Sabrina Janis and Rumors In the Dark Begin with a Bang

By Delores Kuhlwein

They say when you get a new horse, there’s a huge learning curve. Others say it takes a good year to learn a new horse.

Sabrina Janis turned those ideas on their heads today, September 13, 2024, at the Championship Show at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as she piloted Rumors In The Dark, aka “Ernie.”  In the first class in Arena 2, she topped the leaders’ list to win the $5,000 NSBA Color Non Pro Trail with earnings of $1250.

Then in her next class, the team upped the ante by winning the $10,000 NSBA Amateur Trail & $2,500 Ltd Rider Bonuses to the tune of $3700 for Amateur Trail, and $1500 for the Limited Rider Champion title.

The significance of all this success: she’s had Ernie just a few short weeks.  “We purchased him from Kendra Whitney at the NSBA World Show, and he came home with us,” explains Sabrina. “He was in Will Knabenshue’s program, and they’ve done a great job with him.”

She also says that Ernie is a wonderful animal with a great mind, and he truly loves to do the Trail. “So I’m very thankful that he’s now mine and we’re excited to start on this adventure together.”

Sabrina has always cherished the event – one she began with when she first started riding. “I love that every pattern is different and there’s always going to be pieces and parts that you and your horse are going to have to work on and really capitalize on, especially with their strengths and weaknesses,” she reveals. “I know for myself, it’s always a new challenge and it’s always something to keep my brain sharp.  I’m definitely always growing and always evolving and trying to get better, because truthfully in trail, you always have something to learn.”

For their preparation for the Trail classes at this show, Sabrina explains they focused on getting to know each other and upon the best way to prepare Ernie. “I think that he really loves this event,” she says. “He’s just got great expression and he’s super-pleasant in the pen. So for me, it was just more about trying to ride assertively and really pick my spots so that I could make it clear to him what I wanted and to make sure that I was communicating that effectively.”

Their next stop is the 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress, and Sabrina says, “I am very excited!”

 

Results for $5,000 NSBA Color Non Pro Trail:

1st: Sabrina Janis and Rumors In The Dark -$1250

2nd: Marykate Mahassel and Uptown Never Sleeps -$1,000

3rd: Megan Hawkins and Kustom Made -$775

4th: Megan Hawkins and Armani Assets -$625

5th: Lauren Stepaniak and No Attitude Required-$500

6th: Amy Boudreau and Quick Dun N Steady – $400

 

 

Results for $10,000 NSBA Amateur Trail & $2,500 Ltd Rider Bonuses:

1st:Sabrina Janis and Rumors In The Dark -$3700

Also the Ltd Rider Champion $1500

2nd:Grant Mastin and Hand Made Machine-$2000

Also the Reserve Ltd Rider: $1000

3rd:Jeffrey Johns and Nothin But Nett -$1500

4th: Emma Brown and Ur Ride Has Arrived-$1000

5th: Jeffrey Johns and KM Flat Out The Best-$750