Amateur Susan Wilson has had the best of both worlds. Wilson has won World Championships at both the APHA and AQHA World Shows. She grew up in California as a horse crazy kid, and finally as an adult, she has been able to live out her life long dream to show horses at a top level. Wilson and Knowtorious (jaXon) also just found out they were the AQHA Amateur Western Riding High Point Champions.
“I simply love horses and being around horses and also love competition so being at a horse show is my own little slice of heaven,” Susan revealed to GoHorseShow. “My best friends are at the horse shows too, so that makes it perfect. I have so many memories of laughter, smiles and even tears of joy, of course, with my family and friends. So many, that they will last a lifetime.”
Susan said she had no plans to run for the AQHA Amateur High Point title in Western Riding, but she does have some advice for people wanting to win a title.
“My advice is not to chase any title per se,” Wilson said. “If you are properly prepared each time you compete, then, the titles will come to you. I focus on what is right in front of me when I am showing, although, I do like to have a long term plan and process in place. There is always another horse show and you can’t control what anyone else is doing; so, stay focused, be positive and do what you can in the moment.”
Wilson says she is lucky to have two once-in-lifetime horses. Her proudest accomplishments include winning her first APHA World title in Amateur Horsemanship on Real Groovy in 2005 and again in 2006 when the team won the APHA World in Amateur Trail. With jaXon (Knowtorious), it was the day they were World Champions in both Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation at the 2010 AQHA Select World Show, and, then, went on to win the Select Amateur All-Around. “That was the ‘icing’ on my show career cake,” Susan says.
“Groovy and jaXon are the kindest, most talented and hard working horses I will likely ever have the pleasure to own. They love people and simply love to be loved. I adore them both. They are pets and my best friends,” she says.
Susan says she would like to thank Highpoint, Charlie, Jason, and the entire staff/team for all their help.
“I will always show horses – of that I am certain. But, in 2012, my horses are going to enjoy some rest and relaxation!”
