AjPHA Youth World Show Western Riding World Champions are Griffin, Gralla, and Nielson

By: Brittany Bevis

Three Western Riding World Champions were crowned this evening at the 2016 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show. First, Erin Griffin rode The Only Kiss To Envy to win her first World Championship title in the 14-18 division, in Novice Youth Western Riding. Placing Reserve was Karlee Shiery with TC Hummer. Third place was Georgia Vernal with Cool Hotrod. Fourth place was Julie Hill with The Ultimate Attitude. Fifth place was Isabella Hehr with Doctor Can Dee.

Although Erin has only been riding Scottie for a few months, she’s already formed a strong partnership with the 8-year-old gelding. In addition to this being Erin’s first World Championship title earned in the 14-18 division, this was also her first time competing in Western Riding at the World Show.

“The whole time, I was trying to remember to take deep breaths,” Erin says. “Every time I would change leads it was a little bit of relief off my shoulders. I only did a little bit of warmup, because I typically do really well on him or it doesn’t go so great. I knew I had to have an amazing run today.”

“I was getting really nervous after Trail, but I was so proud of him. He tried super hard for me, especially with the pole. Everyone cheered!”

Earlier in the show, this team was named the Reserve World Champion in 14-18 Equitation. Later on in the show, Erin and Scottie will compete in the 14-18 Trail finals, Western Pleasure, and Horsemanship.

In 13 and Under Western Riding, Lauren Gralla continued her winning streak with A Sudden Legacy. The Reserve Champion was Isabella Hehr with Doctor Can Dee. Third place was Kenna Wilson with Charlie Did It. Fourth place was Brady Hattan with Born To Be Famous.

Finally, it was a close contest in 14-18 Western Riding with Caroline Neilson conning out on top with Seems Like Heaven and Mackenzie Preston with Brokers Lucky Kid coming in Reserve. Third place was Taylor Burgess with RL Best Of Sudden. Fourth place was Ally Fink with Gallant Zippo. Fifth place was Erin Griffin with The Only Kiss To Envy.

Just like Erin, Caroline Nielson competes under the guidance of Gillespie Show Horses. She has only been riding Seems Like Heaven for just a few months as well, which contributed to a bit of nerves going into Western Riding this evening with 10-year-old “Eddie.”

“This is my first year in 14-18, so I was super nervous before both my classes,” Caroline says. “I was hyperventilating, sweating, and just a mess! Everyone kept reminding me to breathe after every change. Once I got in there, it was much better.”

“Eddie’s a super pretty mover, so that alone helps him change leads. He’s super smooth and really easy to navigate through a Western Riding pattern. I’m really so blessed to have him.”

Later on in the show, Caroline and Eddie will compete in Horsemanship and Western Pleasure.