Woodruff, Roberts, Nelson, Felker, and Hill Win AjPHA Youth World Equitation Titles

By: Brittany Bevis

Youth Hunt Seat Equitation was on the agenda for this evening at the 2016 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show and several divisions performed hand gallops, two tracks, two points, and forehand turns in an effort to impress the judges here in Fort Worth, Texas.

Winning Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 13 and Under was Ella Roberts with What R U Looking At. The Reserve Champion was Karlee Shiery with TC Hummer. Third was Chandler Ennis with One Sensational Diva. Fourth was Madyson Peters with Baileys Blue Eyes. Fifth was Alexa Rogers with Gotta Be Sensational.

Lillian Woodruff rode All Or Nothin to win 13 and Under Equitation. Placing Reserve was Lauren Gralla with A Sudden Legacy. Third was Gianna Pozzi with Ima Cajun Hot Krymsun. Fourth was Hannah Maher with Social Invitation. Fifth was Sabine Lazo with Chexs Blue Eyed Affair.

We caught up with 14-year-old Lillian as she concluded a very busy show day with her horse, All Or Nothin, aka “Simon.” Earlier today, Lillian and Simon were named the Reserve World Champions in Novice Youth 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle and placed third in Youth 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle. Suffice to say, it’s been a very exhausting, but exciting day for the Woodruff family.

“This was my first time riding in this class with Simon and only my third or fourth time riding him at all,” Lillain says.

Just last week, Lillian attended the Pinto World Championship Show where she received World Champion, Reserve World Champion, Top 5, and Top 10 finishes with her horses. Later on in the show, she will compete with her other horse, CC Cowboy, in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Showmanship, and Trail, her favorite class. Then, she plans to compete with another horse, Yours Truly Odyssey, in speed events. Last year, they were named the World Champions in Youth Stake Race.

For all of her classes, Lillian relies on the expert guidance of her trainer Brian Isbell, who gave her some helpful advice before she competed in Equitation this evening. “He said to keep it clean, keep my lines straight, make sure he’s collected and that he’s listening to me the entire time. Pay attention to my posture… he tells me to keep my heels down a lot, keep my elbows in, keep my chin up, and look happier!”

Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18 was won by Amanda Nelson with Mr Verifiable. The Reserve Champion was Briar Lopez with Isn’t She So Tuf. Third was Ellie Becker with Too Hot To. Fourth was Samantha Gross with Vegas Made Me Do It. Fifth was Lila Owens with Radically Deputized.

Sarah Beth Felker rode Just As I Expected to win Youth Solid Paint Bred Hunt Seat Equitation. The Reserve Champion was Zanna Sullican with JZA Wyatt I Zipt. Third was Hallie Horsman with Ima Lucky Asset.

Finally, Julie Hill was named the World Champion in a tough 14-18 Equitation class aboard The Ultimate Attitude. The Reserve Champion was Erin Griffin with The Only Kiss To Envy. Placing third was Olivia Eagles with Chipped In Roses. Coming in fourth was Lucie Lundquist with Optimized. Rounding out the top five was Amanda Nelson with Especially Fancy.