John and Gralla Win Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation AjPHA World Titles

By: Brittany Bevis

Two talented novice youth riders, who had early success this morning, found themselves in the winner’s circle once again during this afternoon’s Equitation classes at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show.

Veronica John and Pour Me A Cuervo were named the World Champions in Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18. Earlier today, John and her horse won a Reserve World title in Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18. Coming in Reserve in the Equitation class was Kate Petrusse with Specially Vested. Rounding out the top three was Briar Lopez with Isn’t She So Tough.

In the Novice Youth 13 and Under Equitation, Lauren Gralla piloted A Sudden Legacy to a win, which was her second World title of the day. Just a few classes before, she showed “Cheeks” to win the 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle class. The Reserve Champion in Equitation was Sabine Lazo with Just Plain English. Rounding out the top three was Lillian Woodruff with Yours Truly Odyssey.

12-year-old Lauren Gralla is a seasoned walk-trot competitor and former World Champion, but today’s wins marks her first World Championship title in the regular youth division.

“I started riding Cheeks in February,” she says. “He was the horse that just fit me. I thought he was pretty cute, and I think we make a good pair.”

“He’s really smart. Every time we say something about going to practice Showmanship, he sighs like he doesn’t want to do it! His favorite classes are probably Western Riding and Trail. He likes Hunter Under Saddle, I think, but he really likes Western Riding.”

The most challenging part of today’s class for Gralla was picking up her correct diagonal at the beginning of the pattern. However, once she got to the right lead lope down to a sitting trot, she knew everything was going well. Her trainer, Carly Veldman Parks, gave her a list of helpful hints to remember.

“She said to be confident, look up, keep my shoulders back, put my heels down, keep my hands up and together, and keep my elbows in!”

Now that they’ve won their first two classes of the day, Gralla and Cheeks will be trying for a hat trick in the 13 and Under Equitation.

“I had to learn two different patterns, but they’re kind of similar. The second pattern is actually easier for me.”

Later on this week, Gralla and Cheeks will compete in Western Riding, Horsemanship, Trail, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, and Reining.

Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18:

1- Pour Me A Cuervo/Veronica John
2- Specially Vested/Kate Petrusse
3- Isn’t She So Tough/Briar Lopez
4- Bossy Commander/Elliott Durbin
5- A True Indian/Hannah Murusky