Klair Merrell and Lenora Roberts Win Trail Classes at AQHA Youth World Show

By: Brittany Bevis

On today’s schedule at the AQHA Youth World Show, it was Tim Kimura’s time to shine as he designed difficult but fun courses for the 14-18 and 13 and under competitors.

First, Klair Merrell reprised her win from earlier in the week in the Level 2 division of the class to win the 14-18 Level 3 Trail. Klair was not only the winner of both classes, she had the highest score going into the finals today. We chatted with Klair following her Level 2 win here at the show. Click here to read her interview.

Reserve was Sidney Dunham with Huntin For Rhythm. Third was Natalie Vargo with She Had Me At Hello. Fourth was Kendalyn Herlocker with Memphis Bound. Fifth was Rebecca Figueroa with Check Required.

In 13 and Under Trail, Lenora Roberts came back from a Reserve finish last year to win the class and her first golden globe with Don’t I Look Good. Reserve was Emma Gore with KM Genuinely Best. Third was Victoria Coombs with Bobby Dimensions. Fourth was Taylor Hinely with Krymsun Zip. Fifth was Jordan Macan with Hot Four Teacher.

14-year-old Lenora and her 9-year-old red roan named “Chico” have been a team for two years now under the guidance of Duke Williams and Alyssa Casa. Of all the classes she competes in, Trail is by far her favorite. “It’s definitely Chico’s favorite too. He’s very talented in this class. He has a lot of self-carriage and he’s very obedient. Those are the main things you need in a good Trail horse.”

“For this class, we talked a lot about being in control, relaxed, sitting back, and breathing. The most important thing was to take everything slow and relaxed, because if we rushed it, then it probably wouldn’t go as well.”

Lenora thinks her best obstacles were the left and right lead lope overs, the turns in the box, and her last set of trot poles.”

Now that she is done with Trail, it’s on to Horsemanship. But not before celebrating at her barn family’s favorite restaurant. “We eat at Charleston’s way too much. It’s getting embarrassing.”