On The Cover
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You Feelin’ Lucky?
by Brittany Bevis
With a background in both AQHA and APHA sides of the horse industry, Schexnayder grew up competing in multiple events ranging from Hunter Under Saddle and Horsemanship to Trail and even Barrel Racing. When she set out on her most recent horse shopping expedition, she had something specific in mind. However, she certainly wasn’t looking for a stallion…
“I couldn’t resist,” she says. “I’ve had my eye on him for years. I’ve always wanted to ride Lucky, and I fell in love with him instantly. I really had no intention of getting into the breeding business, but he’s such an incredible horse that I couldn’t pass him up.
“I’d been going back and forth trying to decide whether I should show more Paints or Quarter Horses. They say that timing is everything, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Lucky is double-registered, so I will be able to start showing Quarter Horses again, going back to my roots, and seeing some of my old friends.”
Lucky’s double-registered status wasn’t the only quality that clinched the deal. Schexnayder was taken by his eye appeal, size, movement, and charming personality.
“He’s so soft-legged and has such deep hocks,” she says. “To be honest, he will be a great cross for both English and Western mares, and that’s kind of where I excel. I’m more of an all-around rider.”
As a non-pro competitor, Schexnayder knew she’d need a reliable mount, so a stallion wasn’t necessarily her first choice. However, Lucky won her over with his quiet mind and sweet disposition.
“I knew, if I ever bought a stud, he’d have to be super-broke, quiet, and soft,” she says. “Lucky fits all of those categories. He’s a gentle giant. You’d have no idea he’s a stallion. He’s obsessed with anything I eat, whether it’s a Snickers or a Pop-Tart. He loves to be right next to you, even when you’re cleaning out his stall. He loves to be turned out and likes to play, but when it comes to work, he’s all business and has his work hat on.”
With prior achievements including a top five finish at the Quarter Horse Congress in 2-Year-Old Limited Western Pleasure, a Reserve Championship in 3-Year-Old Color Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the Reichert Celebration, and a Reserve Championship in 3- and 4-Year-Old Western Pleasure at the APHA World Show, Lucky began his early career as a Western Pleasure futurity horse. Now, Schexnayder has plans to show her ten-year-old stallion at AQHA and APHA events in classes like Green Trail, Green Western Riding, Amateur Western Pleasure, and Amateur Horsemanship. In fact, Schexnayder has her sights set on the Quarter Horse Congress and APHA World Show in the fall.
When he’s not in the show pen, Lucky will be splitting his time between trainer Chad Christensen, and stallion managers Brian and Dena Raggio, of Manor House Ranch in Pilot Point, TX.
“I’m so excited to be able to stand him for 2015,” she says. “That’s why I chose to offer a significant discount of $950 with chute fee. When I purchased Lucky, my phone started going off instantly. I had so many people calling, who have been trying to breed to him for the past few years. That’s why I started the ‘Get Lucky 2015’ campaign, to allow him to be stood at a reasonable rate.”
As she embarks on this new adventure, Schexnayder would like to thank Chad and Shane Christensen, Kristin Martin, Brian and Dena Raggio, the entire crew at The Equine Chronicle, and, most importantly, her mother Kathy, who has been by her side since the very beginning.
If you plan to be in the Pilot Point area, please stop by Christensen Show Horses to meet Lucky in person.
