Morgan Moser/Suddenized, Kristen McPherson/Twenty Four Win AjPHA Youth World Trail

By: Brittany Bevis

Brightly colored poles, enticing bushes, and complicated maneuvers greeted youth competitors this morning at the 2017 AjPHA Youth World Show. First up this morning, Morgan Moser rode Suddenized to win her first World Championship title in Novice Youth 14-18 Trail.

16-year-old Morgan and 8-year-old, “Buster Brown,” are a relatively new team. She purchased him in November of 2016. Morgan is a newcomer to the APHA show scene, having grown up showing POAs. This is her second trip to the Youth World and her first World Championship title! She currently competes under the guidance of Megan Vanderslice.

The journey up to this point has been quite rocky, but thankfully everything has worked out in the end. “The trip to last year’s Youth World is a long story,” she says. “My first horse, we had on a lease, but then he was taken away 30 days before the World Show. I was able to borrow a friend’s horse for the World Show, and we made it through. Then, I bought a new horse at the Paint Congress last year. Right after we bought him, he died of a brain aneurysm while out in the pasture. Then, we purchased Buster in November, so he’s my fourth horse in a year!”

Despite having to overcome some difficult challenges, Morgan and Buster are continuing to learn and grow as a team. So far here at the show, they’ve competed in Showmanship and Equitation, and they’ve hit a few speed bumps. “One was my fault and one was his fault,” Morgan admits. “He’s a challenging horse to show,” she says.

“In Trail, I thought our lopes through the fans were really good. The biggest thing was going to be my break down from a trot into the transitions. He did all those perfect.”

Coming up later this week, Morgan will ride Buster Brown in two of her favorite classes, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship. “I used to hate Horsemanship, but he’s taught me to love it, so I’m excited for that.”

The Reserve Champion in Novice Youth 14-18 Trail was Cassidy Watters with Suddenly Sophisticated. Third was Ashley Aden with A Subtle Impulse. Fourth was Kaia Bowden with CNC Hez High Profile. Fifth was Ellie Becker with Too Hot To.

Next up, Kristen McPherson showed her horse, Twenty Four, to win Novice Youth 13 and Under Trail. Sydney Hatcher and Only Good Intentions were Reserve. Third place was Kimber Cobbs with Whatcha Expect. Fourth was Gianna Pozzi with Ima Cajon Hot Krymsun. Fifth was Karlee Shiery with TC Hummer.

The 13 and Under and 14-18 Trail Finals will take place tomorrow morning. Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com this afternoon to find out who the winners will be in Western Riding classes…