The saying, “When one door closes, another door opens,” certainly applies to 2015 Congress Small Fry Showmanship Champion, Allie Paul. After finding out in August that Allie’s trusted gelding, Genuine Sheik, would be on stall rest for the next four to five months, Allie’s parents, Ohio all-around trainers Judd and Jennifer Paul, began searching for a replacement horse for her to show at the Congress. Since Allie and Sheik won the Congress last year and were third in 2014, it would seem a daunting task, but Allie’s father immediately started the hunt for the perfect horse.
After Paul spoke with fellow horse trainer, Jason Gilliam, he suggested that his client, Kaleena Weakly’s beloved mare, Hours Yours And Mine could take Sheik’s place. Hours Yours And Mine, affectionately known as “Blondie” was the 2014 AQHA World Champion in Amateur Showmanship, two-time Congress, two-time NSBA World, and two-time High Point Champion in the class. Blondie had been on a short hiatus due to Weakly showing her younger horse, No Question Im Lazy in the all-around events.
“When Jason came to me and mentioned the idea of Allie and Blondie together, I knew that we had to do it. Blondie loves the little kids,” says Kaleena. “It is a dream of mine for one of my kids to show her in the showmanship, but Jax is still too young and I thought Allie would be the perfect match. Allie is such a sweetheart and she always comes over and plays with my son, so it was an immediate yes when they asked if Allie could show her.”
Kaleena adds, “I was a little worried whether Allie could get her to trot since she is so little but Blondie stepped up and did it. Blondie hasn’t done the class since the World Show last year, but I guess she just loves the showmanship and little kids.”
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. Allie debuted with Blondie this past weekend in Wilmington, Ohio. The new team ended up with a first and two seconds. Allie says that she is very excited to show such a great horse like Blondie.
“We are extremely grateful to Kaleena and the Gilliam’s for their help in putting this team together,” Judd Paul told us. “As much as she is disappointed that she can’t show Sheik, she thinks Blondie is awesome and she ended up giving her two baths after she showed her this past weekend. After a little more practice, I think they will be good to go for the Congress.” (Allie pictured left at a recent show helping her friends give a horse a bath)
Paul also reports that Allie, who had a kidney transplant in 2014, is doing well and her health is on the “up and up.” Earlier this year, Allie had a minor health setback and had a brief stay at the hospital. The horse community came together and raised over $35,000 to help the Paul family. We are happy to report that she is doing well.
GoHorseShow looks forward to watching Allie and Blondie show at the Congress and we wish them the best of luck!
View the video of their first time showing together this past weekend in Wilmington, Ohio
