For generations, western pleasure has been known as one of the most beautiful exemplifications of the grace and power of the American Quarter Horse.
For the Allen family of Washington state, they have spent three generations excelling in this discipline. The youngest generation horsewoman, 18-year-old Abby Allen, recently competed at her first AQHYA World Show and left a semi-finalist in the western pleasure after only six weeks of riding, and five horse shows with her new partner, Macs Amblin Easy.
Back in the 1980’s, Abby’s grandmother, Cheryl Allen, bought a mare named Amble Easy. According to Abby, “She was a racehorse that just wouldn’t race.”
They tried Amble in western pleasure and she ended up winning multiple world championships in Junior and Senior Western Pleasure as well as a Congress championship in Amateur Western Pleasure.
Cheryl Allen went on to breed the mare to Zippos Pine Bar to produce another mare, Zippos Amblin Easy (pictured right with then owner, Jerry Kimmel). Zippos Amblin Easy became an NSBA Hall of Fame horse and was not only shown by Cheryl Allen (grandmother), but Raelynn Jones (Abby’s Mother), and Jamie Brown (Abby’s aunt) to four world championship titles.
In 2004, Zippos Amblin Easy foaled Macs Amblin Easy. “Lucky” is owned by Abby’s aunt, Jamie Brown and the now 12-year-old sorrel gelding is Abby’s show partner.
Abby rode and showed a bit when she was younger but never really took it seriously, until now. Abby rode Lucky for the first time four years ago and although he was eight years old and barely broke, she fell in love with his personality.
During Spring Break of this year, Abby flew from Washington to Texas where Lucky lives with her aunt for some practice time, but Lucky sustained an injury. He could only be walked for the week she was there. “We walked, reversed, side passed, walked fast, walked slow…it was a blessing, though, because those were the basics I had never done before, or had time to work on. Before the world show, that was the last time I had ridden him,” explained Abby.
Abby’s aunt Jamie described the other ways they prepared together to make up for distance and lack of physical practice time. “We spent hours and hours of visual practice. I would lay out a scenario and she would have to answer on how she would handle it. All of the visualization worked and she handled the entire class like a pro. She sat up with confidence and poise like she was a seasoned youth.”
Jamie commented on how lucky her family is to have a horse that is quiet enough to handle being shown after not much practice. She also said, “I have twin girls (pictured right) who are four and they can lead him, ride him, wash him, snuggle with him, jerk a lead rope, pull his face, and he stands there humbly. God has taught me that my blessings don’t always come in the form of blue ribbons. Abby is learning that lesson with us as well.”
The geographical distance between Abby and her horse made qualifying difficult but she was able to state qualify with the Washington State Quarter Horse Youth Association.
“We have only been to five shows, so that isn’t a lot of practice time, but Lucky and I connected immediately,” Abby told us.
“Abby’s true love is Lucky and vice versa,” says Abby’s mom, Raelynn Jones. “It is truly an art form to watch a rider and horse communicate the way they do.”
Raelynn described how Abby is able to handle the show environment so well which is extremely important in the equestrian sport. “When it comes time to show, Abby is focused and driven. She has a sheer talent for keeping her nerves at bay, and envisioning how the ride will go.”
At Abby’s first world show, she got to experience the thrill of hearing her name and number read out by the announcer. Describing her emotions as she entered the infamous Gateway of Champions, “I knew this was right where I needed to be. Entering at an extended jog, all I could do was smile. I was so full joy and excitement, and I knew Lucky was feeling the same way. My dreams came true.”
After a deep split in the prelims, she made the semi-finals of the western pleasure. One step closer. “When they called my number, it sparked a new desire to win,” Abby told us. “Waiting for the semi-finals, I was ready. He was ready. But it wasn’t quite enough. It was a rough ride, but we know what we need to fix.”
With three generations of western pleasure in her veins, Abby is proud to continue the tradition with her family. “Not making the finals made me want to try harder, train harder, and be the best. I am so incredibly happy with where I placed at my first youth world show.” She continues, “The person I would like to thank the most is my aunt and trainer Jamie Brown. She put all her time, money, love, and full support into Lucky and I and I couldn’t be any more grateful. I would like to thank my mom, Raelynn Jones, for supporting me from 1000 miles away when she can’t be at the shows.”
Abby also thanked her grandmother for traveling to every horse show with show tips, and her Uncle Matt Brown for being a supportive part of her journey.
Jamie left us with this statement, and there is truth in it for us all. “There is a seed that is planted deep within the heart of a horse lover and if you water it, the roots will run deep within your core and you will always return to it for the rest of your life. That is what I want for Abby. To allow her to experience the true love of horses, and let her know that whatever your socio-economic standpoint, whatever phase in your life you’re in, horses can be a part. It’s not just for those whose resources are endless…you can take one horse, and whatever supplies you have, and work your hardest to achieve a goal.”
Congratulations to Abby on a successful first Youth World, and good luck in the future!
