A true equestrian, after analyzing both patterns, she actually liked her Reserve World Championship pattern the best. “I just wanted to go in and do the same thing. I actually liked the second pattern better. We had a two step in our one step walk-overs, but everything else was better!”

“I loved the flow of today’s pattern, how he came back to me, how he listened to me and waited for every change, and how he stopped and backed without me having to use my hand,” she says.

Two talented ladies claimed the top spots in Youth 18 and Under Trail today at the APHA Youth World Championship Show. Lauren Gralla rode A Sudden Legacy to win the class. She was followed in Reserve by Erin Griffin with Gotta Glo Slow.

Marla has been showing horses for five years, but just purchased a new horse, the stunning, 6-year-old, red roan gelding, The Red Factor, aka “Opie,” in January of this year.

“That was probably my favorite part. It was really great to win alongside a friend, especially a new friend who has welcomed me into the barn. She’s been really awesome with helping me out. It was really rewarding to win with her.”

In the 3-Year-Old Non Pro Open Western Pleasure, Nancy Wilkerson rode Strutin For Jackie, a mare by Strutin On The Range and out of Zip Your Jacket to win $10,000.

“He is the friendliest horse ever. He’s already gotten multiple treats today… His favorite are peppermints!”