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2026 NUTRIEN CLASSIC CAMPDRAFT- AQHA OWNER INCENTIVE WINNER
When the final whistle blew and Wyatt Young claimed the title aboard Lanina, the moment was overwhelming.
“ It was pure joy, pride and disbelief all at once. Watching it unfold was a dream come true not just because she won, but because it validated everything we’ d believed about her from the very beginning.”
The combination also claimed the AQHA $ 5,000 Cash Owners Incentive for the Highest placing Registered Australian Quarter Horse owned by a financial member, honouring the breed she represents so well.
SASS, HEART AND DETERMINATION Away from the arena, Lanina’ s personality is as distinctive as her performance.
“ She has a very sassy attitude,” Lexie laughs.“ But underneath that, she has the biggest heart just like her dad.”
That spark translates into fierce determination when it matters most. The sight of a cow flips a switch.
“ When there’ s a cow in front of her, she switches on every single time. She tries her absolute hardest, no matter the situation. She’ s naturally fast, incredibly capable, and she genuinely loves her job.”
Her expressive personality, particularly with her owner, is something deeply treasured a reminder that great performance horses are also individuals with character.
“ It’ s that mix of sass, heart and determination that makes her Nina.”
A PARTNERSHIP THAT CLICKS While Lexie has balanced university commitments, Wyatt Young has taken the reins in competition and the partnership has flourished.
“ Nina and Wyatt get on like a house on fire. Their determination and talent just click, it’ s one of those partnerships that feels natural and effortless to watch.” dedication have allowed her to grow into the horse she is. I’ m so grateful for everything he’ s done for her.”
THE DEMANDS OF THE BIG STAGE Preparing for a high-stakes event like the Nutrien Classic requires more than talent. It demands meticulous conditioning, consistency and attention to every detail.
“ The biggest challenge is making sure she’ s 100 per cent fit, healthy and consistent,” Lexie explains.“ There are a lot of long hours that go into preparing for a major event like that all to ensure she can perform at her absolute best when it counts.”
In Lanina’ s case, there were no dramatic setbacks or turning points just steady progression.
“ She’ s consistently stepped up every time she’ s been asked. She and Wyatt truly deserved this moment. Their hard work and partnership paid off.”
LOOKING AHEAD With a major Classic title now secured, the focus turns to the future. Lanina will continue drafting, while also beginning the next chapter of her legacy in the breeding barn.
“ We were lucky enough this year to get our first embryo out of her,” Lexie shares.“ The plan is to keep drafting her and continue building on what she and Wyatt have achieved.”
There is hope that the partnership will go on to even greater success though her owner jokes she may one day reclaim the reins.
“ Maybe I can steal her back eventually!”
For now, Lanina’ s story stands as a testament to early intuition, patient preparation and the power of the right partnership. From a promising two year old to 2026 Nutrien Classic Champion, she has proven that sometimes, when you believe in a horse from the very beginning, they will rise to meet that belief and exceed it.
There is a clear sense of mutual trust between horse and rider. When Wyatt climbs aboard, Lanina knows it’ s time to work.
Together, they have built not just results, but a genuine connection.
“ I can’ t thank Wyatt enough for the time he’ s put into her to get her to this level. His preparation, belief and
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au