8th Place Junior National
Breanna Curry, age 8
Fancy, APHA Mare
Cottondale, Florida
9th Place Junior National
Emma Stewart, age 10
Cali, Welsh Pony Mare
Laurel Hill, Florida
10th Place Junior National
Chloe Curry, age 11
Miss Priss, Paso Fino Mare
Cottondale, Florida
Eight year old Breanna Curry has been riding ever since she could walk. Breanna’s partner is Fancy Pants, a 26 year old Paint mare that has survived cancer, is half blind in one eye but whose heart belongs to her young rider. They have been partners for the past three years and can just about go anywhere together with Fancy knowing that Breanna will lead her safely and soundly through any situation. Breanna would like to retire Fancy when she gets older (lol) to l live out a good life at the Crossroads with an occasional light lesson or trail ride in between her favorite pastime of lying in the watering hole out at the racetrack.
In the meantime, Breanna has started training several other horses to compete in upcoming ACTHA, extreme obstacle and endurance events. Don’t let her small size fool you, this petit young rider has a seat of glue whose future plans includes working at the ranch and training rescue and show horses.
beloved Cali, a 14 year old Welsh gaited paint pony. She has done most of the training herself with the hours of riding. Besides ACTHA, Emma shows Cali in open shows with highpoint wins for three consecutive years.
ACTHA is the perfect venue for Emma because being on the trail is her favorite activity. Mixed with the obstacles she enjoys the challenge of never knowing what you are going to be doing. Emma admits that at times Cali can be a handful for her but knows that this has made her a better and fearless rider.
Emma says, “I am very fortunate to have great parents that support me and allow me to go to events. My grandparents take me to the shows, ride with me and encourage me along the way. Thanks to ACTHA and everyone involved for helping the juniors do something that builds our confidence and prepares us to be the best we can, all while having fun.”
Eleven year old Chloe Curry has been riding for six years. Like her sister Breanna, Chloe’s exposure to the horrors of equine abuse and neglect is an everyday occurrence at Kitty’s Crossroads. Chloe’s horse Miss Priss came to them as an 11 year old Paso Fino rescue that had been abandoned two years prior. Fearful of everything Miss Priss lived her first year out at Crossroads while she gained weight and her feet was allowed to heal and grow. Out of the field after a year Chloe’s dad put the first ride on Miss Priss when Chloe decided that Miss Priss was the horse she wanted to work with and has been doing so her ever since. Working hard to earn her trust and allow Priss to respect her as the leader has lead to an unbreakable bond that makes everyone proud. Every step along the way Cloe has guided the skinny horse that no one could catch in the field into the fat Prissy girl that now runs up to you when you call her name.
Like many young equestrians Cloe would rather ride and care for horses than watch TV or play video games. Her future plan involves becoming a veterinarian where she can continue to help with the rescues at Crossroads.
ACTHA Monthly | August 2015 | 11
in between her favorite pastime of lying in the watering hole out at the racetrack.
In the meantime, Breanna has started training several other horses to compete in upcoming ACTHA, extreme obstacle and endurance events. Don’t let her small size fool you, this petit young rider has a seat of glue whose future plans
includes working at the ranch and training rescue and show horses.
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work with and has been doing so her ever since. Working hard to earn her trust and allow Priss to respect her as the leader has lead to an unbreakable bond that makes everyone proud. Every step along the way Chloe has guided the skinny horse that no one could catch in the field into the fat Prissy girl that now runs up to you when you call her name.
escues at Crossroads.
Her future plan involves becoming a veterinarian where she can continue to help with the rescues at Crossroads.
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This is 10 year old Emma Stewart’s first year showing in ACTHA. Having a passion for horses she has been riding with her Grandmother since she was 2 years old. Emma's horse for the past five years is her
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Photo by Smooch