Show Siblings – Win Or Lose, Sisterly And Brotherly Love Always Prevails

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370 – July/August, 2025

By Megan Sacia Ulrich

When it comes to friendly rivalry, there’s nothing quite like that of a sibling versus sibling competition. While what most would think it’s a fierce fight for superiority, some horse showing siblings say the experience of showing against a brother or sister is actually much different – full of love, support, and memories that will be forever cherished. With the AQHA Youth World Show on the horizon, the Atkinson sisters, the Cook sisters, and the Dever brothers share their perspectives on showing with–and against–family.

Adeline and Estelle Atkinson

Adeline and Estelle Atkinson have been showing since they were three and four, respectively. Now 15 and 18, they share their horse Waitin on a Ride, whom they call “Steve.”

Showing with a sister can have its drawbacks; the girls cite the stress of tack changes between classes, and sharing tack, and “the bed in the living quarters is a little tight!” according to Adeline. Overwhelmingly, though, the girls report only positives to showing together. From the little things like, “If I forget something for a show, she probably has it!” Adeline says, to the big things, “I loved being able to support Estelle and share in her excitement at the 2023 Congress when she received the Level 1 All-Around,” they know they always have each other’s backs.

One of their favorite shared memories of their early years (and an illustration of their ability to work as a team) was participating in an event at a show called Music in Motion, basically a freestyle ride with a cash prize. The two rode into the pen double before Adeline was dropped in the center to dance and energized the audience while Estelle loped circles around her. The crowd loved it.

Click here to read the complete article
370 – July/August, 2025