10 Things I Love and Hate with AQHYA World Champion Sydney Scheckel

Our industry is full of many types of people with diverse backgrounds who all share one thing, a love of horses. But there is so much more than meets the eye to many of these people. We asked multiple Congress and newly crowned AQHYA World Champion, Sydney Scheckel of Kansas, to share with us her Top 10 things she loves and hates.

10 Things I Love

1. My Mom & Dad – These two wonderful human beings have always been by my side from day one. They are the people who have convinced me to chase my dreams and achieve them. To say we know each other like the backs of our hands, would indeed be very true. Through all of the good and bad times we’ve been through together, it’s all worth it, because at the end of the day we always love each other unconditionally.
2. My Family – This wonderfully wild group of people are related to me by blood, that’s it. No, just kidding! My family means so much to me. They support me just as well as my parents do. Whether it’s a road trip or just in the backyard, you can always guarantee we’ll be having a good time in a storm of laughter.
3. My Friends – Friends to me are indeed like four leaf clovers, hard to find and lucky to have. My friends are so good about making me laugh and enjoy life to the fullest. No matter how many miles may separate us, we never cease to forget each other’s smiles.
4. My Girl Pip – This horse is really one in a million. I’ve owned her since 2010, buying her just three months before the Congress and then winning the 11& Under and Novice Youth 13 & Under Showmanship. Those big wins gave me the confidence to do even bigger things in my career. Pip already had the confidence though, she just needed someone to lead her to the victories. I get to keep this mare at home and there’s nothing like giving her a treat everyday for all she’s done for me.
5. Saint Nic It – This little rascal is my cowhorse. He means so much to me. We’ve had multiple Top Ten’s at the Youth World together. He has an ornery personality, but that’s why I love him so dearly. I swing on him bareback in the pasture with no bridle and run him up to the barn. That’s absolutely my favorite thing to do when I get home.
6. My Cattle – Something that I deeply cherish is checking cattle with my Dad. This is a time for us to discuss life together. I have two cows in particular that are very special, having raised them as bottle calves, Jan and Jeanie.
7. Kansas – This great state that I’ve been raised in has been so good to me. A good field of wheat is most likely the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I love riding my horses on the prairie through a herd of cattle and enjoying a beautiful sunset.
8. Double D Clothing – These clothes are my favorite brand of all time. Every piece is so authentic and beautiful. When I get a new piece it makes my whole day. I love everything they’ve ever made.
9. Showmanship – This is, as everyone already probably knows, is my favorite class of all time. It shows such a bond between a person and their horse. I love having a good showmanship run, there’s nothing like it.
10. Hard Work – When I achieve something I always relate it back to all of the hard work I’ve put into it. When I recently won the Youth World with Pip, I reminded myself of how hard I worked for that gold trophy.  I keep her at home, taking care of her everyday, cleaning her stall, feeding her, etc. Hard work goes a long ways and that’s the biggest lesson showing horses has taught me.

10 Things I Hate Dislike

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1. Hate is such a strong word. We use it too often. We’re supposed to be happy in life and not hate. So, all of these are dislikes, not hates.
2. Cancer – This dreadful disease has affected our family. My Dad has battled it since 2013, and he’s doing well at the moment. It’s made our family stronger in the long run though. To get through that tough time, I’ve always had plenty of support and guidance.
3. Chigger Bites – These boogers need no explaining at all. There is just simply nothing more annoying.
4. Cat Hair – I love my cats so much, but their hair is such a nuisance. It’s so hard to get off of clothes and their shedding season never ends.
5. Shrimp – I will never be able to eat this sea creature again. Thanks for the tainted shrimp I ate at Trapper’s of OKC.
6. Snakes – These reptiles are my worst fear. I’ve never had a bad interaction with one, but I’m hoping I never have to.
7. Noxious Weeds – My Dad farms and there’s nothing he dislikes more. I hate pulling and spraying them too.
8. Cigarette Smoke – This odor is extremely potent and gives me a major headache.
9. IHOP– I would rather starve than eat at this restaurant. That’s all that needs to be stated.
10. Water Parks – I’m simply not a fan of these death traps. I almost died in a wave pool and will never step foot in a water park again.

Thanks Sydney!