PG . 26
AQHA FEATURE
For Kieley , the road to the showpen took a little longer than normal , due to Covid , with Tash making the decision to hold her back from doing any competition in 2020 . But it was evident that she had something really special , as Trav had initially noticed when watching her first few rides , and both Jodi and Tash say that Trav was absolutely spot on . The young filly ’ s training continued along very smoothly and once it was clear that everyone could begin getting back into the showpen , plans were set in place .
‘ We decided to take her down to Summer Sizzler in February of this year , entering her into the Maiden WP Feature . Kieley performed nicely and we walked away with a 3rd placing . Then , in some tough competition , she showed so well we won both the Novice WP Feature and the 3yo WP Feature , under both Judges , and that was so exciting . She seemed to improve in each class , and it was like she just loved it .’
Kieley calmly took it all in her stride , and Tash says that from then on , anytime she stepped into the arena , she just became this amazing show horse . Apart from being a beautiful mare , just her size alone , standing 15.3hh , made her a real eye-catcher .
‘ She ’ s probably one of the best show horses I ’ ve had ,’ Tash admits . ‘ She ’ s one of those horses that once you get her in the showpen , she is 200 % there with you all the time — it ’ s like she seems to not want to disappoint you in the pen , and I ’ ve never shown a horse like her . She does everything you want her
Natasha Humphries and Surely Somethin Ta Cee
Natasha Humphries and Surely Somethin Ta Cee to do and just loves her job . I have another couple of Diesel ’ s young ones coming through that look like they ’ re going to be just as nice as her , so I ’ m hoping .’
Jodi is excited with the year Kieley and Tash have had so far and it ’ s not hard for her to express her emotions or her gratefulness to the team and support surrounding her mare . She says Kieley is a true testament to the skill and expertise of both Travis and Natasha Humphries .
‘ I seriously cannot thank them enough for everything they ’ ve done . The fact that we get to enjoy this mare and the legacy of her parents with our best friends — friends we call family — is truly remarkable and we wouldn ’ t change it , or her , for the world . With Kieley , we count our lucky stars every day that Diesel and Halley left us with a little piece of themselves . I ’ ve even been lucky enough to have a pony ride or two . We won the Amateur Pleasure at Nationals and again at Queensland State Show and Tropicana . Kieley is an amazing horse to show and has truly exceeded all our expectations . While we decided to focus on just Western Pleasure in her maiden year , Kieley will branch out into other areas soon . Her future is so bright and we are very excited . We aim to campaign her , then eventually add her to the brood mare band . It ’ s been an amazing and very emotional experience being part of ‘ Team Kieley ’.
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