Ariana Cimino/RL Best of Goodbar Win Level 2 Trail at AQHA Youth World

By: Brittany Bevis

18-year-old Ariana Cimino and her longtime partner, RL Best of Goodbar, were named the Level 2 Trail Champions at the AQHA Youth World Show this evening. Not only did Ariana and “Dolly” claim the top spot in the L2 finals, they are the second highest score going into the Level 3 finals, behind fellow barn mate, Emily Maul and Only Temptation. It’s their first time making it to the finals in their second Youth World Show appearance.

“She’s my star child. It’s a whole different type of love, you know? She works really hard. Every single time, she gives 100%, even when she’s hurting or doesn’t want to be out there. She pushed me to work hard, because she works so hard.”

Dolly is a beautiful, 8-year-old black mare by RL Best of Sudden and out of a Zippos Mr Goodbar mare. She’s been in the Cimino family since she was just two years old. Assisting Ariana with Dolly’s preparations are trainers, Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes.

“They’ve really taught me how to use my body and how my movements really help her. They’ve taught me how to really ride, instead of just going out there. I use more of my body and I feel as if I’m more connected to her. They tell me to find the connection.”

Ariana feels her best portions of this evening’s pattern were the left lead lope-overs. “We’ve been working on my left lead lope for a really long time. Also, we’ve had to work on our walk-overs. We’ve definitely had out challenges, but we’ve pushed through it and gotten better at it for sure.”

“This is just so amazing. I couldn’t believe it. I’m really happy about it.”

In addition to Trail, Ariana and Dolly compete in Horsemanship and they still have the Level 2 finals left to go here at the show.

The second place finisher was Klair Merrell with Chillin Ona Dirt Road. Third was Madison Parduhn with So Blazin I’m Amazin. Fourth was Kendalyn Herlocker with Memphis Bound. Fifth was Alexia Tordoff with Blazing Hot N Gold.