Leena Volmer and Izzy Got It Win L2 Amateur Showmanship at 2016 AQHA World

By: Brittany Bevis

Leena Volmer was a bit teary-eyed this morning when the announcer revealed that she was the L2 Champion in Amateur Showmanship with her longtime show partner, Izzy Got It. “I’ve had him for eight years, and I will have him forever,” she says.

Initially, when Leena, got “Bosco,” Showmanship wasn’t her favorite event to compete in. However, with some motivation from her sister, Tiina Volmer, and trainer, Jenny Frid, she’s come to enjoy competing in the class. “Actually, my sister inspired me to work at it. She loves it, and I just kind of like it, so she always pushes me. Jenny has been a tremendous help. She has increased my confidence. She’s always very positive, yet gives very good, constructive feedback. She always has that positive aspect, and it makes you want to keep going.”

Going into today’s pattern, Leena and Jenny discussed a few important elements that would be crucial if she hoped to score high marks under the judges.

“Hitting the judges’ shoulder at the beginning was key. We don’t usually do that. Also, lining yourself up with the judge after the trot circle was important. Jenny told me to maintain control and support him. Probably the number one thing was to be confident.”

This is Leena’s first time winning a major title here at the AQHA World Show. She won’t be competing in the Level 3 division of the class because she has to get back to work.

This evening, Leena and Bosco will compete in Amateur Equitation finals. After a brief break to celebrate, the pair will head off to begin practicing and preparing Bosco for the long show day. “He’s one you have to longe every two to three hours at a horse show or he perks up to the point to where it’s very difficult to show him. He loves life, and he’s the happiest horse ever. He’s kooky, though. When we went up to the first cone, he kind of wanted to shy away from it, but then he locked in and listened.”

The Reserve Champion in today’s class was Jessie Hadlock with Safe Havens Version. Third was Lauren Stopperich with Invested Pine Asset. Fourth was Ashley Hadlock with Touched N Moonlite. Fifth was Johnna Letchworth with Wild and Invited.