CLICK HERE to view the July Issue of GoMag
This show season brings new perspective for 17-year-old Estelle McParlan from Saugatuck, Michigan. As she prepares to compete at the AQHYA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, she rides with renewed gratitude for simply getting to do what she loves.
“This year is about gratitude and love for my horses,” McParlan says. “Sometimes, we take things for granted, and when something unexpected happens, it can feel like your dreams are being taken away. But, this year has shown me how much I must be thankful for.”
On the cover of GoMag are her three beloved geldings: 2024 AQHYA World Champion, Amarillo By Moonlite (Larry), Multiple World and Congress Champion, Cool Made Machine (Booker), and her new partner, Money Gate (Drew). Each holds a special place in her heart and is at a different stage in their journey. “I’ll be showing only Drew at the World Shows this year,” Estelle explains. “But all three of my boys will return to the show pen soon.”
Money Gate is the newest addition to her show string and is heading to Oklahoma City with her. “Drew is sweet, funny, and always wants to please,” she says. “He holds his tongue out for you to rub or play with. He’s a total goofball.”
Their journey together started unexpectedly. When Larry began taking off steps during The Madness, her team connected with friends at Winter Performance Horses. “They said, ‘We have the perfect horse for you.’ I immediately clicked with him when I got on. I fell in love,” she says.
With help from her trainers at Show Horses by Shannon, Mid South Equine, and the Berghorst family, Drew’s previous owners, things moved quickly. “We were all crying happy tears. It was such a special moment, and we’re all each other’s biggest fans.”
Estelle will show Drew in showmanship, horsemanship, trail, and western riding at the Youth World. “My goals with Drew are simple – to keep getting to know him and improving. We’ve only shown twice together, but he’s an honest horse. I can’t wait to see where we go.”
While Drew steps into the spotlight this summer, Larry and Booker are both taking time to heal. “Larry is so special to me,” she says about the 2024 AQHYA World Champion in Western Riding. “So, when he took some off steps in the trail pen at The Madness, we knew he needed rest.” Thankfully, an MRI revealed no significant issues; it was just a need for a few months off.
“I won’t be showing him at Youth World this year, which is hard, but he’s home with me right now, and I love that. He’ll be back strong for Congress.”
Booker, who missed part of last year’s Youth World due to injury, is finally on the comeback trail. “He’s sound and just returned to our trainers at SHBS in Iowa,” she says. “We’re slowly bringing him back, and I’m so excited to get him back in the show pen.”
She’s relied on a trusted network of veterinarians, family, and friends through it all. “We’re so thankful for the amazing care from our vets at home and at the shows. They’ve all worked together to give our boys the very best.”
Back home, McParlan is balancing life as a senior at Saugatuck High School, fully immersed in student life. “I love the social and sports opportunities public school gives me,” she says. I’m a captain on the varsity soccer team and help run the Spirit Committee with my friends.”
She’s already set on her next chapter – joining the University of Georgia Equestrian Team in 2026. “The minute I stepped on campus and saw the UGA Equestrian program, I knew I was home,” she says. “The coaches, the team, the educational opportunities – everything just felt right. I’m planning to study Business there.”
Estelle quickly credits her success to her team at Show Horses by Shannon: Shannon Walker, Hannah Lind, and Spencer Groth. “They’ve been such a blessing in my life,” she says. “Each brings something different, and I learn something every time I’m with them. I started with them in 13&U, and I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am without them.”
Shannon Walker is equally complimentary of the McParlans. “I just couldn’t be more proud of that kid and how much she loves her horses and is willing to take the time when something happens to let them heal and come back at their best,” Shannon says. “It’s not easy to understand when you are that age, and I adore her parents for giving them the best care possible and loving them so much.”
As Estelle reflects on her youth career, with two more years left before she transitions to the amateur division, she’s hopeful for what’s ahead. “I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to bring all my amazing boys together in the show pen in the same year before I age out,” she says.
Before heading to Oklahoma City, she wants to express her gratitude. “I just want to thank all the people and organizations in the industry who make this sport what it is,” she says. “My family, trainers, teammates, but also the clothing designers, saddle makers, ring stewards, volunteers, judges, show grounds staff, and even the food trucks who feed us.”
“And a special thank you to GoHorseShow. We are so thankful for your support.”
CLICK HERE to view the July Issue of GoMag
Cover Photo: Kirstie Marie & Shane Rux – Cover Design: EM Design
The deadline for the August NSBA World Show Issue of GoMag is Monday, July 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.
