Name: Jessica Waddell

Farm and/or Trainer Affiliation: Becky George

In what division do you compete? 14-18 All-Around Events

Highest Award Won to Date: 2007 APHA Top 14-18 Youth All Around

Your Mentor: Becky George. She is a beautiful showman and a great friend. Becky’s frequent pep talks have constantly inspired me to show to the best of my potential.

How long have you been involved in horses? I’ve shown for 12 years.

What is your favorite show to compete at and why? North Carolina State Fair–because it’s a fast-paced show and I won the state 4-H title there with my old horse. It brings back a lot of good memories.

What is the hardest part of competing at major events? Waiting on the class to begin once you’re ready

What was your most disappointing loss? I
’ve learned to take my losses in stride but I am sometimes disappointed in my performance.

Name one Youth exhibitor you have seen that you admire?
Actually, I have two youth exhibitors who I admire: Alexis Aldridge and Jennifer Humphries. They both lost a parent while showing during the 2007-2008 show season and still had the determination to show; I admire them for that.

If you could elect one youth exhibitor (past or present) to a “Horse Person Hall of Fame”, who would it be and why?
Jana Simons because she has multiple world titles as a youth and is a very accomplished rider.

What do you do to keep up with the latest fashions and trends?
I subscribe to and read the Chronicle.

Name: Kody Zaagman

Farm and/or Trainer Affiliation:
Kendra Weis, Moberly, MO

In what division do you compete:
14-18 All-Around Events

Highest Award Won to Date:
Congress 2007 in Showmanship

Your Mentor:
I have two–Amy Darnell and Alyssa Freeman. They are two people I know I can call if I’m having trouble at the shows or even wiyh life in general.

How long have you been involved in horses?
I’ve shown for 18 years.

What is your favorite show to compete at and why?
The Youth World Show Everyone has worked so hard to get there and the level of competition is outstanding.

What is the hardest part of competing at major events?
Staying focused through the whole circuit

What was your most disappointing loss?
The 2007 Youth World Show when I was first and three gates in the showmanship prelims.

Name one Youth exhibitor you have seen that you admire?
Cara Walker–she’s come back after breaking her neck in a car accident and having back surgery all in the same year. She’s the most amazing and determined person I’ve ever met.

If you could elect one youth exhibitor (past or present) to a “Horse Person Hall of Fame”, who would it be and why?
Elizabeth Borders–you always see her working and striving for perfection. You can always count on her to deliver a flawless pattern.

What do you do to keep up with the latest fashions and trends?
Mom controls this side of things.

Name: Lauren Massengill

Farm and/or Trainer Affiliation:
Michael Colvin

In what division do you compete:
I compete in the 14-18 All Around Events.

Highest award won to date:
I would have to say my highest award won to date would be placing 4th in the NYATT Hunter Under Saddle at Congress last year.

Your mentor:
I have two–Michael Colvin & Clint Ainsworth; they both push me to do my best every time I go into the arena.

How long have you been involved in horses?
I have been involved in horses for 8 years.

What show is your favorite to compete at and why?
I love competing at Youth World. It’s the best show of the entire year because you know everyone has worked really hard to get there.

What is the hardest part of competing at major events?
I think the hardest part of competing at major events is making sure that you’ve done everything possible to know that you and your horse are ready to go show against some of the top exhibitors in the country.

What was your most disappointing loss?
My most disappointing loss was probably at youth world last year; I made the call backs but didn’t make it back to the finals

Name: Jamie Sutton

Farm and/or Trainer Affiliation:
Nancy Renfro

In what division do you compete:
Youth 14-18

Highest Award Won to Date:
Congress Champion

How long have you been involved in horses?
Since I was 5

What is your favorite show to compete at and why?
The Congress because it is really big and I used to live in Ohio so I get to see my old friends.

What is the hardest part of competing at major events?
Making sure that I do all my homework for school.

What was your most disappointing loss?
Not being able to show my horse, Island Fever, because he was getting too old for the trip.

Name one Youth exhibitor you have seen that you admire? Carrie Von Uhlit

If you could elect one youth exhibitor (past or present) to a “Horse Person Hall of Fame”, who would it be and why?
Mary Brown, because she works hard & has accomplished so much already.

What do you do to keep up with the latest fashion and trends?
I look through The Chronicle and decide what I think looks good or not.

Name: Maggie Kerola

Farm and/or Trainer Affiliation:
Mark Dunham Quarter Horses

Age at which you began to show horses:
I started to show at the Quarter Horse shows when I was 13.

In what divisions do you compete?
Mainly the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle, but I am starting the All-Around.

What show is your favorite show to compete at and why?
I’m an Ohio girl; how do you not say the Congress!

What is the hardest part of competing at major events and why?
The hardest part is not only having the horse ready, but also having yourself mentally prepared.

Name one exhibitor you have seen that you admire? Mamie Tomlin–no matter what the outcome, that girl always puts her best face forward.

How do you feel the participation of Amateurs has improved the image of your breed?
I think the amateurs are the heart of the industry; we do this because we love it, and I think it shows.

What major problem have you encountered in your breed and how would you deal with it?
Truthfully, people need to remember we should be doing this with the horses in mind, let’s not show their legs off before their time.

What have you done to prepare yourself and/or your horse for the big shows?
A lot of homework! Mark never lets us leave the farm unprepared!

What is the most important quality a trainer should have?
Horse training is a hard business; the great ones are the ones with integrity! They stand behind both the horses and the clients.

Name: Susan Grove

Where did you grow up?
Hamilton, Ohio

Age at which you began to show horses:
10

Trainer Affiliation:
Jeff Alexander

In what divisions do you compete?
Open and Amateur Halter. I used to show amateur western pleasure.

What show is your favorite show to compete at and why?
The World Show because the best show against the best.

What is the hardest part of competing at major events and why?
Being able to get away from the farm for an extended time.

Name one exhibitor you have seen that you admire?
I admire Ann Call. She found a way to keep showing with her disability.

How do you feel the participation of Amateurs has improved the image of your breed?
Amateurs are a big part of what keeps it going directly and indirectly.

What major problem have you encountered in your breed and how would you deal with it?
I believe HERDA is one of the biggest problems in the breed. Horses should all be tested in order to deal with it.

What have you done to prepare yourself and/or your horse for the big shows?
Everyday practice and sticking to a routine

What is the most important quality a trainer should have?
Integrity