At over six feet tall, 18 year-old Cori Flowers of Elburn, Illinois is definitely a commanding presence in the show arena. This talented rider just placed third in the NYATT Showmanship and ninth in the Team Tournament horsemanship with her horse, Goodbarshandsumasset (Moe). She still has the Horsemanship 15-18 and Equitation to go before she is finished showing at the Congress.
“Congress is my favorite show,” Flowers says. “There are so many different classes to watch, and the variety and versatility of the horses that are showcased is great, and there is always something to do.”
Flowers has been showing for several years but maintained her Novice status until last year when she found a horse that she could be competitive in the regular youth classes. Last year after purchasing Moe, the new team won the Rookie 15-18 Year End award. Under the guidance of Jeff Greaves for over ten years, Cori says that she loves working with him.
“He is like a father to me,” Flowers told GoHorseShow back at her stalls in the Swine Barn. “At first we didn’t get along, but I had some growing up to do, and I have matured a lot in the past few years.”
Flower’s family has been involved with breeding horses for several years. She has ridden a lot of different horses the past few years but she says that Moe fits her well.
“It is hard to find a horse that fits someone my height—especially in the Equitation,” Cori says. “But, Moe is the right height and build that we look well together. He may act goofy and do something silly at the small shows, but he always rises to the occasion at the big shows.”
This talented young lady says that she enjoys showing horses and is closer to her horse show friends because they understand the lifestyle and the commitment of showing horses on a high level.
Flowers said that her favorite class is the Showmanship and enjoyed the team tournament pattern.
“Moe is a really good backer, and I enjoyed doing an extended run in the pattern which fit well with my height and played to my strengths.”
Flowers adds, “I was also pleasantly surprised that I placed ninth in the Horsemanship. He doesn’t care much for a tighter rein in the Horsemanship and sometimes gets frazzled but he behaved really well and I was proud of him.”
Her future plans are to ride for an equestrian team–hopefully, Texas A&M and continue expanding and learning on the collegiate level.”
We wish her luck in her future endeavors.
Click here to see Cori’s October issue GoMag ad designed by Danielle Zenga.
