Although Lydia has never come out at the top of the judges’ cards at a major event like the Congress, she’s well-known around the show grounds as one of the nicest and most appreciative young equestrians, always congratulating her fellow competitors. Now, it’s Lydia’s turn to be in the spotlight!

Competing against some horses nearly twice her age, Hazel is just three years old. Earlier this year, she won Junior Western Riding and BCF Limited 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure at the NSBA World Show.

This was a historic night at the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress with two very special wins.

“I was waiting for the callbacks in Western Pleasure, and I could see Kelly smiling. He mouthed, ‘You won!’ In the middle of the lineup, I yelled, and everyone looked at me. I was crying.”