Paulina Martz and Onlythebestchocolate Win First World Title of 2013 AQHYA World Show in Performance Halter Mares

There were plenty of firsts this morning at the 2013 AQHYA World Show in Oklahoma City during the Performance Halter Mares. It was the first class of the horse show and the first World Championship title for 15-year-old Paulina Martz, who led Onlythebestchocolate, a 2007 bay mare by RL Best of Sudden and out of Chocolate Only, to the win in an impressive class of 33 qualifiers.

Members of the Martz family greeted Paulina outside of the arena to celebrate her first World title with hugs and congratulations. Although big sister Chelsea couldn’t be here to witness Paulina’s win in person, we’re sure she is watching at home and thrilled that little sister will be bringing home the gold to Ohio.

“She is nine years older than me, so it’s a little different than having a sister that’s two years older,” Paulina says. “But we are pretty close. I think the horse riding has really made us closer.”

Paulina’s equine partner, “Hershey,” has two specialities, western pleasure and halter. Both Martz girls have shown the mare at major AQHA shows across the country.

“We’ve never rode the horses in the same classes at the same time before,” she says. “But I’ve never minded sharing. I don’t know if she did, but I don’t think she did!”

“This is my second year showing here. I was going to do pleasure with another horse, but she got injured. I started doing pleasure with Hershey, but it was a little too late to qualify for this show. I just did halter here, and that’s all I’m here for. I’m done!”

Today, Paulina sought the expertise of her halter trainers, Judd and Jennifer Paul, who have a busy day with youth exhibitors in multiple halter classes. For western pleasure, Kenny and Ashley Lakins are this youth exhibitor’s trainers of choice.

“It’s been kind of crazy today,” she says. “It was a tough class. I would’ve never in my life expected to win it. There was some really steep competition, but I’ve also shown at the Congress, so I’m ok with big class sizes. [Hershey] doesn’t really spook at anything.”

“Hershey is probably the most affectionate horse I’ve ever had. I’ve grown on her. She will nuzzle you and play with you, but she’s pretty relaxed. I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment, but the excitement will set in. Apparently, we are having a party!”

Congratulations to Paulina and the Martz family on what we are sure will be the first of many World Championship wins during her youth career.

Winning the Reserve World title in this class was another little sister, Madison Thiel, who led KM Sudden Lil Zip to the win. Rounding out the top three was Katie Burks with CK Mardi Gras.

Caption: Madison Thiel and KM Sudden Lil Zip

2013 AQHYA World Show Results:

Performance Halter Mares

1-Onlythebestchocolate/Paulina Martz- 1st place Intermediate

2-KM Sudden Lil Zip/Madison Thiel- 2nd place Intermediate

3-CK Mardi Gras/Katie Burks

4-Zips Bossy Chip/Ellexxah Maxwell

5-Youneverlookedsogood/Carli Pitts

6- Formally Yours/Makayla Flowers- 3rd place Intermediate