Twenty three year-old Alyssa Hinchman of Cypress, Texas has several wise words and quotes that she lives by–including a quote by German philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, “Nothing great has been and nothing great can be accomplished without passion.”
Hinchman, who was drawn to horses at a very young age, has clearly followed these words of wisdom when it comes to showing horses.
“The people and horses involved in this industry are remarkably talented athletes that thrive in a variety of disciplines. This combination has created one-of-a-kind horse and rider relationships,” says Alyssa. “However, that is not something that can happen overnight, and I believe that is where the beauty lies. It takes passion, dedication, perseverance, and a little bit of magic. Even then, every day, every horse show, presents new challenges when searching for that perfect ride and achieving that golden globe dream. This unique aspect is one of the many reasons I love horses and showing.”
Hinchman and her veteran teammate, Impulsive Lite, have been fortunate to create that special one-of-a-kind of relationship that Hinchman mentions and all competitors are striving for with their equine partner. Last year, this duo were bronze trophy winners in the Amateur Horsemanship at the AQHA World Show, and they have plans this year to better their third place finish. This team will also be showing in showmanship, performance halter geldings, pleasure, trail and western riding.
Impulsive Lite’s barn name is Roanie, lovingly known to some as Roanie Pony, “He is smart, sensitive, and such an overachiever. Roanie is my once-in-a-lifetime horse,” states Alyssa. Hinchman and Roanie were the recent Amateur All-Around winners at the 2013 Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hinchman is currently under the guidance of Terry Cross and Stephen Stephens of Dry River Ranch. Hinchman and the newest addition to her lineup, A Blazing Reflection (Vic) will be debuting in the Amateur Trail later this year. Cross is also showing A Blazing Reflection in the Green, Junior Trail and the Green Western Riding and Impulsive Lite in the Senior Western Riding and Trail. (pictured left Vic and Alyssa)
“Terry Cross and Stephen Stephens are a great team,” says Hinchman who considers both of her trainers two of her biggest mentors. “Stephen shows impressive expertise in handling the business side of things while allowing Terry to concentrate on the horses and their riders. Terry listens not only to the horses but listens to the rider’s thoughts as well. It is a supportive barn that truly celebrates the successes of each horse and rider and works together to achieve that.”
Hinchman has several goals this year including getting over the western riding pole clean! Alyssa says she is going to try and stay out of Roanie’s way this year. On a more serious note, Alyssa says she always wants to achieve her absolute best, and continue to make her absolute best even better. “My ultimate goal and dream has always been to walk away with a golden globe at the world show,” says Alyssa, who recently graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor of science in elementary education. “I plan to continue showing and being involved with horses for as long as possible. It has taught me the true value of commitment, discipline, perseverance, and passion. It will forever be a part of my life.”
Alyssa would like to thank all of the individuals who has made her show career a success including Donna Stancik-Elmore, Brynne and Dustin Davis, and Terry Cross and Stephen Stephens.
CLICK HERE to check out her ad in the May issue of GoMag
Photos © studioholloman
