Transitions in the show pen are often expected and can be executed fairly easily. However, transitions in life can take the form of many different things and can be perceived as a blessing or as a challenge. University of South Carolina
Alumni, Hailey Thornton, has been through a whirlwind of transitions. The former
Gamecock rode for her NCAA Equestrian team for four years, ranging from 2007 to
2011. Within those years, Hailey received many awards
including MVP for the entire University of South Carolina equestrian team for the 2010-2011 season.
Riding for her University forced Hailey to transition from riding for her own personal
accomplishment to working for an accomplishment for her team. “My job was
always to go in and get my point for the team,” Hailey says. After she graduated from the
University with a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management, she found herself
within another transition; coming back to Mishawaka, Indiana and to begin showing
in AQHA Amateur All-Around events.
“My first show back I kept thinking the
rest of the girls on the team were going to show up,” she recalls. “It was so strange not
having them there. Our team was a really close knit team and we did everything
together so when I got to the show and they weren’t there, it really hit me
that I had graduated and was moving on.” She realized she was no longer riding
for her team, but was once again riding for her reputation.
After reuniting with her horse, Assets Miss Reba, a 1997
bay mare, Hailey began working tirelessly to return to the same level she was in
her youth career. According to Hailey, “It was a smooth transition because I appreciated my own
horse a lot more.” Hailey bought Reba when she was 11 years old and the mare
had just turned three. They grew up together and throughout their career, the team
had accomplished many winnings, but most notably, a Congress Championship in 2006 in the Novice Youth 15-18 Trail and several Top Ten placings
at the AQHA Youth World Championship in the Showmanship and Western
Horsemanship events.
Coming back from a successful youth and collegiate career,
the expectation to do well would seem daunting, but not for Hailey. “When I
went back to showing for myself, I realized how confident it had made me,” she said. “Now, if
my horse isn’t warming up the way I’m hoping for, I am able to adjust and
figure out how to go in the pen and get the job done.”
That is precisely
what the duo did. Hailey Thornton and Assets Miss Reba received Top Ten at the 2012
All American Quarter Horse Congress in Amateur Western Horsemanship and Hunt Seat
Equitation and later, at the 2012 AQHA World
Championship show, she received fifth in Horsemanship and eighth in Trail, with
help and guidance from her trainer Jenell Pogue. Hailey recalls, “As I walked
down the shoot for the horsemanship finals, a few tears rolled down my face
knowing that was the last time I would show Reba in my favorite class.”
After a successful 2012, it is time for a permanent
retirement for the 15 year old mare, but new beginnings and even more
transitions are in store for Hailey. “I plan on making my debut on my new horse
in December. I am already anticipating the emotion at the first show without Reba.
It will be hard but I know she is happy and enjoying life.” Lazy Lopin Louis is a 2007
bay gelding who has “huge shoes to fill” according to Hailey. “It is going to
be a long road of transitions but I am ready for the challenge.”
GoHorseShow wishes Hailey the best of luck on her upcoming show career and
for many happy show years to come.
Photo © Jeff Kirkbride
