Lillian Woodruff and Caroline Nielson Claim Top Spots in APHA Youth World Western Riding

By: Brittany Bevis

This evening at the APHA Youth World Show was devoted to the smooth moves of Western Riding competition.

Winning Novice Youth Western Riding was Lillian Woodruff with Gametime Sensation. The Reserve Champion was Ellie Becker with Too Hot To. Third was Catherine Goffard with Gallant Zippo. Fourth was Macie Soderquist with Ima Mega Sensation. Fifth was Margaret Applegarth with Sharp Dressed Zippo.

This is Lillian’s first World Championship title in the 18 and Under age division. She has a previous 13 and Under Equitation World Championship title and numerous Reserve Championships to her credit. Her partner for today’s class is a new horse she’s only had for a few months- “Doc.”

“I loved the flow of today’s pattern, how he came back to me, how he listened to me and waited for every change, and how he stopped and backed without me having to use my hand,” she says.

The 16-year-old has been showing horses since she was just six years old. Her favorite classes include Western Riding, Trail, and sometimes Showmanship. This team currently competes under the guidance of Alan and Julie Schmidt, who gave some helpful advice to Lillian before she entered the pen today. “They told me to count my strides and make sure I changed in the exact same spots. Also, I needed to stay straight and to use the arena well.”

Coming up next, Lillian and Doc will compete in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship. Already here at the show, they’ve placed fourth in Equitation, sixth in Showmanship, and top ten in Trail.

Winning Youth Western Riding 18 and Under Was Caroline Nielson with The Only Kiss To Envy. The Reserve Champion was Talyn Smith with It’s All Bhindthe Zipr. Third was Mackenzie Preston with Brokers Lucky Kid. Fourth was Abigail Love with Sensational Hannah. Fifth was Mary Katherine Camp with Radicalized. Sixth was Ellie Becker with Too Hot To. Seventh was Margaret Applegarth with Sharp Dressed Zippo. Eighth was Georgia Vernal with Fascination Sensation. Ninth was Caroline Nielson with BMQ The Jig is Up. Tenth was Macie Soderquist with Ima Mega Sensation.