Gianna Pozzi of Spring Valley, Illinois, might be just 14 years old, but she’s a fierce competitor aboard Ima Cajon Hot Krymsun, her 2009 sorrel overo gelding by Scenic Rio Krymsun and out of Zip Me Some Color.

Earlier today, Ellie Becker rode Too Hot To, aka “Hank,” to a Reserve Championship in Novice Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure and was just named the Champion in Bareback Horsemanship.

Finally, in 14-18 Horsemanship, Lucie Lundquist rode her black and white overo mare, Optimized, to win the class. Her best bud and Simons Show Horses barn mate, Mary Katherine Camp, rode Radicalized to place Reserve. That’s not the only thing these two ladies have in common. They are both members of the TCU Equestrian Team, as are the sixth and eight place riders, Mackenzie Preston with Brokers Lucky Kid and Josephine Mootz with It’s All About Da Ride. Also, Lucie’s horse, Optimized, is by Mary Katherine’s horse, Radicalized!

“When I first saw him, I loved the way he moved and how he’s really cool-minded. He doesn’t get frazzled much. We work really well together.”

“Hannah has always been my favorite horse. She’s so pretty, and her movement is so graceful. Her front leg is so pretty and lofty. My favorite class to show her in is Western Riding.”

“Right after we bought my other horse, he died of a brain aneurysm while out in the pasture. Then, we purchased Buster in November, so he’s my fourth horse in a year!”

Before she went in the pen today, she was very nervous, but Hannah gave her some helpful advice. “She said to keep my hands up, because sometime they drop, and she reminded me to smile. I was nervous, but I just thought positively and didn’t think anything negative.”