The young Small Fry and Leadline exhibitors are undoubtedly the future of our industry. With ages ranging from two to ten, these children all have one thing in common, their love of horses. They make up the newest and cutest class of rider–several coming from a long line of successful horsemen and women.
Though they may differ in special and unique ways, each child has a passion for showing horses, and can instill hope and promise of the future generations of great riders to come. GoHorseShow talked to several Small Fry and Leadline exhibitors and their perspective is not only refreshing, but very entertaining!
AJ Foss (pictured above left)–Last Little Treasure, affectionately known as Chopper, comes from a long line of champion Quarter Horses that have been bred and raised in the Kengis family for generations. AJ, who is five years old, shows his six year-old mount in the leadline classes. He also loves to play hockey and attend school when he is not in the saddle. Like many riders, AJ enjoys being at the horse shows not only to be with his horse, but to also be with his friends. “I also like winning,” AJ states, although he admits that it is tiring and can be hard to sit still in the saddle for long periods of time. “When I grow up, I want to be a dad, a farmer, a hockey player and a baseball player–I want to be like my dad, too!” says AJ. “When AJ shows well and he wins a trophy, he is so excited,” says mother, Andrea Foss. Though having a leadliner can be challenging, this family looks forward to little sister, Alee, showing in the future, like her big brother.
Allie Paul–At eight years old, Allie Paul, daughter of trainers Jennifer and Judd Paul, has big aspirations in the horse industry. Allie currently shows her horse, Genuine Sheik in the Small Fry Showmanship. With an impressive record himself, Sheik is a Congress and Reserve Congress Champion in the horsemanship and showmanship. When we asked Allie her favorite part about showing, she says that spending time with Sheik is her favorite activity at the shows. Though Allie does not ride yet, she still loves to come to every horse show and spend time with her friends as well as ride her bike. Due to being born with a genetic kidney disease, in November of 2014, Allie underwent a kidney transplant. Her mother Jennifer donated her kidney. Allie’s father, Judd, says that Allie is doing remarkable after her surgery. When Allie grows up, she would like to be a veterinarian and work with horses and dogs. Having two accomplished horse trainers as parents, Judd and Jennifer said that they love to watch their daughter in the show arena and see her progress each and every time out.
Cooper Shotkoski–Cooper, the daughter of Clarice Cooper and Ryan Shotkoski, has been riding horses since age two and shows her horse, Good N Plenty Bandit, (Bandit) in the Small Fry classes. Cooper loves to show in the western pleasure because she finds it relaxing. “Bandit is so beautiful and he always tries to please me,” says Cooper. The nine year old says that she loves to see her friends at the shows as well as her parent’s customers who always take the time to not only talk with her, but also watch her show. “It gives me confidence,” she says. Cooper also recently got a new horse named, Dont Pass Me Off who she is learning the showmanship and horsemanship. When she is not at the barn, Cooper enjoys going to the beach, learning about sharks, playing the guitar and working the cattle with her family. Someday, Cooper would like to ride and breed horses, just like her mom and dad. “To see her ride all day long and being happy makes us proud,” says mother Clarice Cooper.
Ella Thomas Peskin–Staying at the “show-tel” is three and a half year old Ella’s favorite part about horse shows. Ella shows her mother, Beckie Peskin’s horse Dont Skip Will in the leadline classes. “He is brown and I started riding now,” says Ella, who began riding in late 2014. Ella also loves to play in the dirt and make dirt angels while her mother practices trail. When Ella grows up, she would like to be a firefighter “because they save people.” This young equestrian loves to draw and play with the other kids in her neighborhood when she is not at the barn. Her sweet horse, Niko, also shows his love for Ella, as he likes to nuzzle her hair while she does anything to him. “He stands like a statue,” her mom Beckie says, also adding that she has to rely on the “horse show village” to help the duo get through the day, but it is the best thing about shows.
Meghan Kaser–Showing in her very first leadline class at two and a half years old, Meghan Kaser has gotten the privilege of showing several horses, including most recently, Cookies Only, who is owned by Natoshia Kelly. Meghan is four years-old and resides in Johnstown, Ohio, and also loves to go to horse shows to see all of her friends. When asked the hardest part about riding, Meghan states, “It’s hard for me to get them (the horses) to listen because of my size.” Hoping to be a doctor when she grows up, Meghan loves to ride her bike and go camping with her family when she is not in the saddle. Mother Audra Kaser states, “Keeping her concentration during the class can be a bit challenging, but nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on her face.” Meghan has big dreams of one day being able to show in the showmanship.
Joey Higgins–“He is never ready to get off of Muffin when his class is over,” says Mallorie Higgins, mother of Joey Higgins, age two. From Forsyth, Georgia, Joey shows RL Im Suddenly Hot who is owned by Randy and Lisa Hawkins. The 13-year-old bay gelding with an impressive show record of multiple superiors and Congress top tens is very sweet and gentle with Joey. “I love to sneak him more feed when I don’t think anyone is watching, Muffin loves that,” says Joey. Recently winning his first high point trophy, “It was amazing to see the pride he already has for something that he has accomplished,” Mallorie says. With his dad being a horse trainer, Joey loves to ride all of the horses back to the barn after his dad is finished. When Joey is not at the barn, he loves to drive tractors and go swimming.
Braelyn and Brylee Bunting–Ages seven and four, the Bunting girls are keeping it in the family with their mother, Brandy Baldwin-Bunting, a competitive Amateur as well as grandmother, Christa Baldwin who is a trainer. With clients kind enough to let the girls share their horses, the girls also show their mother’s horse, Chevrolatte. Being on horseback just weeks after being born, both girls began competing around age two. Brylee says that the best part about horse shows is that “You get to ride and show,” and when she grows up, Brylee “wants to announce what to do, like trot and stuff.” Her older sister, Braelyn loves to show in the Small Fry Halter “because I don’t have to be led, I get to walk by myself.” When asked the hardest thing about riding horses, Braelyn says, “I don’t have a hardest part, it is all pretty medium to me.” Their mother, Brandy states that, “It is a whole production that requires a lot of help but everything is so worth it.” Brandy is thankful for the help getting the girls ready and the shows for putting so much thought into prizes that mean so much to the kids.
Sadie Ross–This seven year-old shows her 2006 black mare, Miss AOK Bo Acres, in the Small Fry All Around Events. Sadie began riding at age four and claims that her favorite class is trail because, “my horse is good at trail and I like the obstacles.” With her horse that had to transition from the futurity classes to the Small Fry events, Sadie keeps in mind that like people, “sometimes horses have bad days, too.” Sadie’s favorite thing about shows is being able to ride a lot as well as the social aspect. Daughter of Ann Ross, Sadie loves to make new friendships with everyone that shares her love of horses. “These kids practice and take competing just as seriously as any other competitor,” Ann says when reflecting on her daughter. When she is not at a horse show, Sadie likes to spend time with her family on their boat.
Lainie Anderson–“All Small Fry horses should have a special place in Heaven,” say Sissy and Wallace Anderson, parents of nine year-old competitor, Lainie Anderson. Lainie, who began riding at the age of six, shows her horse, Marian The Librarian in the Small Fry events. Marian is a famous Small Fry horse that has been passed down to several trainers’ children including Austin and Deanna Green and Nya Kearns. “It’s simple and fun–perfect for me,” says Lainie. According to Lainie, some classes can be more difficult than others like the showmanship, “Holding up the lead rope makes my arms ache” and other difficulties such as getting on and off the horse at such a small size. However, Lainie still wants to be involved with the horses someday by hoping to be a vet, or even an author. “The best part about having a Small Fry competitor is getting to watch her learn and see how good it makes your child feel to accomplish new goals,” says Sissy. When Lainie is not at the barn, she enjoys reading, playing with her dog as well as watching TV. Lainie loves to go to the horse shows and meet news friends, too.
Sydney Sargent–Like many riders her age, it is evident that ten-year-old Sydney Sargent loves her horse. Just Be Cool, (Charlie) has his own Fan Club, says Sydney. Charlie has friends all over the country from being a long time show horse. “I am really lucky to have him; he is very special,” stated Sydney. The daughter of Bennie and Cheryllee Sargent, she started riding at the young age of four. Sydney claims that her favorite class to show is in the trail. Being a big fan of “Tim the Trail Man” her whole life, Sydney loves to “ride with a plan”, count the poles, as well as learn new patterns. When she is not at the barn, Sydney enjoys drawing and fishing, along with watching horse racing, as she lives in Lexington, Kentucky. “She likes to show, but more importantly, she loves to ride, and has sincere appreciation and respect for her horses,” says Cheryllee. When she grows up, Sydney would like to start her own business, though keeping in mind that she also wants to be a good person, and a hard worker as well.
Paige Smith–Eight year-old Paige Smith, daughter of Amy Smith, began riding horses at age four and now shows her horse, Chocolate On Cruise (Petey) in the Small Fry Events. “Petey has a very crooked front leg. I call it his lucky fin like in Finding Nemo,” says Paige. Paige also shares her mom’s horse, Red Carpet Rita who she does the showmanship. Claiming that she not only loves peppermints, but also loves to stick her tongue out, “she even lets me play with it,” claims Paige. Paige loves to meet new friends at the horse shows as well as reading, playing horse games on the computer, playing with her stuffed horses as well as her three dogs. “I’d like to be a vet or work with animals,” says Paige when asked what she wants to be when she grows up. Her mom Amy includes that, “When she is at home we are there and can guide her, but once she enters that ring, she’s on her own.” Amy also adds that watching their confidence grow and seeing them make lifelong friends is the best part of having a Small Fry exhibitor.
Logan Starnes–“I can’t remember not riding,” says five-year-old Logan Starnes, son of Kristy and Jay Starnes, who are both trainers. Logan has two horses, Certainly A Classic, (Cici) as well as a pony who goes by the name of Bullwinkle. While he loves both Cici and Bullwinkle, Logan says, “Bullwinkle comes right to you in the field and only eats treats from the Sweet Shop!” Though some things can be difficult for such a young rider such as, “steering, because Bullwinkle is a little stubborn pony.” Logan, like most little boys, likes to hang out with Donkey, his stuffed animal, go swimming, do Tae Kwon Do and dress up as a Ninja Turtle. Logan is not sure what he would like to do when he grows up, but he does love to go to horse shows to see his friends. He enjoys competing in leadline and likes to get prizes, too.
Rylee Jordan–At only three years-old, Rylee has been riding since before she could walk. She shows a six-year-old gelding named Red Hot N Dangerous (Saxby). Saxby is owned by her mother, Jessica Daniels’s client, Abby Querry. “I love to show!” says Rylee, who also practices on her bouncy horse, pretending to show both English and western when she is at home. Saxby is a great babysitter to Rylee when she is not playing with her toy horses during her spare time. When Rylee grows up, she wants to be a horse trainer, just like her mom. “When she is showing, I’m not right by her side coaching her and I’m having to put my trust in that big horse to take care of my little girl,” says Jessica. That can be a bit nerve racking for all parents. She also adds that Rylee gets up every morning, rides her bouncy horse and would spend all day at the barn if she could. When asked her favorite thing about horse shows, Rylee replied simply with, “Showing, duh!”
Mia Wunderlich–Its All About Charleen is a four year- old bay mare who goes by the name, Charlotte, or CharChar. She is ridden by ten year-old Mia in the Small Fry events. Though she started at five years-old, Mia is new at riding western and thinks that it can be difficult to ride one handed. Her favorite class is equitation because, “I like to show everyone my riding skills and I love all pattern classes.” Mia loves that Charlotte is not only a good show horse, but she is beautiful as well. According to Mia, the best part about shows are hanging out with her friends and saddling up to practice at night. “I also beg my mom to take me to the barn,” says Mia. This young rider has big dreams for growing up, as she would like to start her own horse business. “I want to go to The University of Findlay for Equine Studies,” she says. Her mother, Jody also adds that Mia has taught her a lot and it is a great bonding experience for the both of them.
Lily and Ruby O’Connor– Sisters Lily, age 5 and Ruby, 3, are both leadline exhibitors and show their horse, A Vested Asset (Slater). Riding since birth, the girls love everything about horses, especially giving them apples and treats. “When you get good at riding, sometimes you win,” says Lily. She also includes that the most difficult thing about horse shows is wearing the long sleeves in the hot weather. Though it is only Ruby’s first year of showing in the leadline, she says that Slater is a good boy when she shows him, and the only hard part is getting him to back up. When the girls grow up, Lily would like to be a hairstylist and Ruby would like to be “a puppy doctor”. Their mother, Amateur exhibitor, Julie O’Connor adds that, “No matter how well or poorly I do showing that day, doing leadline with my girls is the best part of my day.” Julie also explains that horse showing can also be a good learning lessons for the girls. “As a parent, we want to see our children succeed, even though experiencing failure builds character. It can be difficult at times, but it is still fun.”
Emma Gore–Emma started riding at age three– now seven, Emma shows her horse, Hes Suddenly Handsome, (Handsome) in the Small Fry All Around Events. Emma says that her favorite class is trail “because there are lots of different things to learn.” Emma says that some of her favorite things about showing are being able to ride a lot and staying in the horse trailer. Emma also says, “Handsome is my best friend and he loves me to brush him and sit in his stall with him.” Showing in every event can be tough on a Small Fry and Emma agrees that the hardest part is learning all of the patterns. When she is not showing, Emma likes to play with her ponies at home as well as work with her cattle. Growing up, Emma would like to be a vet someday. Mother, Tera Gore says that the most challenging part of having such a young exhibitor is to be encouraging and competitive at the same time, and she is proud of the horseman that Emma has become with the help of her trainer, Lori Gingrich.
