Sibling rivalries occur in nearly every family. It could be a fight for a doll, an argument on whose the favorite child, or just an argument over who gets the last crescent roll. This is the quintessential reasoning behind sibling rivalries–we are rudest to our brothers and sisters because they’re the ones who love us most. For Alicia and Breanne Porter, sibling rivalry simply takes on a new meaning.
Alicia and Breanne have been involved with horses since their father introduced them at a young age. “When I was ten, my father bought us our first horses,” Alicia told GoHorseShow. “They weren’t anything fancy, just ranch horses, but they taught us the basics–how to be responsible, and introduced us to an industry that would soon become such a huge part of our lives.”
“My first show horse was a reiner that I tried so hard to make into a pleasure horse,” Breanne recalls. “I would look at the Quarter Horse Journal and picture myself as one of the people in the magazines. So, when my parents bought me my first show horses, I was probably the happiest kid in the world.”
The Porter sisters began showing at their local 4H club in Alberta, Canada, which naturally has a short showing season due to the weather. “We gradually moved into local open shows for a few years until a friend suggested we look into the competitive AQHA circuit.” Alicia explained. “We showed at home for a few years at the AQHA shows but eventually wanted to experience a more competitive and a different group of competitors. So, we started looking into trainers and horses for sale in the United States. We found our first group of competitive show horses from Stanley and Susan Scott at Haylo Farms in Ocala, Florida, and the rest is history!”
While the sisters grew up together around horses, along with their brother, Dalen–they both now are still involved, but have different outlooks and goals with their prospects. “My sister and I usually show a lot together. She is more focused on the all-around events this year, whereas, I show our young ones in the futurity events,” Breanne states. “I personally find that breeding and raising the horses has been the most enjoyable part of showing.” (Breanne pictured left)
Breanne is showing, Dare To Be Best (Oliver), in the Amateur Western Pleasure while Brian Chesman will be showing him in the Junior Western Pleasure. “I raised him and have shown him since he was a yearling. He’s always been a challenge, but it is what makes showing him so rewarding,” Breanne says. “We have had a lot of ups and downs throughout his show career so far, but he has really come around this year.”
Along with showing Oliver, Breanne will show a couple of three year-olds, Hubbout Forerver and Daring Lil Hubba, and a two year-old, No Doubt Im Best. All are out of their stallion, Hubba Hubba Huntin.
While Breanne concentrates on the western pleasure with Oliver, Alicia shows in the all-around events with her horse, Nothing But My Best (Dizzle). “I bought him two years ago at the Congress, and we have been building our relationship ever since,” Alicia explains. “Since that day, there hasn’t been a dull moment! He always keeps me entertained and on my toes, with his quirks–like his fear of the turkey at Highpoint, and his terrible habit of biting people with his lips. But, I wouldn’t change a thing about him. When it comes to training and showing, he always tries with all his heart and I love him for that.”
Both sisters are qualified for the 2013 AQHA World Show that will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in November. Breanne qualified in the western pleasure, and Alicia plans to show in the Amateur Horsemanship, Equitation and Performance Halter. “My goal is eventually to win a world championship in western pleasure,” Breanne said. “If it were to happen with Oliver, it would fulfill an even greater goal of breeding a world champion.”
“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming shows,” Alicia explained. “I like taking everything in steps with Dizzle. So far, we have achieved our goals, so, we’re just going to keep on working hard, setting new goals, and taking it all show by show.”
While both are competitive at a national level, there is no love lost between the Porter sisters when they show side by side. “On one side, showing with my sister has brought us both so close together, and enabled us to share so many great memories,” Alicia explains to GoHorseShow. “But on the flip side, she never seems to listen to me, so, I must say things can sometimes get pretty ugly!”
“Like all sisters, we are opposites of each other, and we have our disagreements. But showing horses has helped us learn how to work together and appreciate each other, although we are still working on it.” Breanne says laughing.
Even though they have their arguments, the two Canadian sisters can agree on one thing; “Breanne and I have many of the same goals with our breeding operation,” Alicia explains. “We hope to produce great western pleasure and hunter under saddle horses that can later go on to become great all-around horses.”
GoHorseShow would like to wish the Porter Sisters good luck at the 2013 Amateur World Show, and we look forward to seeing many Hubba Hubba Huntin prospects in the show arena for years to come.
Photos © Mallory Beinborn/Impulse Photography
