2024 NHA Youth Highlights Book by National_Horseman

WELCOME BACK TO

HIGHLIGHTS

Every rider’s journey to Youth Nationals is unique. Whether this was your !rst year in OKC or you rode for Youth roses for the very last time, we know that every memory is a special one — from the hard work, long hours, high and lows, all culminating in the moment you trot down the chute.

We created our Youth Highlights book because these moments deserve to be cherished for EVERY ERA to come. Youth Nationals holds a special kind of magic unlike any other show, and we wanted to give those memories a place of honor, where you can always look back on the early mornings, late nights, barn parties, and camaraderie of Oklahoma City.

In these pages, you will !nd everything Youth Nationals — pre-show contenders, show coverage and rider pro!les, plus fun bonus content and activities. Highlights has something for all readers.

To our current customers, we thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey. To our future customers, we hope to see you featured in Highlights next year!

NHA

YOUTH ERA

YOUTH NATIONALS CONTENDERS

THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

CONTENDER PROFILES

YOUTH NATIONALS 2024

JUNIOR EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT: BRIELLE STACK

ADDISON WRIGHT: POSITIVITY THROUGH ADVERSITY

AMELIA RUSSO: THE HEART OF HORSEMANSHIP

RACHEL VAUGHN: RIDING HER OWN PATH

CLARA FULLILOVE: WORKING FOR THE ROSES

ACCORDING TO OUR READERS

DREAMS COME TRUE AT JELICH FARMS

JOURNAL

HORSE PLAY

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

2024 YOUTH NATIONALS CONTENDERS

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Bily

RAINIE Kuchynka

WESTERN PLEASURE & SIDE SADDLE DIVISIONS

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

RAINIE RT Kuchynka

H/A ENGLISH PLEASURE & PARK DIVISIONS

YOUTH

Corona PE +//

Mounted Native Costume

SS Black Widow

Country English Pleasure

Equitation | Show Hack

Supremely Royal SOF

Country English Pleasure

Equitation | Show Hack

Trained by Ramirez Training Center

Rene Ramirez, owner & trainer | Phoenix, Arizona

Photo by Callihan Barnhart

ELSA J. JENSEN

YOUTH 2024

J O S E P H I N E CA R R E R A

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

& A REVELATION BHA +//

PB SHOW HACK & SIDE

SADDLE DIVISIONS

OWNED BY RACHEL ROMERO | TRAINED BY URBAN ARABIANS

BRAYDEN BISHOP

Proudly owned by Mandy & Brayden Bishop | Harrisonville, Missouri | Lovingly supported by Kevin Bishop Trained by Clanton Performance Horses

Starina

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS Fenton

YOUTH

ITS 2024 YOUTH NATIONALS CONTENDERS

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Masyn Remington &

Owned by Masyn & Remington Cole

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Kaylee

& YOUTH NATIONALS DEBUT

GIRLS KNIGHT OUT +++/

unter easure 14-&-Under & Equitaton divisions

Owned by Kaylee Robinson

Trained by

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

ANIGHT AT THE ROXY

Owned by Allee Lucas

Trained by

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Sadie

AVAILABLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN HER FINAL YOUTH NATIONALS APPEARANCE

&

ALICE IN THUNDERLAND

En is easure Equitaton & U divisions

Taryn &

VINCENT PCF ++++//

PB Hunter Pleasure & Equitaton 14-&-Under ivisions

Trained by

Owned by Taryn Weiss

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

GL MAJOR COLORS AFIRE

H/A Walk/Trot 10-&-Under Hunter Pleasure & Equitaton divisions

by IN HER YOUTH NATIONALS DEBUT

ATKINSPeyt

LEGACYBLACKWHITE Nite

THE LION Hearted

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Elena LaFranca

PRESENT S

WINTER HEIR CA

PB HUNTER PLEASURE & EQUITATION 15-18 DIVISIONS

AFFIRE RUHLES ORA

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE, SIDE SADDLE, MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME & SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION & UPHA 15-18 DIVISIONS

Owned by Elena LaFranca

EFredrick

PRESENT S

NOBLE EDITION CRF

PB COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE, SHOW HACK, SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION & UPHA 15-18 DIVISIONS

ZPL LARAMIE

PB HUNTER PLEASURE & HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION 15-18 DIVISIONS

Owned by Ella Fredrick

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

IN HER FINAL YOUTH NATIONALS APPEARANCE

& AMERICAN

CONTENDING IN THE COUNTRY PLEASURE, EQUITATION, SHOW HACK & SIDE SADDLE DIVISIONS

HALEY Waldschmidt Hustle

TRAINED BY STACHOWSKI FARM INC.

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Gianna Kern PRESENTS FOR 2024 YOUTH NATIONALS

Rum Chata

H/A SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION

ENGLISH PLEASURE 14-&-UNDER & PARK DIVISIONS

B Wheir

PB SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION

COUNTRY PLEASURE & DRIVING 14-&-UNDER DIVISI ONS

Trained by Siemon Stables Coached by Richard Wright

Photo by Callihan Barnhart

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

RENO-TAHOE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

PRESENTS ITS 2024 YOUTH NATIONALS CONTENDERS

CHILLIN THE MOST VSH & XAVIER LEE & PAMELA LEE

COCO CHANEL BLU & LILLIAN THOMPSON

LIGHTNIN STRYKS TWICE & EMMALINE THOMPSON & LILLIAN THOMPSON

GSF LONDON CALLING & EMMALINE THOMPSON

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS SEIVER

Chloe

IS HEADING TO HER SECOND YOUTH NATIONALS!

UNDULATA’S NUTCRACKER X EXPRESSLY BELLA

Whizkey

EL MILENIO X K SYRAH KOOL KowboyCCF

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

FOR HER FINAL TRIP TO OKC GIVES ME

GOOSEBUMPS

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE & EQUITATION DIVISIONS

TOGETHER BREEDS THE BRINGING

Owned by Shelby Dronkers | Trained by Cortese Arabians

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Owned by Amelia Schultz | Trained by Cortese Arabians

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Reining, Ranch Rail & Trail

SD BELLS N WHISTLES+

RUMOR HAZ IT

Reining

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

AK ALARICO

H/A HUNTER PLEASURE & SIDE SADDLE DIVISIONS

IN HER YOUTH NATIONALS DEBUT

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

Owned by Anna Matlock

Trained by Bay Area Equestrian Center

& MSU SALVITOR

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

In Her Final Walk-Trot Appearance...

Adelynn

Trained by

Tahzi & Flints Lucky Strike

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

ASK YOURSELF IF WHAT YOU’RE DOING TODAY IS GETTING YOU CLOSER TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE TOMORROW.” - Paulo Coelho

Trained by Gary Ferguson

Proudly supported by Chris & Susan Lallo

Hesa Artull Zee x Jerseyete

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS & Garre Chinowth

Supported by Mom, Dad, Colton, Mimi & Papa

YOUTH

H/A

Dill d

Cheyenne Price

& RB CURTAIN CALL 14-&-Under H/A Country English Pleasure division

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS Mackenzie HOOKER

YOUTH 2024 CONTENDERS

PRESENTING FOR 2024

h Nionals

“TO SUM UP WHAT MAMBA MENTALITY IS, IT MEANS TO BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY TRY TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF. THAT IS WHAT THE MENTALITY IS. IT’S A CONSTANT QUEST TO TRY TO BE BETTER TODAY THAN YOU WERE YESTERDAY.”

- KOBE BRYANT

YOUTH

PRESENTS FOR HER final year IN 14-&-UNDER

CONTENDING IN THE H/A HUNTER PLEASURE & AHPA HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION DIVISIONS

2024 REGION 12 & 13 CHAMPION H/A HUNTER PLEASURE JOTR & JTR

CONTENDING IN THE PB COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE & PB MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME DIVISIONS

2024 REGION 13 RESERVE CHAMPION PB JOTR 14-&-UNDER

Owned by Averie Horiski | Ocala, Florida | Trained by Elizabeth Pizzonia Training | Ocala, Florida

YOUTH

2024 CONTENDERS

FOR KHASHdancing

GTH ++++//

CONTENDING IN THE PB SPORT HORSE IN-HAND & UNDER SADDLE DIVISIONS

2024 REGION 13 CHAMPION TRAINING LEVEL OPEN

2024 REGION 13 CHAMPION SPORT HORSE UNDER SADDLE WITH CARA

CONTENDING IN THE PB HUNTER PLEASURE DIVISIONS SA +

2024 REGION 12 CHAMPION

PB HUNTER PLEASURE

SELECT RIDER 14-&-UNDER

Owned by Cara Kinser | Ocala, Florida | Trained by Elizabeth Pizzonia Training | Ocala, Florida

YOUTH

contender

PROFILES

AGE: 10

HORSES’ NAMES: Tahzi and Flintts Lucky Strike

DIVISION(S): Walk/Trot Country English Pleasure 10-and-Under and Walk/Trot Equitation 10-and-Under

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Gaining balance and strength.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to hang out with my friends. THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Thief of Always.” It was just a great story.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #hearthorse

adelynn ompson alissa anderson

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: Backin Blac (“Romeo”)

DIVISION(S): Showmanship JTH 15-18, Arabian Horsemanship 15-18, Arabian Ranch Riding 15-18, Arabian Ranch Rail 15-18, Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle 15-18, Arabian Sport Horse In-Hand 15-18

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence in myself and my horse. We have grown together and I feel like we have both gotten equally more confdent in the show ring together.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to show with all of my barn friends and have an amazing time!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: The best book I read last year was actually an 8 book series called the “Throne of Glass” series! It is an amazing fantasy book series and I recommend everyone to read it!!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #imjustalittleboy

AGE: 16

HORSES’ NAMES: Horattio (“Bert”) and Anight at the Roxy (“Roxy”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian Hunter Pleasure JOTR and JTR 15-18, Hunt Seat Equitation 15-18, Half-Arabian English Pleasure 15-18, HalfArabian Mounted Native Costume JOTR and JTR 15-18, Half-Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 15-18

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence in the show ring has been the biggest area of growth since I frst began riding.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is an overall great show where I get to hang out with friends and compete against the toughest competition.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “We Are Not From Here” by Jenny Torres Sanchez. It kept me interested and waiting to fnd out what will happen next.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: Bert- #bertlicious Roxy- #lazyisnotcool

Q&A allee lucas amelia schultz

AGE: 10

HORSES’ NAMES: Volume Control

ana diaz

DIVISION(S): Saddle Seat Equitation 10-and-Under MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: In learning Showmanship.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: This is my first year showing and going to Youth Nationals shows how far I have come.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Snowman.” It was the best book because I got to read about a horse that was once a plow horse and became a jumper.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #ilovehim

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES: The Black List (“Peanut”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian English Pleasure, Park, and Mounted Native Costume

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST

BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence! I started riding at 12 and was never a confdent kid; since then my confdence in my riding and myself has grown tremendously.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: This is my last one!! I’m excited to make memories that will last a lifetime with my barn at youth for one last time.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros! It’s an amazing fantasy about a girl who is told she can’t do what she wants and she will never survive, and she goes on to prove them all wrong! It shows that hard work and perseverance will always win!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #GotTrot

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES: Salty John++/ and MSU Salvitor

DIVISION(S): Sport Horse Under Saddle, Sport Horse In Hand, Western Trail, English Trail, Hunter Seat Equitation MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Better equitation and focus.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It’s a chance to show how hard I’ve worked and to compete against the best in the country.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS:I loved “The Cruel Prince” as it’s action-filled and the characters are extremely well-written.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #sweet

AGE: 15

HORSES’ NAMES: SF It’s a Mirakel, MJM Red Rock

DIVISION(S): Arabian Country English Pleasure and Mounted Native Costume; Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure

14-and-Under

Q&A averie horiski blake hoff

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Being able to control myself mentally and not let my own mind get in the way of my riding journey.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: This is my last year in 14-andUnder; I’d like to go into 15-18 with a bang! THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The 100.” It was an action-packed read and was easy for me to follow, making it a great way for me to de-stress.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #useyourbrainkid!

AGE: 11

HORSES’ NAMES: JSN New York Star (“Brady”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian Walk/Trot Country English Pleasure, Equitation, UPHA Challenge Cup

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Confdence and coachability.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I can buy all the stuffed animals! THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Harry Potter” by JK Rowling.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #bestponyever #tombradydupe

AGE: 11

HORSES’ NAMES: Ladies Luv Chocolate+// (“Mouse”), Elihandro MP (“King”), Marble Windaaz (“Noble”)

DIVISION(S): Western Seat Equitation and Pleasure, Ranch Riding, Hunt Seat Equitation and Pleasure, Trail, Showmanship

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Learning to sit correctly in the saddle, keep my hands steady, and use my feet.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: Of the experience!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #myheart

blakely palmerton brayden bishop

AGE: 14

HORSES’ NAMES: Thomas Crown Affair (“Tommy”) and ML Aur U InLove+/ (“Lucy”)

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Western Pleasure, Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure, Half-Arabian Country Pleasure Driving, and Performance Halter

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Probably my overall riding skills.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to hang out with my friends and show my horses.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Where the Red Fern Grows.”

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: TOMMY - #besthorseever Lucy - #lippylucy

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES:

Mistique SA+ (“Tiki”) and Dancing For Khash GTH++++// (“Kasha”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian Hunter Pleasure 14-andUnder and Arabian Sport Horse 14-and-Under

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: I’ve always been very shy, but riding and showing have given me a lot of confdence on and off of a horse’s back.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my first year attending and I can’t wait to experience it with my friends and family.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: The “Shatter Me” series by Tahereh Maf. I love dystopian books and the characters in this series.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #smallbutmighty

Q&A cara kinser charley eberly

cheyenne price

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES: RB

Curtain Call (“Scooby”)

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure

JOTR 14-and-Under and Select MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence and adaptability.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I feel like I’ve worked very hard this year and I’m excited to be able to show that with such an amazing horse by my side!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #scoobydoobydooooo

AGE: 12

HORSES’ NAMES: “KID,” “Suzie,” “Rocky,”and “Minya”

DIVISION(S): Hunter, Western, and Sport Horse 14-and-Under

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: When I switched barns. It was for the better and I have amazing trainers that have helped me improve so much.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my frst time, and I’m going with a new barn!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “A Father’s Promise,” because I like to read about history and war.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #minniebespicyyyyyyy

AGE: 11

HORSES’ NAMES: Nuttin To It, Whizkey On Fire, and Kowboy

Kool CCF

DIVISION(S): Park, English Pleasure, Reining, Reining Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Gaining confidence in going faster.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: Besides the obvious competition, I enjoy seeing friends and participating in all the youth activities, like the dog races and crafts!!!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: All the “Wings of Fire” books.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #InsanelyLoved

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: Winter Heir

CA (“Winter”), Affre Ruhles

ORA (“Ruhlie”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian

Pleasure Select, Equitation, AHPA Equitation, and HalfArabian Country English Pleasure Select, Equitation, Side Saddle, and Mounted Native Costume

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Developing my confdence in the show ring as well as my Equitation skills.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It’s an opportunity for me to showcase all my hard work and there is no feeling like trotting into the Nationals arena.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: The book “Your Brain Explained,” although nerdy, was a really cool way to learn about the brain.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: Winter - #toogoodtobetrue, Ruhlie - #sweetaspie

Q&A elena rose lafranca ella frederick

emily sakamoto

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES: Arsenal BV++++// and Knightingale LR+// DIVISION(S): Hunter Pleasure, Side Saddle, Equitation

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Learning to rid the horse that comes out that day, not the day before.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I love the energy of competitions and surrounding myself with amazing horses and people.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” — I loved reading it and then seeing the movie and comparing the two!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #dragon

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: Noble Edition CRF (“Eddie”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian English Show Hack, Equitation, Arabian Country English Pleasure

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence inside the ring.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: Eddie and I have fnally fgured out our connection and are really excelling in Show Hack.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “Henrietta Lacks,” because it really put my life into perspective

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #starbsaddict

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: Euphoria LR

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Park, HalfArabian English Pleasure, Half-Arabian Mounted Native Costume

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My focus and determination to get better every time I enter the show ring.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to show with my best friend and enjoy the time I spend with my barn family!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “Happy Place,” because it makes me feel like I’m on vacation!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #dramallama

Q&A garre ! chinow gianna kern

AGE: 16

HORSES’ NAMES:

Jeter HA+//

DIVISION(S): HalfArabianWestern Pleasure Choice and 15-18

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN

RIDING HAS BEEN: Getting to know “Jeter” better and being able to read him.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: Anytime I get to ride Jeter makes me happy.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “How to be Perfect” by Michael Schur, I had to read it for AP Language.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #funnyguy

AGE: 14

HORSES’ NAMES: CSP Rum Chata and B Wheir KP

DIVISION(S): Saddle

Seat Equitation, English Pleasure, Country English Pleasure, Park, Country Pleasure Driving

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Learning from my mistakes.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is such a fun show and I get to do what I love the most at the biggest show in the country.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: ”Harry Potter” because I like comparing the books to the movies.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #sweetheart

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES:

American Hustle

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian

English Show Hack, Country English Pleasure, and Side Saddle

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Slowing down…or not.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #MrPerfect

haley waldschmidt hayden blasingame

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: SD Bells N Whistles+ (“Buddy”), Minya DB, Mega Maga, One Sweet Kid SLR (“Kid”), Revolutionary Lady

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian

Country English Pleasure, Half-Arabian Western Pleasure, Half-Arabian Reining, Half-Arabian Ranch Rail, Half-Arabian Mounted Native Costume, Arabian Sport Horse, Arabian Hunter Pleasure, Arabian Western Pleasure

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Since I frst started riding, my confdence and mental state have gotten so much better. Riding has pushed me to be confdent in myself and believe I can do it. Before, I was a shy kid who had no self confdence. Because my trainers push me to try new things every time I ride, it helps me mentally get stronger and prepares me for the future to be independent.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to see a lot of my friends that live across the country, but I also am excited to show everyone what my team of horses and trainers and I have been working for all year: red roses.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The Lottery Ticket.” It was a short story we read in my dual credit class. I liked it because it demonstrated on how not to get so caught up in what’s going on right now and remember your morals!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #messyhairdontcare

AGE: 10

HORSES’ NAMES: GL

Major Colors Afre (“Patrick”)

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian

Hunter Seat Equitation Walk/ Trot 10-and-Under MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Confdence in myself and in my horse.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It will be my frst time, and I’m excited to show and watch my friends show!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The War I Finally Won,” because a horse helps a girl with a disability.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #prettyperfectpatty

Q&A jojo wilkerson kate long

AGE: 14

HORSES’ NAMES: Girls Knight Out+++/ (“Spyder”)

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR and JOTR 14-and-Under, Hunt Seat Equitation JTR 14-and-Under MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My patience and my maturity. This sport has taught me so many lessons and it’s not only helped me grow as a rider, but as a person in general.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my frst ever time going. I’m so happy that I have worked hard enough to get to this point as it is something I have dreamt of for a generously long time. Being able to go to Youth Nationals is an opportunity of a life time and it has really proven how hard my horse and I have worked together as a team.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: Kalaramas Serotonin and Just Like Fire VVF

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Saddle Seat Equitation, Country English Pleasure, English Pleasure, and UPHA MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: I can ride many different horses with the skills I have learned throughout the years, and I am grateful for the people who have helped me to become the rider I am today. I have also learned that the most important thing in this sport (and life) is to have fun and enjoy every moment and opportunity!

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to do what I love and also spend time with amazing people who support me.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: I don’t read too often, but I did enjoy reading “November 9th” by Colleen Hoover this last year. There were constantly events going on in the book that kept me interested throughout the whole thing!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: Kalaramas Serotonin - #thatgirl, Just Like Fire VVF - #cooldude

AGE: 19

kaylee robinson kendall farrow

WAS: “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. This was my favorite book because it was suspenseful and I couldn’t put the book down. It was a more diffcult read, but it challenged me while also entertaining me.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #dramaqueen

HORSES’ NAMES:

AK Alarico

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Hunter Pleasure JTR Select and JOTR, and Ladies Side Saddle English JTR MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Building my confdence. I used to get so into my head while showing, and now I have a lot more self-confdence.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I am so excited for my very frst Youth Nationals; it’s been my dream ever since I started showing, and now I fnally have the horse to take me there!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The Great Gatsby.” We had to read it in junior year in high school, but I enjoy rereading it from time to time. I really like the storyline and the life lesson that even if you do have all the money and possessions in the world, your life still may not be fulflled.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #weloverhinos

AGE: 9

HORSES’ NAMES: TR Flash Flood (“Reinbow”)

DIVISION(S): Reining, Trail, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Country English Pleasure

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Posture has been my biggest growth.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to show in all divisions. THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Horse Country” because it reminds me of me and Reinbow.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #donuthead

Q&A logan grinton maddie dillard

AGE: 19

HORSES’ NAMES: High And Teit PF+ (“Gus”) and WC Ciao Vitorio (“Vito”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian and Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure and Equitation

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: [That] would be focus and anxiety. When I frst began, I didn’t have a ton of focus in the show ring and had a lot of anxieties. Now, my trainer Cassidy has taught me to stay focused and take my time while riding and plan ahead.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my last year going as a Youth rider, I get to show two of my amazing horses, and I get to do what I love with my sister.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” by Jenny Han, because I loved watching the show on Amazon Prime Video.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #waterbuffalo #cheeto

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES: Heir Phorce One

DIVISION(S): Arabian Country English Pleasure

14-and-Under, Select, UPHA, Equitation

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Gaining confdence and being more calm.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to have an opportunity to improve and have fun on my horse!

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Outsiders.”

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #maneandtailsponsoredbyrapunzel

AGE: 10

HORSES’ NAMES: OFW Balvenie+, One Sweet Kid SLR, Minya DB DIVISION(S): Walk/Trot 10-and-Under in Sport Horse, Hunter, and Western MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Equitation and adding other disciplines.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my frst time.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Free Rein.” I liked it because it has horses and teamwork.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: Balvenie+ - #perfectinallways, One Sweet Kid SLR - #actlikeakid, Minya DB - #festy

AGE: 16

HORSES’ NAMES:

Legacyblackwhite Nite, The Lion Hearted, Elihandro MP

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian

Western Horsemanship 1518, Western Trail JTR 15-18, English Trail JTR, Western Pleasure JOTR 15-18

Arabian Country English Pleasure JTR Select 15-18, Country English Pleasure JOTR 15-18, Hunter Pleasure JTR Select, Hunter Pleasure JOTR, Performance Halter Geldings 3-and-Over

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Having fun in the show ring even while facing adversity.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It’s my frst time, and I’m excited to meet all the youth exhibitors from across the country.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “You Will Be Mine” by Natasha Preston. It is super suspenseful and well-written!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #spicypickle

Q&A peyton atkins rachel romero

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES: PA Memphis Always (“Memphis”), High and Teit PF+ (“Gus”)

DIVISION(S): Arabian and Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure 14-and-Under MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST

BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN:

I had a horse show at the end of May and wasn’t very successful and it really brought my confdence down. My trainer gave me a talk at home about how I need to look more confdent when I ride and need to show off my horses more. I then had a show towards the end of June and was in the top two in every single class.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I’ve always loved it at Youth and it’s always been an exciting experience to show in the arena. I’ve only been once a couple years ago and I’m excited to go back.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: I read a lot of poems and I really liked writing my own!

AGE: 16

HORSES’ NAMES: A Revelation BHA+// DIVISION(S): Arabian Ladies Side Saddle JOTR, Arabian Ladies Side Saddle English JTR, Arabian English Show Hack JOTR and Arabian English Show Hack JTR 15-18

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I’m most excited for Youth Nationals because it’s my frst time showing Side Saddle here and I’m really excited to compete in it.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #gentleman

AGE: 16

remington cole rhiannon brefke

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: Memphis- #noenergy Gus- #ilovebitingpeople

HORSES’ NAMES: O My Martini LOA+/, Incredible Hulk PE+/ DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Hunter Pleasure JOTR 15-18 and JTR Select 15-18, AHPA Hunter Seat Pleasure Equitation 18-and-Under, Saddle Seat Equitation 15-18, UPHA Challenge Cup 14-17, and Country English Pleasure JOTR 15-18 and JTR Select 15-18.

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My equitation; I have dedicated may hours into getting better and learning how to get my horses relaxed so we can work together.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my frst year competing in the 15-18 and I’m ready to compete against the big people in the industry.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “Every Summer After” was my favorite book from last year. It just told a heartwarming story about two people who fell apart after one mistake, but forgave each other and worked it out.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #goofy and #biganddumb

AGE: 15

HORSES’ NAMES: Arkys Smart Leo Lad+//, CA Kingsman++/, EAF Colonels Princess, EAF Hesa Comet, Elliantra+, Fifty Shades Darker, Genuinely A Marquis, Hesa Artfull Zee, Hesa Yella Fella, Hey Hollywood, SwiftKickNThePantz RA++/

DIVISION(S): Working Western, Sport Horse, and Equitation

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN:

Developing a feel for each one of my horses. They are all different, so it has been important to learn how to ride them to the best of their abilities.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to enjoy the horses that I am extremely grateful to get to show and spend time with the best barn family.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “From the Embers” by Aly Martinez. I loved the suspense in the book and how you never really knew what was coming next.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #slide2win

Q&A riley lallo ryley egan

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES: Alice In Thunderland

DIVISION(S): Saddle Seat Equitation and Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My equitation!

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I am excited to have a great time at my last show with my barn family.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Into the Wild.” It is a book about how someone dropped their life to go backpacking and ultimately fnd what was important to him.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #hungry

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES: Steel The Gold++, Super Nova PR, Simplyirresistible RK

DIVISION(S): Western Pleasure Select, Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 15-18, UPHA 14-17, Arabian Country English Pleasure JOTR and JTR Elite

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Learning how to problem solve and fx a situation within seconds of it happening.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It is my last year as a youth, and has been a part of my summer for the past nine years.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Hau because I love watching the TV show!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #LapDogs

sadie sou well shelby dronkers

AGE: 18

HORSES’ NAMES: Gives Me Goosebumps

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian Country English Pleasure, Equitation MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST

BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My confdence.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It’s my last show and frst time at Nationals.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Night” by Elie Wiesel. It was a memoir about how he survived the Holocaust. It shows how staying strong in your faith and selfforgiveness are keys in moving forward and living your life.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #hisneckwastoolong

AGE: 14

HORSES’ NAMES:

Vincent PCF++++// Divisions: Hunter Pleasure and Equitation

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian

Western Horsemanship 15-18, Western Trail JTR 1518, English Trail JTR, Western Pleasure JOTR 15-18

Arabian Country English Pleasure JTR Select 1518, Country English Pleasure JOTR 15-18, Hunter Pleasure JTR Select, Hunter Pleasure JOTR, Performance Halter Geldings 3-and-Over MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My equitation in the main ring and performance in my patterns.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I’ve been working exceptionally hard this year putting in more time at the barn to be ready to compete at a national level.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” because it was about self-confdence as a teenage girl.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #handsome

Q&A taryn weiss trystan mayer

AGE: 14

HORSES’ NAMES:

Chillin the Most VSH

DIVISION(S): Half-Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 14-and-Under, Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure JTR Select, Half-Arabian English Show Hack 14-and-Under MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: My attitude toward criticism has improved since I began riding. I learned to understand it is not an insult to me but a learning experience to become a better rider.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I am competing in my frst national horse show.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “The Story of Pokémon: The Complete History of the Most Successful Franchise in the World.”

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #imspicynice

AGE: 17

HORSES’ NAMES: ROL In A Jiffy

DIVISION(S): HalfArabian English Pleasure and Half-Arabian Park

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: Gaining strength in my legs to help with my riding.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: It’s always so much fun showing at such a competitive level.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR WAS: “Divine Rivals.” I loved this book because it was fantasy and it was never boring. I always wanted to keep reading.

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #sportscar

AGE: 13

HORSES’ NAMES: OH Aja

DIVISION(S): 14-andUnder

MY BIGGEST AREA OF GROWTH SINCE

I FIRST BEGAN RIDING HAS BEEN: I got thrown off of one of my horses and was terrifed to ride again but after a while I grew out of that and became a strong rider.

I’M EXCITED FOR YOUTH NATIONALS

BECAUSE: I get to see my friends and I get to show side saddle for the frst time at Youth.

THE BEST BOOK I READ LAST YEAR

WAS: “The Black Stallion.” I loved the story and it was about an Arabian!

DESCRIBE YOUR HORSE WITH A HASHTAG: #perfect

This year’s Youth and Mid-Summer Nationals theme was well-chosen, inviting exhibitors and attendees to “Discover the Magic in YOUth.” The 10 days of competition saw many magical moments. Every Youth Nationals includes a special thrill for riders entering this acclaimed ring for the !rst time, or for those claiming their !rst (or last) Youth roses, but a highly-anticipated new addition to the class rosters proved a roaring success. After years of hope from young riders, Youth Nationals proudly introduced the AHPA Hunt Seat Pleasure Equitation division to the lists. These classes were some of the largest in the entire show, with the Walk/Trot roster including 18 entries. This new opportunity for competition was enthusiastically received by all and celebrated with unique purple roses for the victors. Other exciting changes included an inaugural Superlatives Award, nominated on and voted for by exhibitors, as well as new AHYA Of!cers. The new board consists of President Jatelyn “Bug” Burcham, Vice President Rachel Vaughn, Secretary Alexis Peterson, and Treasurer Addyson Runde.

Show organizers kept the week stacked with fun as well as intense competition. Exhibitors enjoyed a pizza party, golf cart parade, games at the opening ceremony, and an “R U OK” day, plus bingo, the famous Chuck-A-Duck fundraiser, scavenger hunts, dog costume classes, and a massive water !ght after the last class of the show. With an ultimate goal of encouraging enjoyment in, and continued involvement with, Arabian horses, the dedication and spirit that helped organize Youth Nationals will certainly carry the mission forward and allow its competitors to “Discover the Magic in YOUth.”

JULY 18-27

Story by Haley Evans

Photos by Kelsey Polmanteer, Katie Feighner, Calihan Barnhart, Miley DeFalco, Christina Sladkowski and Brooke Foti Gemmell

-&-UNDER 10

Top Left: Skylar Van Schoonhoven receives some assistance carrying her abundant roses. She and Bella Cavallo Stables LLC’s gelding, Heir Man, aced the UPHA Arabian Breeds Challenge Cup Walk/Trot 10-and-Under National Finals.

Bottom Left: Shes Got Allotta+++// looks statuesque for Alli Grace Jones’ commemorative photo. Alli received the reserve honors in the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Walk/Trot 10-andUnder offering with this lovely mare, then later claimed the show’s first-ever Hunt Seat Pleasure Equitation tri-color.

Right: Ava Morrissey and Magnum Cum Laude ORA show off their new Youth National Champion rosette. Ava led her partner to the top of the field in the Showmanship JTH Walk/Trot 10-and-Under challenge.

‘‘The of the horse world.” SUBSCRIBE

Millie

her first Youth Nationals with roses. Bay Area Equestrian Center trained this talented team to their Reserve National Champion finish in the Showmanship JTH 10-andUnder offering. This was Millie’s only entry at the show, making it even more impressive that she performed so strongly.

Sobral beams beside Redneck Girl, thrilled to finish

YOUTH

S rise Sultans

A/HA/AA Working Hunter Cross Rails 10 & Under

H/A Hunter Seat Eq Not To Jump

I’M INTIMIDATED BY THE FEAR OF BEING AVERAGE.”

Top: Caroline Hollowell and Peyton Smith dressed to match with braids and purple ribbons. They competed together in the Working Hunter ranks, and finished beside each other in the Top Ten of the Cross Rails 10-and-Under Championship.

Bottom Left: A beaming Amelia Sutton-Pedraza shares a hug and a celebratory photo with Pepper Proffit. This was the Sutton family’s first National Championship, and Amelia’s first time showing in Oklahoma City. Her little mare, Red Dawnn (“Sassy”), carried three generations of riders during this show and was absolutely perfect to help Amelia claim Equitation roses.

Bottom Right: The Farnsworth family celebrates Lennon’s showing in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Walk/Jog 10-and-Under offering. Lennon partnered with WS Marilyn Monwhoa and had a lovely ride.

Adelynn Thompson has an arm full of roses after finishing up one of many Championship rides. She was undefeated at Youth Nationals in her final year of Walk/Trot, sweeping up four tri-color rosettes with the guidance of Select Show Horses and the partnership of two different horses. Tahzi carried her to the winner’s circle in the Arabian Country English Pleasure and Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 10-and-Under offerings. She took Flintts Lucky Strike to victory in the Half-Arabian selections for Country English Pleasure Walk/Trot and Saddle Seat 10-and-Under.

BRIELLE STACK

CURRENT CITY, STATE: Aurora, Colorado • HORSES’ NAME: TR Butch Cassidy ++++// SHOW DIVISIONS: Half-Arabian Trail Walk/Jog • Half-Arabian Ranch Riding Walk/Jog • Half-Arabian Ranch Rail Walk/Jog • Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Walk/Jog • Half-Arabian Western Equitation Walk/Jog TRAINERS/INSTRUCTORS: Jim Hitt and Shauna Kashich McIntosh • BARN: Gambel Oaks Equestrian Center

MY HERO IS My mom. She has taught me a lot about horses and I love spending time with her.

SOMETHING THAT INSPIRES ME IS My trainers, because they have taught me so much and I am so excited for the next chapter.

IF I WERE AN ANIMAL, I WOULD BE A Horse because I Iove them and they are really fun.

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT I have only been riding for 7 months.

IF I COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER IT WOULD BE To y.

THE STRANGEST PART OF MY DAILY ROUTINE IS I wake up very early for no good reason.

OUTSIDE OF HORSES, I LIKE Arts and crafts, baking and cooking, and hanging out with my friends.

I’M THANKFUL FOR Family, friends, and that I get to ride because I really enjoy doing it.

THREE THINGS I WOULD TAKE WITH ME ON A DESERTED ISLAND ARE My camera, lots of food and water, and a horse.

THE CRAZIEST THING I HAVE EVER EATEN WAS A dog treat.

I’M PROUD OF Me and my horse “Butch,” because we have made it really far and I am so excited for the next Youth Nationals.

YOUTH

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A Western Trail Walk/Jog 10-&-Under

YOUTH NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION

H/A Ranch Rail Pleasure Walk/Trot 10-&-Under TOP TEN

H/A Western Pleasure Walk/Jog 10-&-Under

A/HA/AA Ranch Horse Riding W/Jog 10-&-Under

BRIELLE Stack

ACCORDING TO OUR READERS

Top: Eden Fernandez leans close to praise her stunning Emperor Of Anza. Eden turned in a lovely performance on the Halloran family’s stallion and seized the reserve in the Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation Walk/Trot 10-and-Under Championship.

Bottom Left: William Peterson high-fives his supporters after a marvelous performance in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Walk/Jog 10-and-Under Championship. He steered Caliente Virtuoso+// to the winner’s circle in the duo’s best-ever performance at Youth Nationals.

YOUTH

&

SHES GOT ALLOTTA

Youth National Champion

AHPA A/HA/AA Hunter Seat Equitation

Walk/Trot 10-&-Under

Youth National Reserve Champion

H/A Hunter Pleasure

Walk/Trot 10-&-Under

Proudly Owned by Sophia & Alli Grace Jones

Sofia Alvarez wears a smile that sparkles like her rhinestone-encrusted jacket as she rides Secret Lil Princes CB out of the show ring. Sofia and this delicate mare reached the winner’s circle in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Walk/Jog 10-and-Under Championship, as well as in the Half-Arabian Western Seat Equitation Championship for the same age group. She was thrilled to reach this achievement in her final year in Walk/Jog, and brought her ribbons back to the Burkman Centre.

YOUTH

ADDISON WRIGHT

THROUGH ADVERSITYPositivity

BY NIKA OSUNA

At 10 years old, Addison Wright has spent more time in and out of hospitals than many adults ever will. She was diagnosed with colitis at the age of 2 and has undergone years of intense treatments and therapies. Keeping Addison in remission required the Wright family to spend much of their time at Boston Children’s Hospital. As one can imagine, this medical battle takes a toll on such a young child, both physically and mentally. Addison’s parents enrolled her in riding lessons when she was 4, hoping the activity would provide a much-needed outlet for their daughter. Their decision ended up being exactly what Addison needed during her medical battle. “Being around the horses helped me to forget about everything I was going through with my health,” says Addison.

After a four-year battle to stay in remission, the decision was made to remove Addison’s colon when she was 6. During recovery, Addison’s priority was simple: get back in the saddle. “This surgery was not going to defne me, and I would never be ashamed because the alternative was not living to tell my story,” Addison explains with wisdom beyond her years. Unfortunately, when she was cleared to ride again, her old training barn had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The search for a new barn began, and the Wrights eventually found Casperey Stables. Under the direction of the team at Casperey, Addison blossomed into a talented, confdent young rider. In August of last year, trainer Gina Pengue paired Addison with a sporty Arabian/Welsh cross, SAR Jasmine. Though it took them a bit of time to come together as a team (“‘Jazzy’ was very responsive and explosively fast!”), they solidifed their partnership, forming what Addison calls “an unbreakable bond.” As they were coming together as a team, Addison and Jazzy set their sights on Youth Nationals 2024. After a wildly successful show at Region 12, everything was looking optimistic for the pair. “In the months leading up to Youth I was feeling the best I had in a while,” says Addison. “My health was in check and I was feeling very confdent and having harmonious rides with Jazzy. Region 12 was a huge success and I knew that Jazzy and I were ready to make our debut at our frst Youth Nationals.” However, things took a turn shortly after Addison returned home from Ocala. A week after their Regional success, the Wrights rushed Addison to the hospital to undergo emergency surgery. Though everything seemed to go well and she was released to go home, she found herself back at Boston Children’s two days later with complications from the surgery. Six weeks later, Addison was still in the hospital and her trip to Oklahoma City seemed more uncertain with each passing day.

“It was an unbelievable blow as I saw my dream of riding at Youth slipping away,” remembers Addison. “The Hollywood Toi Foundation had just announced that they had selected me as the 10-and-Under Sponsorship recipient, and I was still holding onto the dream of being able to compete.”

Addison’s mother, Sherie, shared her daughter’s disappointment as the weeks in the hospital stretched on. “I saw frsthand all of the hard work and sacrifce she had put in throughout the year to get to this level. Spending hundreds of hours in the saddle and missing out on outings with her friends was her normal. When she had the medical setback just a few months before Nationals, I thought ‘Why is this happening to Addison? She has already been though so much at such a young age. She does not deserve this.’”

Miraculously, Addison turned a corner just a few days before the trailer was set to leave for Nationals. After she knew that there was a possibility she could still make it to Youth, Addison was adamant that she go.

“I was thinking we were crazy to even think she could compete at that level after having so much time off,” says Sherie. “Addison thought otherwise, and in that moment we made the decision to just go for it! I texted her trainer from the hospital room to put her pony on the trailer to Oklahoma; God willing, Addison was coming!”

The Wrights emphasize that they couldn’t have made it to the show without the help and support of their Casperey Stables family. After the decision was made to take Jazzy to Oklahoma, Gina took the time to go to the Wrights’ home and pack Addison’s show clothes while on FaceTime with the still hospitalbound rider. “I would not have been able to compete without her help and I am forever grateful,” says Addison.

After Addison was discharged, the Wrights few straight to Oklahoma City, where Addison had fve days to practice before her frst class. Despite her disappointment at not being as prepared as she’d hoped to be, Addison was grateful to be competing at all.

“My goal was just to have good rides and enjoy the moment and feeling of joy that I had being back in the saddle,” says Addison. “I had been robbed of the opportunity to practice ride for months and I knew I was not riding to my true potential, but I was okay with it. Placing in the Top Ten at this point would be a huge accomplishment.”

Addison was called to the Top Ten in the Half-Arabian Hunt Seat Equitation 10-and-Under Championship. However, that wasn’t where she and Jazzy would fnish. Just a few minutes later, after the Reserve Champion was called, it was Addison who was named a National Champion in her very frst trip to Youth.

“It was such an emotional, overwhelming moment of pride and joy,” says Addison. “I thought about everyone who helped me get here, everything that I had gone through, and all that I had to overcome to be in this moment.”

As Sherie watched her daughter receive her roses, the weight of everything Addison — and her family — had endured hit her. “I thought about what a resilient and positive young lady I had in my presence,” Sherie explains. “It became clear to me that God had a bigger plan for Addison all along. Addison’s superpower is combining self belief, tenacity, and determination, coupled with an immunity to the fear of failure.”

Addison’s story is far from over. She will continue to compete with her favorite mare, and is already planning on returning to Oklahoma next year to close out her 10-andUnder career. As she refects on her journey, she hopes sharing her story can help others who may be going through their own trials.

“What you are struggling through does not defne you,” she says in closing. “It is how you handle the setbacks and persevere through the struggle that does. Surround yourself with positive people who celebrate you in your wins and losses and support you through it all. Positivity is infectious. It can uplift, motivate and inspire. Anything is possible with the right people surrounding you and helping you to persevere through tough times. Celebrate your wins and fuel your next challenge. You've got this!”

-&-UNDER 14

Top Left: Hot Rodder PF+/ perfectly presents the new rosette and rose garland he earned with rider Brooke Peterson in the HalfArabian Country English Pleasure JTR Choice Championship. For her part, Brooke thanks her gelding with a pat on the neck and a loving smile.

Top Right: Ellie Wilson praises CSP Grand Caymon for a job well done. Ellie rode her grandmother’s 17-year-old stallion at Youth Nationals, and guided him to two unanimous National Championship victories. This dynamic pair triumphed in the Arabian English Pleasure JOTR 14-and-Under and JTR Select offerings.

Bottom Right: Vivian Brown frames herself in National Horseman’s “Youth Era” photo prop, wearing a big smile plus her reserve roses. Vivian rode SD Graceland to a great finish in the Arabian Mounted Native Costume JTR 14-and-Under Championship.

Sloan Balint and My Great Escape RA make a stellar team. Sloan earned her first Scottsdale roses just this spring with “Queenie,” and they arrived at Nationals with a game plan. The mare carried her partner through multiple Working Western classes, and their tireless efforts led to great rewards. They went home with four reserves across the Half-Arabian Reining division and two National Championships in the Ranch Riding and Ranch Rail divisions, but most importantly, they had a fantastic time.

PICTURED: HESA

Artfull Zee x Jerseyette

JUST BE YOURSELF, THERE IS NO ONE BETTER.” A

Top Left: Reese Tierney kept her schedule packed at Youth Nationals, presenting in more than 10 classes in both English and Western seats. She’s a formidable competitor in part because she finds joy in her Top Ten titles as well as in her many Champion and reserve honors.

Top Right: Elizabeth Dearing glows with happiness and pride after she and Baske Alarm took the reserve in the Arabian Country English Pleasure JOTR 14-and-Under Championship. Elizabeth handled the Baske Afire son with great poise to claim this finish.

Bottom: The Burkman Centre crew surrounds Teagan Anschuetz and MS Dutch Chocolate+// to show support after a rosewinning ride. Teagan and her gelding made it to the winner’s circle in the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR and the JOTR 14-and-Under Championships.

An overjoyed Ava Loren Jones can’t hold back her grin. She and Wild Card CCF made a great team; they captured the roses in the Arabian Hunter Pleasure JOTR 14-and-Under Championship. The ranks were filled at Nationals, which added weight to their win — this division started with 31 entries.

ACCORDING TO OUR READERS WHO IS THE ARTIST OF THE SUMMER?

BOONE 30 TAYLOR SWIFT

Bottom Left: Chloe Harper grins in delight after being named the reserve titleist in the Arabian Western Pleasure JTR Select 14-andUnder Championship. She paired with the Isra Arabians-owned Volturi+/, and was overjoyed to ride so well.

Top Right: Noah Csincsak looks royal in his gold-embroidered native costume. JTC Thunderstruck looks equally regal; he and Noah galloped together to the Top Ten in the purebred Native Costume challenge.

Bottom Right: Megan Winczewski has a supportive smile for her daughter Haylee, who beams aboard LMB Johnny Depp+/. Haylee rode the family’s Half-Arabian gelding to the Top Ten in every class they entered.

The R.O. Lervick team flew to the rescue for Ellie Kaufman, who was missing a single qualification point to be able to compete at Youth Nationals. They contacted Megan Bessett and trainer Jessica Wentland, who let Ellie borrow their horse Countdown To Fame CF. They earned that last-minute point at Region 5, letting Ellie earn these roses at Youth Nationals.

THE HEART OF HORSEMANSHIP

BY HALEY EVANS

Amelia Russo told her mother, Paula Arendsen, that she wanted to ride a horse at 8 years old, and Paula obliged. “I started taking just riding lessons,” Amelia remembers, “then found a local barn close by and it just happened to be an Arabian barn. That program started my love of the Arabian horse!”

Paula elaborates on this history, adding: “She was introduced through a friend to a barn, Foxfeld Arabians. Amelia rode Hunt Walk/Trot to start in 2019, and she participated in her frst community show that same year.” Kim Frederick, Foxfeld’s owner and head trainer, introduced the little girl to saddle seat the following year. 2020 proved lifechanging for Amelia in another way, too — her heart-horse OH Boskafre (“Tyler”) came up for sale. “She begged me every day to buy him,” Paula recalls. “I surprised her for her 11th birthday in December and bought him.”

Needless to say, Amelia was overjoyed with her gift. She and Paula both share gratitude for Kim’s work getting her started in the sport. In 2021, Amelia continued to hone her riding abilities with Cortese Arabians. Amelia thanks trainer Alex Cortese for introducing her to the speciality divisions, and Paula notes her gratitude to Lisa Cortese for selling the Russo's one of their beloved homebred horses, John Dillinger LC. Amelia’s journey shifted yet again in 2023, following a visit to Arizona to participate in the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Her mother explains that the trip “totally changed our outlook on what we both wanted with horses and the barn experience. Just by chance, we sat next to a barn acquaintance that really explained so many things about the Arabian horse world. We joined Price Performance Horses (PPH) in May of 2023.”

Amelia worked long hours at Price Performance Horses after joining them to prepare for the 2024 Youth Nationals. “This year, I have an entirely new string of show horses,” she explains. “We spent a lot of time at PPH so I could get to know each horse to be as prepared as possible. Two of the three horses I showed at Youth are only 5-year-olds, and my purebred had only been shown at two other shows. I was nervous heading into Region 11, but IN Show Mode ('Arbie') was such a trooper and handled everything like a champ.”

She pauses a moment to acknowledge that she was not the only one who worked hard for this achievement, stating: “I couldn’t be more appreciative of my trainers who worked so hard to make sure we were all ready.”

Her trainers took care to assign Amelia goals that serve her long-term development in equitation. “All year long,”

Amelia laughs, “My trainer Kevin has been telling me jokingly, ‘All I want is for you to ride out on the same horse you enter the class with.’” Aside from helping develop her abilities as a horsewoman, this wholesome target made an impact on Amelia's mindset going into Youth Nationals. “It was a huge weight off my shoulders to know he didn’t expect perfection, but rather a good experience for me and my junior horses,” she admits.

The competition proved nerve-wracking for Paula, too. “I was very nervous for her, especially in driving since she just started learning to drive in March 2024.” Paula reveals. The newness and young age of Amelia’s show string didn’t help those nerves, but Amelia’s Youth Nationals went impressively well. “As her trainer says, 'just come out on the same horse that you went in on,' and she did accomplish that,” she concludes. “I was so proud that even with mistakes, with each class Amelia improved. It was such an accomplishment from where she started to winning two reserve National Championships.”

Amelia and her purebred English Pleasure gelding Supernatchural (“Super”) garnered the title of Reserve National Champion in both the Arabian English Pleasure JOTR 14-and-Under and the JTR Select Championships. English Pleasure and Pleasure Driving are two new divisions for Amelia, and she considers them her favorites of the show. She confdes, “Youth Nationals was the frst show where I wasn’t the only driving horse in the class; I was grateful I stayed in my own lane!”

She considers her Nationals successful not only for those two reserve tri-colors, stating: “I am proud of each one of my ponies. Shoc The Casbah ('Winnie'), is my Half-Arabian English horse, and we did excellent in our frst class. My second class was not my best moment, but I never gave up and learned so much that I will be able to apply moving forward. Arbie is my purebred and this was her third show. She tried her best for me, and we are really excited for her future. I made a few mistakes in the frst class, but came back in the second class with a great ride.” She took Super into both the English Pleasure and Pleasure Driving ranks, and notes that “Driving had a total of six in the class, and that was my frst time driving with other horses in the ring with me. I was nervous, but it was a great experience with that many in the class.”

Amelia’s self-refection, positive demeanor, and determination to keep trying make her a champion in her own right. Her dedication to her own learning guides her to constant improvement, and naturally also to a lot of fun. She focuses every ride on understanding her horses, her relationships with them, and her choices in the ring, and deserved every ribbon she brought home.

She also deeply loves her horses, starting with her frst partner. “My heart horse Tyler is now retired from the show ring and is at a great program close to where I live in Michigan, Pineview Arabians. It’s great that he gets tons of love, is spoiled, and is being shown at our local club program. My other four show horses I would love to say they are my heart horses as well, but I have not convinced my parents yet. Winnie is well-minded and is all about getting in the ring to perform. She knows her job and wants to do it — she is all show horse. However, she is still loveable on the ground too.”

She continues, “Arbie’s ground manners are great; she is super affectionate. She loves attention and is just very chill. In the ring, she always wants to do her best for me. Super is just great overall! He performs in Driving, English and even Mounted Native Costume. He is just a fun horse. Dilly (John Dillinger LC), I have had for three years, and he is the sweetest boy now, a barn favorite. When he hears my mom’s or my voice, he will nicker for attention. I love showing him in English Show Hack — I won with him at four shows this year.”

Both Amelia and Paula credit Price Performance Horses for Amelia’s wonderful performance this year. When National

Horseman Arabian asked Amelia about PPH, she has nothing but praise for her training team. “The entire team at PPH believed in me!” she declares. “Kevin Price (head trainer), Thaddeus Knigge (assistant trainer) and Ken Price push me to continue to improve each time I swing my leg over the saddle. They want me to go out and try my best in each class; ribbons come second. Kevin really knew what horses would work with me, and getting all my horses to the best of their potential for me. Gretchen Price works so hard behind the scenes, and helps at the barn especially during shows. She treats every single horse in their program as if they were her own; I never have to worry if my horses are being well cared-for.”

Paula, who also spends plenty of time at the barn (“I’m known as the ‘treat lady,’" she confesses), knows that Amelia is exactly where she needs to be. “[The PPH team] all make my daughter accountable,” she explains. “At the same time, they support her and push her to continue to improve in her riding or even sometimes attitude. They have made her a better person outside of the barn, by pushing her to improve every time she comes to the barn. Life lessons, not just ribbons.” Paula adds that the PPH crew have cultivated a barn family full of wondeful clients who are always there to support one another, something she and her daughter both appreciate immensely.

Paula summarizes the family’s experience with Amelia’s burgeoning show career in one honest and heartfelt statement. “There is nothing better as a parent than seeing my daughter smile because she is doing the thing she loves the most. She smiles more than she ever did — thank you, PPH!”

YOUTH

HOT RODDER PF +//

UNANIMOUS YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME JTR 14-&-UNDER

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME JOTR

YOUTH NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE

CHOICE JTR

YOUTH NATIONAL TOP 10

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE JOTR 14-&-UNDER

YOUTH

PA MONTEREY ALWAYS +/

UNANIMOUS YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

PB HUNTER PLEASURE JOTR 15-18

RESERVE YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

PB HUNTER PLEASURE JTR ELITE

RGT FIREBALL WHISKEY +//

UNANIMOUS YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

AHPA A/HA/AA HUNTER SEAT PLEASURE EQUITATION 18-&-UNDER

RESERVE YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A HUNTER PLEASURE JOTR 15-18

RESERVE YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A HUNTER PLEASURE ELITE JTR

Alexis Peterson

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE CHOICE JTR UPHA ARABIAN BREEDS JTR 14-17

YOUTH NATIONAL TOP 10

H/A SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION JTR 15-18

H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE JOTR 15-18

15-18

Top Left: The High Spheirrow stands perfectly still to show off his elegant rider. Ewa Garmendia and Chirsty Higman-Clements celebrate an emotional triumph together; not only did Ewa receive top honors in the UPHA Arabian Breed’s Challenge Cup 14-17, she was also voted by her peers to receive the Sportsmanship Award in recognition of her leadership and kindness.

Top Right: The gorgeous WC Ciao Vitorio keeps his ears pricked forward while Masyn Cole halts him on their way back from the ring. This team reached the Top Ten in four different classes, including in the Hunt Seat Pleasure Equitation JTR Championship.

Bottom Right: Brooke Landon guides La Bella Vita out of the show ring. Brooke and her mare partnered beautifully in the Arabian Country English Pleasure JOTR 15-18 Championship, and have to smile at their best performance of the competition.

YOUTH

Alexis Peterson loves her equine partners, and demonstrates this with a thorough neck rub after a winning ride. She guided both an Arabian, PA Monterey Always+, and Half-Arabian RGT Fireball Whiskey+ to the winner’s circle across multiple Championships in the Hunter Pleasure division. Both of her handsome bays have shown with Alexis for at least a year, and they gave their all to help her return home with three tri-color ribbons and two reserve honors.

YOUTH

Rachel Vaughn &

PSHENANDOAH FARMS

... a Youth Nationals to remember

JAY Z

Youth National Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Elite JTR

Youth National Top 10

H/A Western Pleasure JOTR 15-18

Showmanship JTH 15-18

Youth National Champion

PB Ladies Sidesaddle Western JTR

Youth National Reserve Champion

PB Western Pleasure Elite JTR

Youth National Top 10

PB Western Pleasure JOTR 15-18

Owned by The Vaughn Family | Trained by Pshenandoah Farms

RACHEL VAUGHN RIDING HER OWN PATH

BY HALEY EVANS

National Horseman spoke with Rachel Vaughn in 2022, after she showed her beloved Pshenandoah+// (“Boss”) at his last Youth Nationals and founded a ranch named in his honor. Two years later, Rachel has added several new Western horses to her family, plus kept up her efforts at Nationals.

“Last year,” she explains, “I made the trip to Youth Nationals with my two horses and the help of my trainer, Jody Strand. This year my trainer was not able to make it, therefore I showed on my own. I brought three horses to the show, Voyage A, Jay Z, and WCF Harrison. The transition was tough going from my frst show horse ‘Boss’ to two horses who are completely different in riding style. Aside from the two Western Pleasure horses, we also brought WCF Harrison as my Ranch Rail horse.”

Rachel learned a great deal from adding new horses to her string and training them in different divisions. While she loves her current team, she had to work hard to build some partnerships.

“Voyage A (‘Jack’) is my Arabian Western Pleasure horse and Side Saddle horse,” Rachel begins. “We purchased him at Youth Nationals in 2022 knowing that Boss was retiring. We struggled to get along while training in the past, but through some help and lots of trial and error, we fnally clicked. He went Champion in the Arabian Ladies Side Saddle Western JTR at Youth Nationals this year, which was defnitely was a huge accomplishment for both of us. Following that, he earned the title of Reserve Champion in Arabian Western Pleasure JTR Elite. This was his frst time being in the winner’s circle at the National level, and I could not be happier with his performance.”

She continues, “Jay Z is my Half-Arabian Western Pleasure horse. We have had him for about two years and he is nothing but a joy to have at the barn. He is the most personable horse we have ever had, and he always tries to please everyone. He is a super good show horse as well, and was awarded Reserve Champion in the Western Pleasure JTR Elite at Youth Nationals this year.”

She also owns SAS Selayna, a purebred Western Pleasure horse that she shows under the guidance of Jody Strand. “I have had the opportunity to show Selayna at multiple shows this year,” Rachel says, “and she has surprised me every time she goes in. This was her frst year in the bridle and my frst year showing her; in the future, we plan on breeding and starting our own line of horses under Pshenandoah Farms. She will be our start to the program.”

The fnal partner in Rachel’s string is WCF Harrison (“Harry”), whom she introduces as her Ranch Rail horse. “We purchased him fve years back as a Western Pleasure horse,” Rachel recalls, “but he has proven to be much more ft for the Ranch arena. We have had our struggles in the past, but if I had to name a horse that has taught me the most, it would be him. He shows me his limits and though it can be frustrating, it is satisfying when we work around his mental blocks and have

overall success. He is a super fun horse to have at home, and over time has shown us his goofy personality.”

Managing this many horses keeps Rachel busy. She juggles working and training fve horses plus school; when asked how she handles it, Rachel laughs: “I love what I do and that keeps me going!”

Her schedule starts at the barn in the early morning so she can feed all the horses, then she is in class from 7:45-10:20 am. After classes, she takes multiple college courses online that will help her earn a business degree. Following those, she returns to the barn, does chores and training, then runs out to her daily soccer practice. After practice, she goes back to the barn a fnal time, feeds her horses, and gives a riding lesson. “Finally,” she concludes, “Around 8:00 I can head home and rest up for the next day.”

Rachel only recently added the lesson program to her roster. “[It’s] still in the starting stages,” she explains. “I have a couple of lessons currently, but we are looking at purchasing a lesson horse or two so I would be able to teach more. I currently am using my retired show horse Boss for these lessons, and he loves it as much as I do.”

She has a goal in mind beyond just expanding her scope at Pshenandoah Farms. “My goal is to get more people involved in the Arabian horse world,” she declares, “and lessons are the perfect way to do that. I hope that I can use this as an outlet toward being a trainer in the future if any of my lesson kids or adults wanted to dip their toes into the show world. It might seem backwards, but giving riding lessons teaches me a lot too. Sometimes, in training, I get so caught up with what my horse is doing that I forget the basics. Something as small as shoulders back and heels down can help me immensely. I reinforce it so much with my lesson students that it sticks in the back of my brain while I’m riding.”

Rachel’s performance at Youth Nationals proved that her own lessons have been sticking. But of all the ribbons and achievements she garnered this year, the accomplishment she’s proudest of is the success of her Ranch horse. “I have put blood, sweat, and many tears into getting Harry through his classes in the past,” Rachel discloses. “He has challenged me in so many ways that I didn’t see coming. From bucking, to bolting, to even just prancing in place, he has always been the source of stress for me at shows. Last year, I made the decision to start training him as a Ranch horse. I had never shown Ranch, nor received Ranch lessons, but I fgured it would be a good learning opportunity for the both of us.”

She turned to YouTube and online live feeds for help, and after many hours of study, “I started to fgure it out,” Rachel laughs. “My dad and I made a very last-minute decision to enter him for Youth Nationals, and the next week we were on our way. I was nervous he would act up and not show to his full potential. After lots of prep, he went into the class and acted perfectly. Every move I asked of him was responded to with full effort and joy. I was overjoyed when I saw I placed a card in each class. These classes were very large, and I was so happy that those fve years of work had fnally paid off.”

Her parents witnessed just how hard Rachel worked to reach her goals over the last few years, and share that sense of joy. Their daughter’s responsibilities include caring for the horses as well as training them, and Rachel always has the farm in mind. “She has spent the last couple of years soaking in all she can from trainers in the industry,” her mother Leslie maintains. “There are so many that have been willing to help her, whether it’s a lesson or just tips/pointers. I love that she is not afraid to approach some of the top people in the industry.”

“The thing with Rachel,” Leslie continues, “is that she doesn’t only love to show, but she loves everything that comes with horse ownership just as much. As Rachel aspires to be a trainer someday, she has learned that riding is not all it takes; the care of the horses is the top priority. We have to credit Elise Goff for teaching her so much about the daily and emergency care of the horses.”

Rachel isn’t even close to fnished with her venture yet. “I have big dreams for myself and Pshenandoah Farms,” she proclaims. “My end goal is to be a successful trainer and have a large lesson program. The goal for Pshenandoah Farms is to have a successful breeding program along with a great show team and well-known lesson program to the locals.”

She’s well on her way, and expresses her gratitude for everyone who helped her get so far down this road at such a young age. “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am,” Rachel concludes. “My family always supports my goals and helps me reach them, [and] I received so much encouragement and help from trainers at Youth Nationals. [It] means more than I can express.”

YOUTH

YOUTH NATIONALS 2024

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A PLEASURE DRIVING JTD

YOUTH NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION H/A PARK JTR with Rene Ramirez Jr MID SUMMER NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A ENGLISH PLEASURE JR HORSE with Rene Ramirez TRAINED

YOUTH

YOUTH NATIONALS 2024

PROUDLY OWNED BY RAINIE KUCHYNKA

TRAINED BY RAMIREZ TRAINING CENTER | RENE RAMIREZ, OWNER & TRAINER | (602) 290-2643 | PHOENIX, ARIZONA

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A WESTERN PLEASURE JOTR

YOUTH NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION H/A LADIES SIDE SADDLE WESTERN JTR

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A COUNTRY PLEASURE DRIVING JTD YOUTH NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION H/A ENGLISH SHOW HACK JTR

Rainie Kuchynka’s colorful rosette shines like a beacon against her coat, while her smile lights her eyes. Her partner Boogie Man LR+/ mimics her grin; he looks thrilled to be wearing National roses. Rainie and the gelding rode for the roses in the Arabian English Show Hack JTR 15-18 Championship and claimed one of her five National Championships this year.

YOUTH

BEING FEARLESS ISN’T BEING 100% NOT FEARFUL, IT’S BEING TERRIFIED BUT YOU JUMP ANYWAY...”

Left: Anleigh Ahlert and HS Khozmik Enkhanted++++// share a hug on the way back to the stalls. Anleigh expertly guided Samantha Wood’s gelding to three tri-colors in the Working Hunter division.

Top Right: Jillian Yeatman stops for a moment of gratitude and reflection with Avanti GHA. This KM Bugatti+++/ daughter teamed up with Jillian to reach the winner’s circle in the Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR Select 15-18 Championship.

Bottom Right: O My Martini LOA+/ and Rhiannon Brefke both say “cheese” following their victory pass. They aced the HalfArabian Country English Pleasure Select JTR 15-18 offering.

YOUTH 15-18

A YOUTH NATIONALS TO REMEMBER

H/A Ranch Riding JOTR

H/A Ranch Rail Pleasure JOTR

H/A Ranch Riding JTR 15-18

H/A Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure JTR 15-18 H/A Hunter Seat Equitation 15-18

Horsemanship 15-18

Proudly owned by Clara & Emma Fullilove

Trained by Bay Area Equestrian Center

CLARA FULLILOVE WORKING FOR THE Roses

BY HALEY EVANS

Like many young girls, Clara Fullilove started riding when she was introduced to it by a friend. “I went with one of my friends to her lesson,” she remembers. “I had tried all the other sports and I didn’t like any of them, so my mom told me if I wanted to try it, I could. Now I’ve been riding since I was 8, and showing since I was 9.”

With such a history, Clara has years of experience on the National stage, and in the past she typically spent three to four days a week in the barn prepping for the competition. This year looked a little different. “I only went up once or twice each week,” she explains, “because I was busy interning with doctors to learn more about medicine in different settings, because I plan to go to medical school after college.” Clara rides in the 15-18 division now, and the senior ranks always come with the added challenge of trying to balance the fnal years of school. But she did masterfully, and set for herself some healthy goals going into Youth Nationals.

“Mostly, my goals were just to do better than I did last year, which I did accomplish,” Clara reports, “but mainly I just wanted to have good rides that I was happy with and proud of even if they didn’t end in roses.”

The best trainers and exhibitors tout the importance of focusing on every ride and enjoying the time spent in the saddle, and Clara took the advice to heart. She kept her attention where it needed to be, had a wonderfully positive show, and returned home with eight sets of roses shared with HOTTIMEINMOTOWN RA+// (“Marvin”) and CP Dauntless+// (“Danny”). Danny carried her to victory in Arabian English and Western Trail, while Marvin and Clara seized ribbon after ribbon in the Half-Arabian ranks ranging from Hunt Seat Equitation to Horsemanship to Ranch Rail. When asked about her incredibly successful Youth Nationals, Clara enthusiastically shares her thoughts.

“Eight sets of roses defnitely exceeded my expectations seeing as seven of them were Champions,” she gushes. “Each time I was called Champion, I was just grateful for my horses continuing to work hard for me to help me achieve goals I never thought would happen, and it was nice knowing [that] I was winning on my own horses.”

She has an excellent partnership with both of her horses, remarking, “I think they both balance me out well. Danny’s personality both in and out of the show ring is pretty spicy, especially for being 17. He’s ready to go, thinks he knows everything, and he likes to act all cool and like he doesn’t love hugs — but when no one is around, he’ll be leaning into me. Marvin, while being only 9, is a lot more laid-back and typically just goes with the fow. He has his days where he remembers he is stronger than me, but he is very sweet and will do pretty much anything I ask of him.”

Clara recognizes how important her training team is for her success and takes a moment to acknowledge the amazing instruction she receives from Bay Area Equestrian Center. “My training team is like a giant family. I feel they are the right team for me because they do all the disciplines, they work really well to achieve my goals, and I love how big my team is because I have made so many good friends of all ages and love them all,” she states, then adds: “Some valuable advice they’ve given me is that everyone has bad days, and to dust yourself off and try again when things don’t go your way.”

She followed that advice wholeheartedly both in the ring and while training, and her positive attitude and determination brought her great rewards. Clara’s parents encouraged her to these heights by sharing these values. When asked what their hopes were for their daughter going into Youth, her mother Emma answered: “We hoped that she and her horses would do their best while still enjoying themselves. Clara is very driven and focused, so sometimes we’re sort of along for the ride.”

Emma echoes Clara’s praise for the Bay Area team, affrming: “We have been so blessed to work with Bay Area — Laurie Long, Krista Wilkes, Lynn Almond, and Mallory Polk. They each pour so much into Clara, and she has learned different things from each of them. What I love is that they talk to Clara about her goals and work with her to make a plan to accomplish them.”

These training plans helped carry Clara into the winner’s circle multiple times at Youth Nationals, and Emma refects on how it felt to see her called to the spotlight again and again. “Each time she was announced Champion or Reserve was a celebration and recognition of the kind of rider she is,” she recalls, “but at the same time, a feeling of amazement because that’s our kid out there.”

Clara’s parents see more awe in her riding journey as a whole than even National victories, however. Emma remembers that before Clara found horses, she was extremely shy. “[It was] to the point that she’d hide behind me rather than talk to other people. Within about two years of riding, her confdence had grown so much that she organized a fundraiser at her elementary school that required she speak in front of the classes and the entire school. She also had to work with adults she was unfamiliar with to coordinate…I attribute that entirely to riding horses.”

Evidently Clara appreciates how riding has changed her life, because she’s been keeping at it for almost a decade and giving her best efforts to learn.

Top Left: Corona PE+// looks right at home in his Native Costume, wearing the regalia like he was born to it. He and Elsa J. Jensen entered the Top Ten in the Half-Arabian JOTR Championship, and swept away the reserve title in the JTR 15-18 class.

Top Right: Hannah Rasmussen beams aboard Shacago PGA++/. They triumphed in the Arabian Western Pleasure JTR Select 15-18 challenge, seizing the tri-color during Hannah’s first Youth Nationals.

Bottom Right: Jessica Bein commemorates her daughter McKenna’s accomplishment with Adessa SS+//. These two turned in a winning ride in the Arabian Reining Seat Equitation JTR 15-18 Championship, and also garnered an additional tri-color in Hunt Seat Equitation during the show.

YOUTH 15-18

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE 'JETER'S' LEGION OF EXCELLENCE AWARD! & JETER HA

DIESEL SMOKE CBA X PA SENNECA | PROUDLY OWNED BY THE CHINOWTH FAMILY

ACCORDING TO OUR READERS

IF YOU COULD RIDE ANY HORSE AT

YOUTH NATIONALS,

WHO WOULD IT BE?

EXTREMELY FORTUNUT

HANNAH MEDINA: MS DUTCH CHOCOLATE+//

OLIVIA TORTON:

CARLI HOLOWELL: ITALIAN GOLD++++//

MY HORSE REBEL RESERVE

KARINA GONZALEZ: ALL OF THEM!

ASHLEY POMMER:

REMINGTON COLE:

SLOAN BALINT:

KAYLEE ROBINSON:

AMERICAN HUSTLE

REMY MARTIN MISS MARTIN BF

AMERICAN HUSTLE MS DUTCH CHOCOLATE+// SF IT’S A MIRAKEL+/

ADDISON SANFORD:

CSP RUM CHATA

Anabelle Thom specializes in the Working Western divisions, and she made a great showing at Youth Nationals. She rewards Double Mo Seven RA with a grateful pat after a fantastic outing together. They garnered Reserve National Champion honors in both the Arabian Western Trail JOTR and the Ranch Rail JTR 15-18 offerings. Best of all, they reached the winner’s circle in the Arabian Ranch Riding JTR 15-18 Championship, and Anabelle was delighted to bring these ribbons home.

JENN JELICH AT JELICH FARMS Dreams COME TRUE

BY NIKA OSUNA

Jenn Jelich was introduced to Arabians as a young, horse-crazy girl growing up in Walnut Creek, California. She was immediately captured by their demeanor, beauty, and intelligence. Decades later, this appreciation and true passion for the Arabian has shaped her own program, Jelich Farms.

Located outside Boston, Massachusetts, Jelich Farms is dedicated to shaping junior exhibitors and instilling the love for the Arabian horse that Jenn herself feels. Jenn’s program is a special one, dedicated to producing well-rounded horsemen and women, in and out of the saddle.

“We start kids from the beginning stages all the way to the National level,” explains Jenn. “I strongly believe in developing a good seat on a rider, which helps them effectively communicate with their horse. We spend a lot of time doing lunge line exercises, even for my advanced riders. I also believe that riders should be versatile. We do some jumping, dressage, and game days to help make them better riders and have fun!”

All students in Jenn’s program are expected to develop skills from working around horses as well. She’s taken notes from Pony Club, developing horsemanship tests that the students must pass if they want to continue up the levels of riding and competing. After nine months in the program, every student should have the skills necessary to pass the Level Two test, and students who are competing at a regional and national level must pass Level Three, which encompasses the skills a barn manager should

know, including bathing, wrapping, feeding, and basic equine frst aid. Each student is responsible for their own horse’s care, whether at home or at a show.

“I strongly believe that students should participate in horses' routine care as it makes them ride better,” explains Jenn. “I can’t totally explain it, but there’s a degree of osmosis that happens when students start helping in the barn. They start to understand their horses better and I see it translate into the saddle.”

Jenn brought 10 students to Oklahoma City, all of whom have been with her since their very frst lesson. In the weeks leading up to the show, the Jelich Farms crew had a clinic with a Dressage instructor to practice their Dressage tests and Equitation patterns. Wendy Potts also few in to put on a three-day clinic, working with each horse-and-rider team individually. The week before the show, Jenn put on a three-day “boot camp,” where each rider took two lessons a day, one on the rail and one on the lunge line, to ensure they were in top shape and ready for the long show days ahead of them. In true Jelich Farms fashion, the students were also involved in the barn’s preparation for the show. Each rider helped clip their horse, and the whole crew assisted in packing the trailer.

JUST KEEP DOING THE NEXT RIGHT THING FOR THEM AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN.”

J J H

The hard work and hands-on approach paid off in spades, with many frsts (and one bittersweet last) for the team. Benjamin Gore is Jenn’s frst male student to reach the national stage, and this is his frst year out of Walk/Trot. Jenn was thrilled when he was named the Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle JTR 14-and-Under National Champion aboard IIB Pretty Wicked. Solia Straub and Sloane Kimmell both attended Youth for the frst time this year, and came away with Champion roses — Solia in Half-Arabian Hunt Seat Equitation JTR 14-and-Under and Sloane in Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle Walk-Trot 10-and-Under. Charlotte Babcock earned the barn’s frst National in-hand title, taking reserve with PA Real Latitude++ in Arabian Sport Horse Gelding In-Hand

JTH. Rounding out the roses was Ella van den Herik, who earned the barn’s frst main-ring wins in her last year as a youth rider. Ella and SRC Solar Eclipsx topped the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR Select 15-18 and claimed reserve in the JOTR 15-18. Every rider of Jenn’s brought home a Finalist or Top Ten ribbon, and she couldn’t be prouder of them.

When asked what her advice to other trainers looking to grow their programs would be, Jenn’s answer was straight-forward. “You never know where your next big client or National Champion is going to come from. There have been many times I have been wrong about the potential of both. Just keep doing the next right thing for them and you never know what might happen.”

2024 you nationals

NAME: AGE:

MY FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THIS YEAR’S YOUTH NATIONALS:

HORSE(S) I SHOWED:

MY BACK NUMBER(S) WAS/WERE:

SOMETHING THAT WORKED WELL IN THE RING:

SOMETHING I WANT TO IMPROVE ON:

MY GOOD LUCK CHARM:

FAVORITE HORSE THAT I SAW SHOW:

FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE THE SHOW:

MY GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR:

HOR E

REFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE BY CREATING YOUR DREAM SUIT!

SUIT DESIGNER

Use your imagination to fll our template with your dream colors, patterns and fourishes. Nothing is off limits!

We’ve laid out some pattern inspiration below!

P.S. Don’t forget your lapel pin.

We want to see your work! Show off your creativity by posting a photo of your dream suit and tagging National Horseman on Instagram! #SUITDESIGNERNH

MAZE

YOU GOT TURNED AROUND ON YOUR TRAIL RIDE! FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO THE BARN.

MAZE

TACK ANATOMY

BRIDLE:

1. BROWBAND

2. HEADPIECE

3. CHEEKPIECE

4. THROATLATCH

5. SNAFFLE BIT

6. SNAFFLE REIN

7. CURB REIN

8. CURB BIT

9. CAVESSON

TACK SADDLE: 1. SKIRT

2. POMMEL

3. SEAT

4. CANTLE

5. PANEL

6. FLAP

POP CULTURE

YEAR IN

Lily Gladstone won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” making her the ! rst Indigenous performer to win a Golden Globe (and later, the one to win a SAG award).

“EPIC: The Musical” expanded its fan base in 2024. When the original distributor refused to pay royalties for the musical’s !rst songs, the creator and cast took inspiration from Taylor Swift by forming their own production company and rerecording existing music. The July release went viral.

“Inside Out 2” grossing animated earning more than $1.5 billion globally. For older audiences, “Deadpool and Wolverine” created a lot of buzz in theaters.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scientists at Mount Sinai and City of Hope saw incredible success while trialing a new diabetes treatment. After injecting mice with treated, insulin-producing cells, these cells increased by 700% within three months. This reversed diabetes symptoms, which remained gone a month after stopping treatment.

Spring 2024 brought some remarkable celestial phenomena, with a total solar eclipse darkening much of North America in April. In May, solar storms made the northern lights visible as far south as Florida.

Researchers at a Uppsala University discovered a new antibiotic class that’s effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The drug targets a protein that bacteria uses to craft its outer protective layer, weakening its armor.

REVIEW

WORLD EVENTS

Los Angeles Zoo set a record by hatching 17 California condor chicks. Currently there are about 340 wild condors, up from only 22 individuals in 1982. In the Galapagos, 500 endangered giant tortoises were released to the islands.

A bugged software update by cybersecurity rm CrowdStrike knocked out technology around the globe on July 19. The update was deployed to computers running Microsoft Windows, and knocked airlines, hospitals, businesses, and government of !ces of ine for days.

SPORTS

Simone Biles reached the podium as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time, earning another gold to bring her total up to six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. She also has the honor of having ve skills named after her, and 38 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in the sport’s history.

Snoop Dogg became the USA’s unof !cial mascot for the Olympic games, keeping fans laughing with his commentary and representing the equestrian community with his enthusiasm for Dressage, going so far as to dress in riding gear while commentating alongside Martha Stewart.

Ilona Maher led the U.S. rugby team to its ! rst Olympic medal. They beat the Australian team and claimed the bronze medal, creating hope that the sport will grow.

rst-ever female president. The country voted in Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during its June general election, which she won by a landslide. NBAChampion*BostonCeltics(June2024) StanleyCupChampion*FloridaPanthers(June2024) PGAChampion*XanderSchauffele(May2024) KentuckyDerbyWinner*MystikDan(May2024) SuperBowlChampion*KansasCityChiefs(February2024) WorldSeriesChampion*TexasRangers(November2023) WNBAChampion* LasVegasAces(October2023)

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL ON A WONDERFUL 2024 YOUTH AND MID-SUMMER NATIONALS, AND ank you TO OUR ADVERTISERS! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

THIS IS OUR STORY OF US!

ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO LEAVE THEIR FAVORITE YN MEMORIES HERE SO YOU CAN REMEMBER THEM forever & always!

Amelia R so

& SUPERNATCHURAL

RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION

PB English Pleasure

JOTR 14-&-Under - Unanimous

PB English Pleasure JTR Select