EC Photo of the Day: You and Your Dream
“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” ―Joel Brown.
Deanna Bailey explains she has been competing at the AQHA World Show since 2014, and has been fortunate enough to have some success to keep her dream alive, including a Reserve in Level 2 Amateur Equitation in 2018.
“2024 was my first year as a Select and I was Bronze in the Level 2 Hunt Seat Equitation,” she reveals. “I haven’t shown a horse in the Hunter Under Saddle since 2020 after having to have 2 different horses put down since then. In May, Melissa Jones helped me put together the purchase of a 3 year old that Shannon Curl Holbin had showed at the Premier. I only got to show at 2 qualifying shows in June and July, and got qualified in the Select level 2 and level 3 HUS. I don’t think anyone expects to win the World Show on a horse that they’ve had that’s only 3 and shown at only a handful of shows. I knew going in to that class every rider and every horse had more experience than Chester and I.”
So when she entered the arena for the L2 Amateur Select Hunter Under Saddle at the 2025 AQHA World Championship Show with NextThreeOutOfFour, Dee says she had a single goal, which was to go in and have the best ride she could. “Never in a million years did I think that it would finally happen. That I would be the last one standing. The one that gets the neck ribbon, the gold, and the victory lap finally at the age of 51 on a 3 year old!” Deanna Bailey, who calls herself the biggest dreamer.
Deanna, we’re so happy to share your special moment with our readers!If you have a great photo of the day, please email it to: Delores.Kuhlwein@EquineChronicle.com.
