Laina Banks and Strawberri Wine Win AQHA World Select Western Riding Third Time in a Row

By: Brittany Bevis

Third times a charm for Laina Banks and Strawberri Wine as the ladies were just named the World Champions in Select Western Riding for the third time. Laina and her 12-year-old, red roan mare have been a team for just three years now, and they have dominated the Western Riding scene. This year, they won 50 and Over Western Riding at the NSBA World Show and they have Congress titles to their credit as well. With the Congress being cancelled this year, and the Select World, first cancelled and then rescheduled, Laina was especially grateful to be able to compete here at the World Show.

“I think it’s great,” she says. “I love the energy with all the different divisions here. It feels fun, special, and really important.”

Earlier in the show, this team placed fifth in Showmanship and Reserve in Horsemanship. Tomorrow morning, Laina will show another horse, Lopin A Hot Streak, in the Select Trail finals. They were the highest scoring team in the preliminaries. “I know that’s not always good luck, but I’m taking them when I can get them! We’re pretty excited about that.”

Laina feels it is Strawberri’s presence that helps to catch the eyes of the judges, and then, of course, she has the ability to perform fluid, flawless changes on command. “I think, when she comes in the pen, she’s so animated. It’s interesting, because she almost lights up out there. She always goes to the change strong and she’s always honest. If you can get her to a spot, and keep her engaged, she will give you an amazing lead change.”

Assisting Laina and Strawberri are the team’s trainers, Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes, also known to be Western Riding specialists. “They are geniuses at knowing how much we need before we get ready and when to back off. Bruce always says that we’re exactly alike, so we’re easy to coach in preparation for the show pen. Bruce is remarkable at knowing what to do to get you to the show pen, and Anthony has feel like nobody I’ve ever seen. He’s done a really amazing job with Strawberri.”

Not only is Strawberri still showing her winning ways, she is helping to create the next generation. She has three foals on the ground, two by Lopin Machine and one by Heartstoppin. In addition, Bruce and Anthony own a 2-year-old filly that will be shown in 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure named Redwine Or Moonshine, who recently won big at the Arizona Fall Championship in unanimous fashion with Aaron Moses in the saddle.