Youth Spotlight – The Langley Sisters
Click here to read the complete article
By Rachel Kooiker
Sometimes, for certain families, the horse world just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Avery and Addie Langley are no exception. The Langley girls are rising stars who can be seen showing in youth all-around events at all the major AQHA circuits, and they’re in good company with their mom, Anna Langley, and their aunt, Heather Van Hooser, who not only inspire them but can also be found making their marks in the show pen as well.
Anna smiles and says, “It’s a family affair,” when speaking of how the girls’ passion for horses was sparked. The girls’ father, Jimmy, adds, “Their mother was incredibly competitive but took 20 years off to focus on other things.” At the tail end of that 20-year break was when Avery and Addie became interested in riding and showing.
As Anna got back into riding, Avery and Addie got their start in the Hunter-Jumper world. Addie still keeps and rides her Hunter pony, Sassy Seahorse, at their home. While both girls loved showing on the Hunter circuits, they both recall getting pulled into the world of AQHA breed shows. Avery says, “Every summer, we would attend a show over the 4th of July with my Aunt Heather, and that was one of my favorite shows that I looked forward to every year.” Addie explains, “I love doing this, and I started showing in Leadline with my Aunt’s horse, I Will Be Hot.”
The desire to focus their efforts in one arena, and a genuine love for the AQHA breed, led the girls to focus on all-around competition and leave the Hunter ring behind. Anna adds, “We decided to focus on AQHA shows so we could spend more time together as a family and go to the same shows.” AQHA circuits offer a perfect platform for a family who loves to spend ample time together. Anna’s sister, Heather Van Hooser, lives and rides in Oklahoma and can be seen competing with her horse, Best One Around, while Anna now shows The Right Mechanic.
Click here to read the complete article
