Smith, Fortenberry, and Preston Win AjPHA Western Riding World Titles

By: Brittany Bevis

This evening was filled with talented horse and rider pairs that tried their best to capture the subtlety and precision required to execute the perfect western riding pattern. A few were able to accomplish this feat, namely the three World Champions that were crowned: Anne-Marie Fortenberry with The Only Kiss To Envy, Talyn Smith with Sensational Me, and Mackenzie Preston with Brokers Lucky Kid.

First up, Anne-Marie Fortenberry and The Only Kiss To Envy were the championship team in the Novice Youth 18 and under Western Riding. Coming in Reserve was Talyn Smith with Sensational Me. Rounding out the top three was Lexi Jordan with Overachiever.

Then, in the 13 and under Western Riding, Talyn Smith returned to claim the top spot with Olivia Eagles and Chipped In Roses in a close second. Third place was Caroline Nielson with Sensational Dee.

Finally, Mackenzie Preston piloted Brokers Lucky Kid to a unanimous finish in 14-18 Western Riding. The Reserve Champion was Drew Rogers with Shez Eye Candy. Third place was Taylor Dixon with My Sensational Cookie.

Like other competitors lucky enough to find themselves in the winner’s circle, there were tears in Mackenzie Preston’s eyes as she loped up to accept her awards. However, for Preston, there were many more emotions at play than simply happiness and excitement.

“The past 24 hours was very stressful and frightening,” she says.

While out to dinner last night, Preston received a call letting her know that her horse “Denver” wasn’t feeling well. By the time she returned to the barn, the vets had arrived and were concerned because they couldn’t hear any gut sounds. The problem seemed to be a combination of stress colic and the muggy, Texas weather that’s very different from his climate back home in Washington.

“The vets had to come and give him two bags of fluids,” she says. “Then, after the fluids had gone through, we came back at 1 am to make sure he was ok. He had perked up a bit already and seemed happy, but we didn’t know if we were going to show him or not.”

Early this morning, the pair was scheduled to compete in 14-18 Trail, but Preston made the decision to scratch, given the circumstances. If Denver was feeling well enough by the projected start time of 7 pm., they would compete in western riding.

“Denver has a huge heart,” Preston says. “He is very strong and very dependable. I can count on him to be a good sport, no matter what. He always pulls through and always tries his hardest.”

“I’m very fortunate to have such an amazing horse. I think it was hard for him. It’s so hot here and all of the driving we had to do to get to the World Show was tough. This was amazing. I was so happy. I cried tears of joy and relief.”

Although originally scheduled to compete in 14-18 Horsemanship tomorrow, Denver will be taking the day off to rest and prepare for 14-18 Western Pleasure.

Preston would like to thank her horse trainers, Mike Davis, Kip Larson, as well as her family and friends for all of the support they have given she and Denver over the past few days.

14-18 Western Riding-

1-Brokers Lucky Kid/Mackenzie Preston (unanimous)

2-Shez Eye Candy/Drew Rogers

3-My Sensational Cookie/Taylor Dixon

4-Zippos Redemption/Mary Camp

5-Mr Jack Cool/Paige Kemper

Intermediate-

1-Onesensationalcowgirl/Kayleigh Azevedo

2-Zippos Paycheck/Elizabeth Collins

3- My Cowboy Cadillac/Sarah Orsak

4-Zip With Lace/Rebecca Seiffely

5-Chaisnthesensation/Kassandra Jones

13 and Under Western Riding–

1-Sensational Me/Talyn Smith

2-Chipped In Roses/Olivia Eagles

3-Sensational Dee/Caroline Nielson

4-Only In Hollywood/Carlee Purcell

5-Who Painted Me/Abigail Love

Intermediate-

1-Sensational Me/Talyn Smith

2-Only In Hollywood/Carlee Purcell

3-Who Painted Me/Abigail Love

4-Sacrifice/Hannah Stokan

Novice Youth Western Riding 18 and under-

1-The Only Kiss To Envy/Anne-Marie Fortenberry

2-Sensational Me/Talyn Smith

3-Overachiever/Lexi Jordan

4-Gallant Zippo/Alexndra Fink

5-Onesensationalcowgirl/Kayleigh Azevedo