Youth
Horse of the Month Winners - 2009
Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations
May
COURT MARSHALL PA
I think my horse, Court Marshal PA, should be Horse of the Month. Junior, as we call him, has warmed hearts everywhere he goes! Whether it is at the barn entertaining guests, or winning the blue at shows, he is simply irresistible! He is a pure Arabian chestnut gelding, about 9 years old, and already won my heart.
Junior was supposed to be a surprise Christmas present, but I found out a couple weeks before! I was sitting in the office in my house, while I heard a fax coming though the fax machine. I slowly began to read it as it came out, and it happened to be an ownership transfer agreement for Court Marshall PA! I was so surprised that moment, and called my mom who was out of town. She was surprised herself, and admitted to me he was supposed to be a Christmas present!
I showed Junior at a previous show before finding the fax while we leased him. He showed in about 7 or 6 different classes between me and my sister, and ended up going first in all of them! It was a fantastic show for Junior - our very first ever with him!
The next show coming up was Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February. Anyone could say that was a show of a lifetime! Scottsdale was me and my sister's second show with Junior, and we left the ring satisfied each time! He earned 4 Championships, 2 Reserve Championships, and countless Top Tens! He never left the ring without a ribbon that show, and there wasn't much more I could ask for. Of the 4 garlands he earned, they were all in Arabian Hunter Pleasure or Equitation. He won the Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR 14-17, the JOTR 13 & Under, the Arabian Hunt seat Eq. Walk Trot 10 & Under, and the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 10 and Under unanimously.
During the summer, he traveled to Youth Nationals with my sister and I - taking home 2 Champions, one being unanimous. He is the type of horse that absolutely loves what he does, always wanting to please! He loves to show and eat treats.
I don't think I could ask for a horse more kid-friendly and gentle. He is perfectly safe, and just truly amazing to be around! To me , Junior is that once-in-a-lifetime horse! He knows exactly what to do in the show ring and everything always ends up great. He will always be in my heart.
Jackie Pakula, 12, Scottsdale, AZ
April
RKA GALLIXEE
I would like to nominate my horse, RKA Gallixee, or Gallixee as we call her. She is the most beautiful, gentile horse in the world to me. When my mom and I were looking for a horse, Gal was the first horse we saw. It was love at first sight for me. My mom said we had to look at at least 3 more horses before making our decision, but I couldn't forget that beautiful Arabian. We brought her home and after riding her in the arena for a couple weeks decided to go on our first trail ride. So some of our friends met us for a leisurely trail ride. During the ride, we had to stop and turn around because our path was blocked by trees down. All of the other horses started getting very nervous and my friends horse turned and reared up and started striking at Galixee with me on her back!! My mom jumped off her horse to go help, only to be struck in the back by this other horse, who then flipped over backwards. The other horses started bucking, and the whole time this beautiful horse stood still as she was getting attacked by other horses and as we found out later, she was being stung by a bees nest in the ground. She never moved a bit, only bending her head around and nickering at me because I was crying. We led her out of the brush and back to the trail to then find out in all the mayhem, the striking horse had broke her bridle and bent her bit out sideways with his feet. Never once did this horse go crazy or put me in any danger. At that moment I knew Galixee was the right choice for us and she became worth a million dollars to my mom and I! we love her very much!!
Emily Johnson, 9, Roy, WA
March
SEVEN OF NINE
My name is Skylar and I am 9 years old. Seven is my first horse. Seven's full name is Seven of Nine. Seven is truly awesome for me. She would never do anything to hurt me, she is so sweet. Seven is a beautiful bay mare. She is very kindly and fun to ride. Seven has a smooth walk, trot, and an awesome canter. Seven will do anything you ask her to do. Seven is a girly girl, so if you brush or wash her and let her out into the field the last thing she would think of doing is rolling.
Seven does really good in shows. If you do a halter class with her she will trot behind you like a puppy dog. Seven is half Arabian, half curly horse. She is only 11 years old. She has a star, partial strip, snip, and a right hind sock.
Her mom was Kismet Fancy Fine and her dad is Colonels Bay Blaze. Seven has also had a baby of her own; it was as cute as a button just like her. Seven becomes very attached to her owner. Seven is a great companion. She is the smartest horse I know. She knows how to do everything.
Seven would be honored to win. If I told her she would definitely listen. Seven listens to everything. She watches me do everything. I also think she is the noisiest horse ever!
Seven could win first place in every class we entered. It would be an honor for her to be Horse of the Month.
Skylar Bair, 9, O'Fallon, IL
February
DICAPRIO
Dear AHA,
My name is Kayla Hipp. I am seven years old. And my horse's name is Dicaprio. And I think he should be Horse of the Month because every time I pet him or see him he bobs his head. And when I hug him he hugs me back. And when I ride him he always takes care of me. And he loves to be crushed. And his most favorite treat is peppermint candy of course! Can he be Horse of the Month?
Kayla Hipp, 7, Canton, GA
January
PRINCESS TAROU
Princess Tarou isn't an Arabian with the highest quality bloodlines or movement. She doesn't have a long tail that drags the ground. She hasn't spent many years with a professional trainer. But she is a young mare with a top notch personality! Broken out at the age of four, I bought her as a five year old. I was a little nervous getting such a green horse. As I did not know what to expect from her. Bt, she's been a start from a young age. After owning her for a month, I decided to take her western pleasure, and began training her in that discipline. Not to say we didn't cross train though. She has been ridden by a moving freight train, jumped over two feet, been on trail rides, ridden bareback, done barrels, and so much more. Though all of these experiences, she was a champion. She was a little frightened, but listened to me and trusting me with her life. A lot to ask for from a five year old! We have given pony rides on her, lessons to younger children, and even put 15 first graders on her in one day! Despite the kicking and screaming, she didn't flinch. With the children that were scared, she walked even slower than her usual western pleasure walk.
At her first horse show, she even took an hour long power nap! And throughout the classes of the day, she continually improved and in the last class of the day took a first place ribbon out of a class of 12 other Arabian horses. I was extremely proud of Princess, and have taken her to many other horse shows over the summer and fall. She did very well all season, never stopping to spook, but catching a nap at every horse show. But my most prized moments with her are the ones in her stall when we are all alone. She loves to gently place her head on my shoulder, and breathe sweet smelling breath down my neck (yes it does tickle!) She in an Arabian mare with a true heart of gold, and I feel that she is worth more than her weight in gold! That is why I feel she should win this award. She has touched more hearts than any horse I know, and this would be another wonderful award that this wonderful mare deserves.
Carolyn Shanks, 15, Bettendorf, IA
|
