And the AjPHA Leadline Winner is… Madison Suggs With Sensational Loper

July 4, 2014 | Filed under: Club & Show News,Club and Show News,Featured | Posted by:

By: Brittany Bevis

Everyone’s favorite spectator sport took place this evening at the 2014 AjPHA Youth World Show, Leadline! When the judges’ cards were handed in it was Madison Suggs aboard Sensational Loper who claimed the World Championship title.

Just a few weeks ago, Madison and her ten-year-old gelding, “Robbie,” were named the Pinto World Champions in Leadline. Her past experience may have accounted for the fact that she wasn’t nervous today at all.

“I just showed him today, and I won!” she says. “[At the Pinto World], I won a stuffed pony and here I won a trophy, a ribbon that goes on Robbie, and a belt buckle.”

Throughout today’s class, Madison kept repeating the words of advice that her father and horse trainer told her before she saddled up.

“I have to hold this hand up like an ice cream cone and I have to keep my head straight and I have to sit up and I have to steer and I have to smile!”

When Madison exited the pen this evening, she had only one thing to say to her mother, who was waiting at the gate.

“I’m retired,” she says. “I’m not going to do leadline anymore. I’m going to do walk-trot. I’m too old for leadline. What are my choices?”

After perusing the list of classes available for walk-trot competitors, Madison decided she would like to try Walk-Trot Trail at the World Show next year. Because she is such a seasoned competitor, we asked if she had any advice she would give to others her age who might be interested in learning how to show horses.

“Don’t worry, it will be fine,” she says. “If you lose, it’s ok. No matter what, it’s ok if you lose. It’s just ok if you have fun.”

Madison would like to thank her Dad, Robbie, Mom, and all of her friends for their support today. Following her big win tonight, the World Champion has two requests. She wants everyone to line up for her win photo in rainbow sequence, based on the color of their t-shirts. She would also like a meal of chicken tenders at Gloria’s Restaurant.