Youth Profile – Simone West

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266 – March/April, 2026

By Susan Winslow

Fifteen-year-old Simone West of Oak Grove, Missouri, exemplifies the very best of the up-and-coming generation of horsemen.

Her rise from horse-crazy youngster to accomplished exhibitor at the national level while still a teen,  is a testament to her supportive parents, Aaron and Melissa West, and the dedicated trainers who have helped her along the way. She is a gifted young rider whose grit and determination have allowed her to achieve success in the show pen, yet she also possesses a refreshing humility, genuine love for her horses, and gratitude for the support network that has allowed her to fulfill her dream of AQHYA competition.

Although she hails from a non-horsey family, Simone has loved horses ever since she can remember. Her interest in horses was sparked by kind, horse-owning neighbors. Instead of brushing off the horse-crazy youngster, they welcomed her to their farm and included her in activities. Simone recalls, “They would let me go out with them and do chores and groom the horses.”

Her parents supported her interest in horses, setting her up with riding lessons at a local barn. Simone explains, “My trajectory started low on the scale. I started taking lessons at a trail riding barn and later on joined their 4-H club. I started showing at the county and state shows with the occasional open show. I remember watching the 14-18 classes at Redbud when there were still 50 to 60 participants in the classes and being in awe of the talent.” With characteristic humility, she adds, “I still am in awe every time I watch the riders I now compete against. But it really was when I went to my first AQHA show that I just knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Click here to read the complete article
266 – March/April, 2026