Emma Edwards Purchases The Town Bluezy from Nettie Olsen
Emma and The Town Bluezy, aka “Foxy.”
By Delores Kuhlwein
The Town Bluezy and Pasley Mathis captured the audience’s attention when they placed third at the 2024 AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge.
Over 26,000 online viewers tuned in to watch the 2024 AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge at the 2024 AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, and they breathlessly waited to choose their favorite horse to root for as the three-year-olds went through their paces in the pattern, western pleasure, and halter portions of the class.
As a stunning gray three-year-old entered the Jim Norick Arena, with Trainer Pasley Mathis in the saddle and owned by Nettie Olsen, they learned this mare was “The Town Bluezy,” by VS Code Blue and out of Holiday Barbie, by On Holiday. As the event progressed, “Foxy” became one of the fan favorites as she demonstrated her outstanding versatility and athleticism to reach an impressive third place finish.
One of those fans in the stands at the time was Amateur Emma Edwards, who rides under the guidance of Reid Thomas Performance Horses.
“Foxy” stood out at an early age, and it’s easy to see why even in the chaos of the tack change at the Pleasure Versatility Challenge.
Emma explains, “I remember watching Pasley and Foxy in the versatility challenge last year at the world show and thought what a special horse she is. She is beautiful to look at and has such a natural ability to succeed in the western riding, trail, and horsemanship.
Since that time, Emma dreamed of finding a horse to develop in those three western events, and after the sale of her horse, This Is Why Im Here, aka “Jack,” she’d missed the amateur trail and western riding deeply. “I knew I wanted to find a younger version of him if possible.”
The extensive search of Trainer Reid Thomas for such an exceptional horse led them to try The Town Bluezy, who Emma officially purchased today, April 30, 2025, and the excitement in the Reid Thomas Performance Barn is profound. “Foxy is just a very, very special horse, and we’re super excited,” explains Reid. “I’m thrilled to match Emma, who I enjoy working with, to this caliber of an all around horse.”
In the past, Reid had purchased another young prospect, Xxtreme, after it wowed the audience in the three-year-old versatility challenge, and the gelding proved himself to be a champion.
“Emma has been emphatic about making sure we didn’t buy someone else’s World Champion in Western Riding, and this platform has created a showcase of prospects,” he says, adding that not only is the versatility one of his favorite classes, but it also reveals the foundation in an equine athlete that today’s all around western exhibitor is seeking.
Foxy took care of Nettie, even as a young horse, to give her confidence in the show pen. Photo by Jeff Kirkbride Photography.
Emma says that when she first rode Foxy, she and Reid had spent the day with her, and she was everything they’d wanted regarding talent and kindness. “I am really looking forward to this next chapter with Foxy. My plans going forward with Foxy are to take my time in learning her and building a special bond between us. My goals are to show the western all-around and Reid will show her in the western riding and trail open events.”
Pasley Mathis says there simply aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to express the gratitude of Mathis Show Horses. “The best I can come up with is “grateful” to have had the opportunity to be a part of Foxy’s career and honored that the Olsens trusted us to start her show career, as well as honored that Reid and the Edwards saw just how special she is and chose her as their next show partner.”
Foxy’s owner, Nettie Olsen, had spotted her as a yearling at The Madness when Lonnie and LeAnn Rhodes had owned her, and she recognized the charisma in the mare at that early age.
“I knew she was special right then and I knew that eventually I was going to try everything in my willpower to make her mine,” she explains. “There was just something about her look and her personality.” Nettie says Foxy has given her confidence in the show pen, because even when she doesn’t ask her exactly right, she takes care of her. “She’s just a really good horse – she always gives 100%. She’s going to be missed so much, not only by me, but also by my granddaughter, who got to lope her for the first time at the Martinganza in practice.”
As Emma looks forward to a bright future with The Town Bluezy, she wishes to extend a huge thank you to Reid Thomas for matching her with Foxy. “His expert guidance, fountain of knowledge, and support throughout this entire process has been unmatched! I also wanted to thank my parents for the support and encouragement of following my passion. Lastly, I am so grateful to Mathis Show Horses and Nettie Olsen for entrusting us with such a special mare!”
