Youth Grace Riley Kicks Off 2026 Sun Circuit with Metamorphic
The word “metamorphic” has Greek origins, relating to change or transformation, and it’s often associated with rocks or geology.
It makes sense that the renowned show horse Metamorphic, a 2016 Roan Gelding by The Rock and out of Vitals Are Good (by Good N Sultry and out of Vitalism) has become that facilitator for positive change in the lives of more than one rider. Now, it’s for Youth Grace Riley, already a champion in her own right with horses such as A Certain Red Vette and Sudden Vital Signs.
Grace’s mom, Laura Hulse, and stepdad, Walt Hulse, purchased “Manny” for her this week at Sun Circuit from trainer Kelly McDowall and amateur Jamie DeVencenty, and when Grace rode Manny, she says it was love at first sight.
Jamie DeVencenty says Metamorphic lived up to his name to transform and heal her heart when she had to sell her previous horse.
“He was everything we had been looking for,” Grace explains, as she opens his stall door in the Berryhill Quarter Horses barn and greets Manny with a smile, who turns to greet her with a soft eye and kind expression. “It was awesome. We’ve been looking for a horse for a while, and he just checked all the boxes.”
She says those boxes include the all around events such as horsemanship, western riding, equitation, and trail. “He’s just a good little all-around horse, and he’s so calm.” He was also the size they wanted, and her first roan, and she’s excited to start their journey under the guidance of Berryhill Quarter Horses.
Grace adds, “I want to thank Kelly McDowall, and Jamie Devencenty, for selling him, and my trainers, Leigh, Leonard, and Mandie Berryhill. I especially want to thank my parents for making this dream come true.
Jamie DeVencenty reveals that Metamorphic lived up to his name to transform and heal her heart when she had to sell her previous horse, The Batchelor, because he could not live in the climate of Colorado. “Manny’s the real deal, and just the most honest boy. It’s so exciting to see someone who’s going to love him like I did and take over the reins to have a wonderful time with him.”
Trainer Kelly McDowall says Grace tried Manny early in the show, and they watched him show Manny in Western Riding and Trail, and that was it. He also notes Manny has been a barn favorite and a rock in their program as long as they’ve had him. “We bought him from HighPoint Performance Horses for Aubrey Gerdes, and she showed him for a year as a youth, then her mom rode him, and Jamie rode him when her horse got sick. So whoever needs a horse gets the good old man, Manny, for whatever they want him to do. He’s agreeable and happy, and you can really count on him.”
Kelly says the gelding is also a big pet with a silly side, and he notes Grace is already getting along well with him. “We did our first horsemanship practice last night, as they asked me if I’d help her a little bit, and it went very easy. She’ll do great with him.”
