It is hard to believe that 16 year-old Sara Mayes of Port Isabel, Texas
was deathly afraid of horses until four years ago. One summer, Mayes
went to watch her little sister ride horses at a camp, and she says
horses instantly fascinated her. About a month later, Sara started
taking riding lessons. Eventually, the barn became a regular place for
this home-schooled 10th grader to visit. Over time, Sara says she
overcame her fear of horses and fell in love with them. GoHorseShow sat
down with Sara to find out more about her horses and plans for the
future.
Q: Hi Sara! So happy to meet you. So tell us about the horses you are showing now?
A: I show in the all-around events, and I am currently showing two horses. I adore them both. For the western events, I show, Its All Possible. He’s by Petite Lord and out of Zip A Duty. His barn name is Gus. He has such an amazing personality. He definitely loves to be loved on. We have our ups and downs, but everyone has those days sometimes. My accomplishments with Gus have been: Novice Youth All-Around Champion at Arizona Sun Circuit, $10,000 dollar scholarship winner at San Antonio Livestock Show, Novice Youth All-Around Champion and Youth All Around Runner Up at Houston Livestock Show, Novice Youth All-Around at Oklahoma spring show, and Novice Youth All-Around Runner Up at Aggie Super Circuit. The Redbud Spectacular will be my first show to ride my English horse, Larks Meridian Sky. He’s by Bid For A Crown and out of Cloud Walker. “Memphis” has such a goofy personality. He fits me really well!
Q: What is your favorite accomplishment so far in horse show career and what are your future goals?
A: It would definitely have to be winning the Novice Youth All-Around saddle at the Sun Circuit! Showing horses is my passion. It’s all I ever dream of doing. The horse show industry is certainly a whole new world, and I love being apart of it. I have so many future goals. In October, I will be showing Gus and Memphis at the Novice World Show, and I’m really excited! I hope to take on world titles!
Q: What are some obstacles you have had to overcome in showing horses?
A: When I was younger, I was so terrified of horses. I would stand about 20 feet away from them–maybe even further. It took a lot of time to overcome the fear of them, but I was just so fascinated I couldn’t give up. Over time I overcame it, and now I adore them. The biggest challenges I’ve faced showing horses is getting a late start and the fact I only started riding four years ago. In youth, I’m up against some kids who have been riding half their life, and even their whole life. There’s certainly frustration involved in this challenge, but it just makes me work harder to achieve my goals, and become a better rider.
Q: Who is your trainer and anything else you would like to add?
A: I started training with Reid Thomas six months ago. He is located in Corpus Christi, Texas. He’s an amazing trainer and person. He’s helped me with so much and I’d like to thank Reid Thomas for everything he has done for me. I couldn’t have had this opportunity without the help and support of my family. I’d like to thank Brittany Boyd for the opportunity to ride Memphis, and I also would like thank Jan Hoskin and Jeff Petska for helping me and believing in me. Lastly, I would like to thank The Standfords for the opportunity to ride Gus, and Charlene Thomas with GTRC.
Q: Thanks Sara for the insightful interview!
A: You’re Welcome!
