Lauren Gralla and Erin Griffin Take Top Spots in APHA Youth World 18 and Under Trail

By: Brittany Bevis

Two talented ladies claimed the top spots in Youth 18 and Under Trail today at the APHA Youth World Championship Show. Lauren Gralla rode A Sudden Legacy to win the class. She was followed in Reserve by Erin Griffin with Gotta Glo Slow.

When she woke up this morning, Lauren knew today was going to be a good day. This is always her favorite day of the horse show, because she gets to compete in her two favorite classes, Trail and Western Riding.

“This is our best class, but I was nervous because there are so many good horses in the class. I don’t even know how to explain how tough this class was.”

15-year-old Lauren and her 13-year-old gelding, “Cheeks,” have been competing at the Youth World Show for the past four years and have racked up a number of titles in classes like Trail, Western Riding, Horsemanship, and Equitation, but in the 13 and Under division. This is her first World Championship earned in the older age division, formerly know as 14-18 and now known as 18 and Under. Earlier in the show, this pair placed third in Equitation and fifth in Hunter Under Saddle. Up next, they have Western Riding, Horsemanship, and Western Pleasure

In today’s Trail pattern, Lauren was especially pleased with Cheeks’ lope-overs and walk-overs. “Before Sara [Simons] started helping me, I didn’t use my legs that much, so we’ve worked on using my legs in lope-overs to make sure he picks his back up.”

Because Cheeks has a few hours before his next class, he plans on taking a nap and enjoying some of his favorite Nicker Makers treats. “He’s definitely really chill and always happy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him grumpy. He’s always happy to do his job. He’s a chill guy. He did have gummies yesterday, and I guess I have to buy him more candy now!

Third place was Margaret Applegarth with Sharp Dressed Zippo. Fourth was Caroline Nielson with The Only Kiss To Envy. Fifth was Mackenzie Preston with Brokers Lucky Kid. Sixth was Rebecca Figueroa with Check Required. Seventh was Abigail Love with Sensational Hannah. Eighth was Mary Katherine Camp with Radicalized. Ninth was Brooklyn Moch with She’s The One N Only. Tenth was Lillian Woodruff with Gametime Sensation.