Everything in life has a beginning and for Sarah Beth Carr her beginning was a humble one. “I originally showed cattle, but, when I was nine, my mom bought me my first show horse, and I’ve become more involved each year.”
The now 18 year-old is finishing up her last youth year in AQHA and APHA. She is currently showing a double registered AQHA/APHA six year-old mare named, Some Sweet Machine (Misty), in the 14-18 All-Around events. Carr and Misty are currently under the guidance of Shannon Vroegh.
Vroegh was not sure about the duo being the right match at the beginning of the year, but she was quickly proven wrong. Sarah Beth and Misty were the 2013 Novice High Point Youth at the AQHA Mayflower Show, High Point 14-18 at the IPHA Memorial Day Classic Show, and circuit champions in the APHA Trail and High Point Mare at the March To The Arch.
“They started off as a strong team winning the high point at their first two horse shows, one AQHA and one APHA,” Shannon proudly told GoHorseShow. “One thing we didn’t expect was that the mare would get so many halter points, which should very shortly finish numerous championships.”
Sarah Beth, an Arkansas native, is described as a shy girl with a great work ethic. “Sarah and her horse have a bit of the same personality,” Vroegh said. “They get a little worked up learning something new, but once they have it, they are exceptional at it.”
Although Vroegh thinks Sarah Beth’s horse has a, “sweet and kind disposition.” Sarah tells GoHorseShow a slightly different perspective. “Misty has a funny personality and likes to test your patience but once you get past that she’s willing to do anything you ask.”
According to Shannon, Sarah and Misty are a great team largely due to the help and support of Sarah’s mom, Mary Ann. “Her mother wants her daughter to succeed and is willing to be there when she needs it,” Shannon states. “Mary Ann understands there are going to be bumps in the road but that it takes a group effort to get it all done. Her encouraging words are always somehow just at the right time too.”
As Carr’s last youth year comes to a close, she looks forward to the future and what is to come. “I’m planning on going to school at North Arkansas Community College then transferring to the University of Arkansas and plan on studying business,” she told GoHorseShow. “I’ll still continue showing paint and quarter shows at the national level as an amateur.”
Even though she is moving on with her life, horses and showing will seemingly always be there for her. “Showing horses has always been my favorite thing to do. It’s fun and rewarding. Every horse show has so many memories with our group–there’s never a dull moment.”
GoHorseShow would like to wish Sarah Beth Carr the best of luck in her final AjPHA World Show appearance.
Photo © Bar H
