Carolyn Day of Corpus Christi, Texas has been on a fast learning curve when it comes to showing horses on a national level. This 18 year-old is looking forward to showing at the Congress for the very first time. Day and her horse, Dont Skip My Good Image (Farmer), will be showing in the novice all around events including: horsemanship, western pleasure, trail, western riding, equitation, hunter under saddle, and showmanship under the guidance of Reid Thomas.
“I am very excited and nervous about showing at the Congress,” Day tells GoHorseShow. “I cannot wait until it is time for me to fly to Columbus. I have never been to the Congress, so it will be a new and unforgettable experience.”
According to her mother, Suzy, the All American Quarter Horse Congress will be just her daughter’s thirteenth show in four years of showing on a national level.
“The cost of AQHA showing has been the hardest part for us as a family. Carolyn is a talented rider who would love to be out showing every month, but that has not been possible,” her mother says. “She works really hard at the barn, so we have tried to get her to some great shows so she can enjoy competing and see the payoff for her work. She works to earn money to pay for most of her clothing, equipment, and some of her show fees as well. Because of this, she knows that showing is a privilege, and she does not take being at a show for granted.”
Carolyn bought Farmer from leading amateur, Brittany Boyd, who had acquired him through a trade from Clarice Cooper and Michael Hoyt. Farmer and Carolyn appear to be an excellent match. The duo has been working together since February of this year, and their hard work has paid off. This team won the Novice Youth All Around Champion title at some of the biggest shows of the year including the Arizona Sun Country, Redbud Spectacular and the Reichert Celebration. One fun fact is that Farmer is out of Zippos Good Image who is the dam of Jan Pittman’s World Champion mare, Ona Good Impulse. (Photo © KC Montgomery)
“Farmer is a very happy, curious horse,” Carolyn fondly says when talking about her equine partner. “Whenever I get him from his stall, he always comes up to the door, ready to go work. He loves to knock things over with his nose and pick up brushes and other objects. He has on several occasions taken out the row of shampoo bottles and sweat scrapers in the wash rack. I really appreciate that Farmer always tries his hardest, and never gets mad.”
Her friend and mentor Brittany Boyd, and trainer Reid Thomas talk admirably about Carolyn’s dedication.
“She is one of the most driven individuals I have ever met,” Thomas says. “I’m certain even perfection collects dust in her eyes. She is my unsung hero in the horse business…she is the success story of managing a tight horse show budget and winning big. I look forward to knowing her forever!”
Boyd adds, “Over the last few years of watching Carolyn ride, I could tell right away that she worked hard for results. Even when she was on the greenest of horses, she had the strength and riding ability to show their potential. She has so much talent, and now she has a horse that matches her so well. I really believe she will go far with Farmer.”
Day’s future goals involve attending either Texas A&M University in College Station or Auburn University, study engineering, and riding on the equestrian team.
Her horse showing goals are to win the Novice Youth All Around at the Congress and win a World Championship at the 2012 AQHYA World Show.
“I have had the dream of winning a World Championship since I started riding quarter horses less than four years ago, and with Farmer, I feel as though I will be able to reach that dream,” Day says.
GoHorseShow wishes this talented lady good luck coming up next month at the Congress!
