AQHA All Around Champion- 13 and Under- Sydney Sargent and Lazy Lopin Guy

By: Brittany Bevis

Now that AQHA has officially released the final standings for 2019, effectively crowning the year-end All-Around award winners for each division, it’s time to celebrate!

First, we chatted with the Select Amateur Champion- Scott Reinartz with Investin A Goodbar. Then, we spoke with the Amateur Champion- Tony Anderman with his horse, Solo Invested. Third was Youth Champion- Ellexxah Maxwell with Zips Bossy Chip. Last week, we spoke with Sabrina Janis, whose family owns the AQHA All-Around Senior Horse- Cruize. Today’s featured team is the 13 and Under All Around Champion- Sydney Sargent with Lazy Lopin Guy.

Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com over the next few weeks as we feature several of the horse and rider teams that have achieved one of AQHA’s highest honors.

Sydney and the 2011 bay gelding she calls “Tyler” have been a team for the past two years. During that time, the Canadian born and raised gelding has learned to be a true all-around horse, which suits Sydney to a tee. “Tyler loves attention and has a bold personality. He’s handsome, and he knows it. He has learned to be a true, all around horse, which is perfect for me because I love all the events. Performance Halter, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Equitation, and Trail are my favorites!  Tyler has taught me valuable lessons, and I’m grateful for the partnership.”

Unlike some of the other All Around Champions we have interview thus far, winning this title was a goal that Sydney set for herself at the beginning of the year. The 13 and Under division was new for AQHA in 2019, and Sydney was excited to try her hand at snagging the inaugural title.

“I read the AQHA press release early in the year announcing the new 13 and Under All Around High Point award,” she says. “I set it as a goal but understood that there would be many challenges. We experienced injuries, both horse and human, and a few obstacles along the way, but that made the achievement all the more rewarding.”

During 2019, Sydney and Tyler achieved a particularly memorable moment- winning 13 and Under Equitation at the AQHA Youth World Show. “I have dreamed about winning a World Championship since attending my first World Show and watching my parents compete. Winning Hunt Seat Equitation was more magical than I could have ever imagined. I remember every detail about the evening. It was amazing in every way possible. My parents were so proud, and I can still hear Robin Frid cheering from the gate as I took a victory lap.”

Though this year has been a bit tough, with the pandemic and cancellations of horse shows, Sydney has realigned some of her goals for 2020. She’s currently competing at the Redbud Spectacular and is enjoying visiting with friends that she has missed over the past few months.

“I graduate from Lexington Catholic High School in 2023 and would like to ride on a NCEA team in college, so improving my Horsemanship is a focus for me. While at home, my Dad has kept me busy in the barn riding several horses every day. Tyler has enjoyed the stay at home order, but he’s ready to get back to the show pen!”

“Showing horses is teaching me many valuable life lessons. Hard work, dedication, and focus are all keys to being successful. But this year also taught me about patience, preparation, and teamwork. You can’t rush or buy success; you have to work for it, and usually, the timing is out of your control. God has a plan for me, and I trust in it.”

Sydney would like to thank AQHA and Markel Insurance for sponsoring this award. There are also many members of her support team that she’d like to thank.

“Little girls have big dreams, and I’m excited that 13 and under exhibitors have this special opportunity.  I would like to thank my parents, Bennie and Cheryllee Sargent. They sacrifice so much for me and are supportive in every way. They encourage me to dream big and work hard. I’m also very grateful for Robin and Jenny Frid. They have an eye for detail and a tremendous work ethic. I have become a better showman with their guidance.”

“I can confidently say that this award would not have been possible without the care of Mr. Rob Spencer, our farrier and good friend. Mr. Rob made sure that Tyler was comfortable the entire year, and I’m grateful for his attention and advice. I would like to thank Mr. Tommy Sheets for his support and encouragement. He’s always there for me. Special thanks to my role models, Norm and Lorraine Luba, for their guidance and encouragement in all that I do. There are so many people that support me with kindness and encouraging words. It truly takes a village. I’m blessed to be able to show, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”