EC Blog – Next Level Equine: Faith, Grit, and Heart on Display at the All-American

Next Level Equine, a faith-based youth equestrian team out of Midland, Michigan, showed up in a big way at this year’s All-American Youth Horse Show. True to their name, this team is all about growth—encouraging each rider to do the hard things, challenge themselves, and ride with The Lord on their mind.

From the start, the road to the All-American wasn’t smooth. Horse injuries, late starts, and new partnerships tested the team, but one by one, the riders rose above.

Ten-year-old team member Ava Acker made her debut on her horse Madd Money, a new partnership that’s quickly blossoming. Despite being a new team, she showed incredible maturity and courage, riding in the walk trot canter classes this year, holding her own and winning several of her classes including showmanship, western pleasure and equitation.

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Oliver had just one month to prepare with her coach’s horse, All-Time Fancy Man, stepping up to the challenge as a catch rider. Their quick bond and Maddie’s experience catch riding with YEDA has allowed them to compete confidently, placing Top 10 in Showmanship and trail, showing the power of adaptability.

Seventeen-year-old Layla Wood and her horse Pink Invitations weren’t even sure they’d be able to attend the show due to a sudden injury. But just five days before the show, they got the green light—and not only did they compete, they won the Overall Horsemanship Championship, a testament to their grit and connection.

Nine-year-old Alaina Keenihan, who works off her riding lessons by doing chores at the barn, also had the opportunity to show All-Time Fancy Man. Her hard work paid off in the ring with a Top Five in Showmanship—a reward for the effort she puts in around the barn.

Twelve-year-old Sophia Tenny has been patiently developing a very young horse, Only In De Moonlight, a journey not many kids her age would take on. Her efforts were rewarded with three Top 10 awards, a huge accomplishment for such a green team. Sophia’s quiet confidence and commitment set a strong example for the rest of the barn.

Another standout, nine-year-old Olivia Cronkright, brought her new lease horse Invested Lotsa Gold to the All-American after working hard all winter to prepare. Determined to grow as a rider, Olivia pushed herself into the canter classes this season—a big leap—and was rewarded with multiple Top 5 finishes, proving that hard work and bold goals lead to big results.

At the heart of it all are the two women leading the charge: Kaity Shattuck and Madeline Welch. Neither are full-time equestrian coaches—Madeline works as an occupational therapist and Kaity works in ethanol sales—but their passion for horses and for mentoring young riders is undeniable. They dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to building up each child, instilling values of faith, perseverance, and excellence.

Next Level Equine isn’t just a name—it’s a mindset. This team encourages young riders to take the tougher path, to grow through the struggles, and to rise above challenges with faith and determination. Whether winning big or simply showing up and doing the hard thing, these young athletes continue to take it to the Next Level.