Finally, in 14-18 Hunter Under Saddle, Alysia Nielson rode BMQ The Jig Is Up to win in her final year of youth competition. The Reserve Champion was her friend and barn mate, Georgia Vernal, with Fascination Sensation.

Coming in as the returning Champion from last year’s event, Chase knew he had the ability to claim another big win with Miley, but with his graduation to an older age division there were no guarantees. “I thought I had a good chance,” he says. “She’s really soft, and she’s usually in a good mood. She’s easy to work with. My favorite part of riding her is loping. She’s the smoothest one I’ve ridden.”

First up, the adorable Kassidy Sarno rode her colorful mount, JW Just John, to win Novice Youth Working Hunter, much to the delight of her cheering crowd in the stands from Colorado. The Reserve Champion was Devyn Ritchey with Inspired By Real. Third place was Kaiya Kolb with Sacred Indigo Sky.

Like the other winners in today’s classes, Erin Wright received a $1,000 scholarship for her future education. Although she’s only 11, about to turn 12 during the AQHA Youth World, she says, “I think about that all the time. I thought maybe I’d like to be a veterinarian.”