On The Cover – Lisa Wilkes and Up N The Ante

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10 – November/December, 2025

By Delores Kuhlwein

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” —Albert Camus

Everyone has lost hope at one point in their lives – even horse lovers, who thankfully have those magnificent creatures to turn to when they need them most. Sometimes, however, it takes a very special horse to remind us not to give up.

For Lisa Wilkes, that horse is Up N The Ante, who is more than just the epitome of an all around athlete. “Jose,” the 2020 AQHA gelding she raised by No Doubt Im Lazy and out of her late mare, Bettin With My Heart, brought her out of a big slump.

The same year Lisa raised Jose, one of her other “J” babies was Johnny, Lopin Like No Other, by Congress Champion The Lopin Machine and out of Loping Southern Style (by VS Code Red). He was a promising superstar piloted by Wade Parks, and Lisa says, “He was going to be my pleasure horse – the next one for me.”

Click here to read the complete article
10 – November/December, 2025