A Star On The Rise – Kayla Budine
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By Susan Winslow
It seems that showing was in Kayla’s DNA, and she progressed from her pony to her mom’s show horses, then her own horses, continuing the family legacy now as a newly minted amateur. After learning the ropes and finding success at local and regional shows, Kayla rode with trainer Nancy Sue Ryan. She remembers her time with Nancy Sue fondly, “Nancy Sue was a big part of me learning how to show properly. She made me into a great showman as well.” She rode with Liz and Cole Baker from 2015-2017, earning a Reserve Championship at the 2016 AQHA Congress, and, in 2015 and 2017, she was Top 3 at the Congress. She also earned an NSBA bronze trophy in 2017. Kayla says, “Liz and Cole helped me learn and progress so much in my riding. I’m very grateful to them.”
Now riding with multiple Congress and World Champion trainer Stacy Huls, Kayla has managed to balance a stellar career in the show pen with an active school and athletic life. The daughter of Marcie McClenon and Matt Budine, Kayla also has an older brother, Austin, and a new little brother, Caiden. Although she loved growing up in a small town, she always had her sights set on bigger things. She explains, “Oakdale, California is a small town and everyone knows everyone there. It’s nice growing up in a small town, but it also made me want to adventure out, travel, and live in different places.” While her mother encouraged horseback riding, her father encouraged involvement in other sports. Kayla says, “My dad got me into sports like cheer and track, and I’m also thankful for that, as well. My dad is part owner of my horses. He has been so supportive, and he’s always willing to help Stacy and me. I’ve always had a busy schedule when it comes to sports, especially when I was in high school. I’m a very active person, and I can only thank my parents for that and for always supporting me in whatever I do.”
