Every youth showing in AQHA events dreams of stepping into the pen at the Jim Norick in August. The lights are bright, the nerves are up, but this is all you’ve ever worked for.
For 19-year-old Faith Meyers of Muncie, Indiana, this was a dream she never thought possible. That is, until a horse named Upstanding Covergirl, AKA “Covergirl,” came into her life. Meyers is preparing for her first AQHYA World Show alongside her 25-year-old mare.
A Lifelong Journey
Meyers describes her younger self as a typical horse-crazy girl. She followed in her father’s footsteps, as he showed pleasure horses, but got out of it before she was born. When Meyers was 12, she got her first horse, affectionately known as “Swayzee.” Meyers explained that Swayzee was “not what she was supposed to be, as she was sold as a very beginner horse.” After finding out about her current trainers, John and Tye Carson, through some friends, Meyers brought Swayzee over for training.
Swayzee spent a few months in training, but they ultimately decided she wasn’t the best fit for showing, as Meyers wanted to get into the pleasure. She brought Swayzee home, where she still has her, because “she loves her too much to sell her.” Then, Meyers spent about three years just taking lessons with the Carsons, as the opportunity to own her quarter horse never opened up.
The Start of Something New
After moving to Muncie to attend Ball State, Meyers and her grandmother, who supported her throughout her career, decided to get a quarter horse to attend AQHA shows. She explained that she looked for a while, but didn’t find anything that was a good fit. At one point, they stopped looking for a few months to let Meyers settle into school and then restarted their search.
Meyers heard from the Carsons that Covergirl, a horse in their barn for 15 years, was for sale. She called her grandma and said, “Let’s look at her just because she’s in the barn.” After riding her a few times, they decided the 1999 mare was a great fit, as the Carsons wanted something very broke for Meyers when she stepped up from open shows for the first time.
They purchased Covergirl for $2,000 in June 2023 and have progressed ever since. Meyers describes Covergirl as spunky for her age and says she sometimes has quite the attitude.
Reaching New Heights
It took Meyers some time to figure out how to calm her nerves and show Covergirl effectively, but after much hard work, they have found success. She showed her talent at the AQHA Level One Championships East and was the reserve champion in the walk-trot trail.
After the show, Meyers was shocked to get an email stating she had qualified for the 14-18 Level One Showmanship at the AQHYA World Show. She had shown the class at the Level One Championships but did not make the finals. Therefore, she even thought she may have gotten the email by accident.
Even though she typically shows walk-trot, Meyers shows the regular 14–18 showmanship. It was determined she nationally qualified for the Level 2 and 3 aged mares and for the showmanship from Level One East. Meyers is preparing for her and Covergirl’s first Youth World Show.
A Dream Come True
Meyers never thought she would be in a position to qualify for a show like this. Since she shows walk-trot, Meyers explained, “It never crossed my mind that I would have the opportunity to show there.” Making it to the world show with a 25-year-old horse is special for Meyers, as she has taught her so much.
It is hard for Meyers to describe how much she has learned from Covergirl. Additionally, she emphasized how many others have learned from Covergirl because she has had numerous owners and leasers.
Since Covergirl is a “been there, done that” sort of horse, it took Meyers some time to learn to trust her. Now, Meyers can be a confident showman and trust that Covergirl knows her job.
Age is Just a Number
Covergirl was six years old when Meyers was born, and she’s pretty sure “Covergirl was at the first ever AQHA Level One Championships.” Despite her age, Meyers explained, “Covergirl can do anything all the other horses can do.”
Covergirl’s age and experience were an advantage to Meyers, as she could show her the ropes to AQHA shows. She added that Covergirl “knock on wood,” never takes a lame step, has the most basic horseshoes, and doesn’t require maintenance.”
Meyers wants to thank her grandmother for continued support throughout her show career. She explained that she couldn’t show at this level without her. She also greatly thanks John and Ty Carson, who have treated her like family and taken wonderful care of Covergirl for 15 years.
Good luck, Faith and Covergirl! CLICK HERE to see them in the AQHYA World Show Issue of GoMag.
