Sixteen year-old Dover, Delaware native Taylor Dixon has a lot going for her in life and in the show arena. She has been competing successfully on the APHA circuit for many years. Currently, Dixon is showing My Sensational Cookie (Junior), and they will be debuting in the all-around youth events this year. Last year, this team won the 14-18 Youth Trail and was Reserve in the 14-18 Horsemanship at the 2011 Summer World Show.
Taylor says that she enjoys the paint shows because of the family friendly atmosphere. “I also like that the Paint Horse industry is constantly improving; adding new classes; changing styles; and increasing the level of competition,” she says. “I truly feel that having confidence in yourself and your horse is a large piece of the puzzle. If you have a dream, work hard and stay focused, because, if you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
Dixon is expanding her classes this year by adding english and western riding classes to her repertoire. Taylor and Junior ride under the supervision of Rachele Shaw Scobie who is located in Paso Robles, California. A few years ago, Dixon bought Junior from one of Scobie’s clients.
“I really love Rachele’s positive attitude. She is willing to work with me to perfect new events and she and Junior have a very special relationship,” Dixon says. “It is very challenging because I live on opposite coasts. However, I think it is truly beneficial because, once I’m there, I am totally focused on Junior and I get to spend a lot of time with him.”
Scobie adds, “Taylor wants to excel at all the events and she isn’t afraid to spend hours perfecting. She truly loves horses and showing. When she flew first flew out here and rode him, there was an almost instant connection. Taylor had never ridden a true pleasure horse and Junior had only had adult riders,” Scobie recalls. “Taylor has a real understanding of Juniors quirks, and she’s willing to put the time into not only bettering herself, but taking the time with Junior learning new events.”
Over the years, Dixon has shown Hard Rock Cafe, Tiger On A Chip, and Done Up Fancy. Taylor won her first PtHA World Title on Tiger on A Chip, and she won numerous PtHA World Championships with Done Up Fancy (Fred) in the hunter under saddle, and she also won her first APHA World title with him. Taylor says that winning her first APHA World Championship with Fred is still her favorite horse show memory.
“I will never forget that moment, being the last one left in the arena with one of the most talented horses I’ve ever had the privilege to show,” she remembers.
Some of Taylor’s mentors have been her first trainer, Marty Dixon, who has guided her since she started showing, and she has always admired Taylor Prince. “She is a wonderful person through and through,” she fondly says.
Dixon says that her future goals involve going to college to study Pharmacy, ride on an equestrian team, and to win the all around title with Junior.
Taylor seems to be wise beyond her sixteen years, “I would just like to say that I feel that it is very important to be thankful for all those people that help you throughout your show career and all those that have made it possible for you to be where you are. My parents are behind me every step of the way and I would not be where I am today without them. All of my mentors have helped me become a strong rider and a stronger individual.”
Photo © APHA.COM and Cappy Jackson
