Thirteen year-old Taylor Searles and Flashy Attraction of Scottsdale, Arizona have taken the gold in the Youth Western Riding after an impressive ride scoring a 227.5. Searles was Reserve last year in the same class, but this year was her time to shine. This duo bettered her score from last year by a half a point beating out Kaylee Mellott and breaking Highpoint Performance Horses’ eight year winning streak in this class.
“If I had to bet money on who was going to do it, I would bet on Taylor,” says Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses. “Jim and Deanna have been great friends and competitors and Jason and I are so proud and happy for Taylor.”
Jim Searles adds, “We have been second to Charlie and Jason for so long; it was finally good to win one!”
Reserve Champion went to Highpoint born and trained horse, Only In Showbiz, out of the late Show Diva and by Invitation Only and shown by Kaylee Mellott of Andover, Kansas.
Searles is already a veteran in the show arena. This year was her fourth time to show at the World Show. This eighth grader said that she was happy with her ride.
“I was so happy with my finals go. I couldn’t have asked for a better ride. It was the highest I have ever scored with Ryder,” Taylor said.
Jim Searles describes Ryder perfectly. “He is like Dennis the Menace. He is always in my pocket, and he is always trying to aggravate someone,” Jim says and laughs. “But, I have had him for ten years and I know he is a safe horse, and I trust him with my daughter.”
The proud father continues,”It was really exciting to see her do so well. I’m emotional when all my customers do well, but it is a different feeling when its your daughter. I told her just to go out there and do her best and ride him like she has all year.”
Taylor says that she likes working with her parents as her trainers. “They are really honest and tell me like it is. They are hard on me at times but in the end, it always pays off.”
To celebrate her win, Taylor says she will be going to dinner at her favorite place, The Ranch, in Oklahoma City. We congratulate her on her huge win!
Click here to see her winning run!
