CLICK HERE to view the October issue of GoMag
About the Cover
The October GoMag features Bella D’Onofrio on the cover with Whata Moonlite Ride, affectionately known as “Bob.” The talented team is pictured with the coveted gold globe from when they were crowned World Champions in the L3 Equitation 14-18 at the 2023 AQHYA World Show. Bella told us, “I cannot say enough about the unicorn Bob has become. He is competitive in every single class. He emulates the definition of the American Quarter Horse.”
Bella, a native of Columbus, Ohio will be a busy young lady at the Congress where she is showing three of her horses; Whata Moonlite Ride, N A Heartbeat, and If It Aint Southern. In addition to a challenging show and travel schedule, she is also juggling college and riding on the Oklahoma State NCEA Equestrian team.
“It is busy, but so much fun,” said the college freshman. “I did go home for about 48 hours to show at the Eastern Ohio Show for some Congress prep. I ride at Oklahoma State daily, plus team workouts are keeping me in top shape and ready to compete. I absolutely love everything about Oklahoma State and am having the best time. The coaching is like no other and the girls are incredible.”
At Bella’s final Youth World in August, her dream came true of being an AQHYA World Champion. In addition to winning the Equitation with Whata Moonlite Ride, they won the title of Reserve All-Around 14-18 with a Reserve World Championship in Showmanship, 6th in Trail, and Finalist in Horsemanship and Aged Geldings. If that wasn’t enough, she was named Reserve World Champion with N A Heartbeat in L3 Hunter Under Saddle 14-18, World Champion with If It Aint Southern in Performance Halter Geldings, and was Top 10 in L3 Western Pleasure 14-18.
“To win a globe with all three of my boys was something I never could have imagined, but was so very special,” Bella shares.
D’Onofrio joined up with trainers Carly and Wade Parks in January. “I am only about an hour away and it allowed me to ride almost daily. This summer, I basically lived at their barn. The Parks welcomed me with a smile and pushed me to get better every day. Carly has been like a second mom to me, and I could not be more grateful for that. I am excited for the future with them.”
This is Bella’s final youth year, and while she’s looking forward to her amateur career, she is appreciative of those who got her where she is today. “I would like to thank the Ohio Quarter Horse Association for all of the incredible years of friendship, horsemanship, leadership, and love. Since I was eight years old, it has been a major part of my life. I am very proud of what I have accomplished and grateful for the friends and people I have met. The support of my previous trainer, Missy Thyfault has also proven to be a special relationship.”
We wish Bella and her three horses the very best of luck at the Congress!
CLICK HERE to view the October issue of GoMag
Cover Design: EM Design & Photography – Cover Photo: Cody Parmenter Photography
The deadline for the November AQHA World Show Issue of GoMag is Saturday, October 28th. To reserve your space, call or text Suzannah Fuhrman, GoHorseShow’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President at 214-449-8716 or email her at Suzannah@GoHorseShow.com. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and can help design an advertising package to fit your needs and budget perfectly. GoHorseShow…Where The Winners Go.
