So far, 2016 has been a life-changing year for Select Amateur Linda Coakley. The two-time Select World Show All-Around winner and six-time Select Amateur Reserve World Champion from Clear Lake, Washington still has her steady mount, Patsys Royal Secret (Charlie), but she also has a new horse and a new job.
For an impressive 23 years, Coakley was the store manager of The Bony Pony, a tack store located in Mount Vernon, Washington. However, this summer, an opportunity came about that Linda said she could not pass up. Coakley started a new position with the equine related company, The Mane Event, which holds four expos during the year – three in Canada and one in the United States.
“I’m excited about being involved with all facets of organizing and running the expos including marketing and finding vendors,” Linda told GoHorseShow. “The fact that it is horse related is even better. Also, I get to spend more time with my husband who also helps at the expos which is a huge bonus.”
Even with these new developments, Linda is laser focused on returning to the Select World Championship Show with her 16-year-old,16.3 hand brown gelding, Patsys Royal Secret.
For the fourth year in a row, they are back at the Select World Championship Show. In 2013 and 2014 they won top honors as the Select World Show All-Around Winner, and in 2015 they won the Reserve All-Around title.
During that three-year span, Linda and Charlie won an impressive six Select Amateur Reserve World Championships; Showmanship 2013, 2014, 2015; Horsemanship 2013, 2014 and Hunt Seat Equitation 2014. Yet, they are still in search for their first coveted gold trophy.
This week in Amarillo they will show in the showmanship, horsemanship, and equitation.
“I would love to finally break through and win a gold trophy,” Linda admits. “It would be a dream come true.”
Linda says that the Select World is her favorite show of the year and she is excited to be back in Amarillo. “I love the camaraderie and the social aspect of the show. There are friends that I only see once a year at the show, and we all have a fun time and go out to dinner. It is a completely different atmosphere than most shows I attend.”
Under the guidance of Kip Larson and Michael Davis 
of Arlington, Washington, Linda says that her trainers have given Charlie and her the confidence to reach their goals. They have also given her the tools needed to become a better rider. These days, Linda says that she concentrates more on having good rides than wins and that every great ride is a win in her book.
Linda shares that showing at AQHA shows has been one of the most rewarding things that she has ever done and continues to be her favorite activity. “Training with Kip (pictured right) is always entertaining and he is always calm and keeps me from getting frazzled. My show record pretty much tells the story. They get the job done, and I’ve been blessed to end up in the winner’s circle several times, so their program obviously works well for me.”
For an astounding fourteen years, Linda and Charlie have been together as a team. They have a special bond, and she describes him as a “big-hearted guy.” Coakley bought Patsys Royal Secret, who is by Make My Grey and out of Patsys Chic, as a two-year-old from Taffy Sowell. “Charlie is still sound and doing well, so we will play it by ear on how long I will keep showing him,” Coakley states.
Coakley’s new up-and-coming three-year-old, Rockstar N The House, is currently being shown in the western pleasure futurities with plans for him to learn the all-around events. Linda hopes when Charlie is retired that she can start showing him in the pattern classes.
For Linda, showing horses is a family affair. Her husband, Ron (pictured below), who is a sergeant with the sheriff’s office, is one her biggest supporters as well as her daughter, Kaycee, who practically grew up at horse shows. “My daughter cheers from the sidelines, helps out as a ‘show mom’ and always encourages me,” Linda states. “My husband also takes time from his schedule to announce at a lot of the shows, and, with
out him, I could not do what I do.”
Linda knows that she is fortunate to be able to pursue her passion of showing horses on a national level.
“The only problem with showing is that it takes more time and money than I have, most of the time!” says Linda laughing. “However, when I do get to show, the people I have met from all over the country make it all worthwhile. The horse community is amazing, most everyone you meet is friendly and helpful. I have made lifelong friends and had many adventures that would not have happened without this sport.”
Linda would like to wish everyone the best of luck at the Select World this week!
CLICK HERE to view Linda’s ad in the August issue of GoMag
