Meg DePalma Chats About New Partner, Don’t Think Twice

By: Brittany Bevis

Just as the AQHA World Show was ending, we relayed the news on our The Equine Chronicle social media that Meg DePalma had become the proud new owner of Kent Ray Taylor’s all-around mare, Don’t Think Twice. Considerable excitement ensued following the news of this exciting new partnership. Now that the holiday break has passed, we had the opportunity to chat with Meg about her newest equine partner, “Marley.”

“I first learned Marley was available when I arrived at the NSBA World Show this year,” she says. “[My trainer] Clint Ainsworth asked me to grab my boots and go with him. I went out and saw Marley and [Kent’s trainer] Blake waiting for us.”

“I had always admired Marley and Kent’s success over the years. She’s so talented and beautiful to watch. Needless to say, I was super excited when Clint said that I was going to try her.”

Meg explains that Marley had accumulated earnings in the Western Pleasure arena reaching tens of thousands of dollars before she began her all-around career a few years ago. That’s exactly what caught Meg’s eye. As an all-around rider that specializes in the Western disciplines, Meg has appreciation for a trustworthy show mare with a strong foundation in Western Pleasure and breeding to match. Marley is a six-year-old, chestnut mare by the great RL Best Of Sudden.

“Marley and Kent have been very successful in Select all around events,” she says. “Marley started showing in Trail and Western Riding in 2019 with [Kent’s trainer] Blake Weis. In a very short time, she’s now the NSBA World Champion in Senior Trail and Reserve NSBA World Champion in Green Senior Western Riding.”

Meg is now working on developing a partnership with Marley, who she describes as a queen. “She’s a queen and likes to be treated that way! I intend to keep her feeling as special as she knows she is. We are making our debut at the Florida Circuits in December. I’ll show her in the amateur all around, and Clint will show her in Trail and Western Riding. While it’s always a learning curve when starting a new partnership, I’m so excited to get started. I hope to make Kent, Blake, and Clint proud!”