CLICK HERE to view the August issue of GoMag
About the Cover
Multiple World and Congress Champion Sydney Swallom and Almost Invited (Nate), are featured on the cover of the August issue of GoMag. This incredibly successful team will be busy in August as they are hoping to three-peat as World Champions in the Level 3 Youth Horsemanship 14-18 in Oklahoma City and continue their success in Tulsa at the NSBA World Championship Show.
“It feels so bittersweet to be in my last youth year. My youth career has seemed to go by incredibly fast, but I enjoyed every second of it,” Swallom says. “My goal for this coming Youth World is to take it all in and not take a second of it for granted. There is an undeniable pressure that comes with being in your last youth year, so I am focusing on putting out rides that I am proud of, no matter the results. Nate and I have already had three unbelievable Youth World shows together, and I cannot be more grateful for that.”
Swallom says she loves being part of Team Edwards. “Mike and May Edwards have been my trainers since day one, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their endless support, blood, sweat, and tears.”
Sydney says Nate, a 2015 gelding by Invitation Only, is “the most special animal I’ve ever had the pleasure of swinging my leg over. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he has the biggest personality. He acts like a big puppy. I joke that he would sit in my lap if I let him. He loves his job and always aims to please, which is an incredible quality of his.”
This talented equestrian is an incoming sophomore at Auburn University and rides on the NCEA Equestrian Team. “Riding at Auburn last year was incredible. I learned so much about myself as a rider and grew as a horsewoman under the guidance of the amazing coaching staff at Auburn University. I look forward to continuing this journey with my talented teammates this year. I am excited to return to it following this year’s NSBA World Show.”
At the NSBA World Show, Swallom will be showing in the 14-18 Equitation, Horsemanship and Showmanship.
“I love this show because following the youth world, it is so fun to be able to watch all different types of open classes and age groups,” Sydney told us. “I’m also a huge fan of the Cinch Invitational Horsemanship Challenge where I competed in the finals the past two years, earning reserve last year. It is such a fun class to be able to compete in as it is so different than the traditional style of horsemanship class.”
There are many people Sydney would like to thank for making her youth career beyond memorable. Her parents and grandparents have supported her since day one of this journey. Her mother, Angie Johnson, is “the most incredible horse show mom” she could have ever asked for. Her horse trainers, Mike and May Edwards, have put so much into her career. “After 11 years of working together, they are like family.” Lastly, she thanks Dr. Sherry Johnson of Equine Sports Medicine for “all the undying support and effort she has put into her horses over the past several years.”
GoHorseShow wishes this dynamic duo the best of luck in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and we look forward to watching her continued success in the show arena and beyond.
CLICK HERE to view the August issue of GoMag
Cover Design: Courtney Chown, Courtsey Promotions
Cover Photo: Keagan Phillips Photography
The deadline for the September Fall Shows Issue of GoMag is Wednesday, August 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 [email protected]. 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.
