Youth

Horse of the Month Winners - 2004
     Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations

Horses are amazing creatures, magnificent in almost all walks of life. Spiritual teachers that guide the people they love through all aspects of human emotion, from love, to victory, to failure, and to hope. I met a horse that was born of humble origin, in the depths of obscurity, where he will remain until it is proven that blue ribbons and trophies are not the value of a winner.

He is not imposing; no presence to echo his coming that shocks the world into appreciation. He's simple looking, strong and gray, with no exotic features, or rivers of muscle that scream power. But he is beyond perfection, even with the idiosyncrasies that make daily life a little harder. His name is Ssharakit WH, Ronnie, and though the name doesn't flaunt confidence, the gelding is arrogant- he knows no master, and bends to no wind. There is a river of soul, of self-acclaimed royalty, that flows beneath the plain lightness of his coat. And if ever a better teacher could be found, I'll match my rowdy horse against them any day.

I haven't known Ronnie for too long- 2 ½ years doesn't proclaim a "lifelong bond," but with two creatures as intense as my gelding and myself, time passes with blazing speed. In the shortness of our relationship I've learned more than I can ever repay him for. It was because of his six-month, unknown lameness that I knew the value of hard work, patience, and hope. Hope tends to lie; it's a false pretender that plays with reality. But it is something left to hold on to, and I fought every fear that haunted my mind. Ronnie trotted unevenly, with an off beat that suggested pain in movement. He never stopped, though, and because of his stubborn persistence in getting where he wanted to go, I learned to respect will- whether it be his, my own, or someone else's.

He saved my life once. Perhaps saying that he saved my future would be more precise. Dramatic enough, isn't it? I knew no direction, and no path asked for me to walk its wonders. The only stable thing in my life was Ronnie, that haughty horse who saved no sympathy for me, and decided the worse I felt the less he was going to listen. Patience was my next lesson, then friendship. I saved the worst of my fears, the wildest of dreams for him. It was in serenity that I watched him; understanding that life is to be enjoyed, and I had failed to understand such a simple lesson.

Life lessons Ronnie taught me: There is freedom in ordinary, and nothing is better than chasing the wind. A clichéd phrase, but when the wind is an opponent worthy of your talents and speed, it takes on stronger meaning.

I can't begin to express what my horse understands, and what I miss every moment I don't enjoy the warmth of the sun or the tranquility of his breath. Winners aren't found in blues ribbons or trophies that collect the dust of years gone by. They are measured from the heart, a beautiful picture painted in the pages of time, in the blood of the soul. Ronnie deserves my love, and he returns what I give with the continuous guidance that only the majesty of a horse can provide.

Megan Statler, 17, Fort Meyers, Florida

How many horses do you know that learned to jump at the age of twenty? How many horses do you know that can be perfectly mannered to baby-sit a four year-old, while winning two Top Tens in hunt seat at the state level?

I have been interested in horses since I was born, but I only really got into horses at the age of ten, when I started taking lessons. My dream was to have the perfect horse, where we could do everything together.

We found Precious Ring, or Ringo, in a stable where he had been abandoned by his former owner because he was thought too old. I never dreamed that the nineteen year-old pot-bellied, mud caked horse in front of me would be my future teacher, companion, and all-out champion! When I first rode him, Ringo was stubborn. I knew he was just testing me, but he tested me well. I had a choice of two horses: a hard-mouthed Quarter Horse mare, or the pot-bellied Arabian. I decided to go with the pot-belly.

Now, one and a half years later, I find myself with more ribbons and trophies than I can fit in my room. Ringo has won me everything from underwear to trophies! He had been a former national champion in western, saddleseat, and driving. I took him down a different path than his old life: we are actively involved in Pony Club and 4-H.

We learned together how to perform in hunt seat and showmanship. At our first county fair, we won a reserve championship in showmanship. We later competed at the state level, where we placed two Top Tens. Now we're learning to jump together! We also do dressage, stadium and cross-country jumping, bareback, trail, hunt seat, showmanship, and western.

I think Ringo should be AHA Horse of the Month because of his kindness, his willingness to learn and to please, and for all he has taught me: confidence, how to sit correctly in the saddle, to have soft hand, to give lots of treats, and most importantly: Dreams really do come true.

Cristina Vaughan, 12, Madison, Wisconsin

I got started in horses late. I was fourteen when I started riding and fifteen when I got my horse. My first horse was a Quarter Horse; I had never really cared for Arabian horses. When it came time to "upgrade" to a better show horse, however, my trainer asked me to look at an Arabian horse. I agreed, but I was nervous about changing breed circuits and relearning things like head sets and showmanship. I also wasn't sure if I could like an Arabian horse. I thought they were spooky and funny-looking. Well, that's what I thought then- not now.

I rode the Arabian horse once. His name was MV Jasiim and I instantly knew there was something special about him. I wasn't sure what to make of the experience; here was an awesome horse that could take me to Nationals, but he was an Arabian horse. Luckily, I decided to follow my heart instead of my preconceptions! We agreed to buy him after that first ride.

It's been nine months and now I think Arabian horses are the most beautiful horses in the world. I could never go back to another breed! With everything we can do together, I'll never get bored. I would like to think I've made a difference in Jasiim's life, too. When my trainer found him he was confident but introverted and not affectionate. Since then, everyone in our barn has pitched in to bring him around. I think he has come so far! He gives kisses, in his own way, and seems happy. I can't take full credit, but I hope I've made a difference.

Through Jasiim I have developed more than an appreciation for the Arabian horse. I have found a true love of the breed. I think Jasiim should be Horse of the Month because he taught me the beauty of the Arabian horse and has become my best friend!

Stephanie Strakbein, 17, Tucson, Arizona

When I was seven my parents purchased a ten year old Purebred Arabian gelding named Sculpural Image. His nickname, Bud, describes him perfectly because he is my buddy.

I first met Bud at an Arabian horse sale. When we walked past his stall he didn't come toward us but just looked at us. I marveled at how his flea bitten coat gleamed. I loved him so much and wanted to ride him! I did ride him, in a cornfield next to the sale. The saddle was too big, but I was thrilled to ride my maybe future horse. I remember that I walked him back to his stall and he stepped on my foot. It hurt but I didn't care, I was so excited because we were buying him and he would soon be mine!

Everyone at our saddle club thought we had bought way too much horse for my seven year old self. But now I have shown everyone what we can do if my horse and I work as a team and put our minds to it.

My first two years with Bud, we mainly trail rode, but we did compete in some shows. Bud had a lot of patience with me and taught me so much in the first years. My proudest moment in those two years was winning showmanship at the age of eight.

During our third and fourth summers I began taking him to dressage riding lessons and showing more. I think we found Bud's true talent in dressage. I was so thrilled when we brought home the blue from our state fair in dressage!

Bud is not only great in the show ring, he is also very much a gentleman. He has the most intelligent-looking face, the deepest brown eyes, and the cutest little antennae ears. He loves to be hugged around the neck, and to get animal crackers for treats. If Bud is lying down in his stall, he lets me come in and lay next to him. He is always there for me and is such a special horse.

As Bud is beginning to age, we have retired him to trail riding and being my buddy. But every time I look out the window and see him eating grass and swishing his tail happily I look back at all the memories we've shared together.

I think that Bud deserves the AHA Horse of the Month award because he has always tried his little heart out for me, whatever I ask him to do.

Ellen Reeder, 13, Little York, Illinois

Many special horses enter our lives and leave unforgettable memories. One horse has left so many unforgettable memories for me that I can not name all of them. This special horse is Chardonaay.

Chardonaay is a 14.2 hand bay purebred Arabian mare. Chardonaay lives up to her name- she really is a fine wine. This fifteen year old mare has won two national championships in Walk-Trot at the Youth National Championship Show! After the girls who rode her moved on to bigger horses, Chardonaay became a brood mare, producing many excellent foals with teddy bear personalities.

The first time I laid eyes on Chardonaay I already knew I loved her very much. As my riding abilities began to challenge the horses I was riding at the time, my Nana knew Chardonaay would be the horse for me, and she was right. Chardonaay does any discipline I ask from her, including hunter pleasure, western pleasure, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, hunter hack, in-hand, mounted native costume, and sidesaddle. And not only does Chardonaay do all these disciplines, but she is good at all of them! She will do anything I ask her to, and doesn't care how long a show lasts. Chardonaay is also now a schooling horse, and she does a great job. I can always trust her to take the best care of the kids who ride her.

I'm now fifteen years old and having Chardonaay has given me something to live for no matter what. Big things really do come in small packages. All of this is why Chardonaay more than deserves to be Horse of the Month.

Krista Greenich, 15, Pine Bluff, Arkansas

My sixteen year old mare, Country Klassik, is loving and careful. She is gentle with me even when I am not feeling well. I think she is this way because she is a mama herself. When she lived with Shirley Craig, her previous owner, she had three foals and took very good care of each one.

Klassik is also a talented, hard worker who aims to please. She and Shirley won the Challenge of the Breeds! That required Klassik and Shirley to do a variety of disciplines very well, including Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Barrel Racing, Pleasure Driving, Hunter Hack and Western Riding.

As you can tell, my horse has been very well trained. Equally important, though is that Klassik does not forget (or act like she has forgotten) what she has been taught when I am not able to ride. She is so honest that I do not have to worry about her behaving after I have surgery and three weeks of recovery later this summer. She will be ready and waiting for me to get better! I am trying hard to learn as much as she knows so that one day we can go to Nationals together.

Country Klassik is loving, careful, talented and honest, and that is why she deserves to be Horse of the Month.

Kacy Houser, 10, Breinigsville, PA

I own a wonderful Half Arabian horse named Alimar who I love more than anything. I got Alimar when I was 10 years old and he was 30. We got Alimar for free from a back yard pasture. Through all the dust and dirt on him I knew there was just something special about that old guy. To me he was the best horse in the world!

It was going to be my first show season that year, so as you can imagine I was excited. At the same time, though, I was scared and disappointed when I heard people say "Look at that old nag, he'll never win." Thinking about that dropped my confidence, but it seemed like Alimar knew what they were saying too. He seemed to say "It's alright, I can do this!" As soon as we got in the show ring, Alimar proved to be a champion! Together we claimed two trophies, twelve blue ribbons, and we even got our picture in the paper.

Now 33 years old, Alimar is our retired pasture ornament and is spoiled rotten! My dad even jokingly calls him The King. Though he may be old his heart and spirit are young. As my mom would say, his body may ache in the morning that old guy would do anything for you.

Courtney Blough, 13, Howell, MI

My name is Ginger Haggerty and I have been riding and showing Arabian horses for five years strong now. I have ridden and shown over 20 horses, but only one has truly become my Arabian companion. His registered name is Bandit Lad but I call him Bandit or Burrito Boy. He is a 15-year old Arabian gelding. We have numerous championships and a Scottsdale top ten, but with Burrito Boy the ribbons don't make the horse. Before my family got him, he was a horse that nobody wanted because he paced in his stall all day long. Maybe when we met he knew I was different, maybe he knew that I wanted him.

When I got Bandit he had been through many trainers and owners and nobody seemed to understand him. I thought that if I could only win his trust he would give me all that he could give. He proved me right because he has the biggest heart in the world. I guess he was just bound and determined to be a Class A hunter pleasure horse! Most people who see him in the show ring only see an awesome hunter show horse, but we enjoy him as much at home as in the show ring. He still hates stalls but at all our horse shows we keep him busy with a hay net and grain bucket and then he's happy! When we took the time to understand him we were rewarded by having the perfect horse. It is like he thanks us for understanding him.

My most memorable experience with him is winning a top ten at Scottsdale, but the ribbon wasn't the best part. The best part was winning it on a horse nobody else wanted but me. Bandit taught me how much a horse can love a person. He doesn't ever have to say it, I just kinda know.

I am only 15 years old, but even I know that you only get to meet a few exceptional beings who become the greatest things that ever happen to you. These are the people or horses you will love for the rest of your life and always remember. They create memories and moments that will be forever vivid in your mind. Bandit is one of these. He was one of the best things that ever happened to me and will probably always be. I think he always knew that the right person would want him but it took me all those years to find him. Some people and horses are meant to be together, and I think that's the case with me and my Burrito Boy.

Ginger Haggerty, 15, Moorpark, CA

My name is Mandi Jorgensen and I am fifteen years old. I have been a member in AHA for four years. I go on the AHA website about five times each week. I love reading about people and their Arabian horse stories!

The most important guy in my life is my Half-Arabian liver chestnut gelding, WK Electric Blue. When I first got Blue I already had another horse. This day, however, was special!

It was Christmas morning and we had finished opening all of our presents. I was lucky enough to get tack and horse supplies. My brothers and I were investigating our toys when my mother got up and popped a tape in the VCR. I looked up because I heard my trainer's voice on the tape. I saw my mom- the mom who was afraid of horses- riding Blue. I had been taking lessons on him for about six months and never knew my mom was also taking lessons. In our living room, my mom turned to see my astonished face and laughed.

As I watched my mom ride some more on the videotape, I started to get a little upset. She had been going to the barn without taking me with her! Then I saw my mom ride into the middle of the ring next to my trainer. At that point my mother shook hands with my trainer and said "We'll take him!" Then they both looked at the camera and said "Merry Christmas, kids! Go out and look in the barn for your Christmas present!"

I started screaming and bolted out the front door in the middle of a New York winter nothing but shorts and a t-shirt. I ran to the barn bare-footed and lo and behold, there stood Blue wearing a brand new bright red halter! During this whole episode my parents were videotaping us and our reactions, and it's a tape we will treasure for years to come. This was truly a great Christmas!

Now, two years later, Blue and I have gathered numerous championships in the Saddleseat division. Blue tries his hardest to be a gentleman and he works really hard to please me! We gave him a chance to shine, and he really loves Saddleseat! All some horses need is love and individual attention to bring out the best in them, just like Blue.

Mandi Jorgensen, 15, Arcade, NY

I own a purebred Arabian mare named Tamyla. Everyone just calls her Tammy. I have owned Tammy for three years and I have to say those years have been some of the most exciting years of my life! Tammy and I have been through a lot together and we have definitely faced some challenges together.

I first met Tammy on a cold February morning. When my parents and I walked into the barn we saw a tall, furry, but still beautiful bay mare. Back then we knew very little about horses, but when I put my hand on her warm neck and looked into her deep brown eyes I knew she was the horse I wanted to ride!

The first two years I was showing, Tammy was very patient and kind. She taught me all about the show scene! Together we brought home ten first place ribbons from various shows! The next year we decided to show Class A. We did well, and were even qualified for the Regional Championship show when, unfortunately, Tammy hurt her leg. She was okay but had to be off work for a month. Then, with two weeks to spare, she recovered fully. So, off we headed to the Region 17 Championship show! It wasn't easy but with all of the help and support from our trainers and friends, Tammy and I brought home two Top Fives! Later that year we went on to win the Western Canadian Breeders Championship in Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR. Wow!

Now that we have finished showing for the year, we are back home just hanging out and having some fun. This winter we attended a dressage schooling show and received a 66% on our Level One test. We won our class! Tammy and I have really done a lot together. We have participated in everything from Hunter Pleasure to Saddle Seat to Western Pleasure, and now Dressage. I couldn't have asked for a better horse!!! Out of the two of us, it is Tammy who takes care of me!

I believe that Tammy should win Horse of the Month because she never gave up on me. She not only taught me how to ride but I think she has made me a better person!

Lisa Christie, 14, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

While I was riding at Springtime Stables there was one horse who caught my eye and stole my heart. Her name was Epona Sweettalker (Sweetie). I had always loved Sweetie and enjoyed getting lessons on her occasionally. I eventually leased Sweetie and she helped me reach my dream of showing.

When I first began to show Sweetie I was very nervous showing in a walk-trot-canter class. I was so intimidated I almost didn't show! Still, I decided to not give up and went through with it. Sweetie and I showed in Hunter Pleasure and we won fifth place out of ten horses! I was so excited and it was then that I knew it was only the beginning of our relationship.

As time passed, Sweetie and I continued to gain each other's trust. She was proving to be such a great horse that we started using her as a lesson horse for the little kids. She loved to "babysit" them while they rode, and they loved her as well! The last year I showed Sweetie she also showed in Lead Line and Walk/Trot classes.

While Sweetie was busy becoming a better horse, I was becoming a better rider. Unfortunately, this eventually meant that it was time for us both to move on to new partners. Even though we had always done well at shows we had never succeeded in winning a blue ribbon. Finally, at my second to last show with Sweetie, my dream came true: I won on the horse I loved the most! It was the best feeling!

At my very last show on Sweetie I decided to do something fun to make the last show something to remember. I entered Native Costume. In that class, my last ever with her, we won the title Arabian/Half-Arabian Native Costume Reserve Champion. Wow!!! What a way to end the year!

Sweetie is an amazing horse. She has done almost everything including Hunter Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Native Costume, Halter, Lead Line, Walk-Trot, and Show Hack. She is also a wonderful mother and is now back at home having her second baby! To me, Sweetie is not only the Horse of the Month. She's also the horse of MY LIFE!

Stephanie Cheney, 15, Manchester, NH

I have always admired the people on AHA's youth website for their touching stories and hoped that someday my story could be on ArabianHorses.org/youth as well. I own a 13 year old Purebred Arabian mare named PWA Mistilite, known around the farm as "Missy." There is no way to describe how beautiful and wonderful Missy is, and most of all how she has changed my life.

One thing that is amazing is that we are the same age! My family first purchased Missy as a four year old, not really knowing anything about Arabians or Arabian blood lines. The main purpose was to make this divine horse into a broodmare, which she was for three years.

The first time I rode Missy she was a very bad girl- she bucked me off! I later started taking her to riding lessons; we had a lot of work to do and I could never have done it without my 4-H leader, Barbara. We began riding huntseat and went to our first show when Missy and I were ten. We placed fifth and sixth at the local shows, and my first year in 4-H with Missy was good- we were in the blues! The following year Missy was under Western tack and working even better.

That same year, 2002, I went with my judging team to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Arabian Horse Judging Contest at U.S. Nationals. That trip made me start dreaming of someday going to Nationals with Missy! This year I took a step toward going to Youth Nationals because my mom agreed I could go to a Class "A" Arabian show. That's a very good place to start. We did really well, we got all thirds and one fourth. A Class "A" show may not mean much to other people, but it meant the world to me.

This year's Arabian Horse Judging Contest in New Mexico revived me and made me want to work harder toward my goal. Missy is now thirteen and nowhere near the end of our training.

Over these three years looking back to that first day, I still can't believe how far we have come. Missy is a wonderful sight to behold as she works her little heart out for me. I will never forget Missy as she has given me a better seat and improved my riding skills. She captured my love for Arabians forever. I can do almost anything with her now and I trust her with all my heart.

I know and hope that I will continue to work with the Arabian horse for many years to come. Without Missy I would never have gone to Nationals for the judging contest, and I would never have the love for Arabians that I have now. That's why I think PWA Mistilite deserves to be Horse of the Month.

Merisa Turnbaugh, 13, Sandpoint, ID