We Are Family

A steadfast love for their horses, their trainer, the Paint Horse, and above all, each other, results in a recipe for success for the Raykovich and Chelwick “Fam” of Premier Performance Horses.

By Delores Kuhlwein

Time and time again in the horse industry, we hear exhibitors declare their barns become their family.

In the case of the Raykovich and Chelwick family in Premier Performance Horses barn, they’re actually already related, and they’re affectionately known as “The Fam,” a team that rides together and competes together.

“Karen Qualls came up with the name, which we love,” says Toni Raykovich, “and we are actually two sets of sisters: Randy and I in Master Amateur classes and a few novice classes, and (Randy’s daughters) Spencer and Kyley, in Amateur all age classes.”

They’re also a team that has remained fiercely loyal to the Paint Horse and to their trainer, Karen Qualls, throughout the years, and now to her assistant, Lauren McNabb-McCuata.  “They come every Saturday, and every Friday if they can, depending on work, and they ride for up to four hours,” Karen explains. “They’re good students, you can coach them, and they’re dedicated and determined. They’re also definitely dedicated to the breed; I only have Paints in my barn and we’re all very devoted to the Paint industry.”

Sister, Sister

“Since Toni and I were young we always begged to ride any horse we came across,” reveals Randy. “Fast forward – we got married, moved within a mile of each other, and had several horses (and children) each. Our mutual love for horses continued and one day my sister said maybe we should try showing. And so we did, dragging my 13 year old daughter, Spencer, along. Years later, Kyley, my youngest joined as well and so we became a group of four. I never thought 20 years later we would still be showing and winning together.”

As they’ve grown as horsemen, so have their accolades – for example, this year, Randy and Toni Raykovich, the two sisters, earned Reserve and Bronze Championships respectively in the Amateur Trail 45 & Over with Goodnight Charlie and Lucky In Hollywood at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show, and Toni also won Intermediate Reserve World Champion in the class.

Just a few days later in Intermediate Amateur Senior Western Pleasure, Randy’s daughters took top honors, with Spencer Chelwick and Hesa Good Ride as Champions (also the Bronze overall champs), and Kylie Chelwick and Lazy Loper On Scotch right behind her with a Reserve Championship.

For The Fam, their success is synonymous with supporting each other. “Competing with The Fam is my favorite part of showing. Getting to share the highs and lows with these amazing women is an honor,” explains Spencer. “The highs are sweeter when we celebrate together, sometimes even in the same class! And the lows are graciously supported with kind words, hugs, and wine. My mom and I have been showing together for 20 years and growing up watching her live this passion and accomplish her goals has been the most inspiring. She has taught me to never give up and never forget to have fun along the way.”

In fact, Spencer used that philosophy at this year’s World Show to earn an Intermediate World Championship in Amateur Horsemanship All Ages with Hesa Good Ride. She’d placed eleventh in the class for five years straight, but that didn’t deter Spencer, who is also inspired by her aunt and her sister.

“My auntie, Toni, has shown with us nearly as long and her dedication is truly unmatched. She works harder than anyone I know and is a true inspiration. I’m so happy she finally got the recognition she deserves by taking home several intermediate and bronze titles from this world show,” Spencer says.

Spencer’s sister, Kyley, is the younger of the two and is newer to showing, she says, but she has impacted Spencer’s show career immensely. “She was in the arena with me when I won my first ever Reserve World title in Novice Amateur Western Riding, making the win even sweeter. Plus she graciously lets me share her horse for the English events! Competing as a family also means competing against each other. And I say if I’m going to get beaten, I would love for it to be by a member of my family. My mom whoops my butt regularly whenever trail is combined!”

Competing Together a Plus

One would expect sibling rivalry between each set of sisters, but Toni debunks that notion. “Even though Randy and I often compete in the same classes, we always wish each other good luck and want the other to perform their best pattern ever. Our competition is not between each other but for each of us to try to ride our best,” she explains. “The Fam loves to work together to get our horses ready (although Spencer is the Queen of Helping) to give pep talks if needed, and to be the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for our sisters in classes!”

Kyley and Spencer show against each other as well, but Kyley views this as an asset in her favorite hobby. “I am so lucky to have three amazing women to look up to in both life and horse showing. At the shows, my sister helps me get better and is always around to give me advice. My aunt is my biggest cheerleader and always helps remind me that we do this for fun. And my mom is the strongest person I know and the glue that keeps The Fam together.”

If this is any indication of their close relationships with each other, Toni explains they didn’t have even one argument after living together for over a week at the Air BNB in Fort Worth. “We all feel very lucky to be able to show together, and we created a Fam page cheer squad texting group so our family could keep up to date on class times and results!”

The show was especially meaningful because they all received buckles, explains Toni, but even more so because of the memories they’re creating. “Randy now rides Charlie, Spencer’s prized horse, and Kyley offered Scotch for me to ride in the Novice Amateur Western Pleasure.”

Spencer explains that her favorite memory from the show, an honor to share with her sister, was being crowned intermediate champion with Kyley taking the intermediate reserve title.  “The smiles and joy we shared are a core memory. There were many hugs and hand holding as we left the arena with our new titles, the wins made even sweeter shared with my sister.”

“Nothing beats showing with my girls and my sister,” echoes Randy.  “The time we spend together with our ponies are some of my happiest memories. Throughout the years horses have made us closer. It helps that we all share a favorite class, Trail, with three of us having won world titles in this event. But for me it’s not about the winning, but about having our family together working through the ups and downs of showing, always wanting the best for one another. I feel so lucky to be able to participate in a sport that allows me to compete with my sister and daughters.”

Spencer’s words about showing with The Fam put it all into perspective, their relationship a shining example at the core of Premier Performance Horses, cultivated by their trainer and barn. “Showing as a family means always having someone in your corner,” concludes Spencer. “Always having a cheering section. Always having a big hug waiting. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”