You would’ve never guessed after watching 13 year-old Delaney Dickens of Omaha, Nebraska at Congress that she just started riding less than a year ago and showing six months ago. The talented young rider made the finals of the Novice 13 & Under Horsemanship with her veteran mount, Ima Struttin Solo (Joe/Joey). The new team was 16th out of 80 of the best horses in the country. Even at 20 years-old, no tail, and blind in one eye, Joey still has the heart of a champion.
When initially arriving at the Congress, Dickens first reaction about the show was that, “It was huge!” Quickly, however, she put on her game face. “The moment we went through the tunnel we didn’t just show up; we were here to show. Joe and I turned it on and did the best we could and that’s all that matters. I remember hearing my number on the speaker and Danielle (her trainer) screaming and my mom whooping in the crowd. We had some fun times on that golf cart, let’s just say that what happens at Congress stays at Congress.”
Her veteran teammate, Ima Struttin Solo, has had a successful show career over the years with superiors in hunter under saddle, western pleasure and horsemanship. Charlene Carter, who trained him in his earlier years remembers that someone had left a tail bag on his tail too long and that’s how he lost his tail. Carter helped her client, Kendra Leake, with him to great success. “He was a great mover, a very pretty horse and I would have considered him ahead of his time,” Carter told us.
Delaney’s trainer, Danielle Burnight, who trains out of Bill and Cindy Cosentino’s barn in Omaha, Nebraska found Joey from another client, Angie McCreary.
“Joe was kind of a retired show horse. When, Tammie (Delaney’s mom) decided to buy her daughter a horse but had limited funds, I had the idea to ask Angie if she would sell him,” Danielle recalls. “What is special about Joe is his trust in us. He is blind in his left eye and trusts us solely and completely. He is so willing to go anywhere you ask and do anything you ask even though he is unable to always see doorways, etc. Joe is also unique in the fact that even though he is 20, he is a very modern mover and incredibly sound.”
The bright 13 year-old also tells us about the first time she saw Joey. “I instantly found a connection with him, not just riding, but also on the ground. Soon enough, after a million pets, kisses, and yummy treats later, he would follow me around. Joe is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He makes my heart smile. Joe is my first horses and probably my most favorite I will ever have. I can tell him anything, and he never tells anyone, except maybe his home dog–his buddy horse, Wiley. As long as Joey is the happiest horse in the world, I am the happiest girl in the world.”
Burnight says that Delaney and Joey’s story gives hope to other exhibitors that they can do well at AQHA shows and not financially feel like they won’t ever belong. “Joe cost just $2,600 dollars and due to Delaney’s passion and hard work, they are able to compete with horses that cost 20 times as much or more. I feel like his story getting out there will help our industry and give any exhibitors the courage to give it a shot. With enough hard work and practice you can do it!”
