Ashley Lakins Wins First AQHA World Championship in Junior Western Pleasure with RR Magical Moonlite

By: Brittany Bevis

Ashley Lakins was ecstatic this evening when the announcer revealed that she and RR Magical Moonlite had made it to the final three in Junior Western Pleasure and would be taking home a trophy. It wasn’t until a few moments later that she discovered the trophy would be gold.

“My heart is still racing,” she says. “I didn’t know if it would be possible. I love the horse, and I know that everybody else loves him. I don’t know… I thought maybe because I’m a female it might be a little harder for me. It takes a special horse to get there, and he was that horse.”

That special horse was “Mouse,” a 4-year-old gelding that Ashley and Kenny Lakins have assisted owners, Jamie and Lacy Watson, with for the past year and a half. Mouse is by Only In The Moonlite and out of The Mouse Is Talkin, by Sweet Talkin Chip. Just a few weeks ago, Mouse had a spectacular run at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, winning four Congress Championship titles with both Ashley and Lacy. “He had a stunning Congress. When you think about it, that’s just crazy!”

What made the big difference for Mouse this year? “He finally grew up and got really strong. I think that, as a 2-year-old, he was a really cool horse. Then, as a three-year-old, he was really good, but he struggled a bit with his jog. Then, this year, BAM! Everything came together.”

“He’s absolutely a ham. I think he has so much expression, and he demands your attention. He’s always happy, and he loves his job. He’s a character. He’s got his own personality, and it’s really neat to have seen him grow over the time I’ve gotten to know him.”

This is a very special moment for Ashley because prior to this win, the highest she’s placed in Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show was third. That was ten years ago with a horse named ML Outrageous. It’a also her final performance with Mouse as he will be heading to a new home with Ty Hornick Show Horses this fall. 

Results:

1- Ashley Lakins/RR Magical Moonlite

2- Rusty Green/For One Night Only

3- Casey Willis/KM Weknowsheshot

4- Lazy Holla Dayz/Ty Hornick

5- Lazy Lopin Lady/Adam Wainscott

6- Cool Lookin Moonie/Brad Pitts

7- Loping Radical/Cole Baker

8- UF Rockin The House/Dave Archer

9- KM Call Me Honey/Wade Black

10- Extremely Dark Chips/Mike Hawkins