Figueroa and Millan Win Novice Youth AjPHA Trail World Titles

By: Brittany Bevis

Thanks to the speedy set-up skills of Trail course designer Robert Dehn and crew, the first two Trail classes of the 2015 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show are already complete.

First, Casimira Millan rode Real Sensational to win a World Champion title in Novice Youth Trail 14-18. The Reserve World Champion was Alexandra Potts with Sensational Hannah. Coming in third was Taylor Burgess with RL Talk About Sudden.

14-year-old Rebecca Figueroa rode her 8-year-old gelding, Just Say Whoa, to win Novice Youth Trail 13 and Under in unanimous fashion. Figueroa and “Chevy” just came off a very successful Pinto World Championship Show where they were named 13 and Under Overall High Point Champions.

Earlier at the AjPHA Youth World, the pair placed fourth in 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle and fourth in 13 and Under Equitation. Later in the show, they will compete in 13 and Under Trail, 13 and Under Horsemanship, and 13 and Under Western Pleasure. Although Figueroa will have to learn an entirely different Trail pattern for tomorrow’s competition, she feels up to the task.

“I’ve been showing for about five years, so you get used to having to learn multiple patterns quickly!” she says.”Today’s pattern was a bit tight after the bridge to the right lead lope overs, but I really liked the trots, because he can weave around a lot.”

“My favorite classes are definitely Trail and Hunter Under Saddle. I really like the pattern classes. He’s really smooth, and he makes it fun for me.”

Figueroa and Chevy currently compete under the guidance of Scott Suggs Show Horses. Looking forward to her 14-18 career, she is hoping to add Western Riding to her repertoire of classes.

The Reserve World Champion in Novice Youth 13 and Under Trail was World Show first-timer, 12-year-old Justin Lutjelusche, with his 10-year-old mount Shinning Goodies, aka “Fergie.” This pair currently competes under the guidance of Theresa Martz.

Just the other day, at the AjPHA Year-End Banquet, Lutjelusche received his first Top 20 buckle for placing 16th during his first year of showing in the 13 and Under division. However, with his Reserve World title today, he’ll have to decide which shiny buckle to wear… Perhaps he will share his prizes with his mother and grandmother, who flew in especially to watch Lutjelusche compete. Later on in the show, they will compete in Horsemanship and Western Pleasure.

Novice Youth Trail 13 and Under:

1- Just Say Whoa/Rebecca Figueroa

2- Shinning Goodies/Justin Lutjelusche

3- Just Plain English/Sabine Lazo

4- Mr Cool Zippo/Raygan Follis

5- Sunny Sensation/Sydney Hatcher

Novice Youth Trail 14-18:

1- Real Sensational/Casimira Millan

2- Sensational Hannah/Alexandra Potts

3- RL Talk About Sudden/Taylor Burgess

4- Plenty of Good Chips/Samantha Daily

5- Lucrative Loper/Madeline Alewine