PG . 62
AQHA FEATURE
He loved the Quarter Horse Breed and bred some good horses , and I know the roots of my riding come from him ,” Skyla said .
“ Cinch has now become one of the most consistent horses there is , believe it or not . He tries so hard nowadays and loves to Barrel race . He has the funkiest personality ; he is a sweet horse with a touch of arrogance to go with it . He loves a scratch and doesn ’ t use too much energy if he doesn ’ t have to ! His runs always look effortless , and I have lots of comments after his times are announced , like wow , that didn ’ t look that fast , but he makes his time up around his tight turns .”
“ I won the Juvenile Barrel at Quirindi Rodeo a few weeks back , and Wendy said , ‘ I held my breath the whole way I don ’ t think you could have fit a cigarette butt between your leg and those drums .’ We have had so much fun together , and he is the reason I have made some awesome forever friends and memories “ I still text all my runs to Wendy , and if she is where I am at a Rodeo , she never misses to watch me . I am blessed to not only have Wendy around me but my family also and the most amazing supportive Rodeo friends and their parents who have watched and encouraged me in this crazy Barrel Racing journey I have had !”
“ Wendy Caban is who I will always admire in the Barrel Racing world . She is inspirational . Spending time at her home made me see exactly what you need to do to be the best of the best . The best advice Wendy gave me was ‘ it doesn ’ t happen overnight ; you ’ ve just got to Cowgirl up and keep going ’.
Skyla is inspired by and admires Wendy Caban and ‘ Jaylo ’, Katina Matthews and ‘ Filthy Rich n Famous .’ “ One day , my dream is to barrel race my own horse by this amazing stallion . I also like to watch Brittany McVicar ride ,” says Skyla .
Skyla believes the key to her success is never giving up on a horse she ‘ knew had the ability but was challenging and heartbreaking at the same time .’ Riding every single day , rain , hail or shine . Keeping Cinch fit and feeling the best he can . Don ’ t be scared to try something different .’
SKYLA WOULD LIKE TO THANK : -
• The Mobberley Family , Jodie , Kane , Jack and Makayla for allowing us to buy him .
• Wendy and Troy Caban for welcoming me into their home and teaching me the fine points of Barrel Racing .
• Michelle and Chase Russell for lending me a horse at the ABCRA Finals . I believe this was when I experienced what a barrel horse should feel like , and from that day on , I went forward .
• My Nan for being my best friend and always being there to pick me up from the bus to work my horses and helping me feed and rug every afternoon .
• My Mum and Dad for shoeing my horses and carting me everywhere I need to go .
• Ben Maytom for keeping Cinch feeling 100 %
“ I would like to qualify for my 2nd ABCRA National Finals , and to win a title or the average would be a little extra goal if it were to happen . My dream is to become a Jockey , which may slow my Barrel racing down , but it ’ s something I have always wanted to do . Mum and Dad are not keen for me to enter that career , but I can ’ t wait ,” says Skyla of her future dreams .
We look forward to what the future holds for this magical combination . J
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU