“The first time I’d ever even shown him was the first day here in the Select Hunter Under Saddle,” Kent says. “I’d only ridden him in the English saddle once at home. I came to the NSBA World last year with my Western horses, but this is my first year back with a Hunt Seat horse in 32 years.”

Another World Champion walk-trot competitor was Allie Rippeon with Famous N Foolish, aka “Calvin.” Allie and Calvin won Showmanship, Horsemanship, and Equitation at the NSBA World Show this year and this was their first time winning a World Championship title!

Jayna and “Stanley” won at the NSBA World Show last year in 13 and Under Trail, but her favorite class is Equitation. In fact, she was just named the Reserve Champion in 13 and Under Equitation at the AQHA Youth World Show.

“He’s the most perfect horse I’ve ever owned!” Talyn says. “Western Riding is one of our favorite classes. He feels really relaxed and calm, and every stride is easy for him. I’m calm, he’s calm, and I think he’s likes to show off his lead changes.”

We’ve had the opportunity to speak with World Champions in Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, and Western Pleasure during this morning’s classes at the NSBA World Show.

“He’s a pretty horse, and I love the way he presents himself. Of course, Linda is the best rider on earth…,” Gerri Leigh says. “It’s actually Linda’s horse, and I just pay his bills!”

Although it isn’t Taco Tuesday, the Mil Max crew has plans to institute Salsa Sunday in honor of Taco’s win. “I wore my t-shirt today that says, ‘Do It For The Tacos!'”

“I like being around the other breed associations. You see other people that you might have only seen in the Chronicle and you don’t come into contact with otherwise. You see faces you normal only see in print.”