Youth
Horse of the Month Winners - 2007
Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations
November
WINDD CHAZER
Windd Chazer or 'Windd' as he is known around the barn, is quite a character. Standing at 15.2 ˝ hh, my Pintabian has accumulated many nicknames for his quirkiness and dog-like characteristics. From loving to lick and his obsession with buckets to following me everywhere (including the bathroom), I love this horse with all my heart. With our second year 'anniversary' approaching, I thought it would be an appropriate time for him to get all the credit he deserves. So why is he so special?
One of Windd's most desirable attributes would have to be his unconditional love for me. He truly is a horse that you can cry into the mane of or tell how excited you are for something. There were many blistering cold February mornings I would walk down that driveway and wonder what in the world was I doing at the barn that day. Walking through the door and seeing Windd's bright eyes and alertness told me why. I will never forget that hot afternoon after a long morning workout. After cooling him off, I headed off for lunch and came back that afternoon to redo his tail. I strolled in the barn and looked down the isle to see if I could see his head poking out. No sign, so I called his name. I heard a very quiet nicker. I went to his stall to see him softly asleep with his legs tucked under his stomach and his head on a 'pillow' of shavings. A tear of relief fell down my cheek at that moment as a smile stretched across my face. I quietly went in and careful not to disturb him, I took a seat in the pile of hay scraps left in the corner. It was then that I realized just how lucky I am. I realized I have a horse that is always there for me; through the good, the bad, the hard, and the fun. Windd is a friend that I can count on and know won't turn his back on me.
Windd has brought me through a lot. From headaches and tears to the meeting of best friends. Someone once asked me where I learned to ride. I came to the conclusion that Windd taught me to ride. He taught me why you ride with your shoulders back. He taught me the use of martingales. He taught me to ride. Without him, I wouldn't be the person or rider I am today. So overall why should Windd be horse of the month? Because he is so special. He puts all of his heart into everything I ask him. He has touched the lives of so many and blessed me with all I have. He truly is a God sent gift. This is why he deserves to be AHA Horse of the Month.
Allison Board, 15, Louisville, Kentucky
October
SW HOT SHAHT
My name is Tyler Kulik and my horse SW Hot Shaht deserves to be the horse of the month. He is a 10 year old gray Arabian gelding. He was/is my very first Arabian.
Before I got Hot Shaht in November 2006, I had a Welsh Pony. She was my first horse. A few weeks after I got her, after she was settled in, I went to ride her. My grandpa held her while I got on. The second I hit the saddle she started bucking. I held on until my grandpa said let go. I hit the ground and she took off. Lets just say that after that I was a nervous wreck on a horse. I would cry every little flinch a horse made.
When I got Hot Shaht he was very spooky in the new arena and I didn't know how to bridle him, but for some reason I wasn't afraid. I don't know if it was because he was my first horse or what, but from day one Hot Shaht and I have a trusting bond. Now when a horse spooks, I don't cry. Most of the time, I smile because it adds a little excitement to the ride!
Hot Shaht has taught me to keep trying and not give up because of one bad ride. I know that he has his off days as I have mine. Because of him I can ride without being afraid because I know that he feels as I do. If I am nervous he tries to be brave, or at least not show his nerves. I trust him and he trusts me.
At our first show in Kentucky I was so nervous because it was the biggest show I had ever been to. Hot Shaht as so good he did everything right in my eyes and obviously in the judges' too. We got first!
Hot Shaht deserves to be the Horse of the Month because he has taught me so much. He puts his whole heart into riding. He just loves to impress people and loves to get attention. He has a huge heart and quite the personality. He deserves to be recognized! I love him and he loves me!
Tyler Kulik, 13, Dansville, MI
September
MCA STRIKING STAR
From the moment that I saw MCA Striking Star, I never thought that I would have the honor of owning such a beautiful horse. As I fell asleep each night, I would dream of riding Star bareback through a field of flowers, the wind in my hair. I told myself it could never happen; Star was only two and had not yet begun his training. Of course we couldn't forget the price tag, a horse with that kind of bloodlines had to be expensive, but he was perfect. Weeks passed the thought of the beautiful Arabian gelding always in the back of my mind. The feeling that came over me when I ran my fingers through his long silky mane and caresses his soft velvety nose, were unforgettable. However, my family was not the horsy type and we lived in an area where owning a horse was next to impossible. I hadn't even mentioned to my mom that I had liked him. We looked at horses all the time, never intending to buy, only to temporarily satisfy my craving. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I was addicted to horses, for life. Even though I tried to keep my hopes up, I knew in my heart that a horse of Star's caliber was out of the question.
My twelfth birthday rolled around, I hadn't even mentioned wanting a horse. I already knew what the answer would be. Weeks had passed since my encounter with Star and the hope of ever owning such a wonderful horse had almost completely faded from my mind.
The day continued with a traditional trip to my grandparent's house for what I thought would be just another party. I was wrong. As we pulled into the driveway, my sister became excited and blurted something about a horse in the pasture next to the house. I took off running and what I saw next still leaves me in awe to this day. A beautiful bay Arabian gelding was running frantically up and down the fence line. Suddenly he stopped and stared, ears pricked, tail flagged drenched in sweat, all senses completely focused on me. I too stopped and stared; I couldn't believe my eyes. Standing before me was non other that MCA Striking Star. It was love at first site all over again! I didn't know how to react whether to laugh or to cry, so I just stood there staring. My mom told me that Star's previous owner had planned on selling him but when he saw the connection between Star and I and my deep love for horses, he offered to give Star to us for free since we didn't have a lot of money. She then cautioned me that no one could catch him and she was ready to return him to his previous owner if he didn't calm down. But being the tenacious girl that I was, grabbed the halter and lead rope off of the ground and before anyone could say anything I had hopped the fence and was walking straight towards Star. He met me halfway and softly nuzzled my hair, as I slipped the halter over his delicate head. He stood perfectly still never moving an inch. Within seconds he was following me around and was willingly being lunged at the walk and trot. He executed each of my commands with ease, catching on quickly to the idea.
That was six years ago. Since that cherished moment when time seemed to stand still, Star and I have become inseparable. He is always there with his soft warm breath tickling my cheek, standing watch as I sleep peacefully in his stall. Never being able to afford a trainer, Star and I trained each other. The first time that I sat on Star's back was the first time that anyone had done so. He walked quietly up and down the barn isle, never objecting to anything. We trusted each other so much that we would do anything for each other. However, life hasn't always been perfect. Star and I have had our share of hardships including many close calls, two severe accidents and a few gaping wounds. There were times when people told me to "sell that crazy Arab", but each time I refused to budge. You only find that special horse once in a lifetime, Star is mine. The funny thing is that no one can believe that we have come this far. Star and I have competed in many horse shows. Most of the shows are opened to all breeds, dominated mainly by Quarter Horses, and people are constantly amazed at what my little Arab can do. Star and I have competed in almost every discipline from jumping and dressage to western pleasure, showmanship, reining and pole bending. From county fair open show champion, three time 4-H region qualifier and hunter all around at the 4-H state English horse show; to playing tag on the salt flats, swimming in the river and bareback midnight trail rides, Star can do it all. He is a perfect example of the Arabian's heart, determination and versatility. It doesn't matter what I ask Star to do; he will always pour his heart and soul into whatever I ask of him.
Star is truly an amazing horse and together we have become an unbeatable team. He has taught me so many important lessons in life like if you fall down get back up and try again, winning is not everything, learn to laugh at yourself, it is okay to stand out, and who cares what anyone else thinks. But the most valuable lesson that Star has taught me is that dreams really do come true. I would never, ever trade Star for anything. He is always there greeting me with a welcoming whinny. When I am down, he is there to make me laugh and literally lick the tears from my face. Star is a true demonstration of what an Arabian horse should be and he has turned so many hearts toward this breed.
Star has the biggest heart of any horse that I know and his unconditional love is irreplaceable. He is my best friend and for that simple reason alone in why MCA Striking Star deserves the honored title of horse of the month. He is truly my dream come true.
Kylie Kirschner, 17, Kaysville, Utah
August
JLP TOI SENSATION +/
I fell in love with JLP Toi Sensation the first time I laid eyes on him. It was truly love at first sight. The story began when Julie Daniel-Adams brought Toi to Utah all the way from Michigan. Toi has had many homes all around the country, with too many top trainers to name. Somehow he found his way to Herriman, Utah. Lucky for me his owners decided that they had too many horses and needed to sell him. Now came the time to convince my parents that this was the horse that I had to have. This was no easy task; we didn't have a lot of money to spend on an expensive horse like Toi. But I knew he was the one.
The owners generously let me take Toi to a little show just for fun. I knew my parents couldn't turn me down is they saw us together. We won every class we entered. It was truly a match made in heaven. I was informed during that show that the owners had decided not to sell him, but fortunately my parents had also decided he had to part of our family. Not knowing what the outcome would be, we made them an offer. The most exciting day of my life came the next week… they accepted the offer!
We purchased Toi in April of 2006. Later that year we found out he had a lot of medical problems that needed to be taken care of. Most of the problems are life long complications. We thought he was done showing. I don't know of any horse that would be able to over come some of the things he has gone through. He has a huge heart and loves both the show ring and me too much to give in to anything.
In 2007 we competed at Region * in Denver, Colorado to take unanimous champion in the HA Country English Pleasure JOTR 14-17 and unanimous reserve in the HA Country English Pleasure JTR 14-17. We also qualified and competed at Youth Nationals. He truly is an amazing animal and I am honored to have him in my life.
Kelila Ranney, 16, South Jordan, Utah
July
SKIPPY
I think my horse Skippy should be the horse of the month. Skippy is very willing and he loves to go to new places and explore.
I use Skippy to barrel race, goat tie, and to do poles on. People are always saying "Wow, you can use and Arabian for all this?"
I always reply, "Yes, of course!" Skippy is very versatile and he proves to people that not only Quarter Horses can do rodeo.
Skippy is very curious and very nosy. When I'm not riding Skippy he spends a lot of time with his girlfriend, a palomino Quarter Horse.
Amber Polanis, Dade City, FL
June
MISS REFLECTIONS
Miss Reflections is a purebred Polish Arabian horse. She was born in 2003, a shiny mahogany bay with white star on her forehead. She has the very best of bloodlines, including Bask three times in her pedigree. Her father is a well known champion and sire of champions. Her mother is a proven winner producer with outstanding bloodlines. But the thing that most makes her special is not her parentage, it's her! She's the sweetest horse that most people have ever met.
At the age of three, she began training. At the age of three and a half, she was giving lessons to a ten-year-old boy who had no experience with horses. Something unknown gives her this willing attitude that no other horse has. Perhaps it's her bloodlines. Perhaps it's her breed. But one thing is for sure, once you have spent some time with her it is hard to walk away.
At three and a half years old, Missy and I began competing in gymkhana, which are timed events on horseback. At her first show, she won a first place ribbon and was turning in times in the AA division, a more advanced division.
She is fortunate to live in Norco, CA where there are horse trails along every street. Since she began being ridden, she has been an amazing trail horse. When she comes upon something new that she is not used to, she has the ability to calm herself and take it as it comes. She is always wary of the world around her, but she quickly comes to understand what a threat is and what is not to be feared. This makes her a trustworthy trail horse and an amazing teacher for me.
She has taught me all I know about riding, and all the time I thought I was training her! I'm not a horse trainer. I make horrible mistakes all the time, but she makes them okay because she knows what's expected of her with out being taught. Sometimes my friends need a horse to borrow for a ride when they might be one horse short. Missy is always there, ready and waiting, and at the end they never want to let her go. They love the way she's trustworthy, but athletic.
Her trim but muscular body makes her able to do anything, whether is be racing, working cattle, barrel racing, or just relaxing trail rides. Her fine Arabian features make her look like royalty. The way she moves her legs just looks so graceful that everyone can easily imagine her as a beautiful unicorn, dancing on clouds.
I no longer feel like I trained her. It becomes more and more clear every day that she trained me. I firmly believe it's true that you can learn all the lessons you'll need in life from your horse. And Missy, my Missy, has been and continues to be the best teacher I could ever have.
Veronica Hamilton, Nord, CA
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