“I’m a novice rider, so it’s a work in progress! Also, this is a new class for Parker. He’s never done Equitation before.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this emotional before. It was my last class as a youth and the last time she will ever been in the show pen.”

In an event where the top spot is traditionally reserved for more specialized horses, Hayley was able to win with a true all-around mount. During the show, they competed in Performance Halter, Horsemanship, Trail, and Hunter Under Saddle.

Next year, Olivia is looking forward to expanding Willys’ repertoire of skills to include Equitation and possibly Western Riding. “Next year, he might turn into more of an Equitation horse. He has an incredible lead change. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

#155- Peyton Baxter/Fightin Off Sleep
#680- Ashton Krutulis/Al I Want Is You
#475- Madison Musser/Good Ridin Machine
#664- Nya Kearns/Red Code Review
#1207- Nicole Zabel/Aint I Sumthin
#1131- Natalie Vargo/Dancin N The Dirt
#122- Lily Anderson/Slew Of Details

Hayley fondly calls the gelding “Michael Jackson,” because “he’s a thriller!” she laughs. Michael and Hayley have been team since the end of November last year and have been steadily working on improving their performances in all-around events.

“I’ve been so close! You know how they say, ‘Always a bridesmaid?’ Well, I was never even a bridesmaid; I was the flower girl!”

Spectators in the stands may have heard Sterling softly whinnying throughout the pattern, but Olivia remained as calm and composed as ever.