It’s the Little Things

In the brand-new November/December 2026 issue of the Equine Chronicle, you’ll find a story about sportsmanship. Not the kind where everyone tells others how they should act or where we remind everyone what bullying is. It’s the kind that relates just a few of the many stories that came across our radar this year where people have chosen to demonstrate kindness, generosity, and the true heart of our horse industry. Stay tuned for that article, “It’s the Little Things: Small Acts of Kindness and Horsemanship are Making a Big Difference” to be featured here.

So when Caitlyn Haskins emailed us this story a few days ago about the generosity and support she experienced at the 2026 APHA Western National Championship, it rang a very familiar bell. All around us, people are choosing to be the very best sports they can be. We’d like to lift up those acts. Read on.

By Caitlyn Haskins

Before Nationals, Lilah had told me she wanted to focus on riding classes for next year, so we left all of our leadline gear at home. But when I realized leadline was a judged event at Nationals, I knew she would want to be part of the fun! What happened next is one of my favorite reminders of just how special the horse community is.

Kaye Helton-Anderson was kind enough to share Taylor (Flat Out Perfect) with Lilah for one last show. I found a shirt and chaps on a sale rack in a barn aisle, and Kathy Hugh and Kelly Brower Hallett helped alter the shirt to fit. Kathy also loaned us a saddle pad, Jennifer Johnson loaned us a saddle, Avery Hallett loaned us a hat, and Tiffany Merry’s daughter shared her boots. Ami Boal Bennett was even willing to loan us Kendall’s chaps if we needed them without thinking twice about it.

Stephanie Fricke and her mom Valerie also jumped in to help us get ready. So many incredible horse ladies came together to make sure my girl had the opportunity to get in that ring. We didn’t have a plan, we didn’t have our equipment, and we certainly didn’t expect to be walking away with a grand champion buckle. I just wanted Lilah to have fun and make another special memory at Nationals.

And that’s exactly what she did. Also a huge thank you to Megan Neugebauer for helping build Lilah’s confidence and making sure she knew exactly where she needed to be seated in the saddle. That confidence made such a difference, and I’m so grateful you’ve poured it into my girl.

It was so fun sitting out there and counting down with her of “you won at least seventh! You won at least fifth!” Etc. until we realized she won grand champion!

This buckle represents a little girl who got to step into the show pen, a whole community of women who showed up to help her, and a memory we will get to share forever. It takes a village, and so blessed for the wonderful women than made this all come together.