and often easy to administer. In many cases, they aren’t just helpful – they’re essential. Horses are powerful animals, and their size and fight-or-flight instincts can make for dangerous situations for themselves and those around them. There are also parts of a horse that aren’t physically visible or accessible to a veterinarian, such as their teeth, unless the horse is sedated and relaxed.
When used appropriately, sedatives increase a horse’s comfort in stressful situations, ensuring your safety and that of the veterinarians and handlers working with them.
Here are some important things to know about sedation, including types of sedatives, methods of administration and common use cases.
Types of equine sedation
A great way to break down different types of sedation is by their method of administration. The three primary categories are:
• Oral sedation
• Standing injectable sedation (IM and IV)
• General anesthesia
2.) Stressful environments: Fireworks, loud events or new settings can spook your horse. Using light sedatives ahead of events like these helps ensure your horse stays calm, avoiding injury.
3.) Trailer loading: Sedative use encourages calm behavior and can help reinforce positive learnings. (Note: Never trailer a sedated horse without veterinary direction).
4.) First turnout after stall rest: Using a sedative can reduce the risk of reinjury due to pent-up energy if your horse is just returning from being on stall rest after an injury.
Standing injectable route of administration: Injectable sedatives, given intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV), are administered by a veterinarian. The IV route has the fastest onset of effect and the greatest intensity but generally leads to a shorter duration of action. The IM route varies depending on
When used appropriately, sedatives increase a horse’s comfort in stressful situations, ensuring your safety and that of the veterinarians and handlers working with them.
Oral route of administration: Common drugs that are given to horses by mouth include alpha-2 agonists and phenothiazines. Alpha-2 agonists cause muscle relaxation, sedation and pain relief. Phenothiazines cause relaxation but allow the horse to maintain arousability and avoidance behaviors. Common examples of these drugs include Dormosedan® Gel (detomidine hydrochloride) and xylazine, both alpha-2 agonists, and acepromazine, which is a phenothiazine.
Dormosedan Gel is the first and only sedative approved by the FDA specifically for horse owner administration. It’s a mild standing sedative prescribed by veterinarians for horse care and husbandry procedures such as farrier work, body clipping and general restraint.
Acepromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the central nervous system. The effects of acepromazine can vary depending on the horse and formulation, but they’re typically milder and shorter-lasting than an alpha-2 agonist like Dormosedan Gel.
Common uses for oral sedatives:
1.) Routine care: Oral sedatives can make routine husbandry procedures less stressful for horses and handlers. Think sheath cleaning, bandage changes, mane pulling or farrier work.
the drug but generally lasts longer than IV and has less intensity.
IM sedation is typically administered in the triangular muscular region located on the side of the neck. Onset occurs within 10 to 15 minutes, faster than an oral sedative but slower than an IV. It offers moderate sedation and is generally used for less intensive procedures.
IV sedation delivers rapid and strong sedation, often within 5 minutes. It’s ideal for procedures requiring greater control or deeper sedation. IV sedatives are injected into the jugular vein and should only be handled by veterinarians due to the risk of improper administration.
Acepromazine, xylazine and Dormosedan® Sterile Solution (detomidine hydrochloride) are examples of commonly used IV sedatives. If any of those sound familiar, that’s because they are the same active ingredients as the orally administered sedatives we discussed.
Below are some common situations where your veterinarian might administer IV sedation.
1.) Routine care: Dental examination and floating: Due to the anatomy of the equine skull, it’s very challenging to examine a horse’s mouth without sedation and a mouth The noise of the equipment and the feeling in the mouth can be
SEDATIVES (continued)
unnerving for horses, making sedation essential for precise and stress-free dental care.
2.) Hoof trimming and corrective shoeing: Some horses may have painful conditions that can make it hard to stand on three legs while a farrier works on them. Sedation can make it easier to get the job done quickly, thereby minimizing the time of discomfort.
`3.) Medical procedures: Injuries: In cases of injury like a wound or laceration, sedation allows for more complete evaluation and repair (along with a local anesthetic to reduce sensation).
4.) Diagnostic imaging (radiographs, ultrasounds): Horses need to remain still for clear, accurate diagnostic imaging, and sedation helps veterinarians effectively image horses the first time around. It also protects expensive equipment.
5.) Standing surgical procedures: Sedation allows veterinarians to perform procedures such as eye removal, sinus surgery, laparoscopy, and tooth or mass removal so that general anesthesia and recovery can be avoided.
6.) Joint injections: If your horse receives joint injections for conditions like osteoarthritis, sedation can help ensure the treatment is administered safely and in the appropriate spot.
General anesthesia: administered by a veterinarian General anesthetics are the most powerful sedatives available and cause complete loss of consciousness. They’re administered by IV for induction of anesthesia and may be maintained via repetitive injections, a constant rate of infusion or by gas-inhaled anesthetics through an endotracheal tube using an anesthesia machine that breathes for the horse. They’re always administered by a veterinarian and technician and are usually required for advanced medical or surgical procedures such as castration, colic surgery, arthroscopy or fracture repair. Anesthetics require constant monitoring by your veterinary team.
Recovery can take place on grass (like after routine castration), in a padded recovery stall (like after colic surgery), or in a sling or inflatable raft in a pool (like in neurologic or fracture repair cases) depending on the facility and availability.
Make informed choices with your veterinarian: Your veterinarian is always your best resource when it comes to equine health topics, including sedation. Don’t be afraid to be proactive and discuss your concerns by asking questions like:
• Will my horse need to be sedated during the exam or procedure?
• What type of sedative will be used, how does it work and how long will it last?
• How long until my horse can graze, eat or drink after being sedated?
• What’s the withdrawal period for the sedative (important for competing or racing horses)? You can also reference USEF Guidelines and Rules for Drugs and Medications to ensure you’re following proper protocols.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use DORMOSEDAN GEL in horses with preexisting atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Do not use in anesthetized or sedated horses, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Handle gel-dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth.
Do not use DORMOSEDAN STERILE SOLUTION in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Intravenous potentiated sulfonamides should not be used in anesthetized or sedated horses. Careful consideration should be given to horses approaching or in endotoxic or traumatic shock, to horses with advanced liver or kidney disease, or to horses under stress from extreme heat, cold, fatigue, or high altitude. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Handle dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth.
Jeff Hall, DVM, Managing Equine Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis.
He received his DVM and completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Following his internship, he practiced in an exclusively equine surgical and ambulatory practice in Oregon for over 10 years. He now resides in San Luis Obispo, California.
Alec M�tin
Watching customers improve this Wisconsin trainer’s goal
Text Corrine S. Borton
Photos Lisa Anderson, Bar H Photography & Shane Rux
When training horses or coaching customers, Wisconsin professional trainer Alec Martin says it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Martin and his girlfriend, Tiffany Born, specialize in the preparation of American Quarter Horse Association ( AQHA) all -around contenders.
“Tiffany specializes in more of the pattern classes like Equitation and Horsemanship,” Martin explained. “ I focus more on Trail, Western Pleasure, Western Riding and Hunter Under Saddle.
Martin was introduced to horses when his brother, Jack, who has an intellectual disability, was enrolled in Partners for Progress (PFP), a therapeutic riding program in Wauconda, Illinois.
“When Jack would ride, I would walk around the barn visiting the horses and leave their stalls open so they could leave if they wanted,” Martin recalled. “Once I was old enough Diane, the PFP’s executive director, pulled me in her office and told me I was going to learn to be horse-handler and spend my time volunteering instead of letting horses out. I had no idea how that conversation would change my life.”
Martin volunteered, took lessons and spent as much time at PFP as he could. When he turned 9 the executive director offered him an opportunity to show at a local open show. And he was hooked.
“When I turned 15, I became a staff member and continued volunteering and showing with PFP,” Martin said. “Diane, and many other staff, volunteers and riders were and remain my second family. They had a huge impact on shaping me into the person I am today and I am forever grateful to them. It’s an honor to be able to still help them when we
Alec Martin is pictured (above) riding VS For Certain in Trail. Across the top some of Martin’s successful clients include: Kate Macklin and Partners In Kryme at the AQHA Level 1 East Championships; Sherri Albinger and An Innocent Tail at the Quarter Horse Congress; and Kate Macklin and Partners In Kryme at the Corporate Challenge. On the opposite page Martin is pictured (clockwise from top) with his girlfriend, Tiffany Born; helping out at Partners For Progress; and riding VS For Certain to a win in Trail at the Cap Gun Circuit.
are at the same shows.”
AQHA Level 1 East Championships;
• An Innocent Tail, $1000 added NSBA Green Trail Reserve Champion, Reserve Champion Rookie Amateur Trail at the AQHA Level 1 East Championships, fourth place in Level 1 Amateur Select Showmanship at the Quarter Horse Congress and fourth place Level 1 Amateur Select Showmanship at the AQHA Level 1 East Championships.
Martin has also coached numerous top five and top 15 earning youth and amateur contenders at the Quarter Horse Congress; a Reserve Champion and multiple top five and top 10 earning youth and amateur competitors at the AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show.
He is also a member of the AQHA, National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and the American Paint Horse Association, as well as regional vice president for the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association. He recently started to pursue judging and holds a card for the Wisconsin 4-H Program.
Martin says his favorite part of his job as a professional trainer is watching the improvements and development in the customers and the successes they achieve.
After gaining valuable experience working for several top professionals in the industry – including Sara Hauer; Ryan Cottingim and Amanda Gately; Judd and Jennifer Paul; and Kim Kuehne – Martin decided it was time to make a go of it in his own.
“I don’t think deciding to start a business is easy for anyone,” Martin said. “But for those that do, I’d like to think we all have that moment where we understand the level of commitment and sacrifice its going to take to make our dreams come true.”
The Larry & Rhonda Spratto operation, including a home, 16-stall barn, indoor and outdoor arenas and four turnouts on five acres just south of Oshkosh, Wisconsin was purchased in 2023 and Martin established Alec Martin Performance Horses, continuing to train horses as they did there for 40 years.
“I am grateful that I was able to open my business in the state of Wisconsin because since I’ve lived here, it has always felt like home,” Martin said.
Since then Martin has had the opportunity to train and show such decorated contenders as:
• VS For Certain, $1,000 added NSBA Green Trail Champion and seventh place, Level 1 Amateur Trail at the
If he were not a professional trainer, Martin says he’d love to be in sports radio or a football coach.
Growing up in northern Illinois, Martin attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he played football all four years and basketball his first two years.
“Sports and horses have been a large part of my life from a young age,” he said.
After graduating from high school, Martin attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin and Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sales & Service with an emphasis in Equine Management from Dickinson State University in 2024.
When he is not riding or at a show, Martin enjoys enjoy watching sports on tv or being in the outdoors hunting, fishing, skeet shooting or spending time on a friend’s boat.
But he admits his definition of happiness is a barn full of healthy horses, a roof over my head and a belly full of food.
You can contact Martin at (847) 420-9666 or you can connect with him via the Alec Martin Performance Horses Facebook Page.
Trainer Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a trainer profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.
Alicia Ma�hi�
Michigan competitor always striving to improve and build off her last ride
Text Corrine S.Borton Photos & Kirstie Marie & Shane Rux
Michigan Amateur competitor Alicia Matthies believes that you are only as good as your last ride.
“I am a huge perfectionist and believe every ride can be improved upon, even if it’s just a fine detail,” she said. “I enjoy learning and improving with the horse each ride.”
Ironically, when she started riding and taking lessons at the age of 7, Matthies was told she was too small and instructors suggested maybe it wasn’t a good idea afterall. But they gave her a chance anyway and it stuck.
“I had a lot of grit and determination to ride and they let me come back,” Matthies explained. “I think a lot of it stems from the “underdog” feeling and believing in myself to be better than I was the last ride.”
Today, Matthies competes at the highest level With This Cowboys Mine, in Western Pleasure, a class that is know for it’s difficulty and intricacies. But Matthies thrives on the pressure.
“The (Western) Pleasure can be very prestigious and some times overwhelming,” she said. “I think being able to go out there and show against the best and trying to become one of the best is what pushes me to show.”
But that’s not all of it.
“I also want to show the little girl that her dreams of showing and becoming one of the greatest is possible,” she admitted.
Of course, the success did not come quickly or easily.
Matthies started showing with a gelding named Max and together they competed at the county fair in everything. They especially enjoyed the speed events and often they would also attend local Barrel Racing shows in the summer.
“At the time, Max was a retired AQHA Halter horse that was just used as a ride around,” Matthies explained. “We always joked that he was a big red dog. He loved people and nothing bothered him at all.”
From there, Matthies teamed with The Last Good Mac, a 2009 red roan gelding, sired by Zippos Mr Good Bar out of Mystified Mac. Together they were American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Rookie Hunter Under Saddle Champions and the 2016 National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Reserve Champions Novice Youth Showmanship.
Next came Chattanooga Lucy, a 2016 brown mare, sired by Batt Man out of One Gem Of A Cookie. Together they were Tom Powers 2-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure Champions; Reserve NSBA and BCF 2-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure Champions; won multiple top five placings in Amateur Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show; were NSBA Riders Cup Champion at the Arizona Sun Circuit; and 2018 NSBA Year-End Reserve Champions in the 2-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure. In addition, they earned multiple circuit championships in Western Pleasure, Showmanship and Performance Halter.
After Chatanooga Lucy, Matthies teamed with Rode Rageous (Eli) , a 2007 sorrel gelding, sired by Ziprageous out of Its A Good Life. Matthies and Eli have amassed quite the show record. They captured a NSBA Bronze Championship in Youth Trail; numerous NSBA top 10 honors in Trail and Horsemanship; a Top 10 at the AQHA World Show in Trail, multiple circuit championships in Trail and Horsemanship; and placed third in Amateur Trail at the Quarter Horse Congress. They are currently competing in Amateur All-Around events, under the direction of Bruce Vickery/Anthony Montes.
Matthies has had the opportunity to train with some of the very best professionals.
“When I first started riding, I was with Nicole Veldhoff for a few years,” she said. “After that, I went and rode with Becky Schooler/Kyle Dougherty then I eventually moved my horses down to Texas to be with Aaron Moses and Bruce Vickery/Anthony Montes. I think it is important to acknowl-
edge and thank all of the trainers that have helped me become the rider I am today.”
It was Moses who helped her find her current show partner - This Cowboys Mine (Cowboy), a 2019 chestnut gelding, sired by The Lopin Machine out of Suddens Leadin Lady.
Aaron and I were in search for a new pleasure horse,” she explained. “A week before Congress, he called me up with an idea. Cowboy had been in his barn since the start and Aaron thought he and I would be a great match. I was a little hesitant as I had never ridden him before, but I trusted Aaron. I was unable to get to the Congress early, so I rode him then went in and showed the next day in the Non-Pro Maturity.”
Since then, Matthies and This Cowboys Mine have earned a NSBA Reserve World Championship in the Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure Maturity; AQHA Reserve World Championship in Level 2 Amateur Western Pleasure; a third place in the Limited Non-Pro Maturity at the Congress; Reserve Championship in the Limited Non-Pro Maturity at the Orange Blossom and Sudden Impulse Futurity; Championships in the Limited Non-Pro Maturity at the Back To Berrien Futurity and Premier; and they were Circuit Champions in Amateur Western Pleasure at the Arizona Sun Circuit.
In 2022 Matthies asked Moses to help her find her a young prospect to show in Western Pleasure futurity classes. I happened to be on Facebook one day when Mallory Menard posted a video of The Way I Talk (Moe), a 2020 bay gelding by VS Goodride out of Roses Hot Ticket.
“I sent the video to Aaron to get his thoughts and if he thought Mal would sell Moe,” she explained. “Aaron brought him home and a few days later he was mine.”
Outside the show pen, it’s been a busy few years for Matthies. After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a double major in Business Economics and Supply Chain Management in 2001 she went to work as Vice President at Merl’s Towing and McDonald’s Towing, family-owned tow companies on the south-west side of the state.
“I grew up in the company and started working full-time after college,” she said. “I gradually increased in my roles throughout the company and my husband and I solely run Merl’s Towing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I do everything from managing to Human Resources.”
And last September she married her high school sweetheart, Jacob Matthies. Together they enjoy snowboarding and skiing, coaching volleyball, wake surfing and spending time at the lake.
But Matthies has a very specific goal for herself and her horses this year - to continue grow as a rider and have consistent rides.
“My end goal is to get a globe at the AQHA World Show, win at the NSBA World Show and win at the Congress,” she explained. “That’s easier said than done, so I want to focus on my horses and improving and building off of each ride.”
Amateur Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for an amateur profile email Corrine Borton, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com. ttt
Alicia Matthies is pictured on the opposite page with her current show partner, This Cowboys Mine and inset with Cowboy at the AQHA World Show in 2024. On this page Alicia is pictured at her September wedding to Jacob Matthies, and (below that) at work at Merl’s Towing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ASSOCIATIONS
NATALIE SNAPP TO LEAD (IN) APHA NEWS
The 2025–2026 American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) Board of Directors has saddled up for a great year of leadership, with Natalie Snapp of Bellefontaine, Ohio, at the helm as president.
The AjPHA Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding the association’s activities, including collaborating with Youth members and guiding the future of the association. Members of the committee work with their peers to carry out an annual project, targeted at improving the association and ensuring its longevity.
Before serving as president, Natalie was an AjPHA national director for three years and fell in love with making connections throughout the association. Inspired by her Midwest upbringing, her project focuses on Youth member retention and creating new opportunities for Youth to connect with equine professionals.
The 2025–2026 AjPHA Board of Directors include: President, Natalie Snapp; President-Elect, Colten Dulin; Vice President, Teagan Kallus; Zone 1 Representative, Colten Dulin; and Zone 4 Representative, Teagan Kallus.
About the APHA: The APHA is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. Learn more at apha.com.
AQHA RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS
MEMBERS HAVE A VOICE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION
The final standing committee reports from the 2025 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Convention are online, and it is time to think ahead for 2026.
The AQHA wants to hear any suggestions members have to make the association’s membership, programs and services reach their fullest potential.
Each spring, AQHA holds a convention to review AQHA rules and policies. During the convention, member-submitted rule changes and suggestions are also reviewed.
AQHA members are vital to the Association and have been influential in shaping the organization since its founding in 1940. The opportunity to propose new rules or changes allows members to voice their ideas and help continue to improve AQHA for future generations.
If you are an AQHA member, you can submit a suggestion for a rule change for the AQHA Official Handbook. All proposals are due by Dec. 31 of each year.
To submit a rule change proposal:
• Complete a rule-change proposal form.
• Define the problem and develop as many possible solutions as you can by asking others for input.
• Choose one possible solution that appears to be the most appropriate and that fits the mission and goals of AQHA. Determine if any other rules would be affected if your proposal is adopted and specify the rule numbers.
• Submit proper wording for a proposed rule change by typing or neatly printing the exact wording being proposed. If you propose changes to existing language, strike through the words you propose to delete. Type in bold and italics the words you propose to add.
All proposals must be received by Dec. 31, for consideration at the 2026 AQHA Convention, slated for March 13-16 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
If you complete the PDF form, please return it via email to rulechanges@aqha.org. If you prefer, items can also be submitted by mail at: AQHA, ATTN: Shelly Spears,P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79168
For guidelines on writing proposed rule changes, visit www.aqha.com/aqha-rulebook. View the list of committees at www.aqha.com/committees.
BREEDERS CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURITY YEARLING SALE CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE (IN) NSBA NEWS
The 2025 National Snaffle Bit Association Markel Insurance Breeders Championship Futurity Yearling Sale catalog has been released and is now available for viewing.
The Yearling Sale is only open to yearlings enrolled in the NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity or NSBA Color Breeders Championship Futurity and is held in conjunction with the NSBA World Championship Show each year.
Yearlings purchased in the 2025 sale will also become eligible for purse set aside for sale graduates who would
compete in a designated Breeders Championship Futurity class in either their two year old year in 2026 or three year old year in 2027.
Over 100 yearlings passed
through the sale i 2024. The gross sales on the yearlings that went through the sale ring were $1,819,000, providing consignors with a sale average of $17,490 per head. The top ten sale average was $56,920 and the top 20 sale average was $44,335.
In 2024, the NSBA Markel Insurance Breeders Championship Futurity Yearling Sale generated a purse of $186,622.50 for graduates who show in either 2025 or 2026. To date, an additional $1,693,123.00 has been generated for sale graduates.
Text Corrine S. Borton Photos KRC Photography & Shane Rux
Sixteen-year-old Dana Moody gets it.
As the daughter of professional horse trainers, the Munith, Michigan youth competitor has a genuine understanding and appreciation of the Western Pleasure contender. In fact, Western Pleasure is her favorite class to watch. And it’s the event in which she most loves to compete.
“You have to really think about your spot in the pen, your body position, when, where, and how to use your feet, and so much more,” she said. “When you have a horse that is great legged and stays with you, you can really show it off and it’s a blast.”
And she knows first hand, how difficult it is to achieve....and, better yet, make it look easy.
But then again. She’s been at it for as long as she can remember. She’s been riding for 11 years now and vividly remembers the moment she decided she too wanted to compete.
“I remember being jealous that my good friend got to show the Lead Line,” she recalled.
So Moody had a talk with her parents, Jeff and Linda Moody, and at the very next show in Allegan, Michigan, she got her chance to try out Lead Line for herself.
“I showed a horse that my mom and dad’s long-time customer owned. We called him Chubby.”
Moody never looked back. In 2016 she won her very first trophy riding a mare named Junebug in the Inaugural Pony Pleasure at the Tom Powers Futurity.
Over the years, she has had the opportunity to show many talented horses.
From 2017 to 2020 Moody showed Cudda Invited Me, a 2009 brown gelding by Invitation Only out of Rosys Asset,as she transitioned from Small Fry to 13 and Under competition. At the 2017 Quarter Horse Congress they were named Reserve Small Fry All-Around
Champions by placing third in Equitation; fourth in Western Pleasure; fifth in Horsemanship; and seventh in Showmanship.
In 2018 they won Congress Championships in both Horsemanship and Equitation, placed fifth in Western Pleasure; and 15th in Showmanship.
“He was excellent at Horsemanship, Showmanship and Equitation,” Moody said. Time Is Lopin By was Moody’s first real Western Pleasure partner. She showed the 2009 bay mare by Only Intuition and out of Lopin By off and on from 2019 to 2021.
“She was an old pro and made me work for it,” Moody recalled. “I learned a lot about using my feet and having feel on her. She was the first ever horse I showed at the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Youth World as well. We were top 10 in the Level 3 and L2 Western Pleasure 13 & Under there.”
Toward the end of 2021 Moody started showing Best Motion Picture, a 2017 sorrel gelding sired by Open For Suggestion.
“He was incredible at Trail and Showmanship,” she said. “We won the 13 and Under Trail at the NSBA (National Snaffle Bit Association) World Show, and earned bronze globes at the AQHA Youth World Show in 13 & Under Trail in 2022. We were also Reserve Congress Champions that year in the Level 1 Youth Showmanship 13 and Under.”
This year, Moody has three different show partners – Rock N Repeat, The Next Drew Berry and Dee From Tennessee. s
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Dana Moody is pictured at left with her current show partner, Dee From Tennessee and top with The Next Drew Berry (left) and Best Motion Picture at the AQHA Youth World Show.
Rock N Repeat is a 2019 chestnut mare by Repeated In Red out of Rock N The Red.
“I show her in Horsemanship, Showmanship, Equitation, Western Pleasure and Western Riding,” Moody said. “She can be tricky, but she is a blast to show and is so talented.”
The Next Drew Berry is a 2017 red roan mare by VS Flatline out of Only Couture.
“I show her in the Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle,” Moody said. “I have had her for almost five years. She is the kindest mare with the biggest heart. She has had to sit on the sidelines a lot due to injuries, but she loves to show, so I only show her at a few shows a year. In 2022, I won my first globe on her in the Level 3 Western Pleasure 13 & Under. It was a moment I will never forget.”
Dee From Tennessee is a 2021 sorrel mare by The Lopin Machine out of KM All The Best.
“I show her in Western Pleasure,” Moody said. “She can be super challenging but she is so much fun to ride and has the biggest personality. Last year, we placed in almost every 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure that we showed in.”
Moody cherishes all her success but she says her favorite win came in 2022 when she captured her first ever globe in the Level 3 Western Pleasure 13 & Under at the AQHA Youth World Show riding The Next Drew Berry.
“My dad worked really hard to make sure Berry was ready to show that day,” she said. “It was a feeling like no other.”
Moody knows she has been extremely fortunate to have a lot of great horse trainers help her over the years.
“My dad and mom have always been my main trainers,” she explained. “They both work so hard not only so that I can do this, but also to make sure I have good horses. The countless hours they spend prepping horses means a lot to me.”
They have also been the onces to provide valuable lessons about responsibility.
“I spend a lot of time at the barn,” Moody said. “I genuinely enjoying caring for my horses, from grooming, icing their legs, Thera plate, you name it. We also have a few broodmares and babies and I really enjoy spending time with them.”
But the lessons in responsibility are not limited to the barn.
Moody has been enrolled in Stockbridge schools her whole life.
“I started homeschooling through Michigan Virtual in 2021 but I still receive guidance through Stockbridge schools,” she explained. “I graduate in 2027. Managing school without actually going to school while always being at horse shows can be tough and stressful. I have kept my grade point up every semester so far in high school, and I am really proud of that.”
Dana Moody is pictured (top) with her current show partner, Rock N Repeat; and (below that left) with her parents, Jeff & Lindy Moody, and their Jack Russel, Pebbles, in 2017; and (right) at age 9 with Cudda Invited Me. Photos/JM Photo & Crystal Holman
Youth Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a Youth profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.
