Sara Simons was in the saddle of the 5-year-old Appaloosa/Buckskin named Stylist Chocolate for the Dryden family. “Douglas” is by Chocolatey and has been a part of the family for one year. Earlier this year, he won five trophies at the Appaloosa Nationals in Trail and Western Pleasure.

“It was ridiculous. At the end of his two-year-old year, he could do a full course. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s so cool.”

“She’s by How Bout This Cowboy, who Stanley and Susan used to own at some point, and Go Figer, who Stanley and Susan owned at one point. Also, I had her as a longe liner and showed her during her entire yearling year.”

Tears were shed, dreams were fulfilled, and golden globes were awarded. For the past ten days, The Equine Chronicle was onsite at the 2018 AQHA Youth World Championship Show capturing priceless memories via winner’s interviews, articles, videos, photos, and live Facebook results.

Kaitlin’s boyfriend, Kelby Hutchinson, was lucky enough to start the mare and Kaitlin has taken over with campaigning her this year. In fact, this pair won at both the Tom Powers Futurity and Show For Dough Futurity, in addition to today’s win, so technically, she’s undefeated, but Kaitlin doesn’t want to jinx things..

Horses will be shown sequentially in three classes: Versatility pattern, which counts 40 percent; western pleasure, which counts 40 percent; and conformation, which counts 20 percent. Horses must show in all three classes.

Today’s Equitation Finals pattern had everything but the kitchen sink. First off, riders rode with no stirrups. There were extended trots, extended canters, two lead changes, and a two track section with plenty of maneuvering. While it might seem daunting to some competitors, Laura felt ready.

“I think there is a lot more horse in there that we haven’t tapped into yet. He really loves changing leads.”