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HIGH POINTS, HUSTLE: Ava Hathaway

For Ava Hathaway, the AQHYA Youth World Show isn’t just a competition. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, an unbreakable bond with a special mare, and the kind of resilience that sets champions apart. Coming off a standout season, Ava and her beloved mare I Will Be A Good RV, also known as Boo, are preparing for another go on the Youth World stage. But beyond the trophies and titles, theirs is a story about heart, healing, and the people who help us chase our dreams.

Last year, Ava and Boo captured the AllAround Youth 14–18 title at the AQHYA World Show, a prestigious recognition for any team. This year, they’re returning to Oklahoma City to compete in a full slate of events, including Level 3 Horsemanship, Showmanship, Equitation, Trail, Western Riding, and Western Pleasure.

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Ava Hathaway & I Will Be A Good RV focus on the 2025 Youth World Show

While the goal is always to perform well, Ava says her focus this year has shifted. “It’s easy to go into Youth World with expectations,” she says. “But I’ve learned that when I focus on my own internal performance goals — trying to get the best from myself and my horse — that’s when we do our best. Titles and awards are great, but it’s about feeling good about your ride.”

Boo’s Battle and the Bond That Grew

Behind their picture-perfect performances lies a story of challenge and triumph. In 2022, Boo began to show signs of serious breathing trouble during the All-American Quarter Horse Congress after Ava had just clinched a win in Equitation. What started as

a minor concern quickly escalated. Boo was diagnosed with a large granuloma in her throat, requiring surgery and a long period of rest and recovery.

“We had no idea it was even there,” says Ava’s mom, Dr. Joanna Hathaway, an equine veterinarian. “She showed no signs. She just would have kept going and kept showing. That’s the kind of horse she is.”

The health scare sidelined Boo for six months, but she returned with the same grit and grace that has marked this special mare’s entire show career. Still, the issue requires ongoing management and monitoring, including nebulizer

treatments. As anyone in the industry knows, world show competition is grueling. At the 2024 Youth World, Boo competed for seven straight days, often in multiple events each day. By the final day, her team noticed something wasn’t right.

“She was breathing harder than usual, so we had her scoped before the Western Pleasure finals,” Joanna recalls. “Her airway was almost completely closed. And still, she hadn’t made a sound or

Ava & her Mom, Dr. Joanna Hathaway.

Ava with her trainer, Beckey Schooler, her Mom, Dr. Joanna Hathaway and barnmates.

shown distress. She just kept giving it her all.”

Trainer Beckey Schooler puts it simply: “That mare has a heart of gold. She never quit on Ava.”

After a minor procedure, Boo returned home to Michigan to recuperate, and Ava cherished the slower pace. “It’s actually strengthened our relationship,” she says. “During that down time, I spent more time brushing her and just being with her. She’s such a fighter.”

Horsemanship and Hustle

Of all the events Ava competes in, Horsemanship remains her favorite. “You have to be so connected with your horse,” she explains. “You’re not just riding the pattern — you’re showcasing what makes your horse special. There are little things about Boo that I can bring out in certain patterns. I love that horsemanship allows you to develop your own style. It’s an art.”

Western Riding is another standout class for the pair. Last year, they earned globes in both Trail and Western Riding, and Ava has high hopes for breaking through in Horsemanship at the Level 3 competition this year. “Something little always seems to happen in the horsemanship prelims at the world show,” she laughs. “But everywhere else horsemanship is one of our strongest classes. So, I have big hopes for this year. To do well in that class would mean a lot.”

Showmanship is another favorite class for Ava due to its highly individual nature that allows competitors to develop their own style. Though she laughs that their performance in showmanship often depends on Boo’s attitude that day. Boo, like many great mares, has her preferences. “Some days it feels like I’m pulling a train,” Ava says. “But when she’s on, she’s incredible.

It’s part of what makes her so special to show.”

Ava’s Village

Ava’s journey has been anything but solo. From her parents to her trainers, she’s had a team behind her every step of the way.

Her relationship with her mom, Joanna, is especially meaningful. “My mom is and always will be my best friend,” Ava says. “At home, we don’t get a lot of time together because she works so much. But at shows, it’s our time. She’s always there for me. She gets so nervous she’s not even allowed in the warm-up pen. Beckey makes her go to the stands.”

Ava also credits her trainer, Beckey Schooler, with building both her skills and confidence. “She treats Boo like a queen and pushes me to be better every day,” Ava says. “Beckey and everyone on our team have helped me grow in and out of the show pen.”

Her dad and brother will also play a key role at the Youth World this year, driving Ava’s car down to Oklahoma and helping her move into college right after the show.

A New Chapter at UGA

This Youth World is especially meaningful for Ava, as it marks the kickoff of a new chapter in her equestrian journey. After the show, she heads to the University of Georgia to ride on the NCAA equestrian team. “When I visited, it just felt like home,” she says. “I loved the team atmosphere, the coaching staff, the whole environment. I knew it was the right place for me.”

She’s excited to shift from the individual nature of AQHA competition to the team-based college format. “It’s still about partnership — just in a new way. It’ll

be special to work with a group of girls all striving toward the same goal.”

Though her schedule will be tighter with academics and team commitments, Ava hopes to continue showing Boo during school breaks. Boo will stay with Beckey Schooler, and the pair plan to finish out Ava’s youth career together.

Full Circle

Ava’s love of horses started young, though she didn’t dive into showing until she was nine. Her early years were spent at open shows and summer horse camps, eventually graduating to AQHA events. Her first real breakthrough came in 2018 with KCEEs Cruise Missile, or “Kruzer,” when she won Showmanship at the Congress in the 11 & Under division.

She eventually found her match in Boo through a chance opportunity offered by Betty Carr and Beckey Schooler. What started as a lease turned into a lasting partnership, officially solidified at The Madness in 2023.

For Ava Hathaway, the journey has never been just about winning. It’s been about connection— to her horse, to her family, and to herself.

“This Youth World is special,” she says. “It’s the last summer before everything changes. I just want to soak it all in, push myself, and be proud of our rides. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about a globe. It’s about making the most of each ride with my girl.”