Riding For Two! Abi Tuiasosopo Rides Lexus Made Lady to Win Amateur Western Pleasure, While 6 Months Pregnant!
By: Brittany Bevis
Last year, we had the honor of speaking with Abi Tuiasosopo after she won two Reserve Congress Championship titles with her beloved, bay mare, Lexus Made Lady. After Abi competed, she and her husband, Matt, drove through the night on Monday to get back to Georgia for a meeting with her oncologist before she was schedule to have surgery on Wednesday. Abi had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Today marked the one year anniversary of her surgery, making this win even more special. But what many people might not know is that Abi is also six months pregnant, a miracle in an of itself.
“A year ago today, I was in a hospital bed, one day after surgery for colon cancer. This is very surreal to be here showing a year later. I’m healthy now, so this is so special. Matt and I didn’t know if we’d have more children, because of the treatment and surgery, so it’s a complete miracle from God. He is the only one who would write a story this crazy. This is not my plan. I’m just part of it. It’s very surreal, and I’m very thankful.”
Earlier in the show, Abi and the pretty bay mare with her trademark flowing mane were named the Reserve Champions in the Non Pro Ltd. Maturity and placed third in the Non Pro Open Maturity. Cody Parrish showed the mare to a third place and fifth place finish in the Open Maturity and Junior Western Pleasure.
In attendance at the show, cheering Abi on, has been her husband and their two sons, Haven and Josiah, as well as her mother and other family and friends. The entire crowd greeted Abi as she exited the pen in tears.
Given Abi’s pregnancy, this will be her last hurrah in the show pen until next summer. “I was riding for two. It was lots of fun! I actually knew I was pregnant when I was at the NSBA World, and I didn’t tell Bret and Candy [my trainers] because I knew they wouldn’t let me show, because I was very sick. After the show, I asked to sit down with them. I told them that I thought it was very important that I come and show this year, because of last year and all the uncertainty that came along with it.”
Abi doesn’t know what the future holds for her new little one, as she and Matt have elected to keep the gender a mystery. All she’s hoping for is a happy, healthy baby that will help to complete her family.
The Reserve Champion in the class was Alex Chavez with Rock County Kid. Third was Kristen Galyean with VS Lady In Red. Fourth was Hillary Roberts with Momma Knows Best. Fifth was Natasha Blanchard with Made N The Shade.
