Preston, Stubblefield, and Tuso Win AjPHA Western Riding World Champion Titles

By: Brittany Bevis

Three very competitive Western Riding classes concluded this evening’s competition at the 2015 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show by crowning an impressive trio of young equestriennes.

First up was a field of 15 in the Novice Youth 18 and Under Western Riding. Winning a World Championship title was Taylor Tuso aboard Sleek Sensation. The Reserve World Champion was Lauren Gralla with A Sudden Legacy. Rounding out the top three was Georgia Vernal with Fascination Sensation.

In 13 and Under Western Riding, Samantha Stubblefield claimed the top spot by unanimous decision of the judges with her horse, Only Roses Will Do. Coming in Reserve once again was Lauren Gralla with A Sudden Legacy. Rounding out the top three was Caroline Nielson with Sensational Dee.

The 14-18 Western Riding saw a veteran return to the winner’s circle. Last year’s winning team, Mackenzie Preston and Brokers Lucky Kid, were named the World Champions once again. In fact, Mackenzie and “Denver” have won their respective Western Riding division for the past three years in a row (13 and Under, 14-18, and 14-18). However, it was their past success that added a bit of extra pressure going into today’s competition.

“I was really nervous, because we did so good last year,” Mackenzie says. “I felt like we’re held to a really high standard. There’s a lot of pressure. There were a lot of really good rides, and, as I was watching them go, I got really nervous. Drew [the Reserve Champion] was great. I came out crying just a little, because Denver and I had one of our best patterns ever.”

16-year-old Mackenzie and 15-year-old Denver have been a team since big sister, Breann Preston, handed over the reins for Mackenzie to kick off her AjPHA youth career. In fact, big sis is flying in tonight from Arizona to watch the pair compete in 14-18 Trail Finals tomorrow morning.

“He was really good in the Trail Preliminaries,” she says. “We had just two ticks, and we made the finals for tomorrow. He had really good lope-overs, and all of our trots were great. The serpentine was really good, and the bridge was good. We gave him a lot of time to relax in between classes. We didn’t saddle him until right before I was going to go in, and we gave him lots of hay!”

It’s no secret Denver, who is often fondly referred to as “Porkchop,” loves his treats. Following his win this evening, Denver plans to retire to his stall to enjoy a post-competition meal of Cheetos and M&Ms.

Mackenzie would like to extend a special thanks to her mother and father; trainers, Mike Davis and Kip Larson; big sister Breann; and friends Debbie and Brittany for always being in her corner.

14-18 Western Riding:

1- Brokers Lucky Kid/Mackenzie Preston

2- I’ll Be Sensational/Drew Rogers

3- Zippos Redemption/Mary Kamp

4- Gallant Zippo/Allie Fink

5- Ima Special Delivery/Emma-Lee Schellenberg

6- Fascination Sensation/Georgia Vernal

7- The Only Kiss To Envy/AnneMarie Fortenberry

8- Zippos Paycheck/Elizabeth Collins

9- RL Talk About Sudden/Taylor Burgess

10- A Subtle Impulse/Meredith Milton

13 and Under Western Riding:

1- Only Roses Will Do/Samantha Stubblefield (unanimous)

2- A Sudden Legacy/Lauren Gralla

3- Sensational Dee/Caroline Nielson

Novice Youth Western Riding 18 and under:

1- Sleek Sensation/Taylor Tuso

2- A Sudden Legacy/Lauren Gralla

3- Fascination Sensation/Georgia Vernal

4- RL Talk About Sudden/Taylor Burgess

5- Real Sensational/Casimira Millan