CLICK HERE to view the July Issue of GoMag
ABOUT THE COVER
Sometimes the biggest passions begin with the smallest moments.
For 18-year-old Sienna Barbour of Suwanee, Georgia, it all started with a single pony ride at a local fair. Her family had no background with horses, but after that ride, Sienna was hooked. She spent the next two years relentlessly asking her mom for riding lessons before finally getting her wish at four years old.
“My mom always jokes that letting me ride that pony was the mistake that started it all,” Sienna laughs.
That “mistake” turned into a lifelong passion. By age seven, she was competing at local horse shows, and at 11, she discovered the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), which introduced her to AQHA competition. Looking back, Sienna credits those seemingly small moments with shaping the path she is on today.
Under the guidance of Clint Ainsworth Show Horses, Sienna has developed into one of the industry’s standout young competitors. She credits Clint not only for improving her riding but for teaching her perseverance.
“He’s taught me the importance of grit, determination, and staying committed, even when things don’t go as planned,” she says. “He’s helped me become a more confident rider and understand that success comes from hard work and building a connection with your horse.”
That connection is evident with both of her equine partners, Scooter Brown (Scooter) and Straight Line Breeze (Morty). While she jokes that both resemble affectionate golden retrievers who constantly compete for treats and attention, each has helped shape her journey in different ways.
One of Sienna’s proudest accomplishments came after Scooter returned from a year-long injury rehabilitation. With only three months to prepare after his recovery, the pair qualified for the Level 3 Finals at the AQHYA World Show.
“Everything we overcame made that accomplishment even more meaningful,” she says.
More recently, Sienna and Morty placed at the Congress in the 4 & 5 Year Old Non-Pro Trail during only their third show together, proving just how quickly the new partnership came together.
As she heads into this year’s AQHYA World Show, Sienna’s goals are clear: return to the Level 3 Finals, compete for a World Championship trophy, and enjoy her favorite events – Horsemanship and Trail.
Outside of the show pen, Sienna enjoys traveling, learning about history and different cultures, drawing, fashion, makeup, and spending time with family and friends. Those interests are shaping her future as well. She hopes to attend TCU, compete on the equestrian team, and earn a degree in international business with a minor in fashion merchandising.
“Horses are a part of who I am,” she says.
From one unforgettable pony ride to competing on some of the industry’s biggest stages, Sienna’s journey is proof that sometimes the smallest moments can lead to the biggest dreams. We wish her the best of luck!
CLICK HERE to view the July Issue of GoMag
Cover Photo: Gina Mae Photography – Cover Design: EM Design
The deadline for the August NSBA World Show Issue of GoMag is Tuesday, 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.
