Amateur Spotlight – Laina Banks & Strawberri Wine

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24 – January/February 2019

By Erica Greathouse

Some people are just born with horses in their blood. Such is the case for AQHA Select Amateur competitor Laina McNelis Banks, of Schulenberg, Texas. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Laina was raised on a ranch where her family raised Quarter Horse racehorses and owned a World Champion racing stallion. When she was nine years old, a family friend suggested that Laina needed a show horse, and the rest is history. “Our family has always been truly loyal to the Quarter Horse breed and has always been active in AQHA in one way or another. There has never been a time in my life when I haven’t had a Quarter Horse,” Laina says.

Laina showed three different horses in virtually every event throughout her youth career. During her final year of youth eligibility, Laina showed three horses at the AQHA Youth World Championship Show: Miss Blue Dusty, My Imperial Love, and Suits Her Fancy. She claimed a Reserve World Championship in Trail with Miss Blue Dusty and top placings in four other events, all while running for the title of Youth President. “My dad always encouraged me to be involved in our affiliate programs. I served as Youth President for our state, and my active leadership roles eventually led to running for president of the Youth Association.”

Laina’s father, Ed McNelis, is still involved in AQHA to this day, and has always played an active role in teaching Laina that exhibiting good sportsmanship and making a difference in the association are the most important ways to contribute to the horse industry. In fact, he’s being recognized by AQHA as the recipient of the Merle Wood Humanitarian Award. “This is a huge honor that recognizes his contribution, support of youth, and humanitarian efforts for AQHA. It really relates to all that I’ve learned from him about service and doing more for others than for yourself. I’m so very proud of him,” she says. Laina is following in her father’s footsteps. “I serve on the AQHA Board, NSBA Board, Texas QHA, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum Board, and Texas A&M University Equine Initiative Board of Directors. One of my greatest honors was being elected the Chair of the AQHA Foundation, where I served at the helm for three years. I’m blessed to have great horses, but impacting others and helping to make the industry a warm and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers is paramount,” she says.

Click here to read the complete article
24 – January/February 2019