Friendships are inevitable when constantly traveling and competing, but where does the thin line of friendships and competitors lie? For show companions Charlotte Selby and Payton Anderson, it seems as if competition and friendship are able to coexist. While both girls will be showing at this year’s Ford Youth World, this means they will compete against each other in some of the same classes, with very high stakes in mind, but neither girls let the competition get in the way of their relationship.
“I love showing with Charlotte! Charlotte is a very talented rider and we really push each other to be better,” Payton explained. “Charlotte and I are friends and competitors, we are both very competitive, but very supportive of each other. I’m really lucky to have her as a friend.”
Charlotte agrees, “I love showing with Payton. She’s one of my really close friends but at the same time I think she is really good competition for me. It’s great to have someone like that in the barn with me. Payton works so hard and I know I can always count on her if I need someone to talk to.”
Both Washington state natives are under the guidance of trainers, Mike and May Edwards. Payton currently shows a buckskin gelding, Jacie Ole, otherwise known as Nigel. This veteran duo is qualified for the Youth World in the showmanship, hunter under saddle, equitation, horsemanship, trail and performance halter geldings. This team has been together since Payton was ten years-old, so, this will be their seventh year together.
“Nigel is the sweetest horse ever,” Payton fondly says of her long-time partner. “He loves to lick people just like a dog, and he is very cuddly. He has really stepped it up for me this year, and I am very proud of him.” (pictured left)
While Nigel and Anderson are veteran teammates, Selby and her new horse, Whos All Invited (Sally), are still getting to know one another. This new duo is qualified for the Youth World in the performance halter mares, showmanship, western pleasure, hunter under saddle, and hunt seat equitation.
“Sally is an Invitation Only mare who has the sweetest personality. She’s such a hard worker and has such a great attitude towards learning the all-around events. When we bought her, she only did the pleasure. However in the past three months, we have added several more classes to her repertoire,” Charlotte explained.
According to trainer, May Edwards, both girls have tremendous drive to succeed. “Payton is a very determined and mentally strong young lady, and we joke that she could show even if the arena was on fire. She has done almost all of the work on her horse on a lesson basis which is very impressive,” May explained. “Charlotte is a very strong young lady as well. Both girls are very intelligent and have great rhythm and timing.”
In the case of Payton and Charlotte, riding horses is an individual sport, but who says you can’t have a little friendly competition along the way. Both girls hope to have clean patterns and a good Youth World this year and GoHorseShow wishes them both luck.
CLICK HERE to check out Payton Anderson’s ad in the August issue of GoMag.
CLICK HERE to check out Charlotte Selby’s ad in the August issue of GoMag.
Photos © Kirsten Hammer
