On Monday, 21-year-old Katie Holland entered the John Justin arena aboard her 6-year-old mare, Dynamic Girl Friday. Decked out in her black-and turquoise show shirt, her posture perfect in the saddle—she competed in Novice Amateur Western Pleasure, one of the largest classes at the World Show.
As Katie exited the arena there were tears of joy in her mother’s eyes. Christine Holland remembered the day in 2007 when her daughter was involved in a tragic tractor accident, which resulted in the loss of her right leg from the hip down. Prior to the accident, Katie was an accomplished Youth competitor, showing in halter classes and involved in the Montana Paint Horse Club.
Following her recovery, Katie continued to show in halter classes at local shows using her motorized scooter. She caught the eye of several judges who admired her proficiency in the show ring and her positive attitude. Judge Tom Crowley and former American Paint Horse Foundation Board Member Judy Ford suggested that the Foundation try to give Katie the ability to show in performance classes again. So, the “Back in the Saddle” project was formed to literally help members do just that. In Katie’s case, she needed a special saddle.
Enter APHA reserve world champion heeler, saddle maker and paraplegic Randy Bird. With his expert knowledge of what was needed in a saddle for someone with special needs, Randy created a gorgeous show-quality saddle for Katie last summer.
This was Katie’s and Dynamic Girl Friday’s, also known as “Gracie,” inaugural trip to the World Show as competitors, and their first time in a large 37-horse class like the Novice Amateur Western Pleasure.
“Gracie is a good fit for Katie, she’s quiet and calm, light off your leg, light off your hand, she’s really easy to ride and smooth,” said Amy Neumann, one of Katie’s trainers.
“Katie really likes her and they get along well. She’s been riding her almost every day at home for the last six months.”
Although the pair didn’t make the finals, Katie accomplished her goal of having a good presentation in her first World Show.
“I was a little nervous, but then I got over it,” Katie said. “I think I did well.”
Scott Neumann, Katie’s other trainer, has great confidence in her. “I didn’t get any more nervous than I would for any of my other Novice Amateur riders going in there. The goal was to go in and have a nice, well-behaved, smooth ride with no breaks. She did just that. She went in and showed very well. We were very happy.”
Katie also showed her other horse, Just Bearly Cool, aka “Jack,” in the Amateur Aged Geldings, placing ninth. Katie raised him and showed him prior to the accident. and their mutual affection and teamwork in the arena is apparent.
“We had a big picture of Jack in her hospital room. He was her inspiration,” said Christine Holland. “She’s been to Canada with him and he’s got his Superiors in Amateur and Open halter.”
Katie’s trainers don’t give her any special treatment. “Katie is a good rider, she’s really dedicated,” Scott said. “Other than getting on and off, she’s just like any other one we teach. She does all of her own grooming, longeing, riding and prep of her horse. She’s great around the barn, helps out with everything. She’s 100 percent self-sufficient around the barn.”
“She just wants to be another rider,” her mom Christine said. “I think her performance here helped show that she can be.”
Even if Katie Holland goes home without the world champion ribbon for her horse’s neck, she knows that she has accomplished a major goal in her life.
