Meet APHA’s Stars of Summer!

By Brooke Chevalier, PHJ

Four new faces joined APHA to learn the ins and outs of managing one of the world’s largest equine breed registries. Brooke Chevalier, Josie Fladager, Amanda Kresta and Daeleigh Patridge will gain knowledge about the horse world, connect with industry professionals and help orchestrate the APHA World Championship Show as part of their internship duties with APHA for Summer 2022.

BROOKE CHEVALIER

Originally from The Woodlands, Texas, Brooke (far left) comes from Texas A&M University, where she’s a senior studying animal science.

Brooke’s love for horses began in third grade when she started taking Western riding lessons. She quickly fell in love with horses and eventually transitioned to English riding. A few special horses have challenged her to become a more confident equestrian, and Brooke’s grateful to them for fostering connection and communication between horse and rider. Beyond horses, Brooke enjoys hiking, cooking, painting and calligraphy, along with spending time with her family and her cat, Patches.

“APHA is a highly respected organization, and I know this internship will equip me with invaluable marketing and communications experience,” Brooke said. “My goal after graduation is to work in the horse world, and I know this internship will prepare me to succeed.”

JOSIE FLADAGER

Josie (second left) is from Anson, Texas, and attends Tarleton State University. A junior, Josie is studying agricultural communications with an equine certificate, and is considering a minor in business. A passionate barrel racer, Josie has been a member of the West Texas Barrel Racers Association since she was 5 years old and is currently an announcer and assistant secretary for the association. For many years, Josie competed aboard her grandmother’s bay solid Paint-bred mare Special Emily. Currently, Josie owns a 5-year-old Quarter Horse, “Leasa,” and a Schipperke dog named Sioux.

“The APHA internship is a wonderful opportunity to get some real-world experience in my field,” Josie said. “APHA has grown and developed leaps and bounds in the last 10 years and they are nowhere close to being done. I thought it would be exciting to be a part of that and see how they have done this.”

AMANDA KRESTA

Coming from Weatherford, Texas, Amanda (far right) is an incoming senior at Tarleton State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a concentration in business.

Amanda’s passion for horses stems from her family, specifically her grandparents. Her first horses were the solid Paint-breds Sonnys Summer Dee, who was bred her grandfather, and Sonnys Little Red. Amanda enjoys competing in hunter/jumper events with Sonnys Little Red. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and training her border collie, Ranger, in agility.

“I applied for the APHA internship because of my love for horses and the horse world,” Amanda said. “I am excited to expand my knowledge with APHA.”

DAELEIGH PATRIDGE

Hailing from Fort Worth, Daeleigh (second right) is an agribusiness senior at Tarleton State University. She’s a competing member of the Tarleton State Stock Horse Team and currently serves as the team’s vice president. She currently competes in Palomino Horse Breeders Association, roping, barrel racing and ranch versatility competitions aboard an AQHA mare and gelding.

“I applied for the APHA internship because I thought it would be a great way to gain business experience while staying in the horse community,” Daeleigh said. “I have also always had an interest in seeing the behind-the-scenes of horse-show production.”