Sixteen year-old Sarah Orsak of San Antonio, Texas has been stepping it up lately and successfully competing at the highest level of competition at the AQHA and APHA shows. Orsak’s current mount, is an APHA/AQHA double registered sorrel gelding known as, Smokin Charlie Too at the AQHA shows, and My Cowboy Cadillac at the APHA Shows.
So far this year, the duo made the finals in the hunt seat equitation at the AQHYA Youth World and won the Novice Youth Showmanship and Equitation at the AjPHA Youth World. The team is ready to make their mark at the Novice East Championships and Congress coming up in October.
“The great thing about being able to compete in both AQHA and APHA shows is that I get to show against the best in both associations,” says Sarah, who is currently a junior in high school. “It also has allowed me to get to know a lot of amazing people and friends.”
Orsak and Charlie, a 16-hand gelding by Charlie Hilfiger, have been a team for two and a half years. “He is the type of horse who loves to show, while at the same time, making you work for and deserve every win,” Sarah states who is currently under the guidance of Reid Thomas of Boerne, Texas. “He aims to please and can do just about anything you ask of him. My favorite shows with him were not necessarily the ones that we won, but the ones where there was tough competition and where we stepped up our game.”
The duo will be competing at the Novice East Championships in the halter, showmanship, equitation, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, trail, and western riding. They will also be attending the Congress for the first time and will compete in the showmanship, horsemanship, and equitation. Her favorite class with Charlie is the showmanship due to their success and the competitive nature of the class.
“It’s very rewarding to witness a girl and horse that have worked so hard be recognized for their talent and drive,” says her trainer, Reid Brock Thomas. “I’m so very proud of all Sarah and Charlie’s accomplishments. She’s a winner inside and outside the show pen!”
Sarah also speaks highly of her trainer. “Working with Reid is a lot of fun,” Sarah says. “He demands excellence from Charlie and me and pays attention to the small details that make a huge difference in a performance. He also allows for me to be myself, whether it be in my style of showing, or the classes I choose.”
Orsak says that some of the funniest memories at the shows involve Reid’s Jack Russell, Tommy.
“Tommy has a mind of his own, unlike any dog I have seen,” Orsak says. “He tends to wander off and relax by the sweet shops at the shows and has been found sleeping in other dogs beds, just hoping to escape his crazy brothers and sister. Tommy is also a full time model with his own Facebook page. He always keeps things fun and interesting!”
Orsak would like to thank Brynne Bassler-Davis for helping her in the showmanship, horsemanship, and equitation. Also, Caley Coffey, Reid’s assistant, has been a great help in her events–especially with her knowledge of trail. Sarah also says that Eric Mendrysa has been a great friend and very talented photographer whose passion for horses keeps showing very exciting.
“I would like to thank my parents for their support throughout my show career, in and out of the arena and allowing me to pursue my dreams.”
Watch out for Sarah and Charlie at the Novice East Coast Championship and Congress in October!
CLICK HERE to check out her ad in the September issue of GoMag
Photos © Emajes Design & Larry Williams
