EC Youth Profile – Chesney Watkins

People that know Chesney Watkins describe him as always outgoing, optimistic, and happy. Perhaps that’s why he and his recently acquired show gelding called The Company You Keep, known around the barn as George, have been making a splash in the show pen–they share a personality of positivity.

“George has a big personality. He’s easy to get along with and just loves being involved with people,” Chesney explains, adding that the gelding is also very photogenic and really turns on the charm in the show pen. Again, parallels to Chesney. The 12-year-old bay Quarter Horse is a multiple World and Congress Champion that Chesney’s family recently purchased from Amateur Heidi Rasor. The pair is showing in Trail, Showmanship and Halter, Western Riding and Horsemanship, Equitation and Hunter Under Saddle.

Prior to George, 14-year-old Chesney had been showing Ill Be Lazy Lopin RV, who he called Skittles. Though he and Skittles had much success, Chesney has enjoyed the perks of showing a seasoned senior horse who can do it all. That’s not to say there haven’t been some hurdles. Adapting to a new horse always presents a challenge, but the two certainly seem to have hit their stride. “Riding a green horse, you always have to be aware and I was never able to fully trust, but now I can trust George,” Chesney explains. Illustrating that trust is the comfort George brings Chesney whenever he’s feeling the stress of the show pen. “I like to be near my horse when I have nerves; he calms me down,” he says.

Chesney’s favorite classes are Showmanship and Trail. At the Level 1 Championship, he was thrilled to win the 13 & Under Equitation and Horsemanship classes and was delighted to pick up a Reserve in Showmanship.

He hopes to continue his success at the Youth World with this being his last year in 13 & Under.