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FEATURE: YOUTH PROFILE- ELLA RHIND
AQHA YOUTH PROFILE
Ella Rhind
What disciplines do you compete in? I compete in a range of disciplines and classes from ranch riding, trail. Hunter and hunt seat equitation, western horsemanship, showmanship. I am beginning to do more pleasure riding training to soon compete in western pleasure classes.
What has been your proudest moment so far in the show pen( or any arena)? My proudest moment so far in the show pen would be Hope and I winning National Champion youth 7-18 years ranch riding at quarter horse nationals last year. This was a big moment for Hope and I bringing home my first buckle and was able to do it with Hope.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your horse journey? My biggest mentor in my riding journey would be my trainer Dave Caleo, from having no experience and being new to the western pleasure world, he has guided and taught me so much. I first met Dave in 2022 when he began showing my nan ' s horses. From there he began giving me lessons on my first mare Sweetie( in she all sugar) and training me for shows. After many years of training he has made me the rider I am today and I am forever grateful for his guidance and support and all he does for both me and Hope.
What is something your horse has taught you? Hope has taught me so much from in the show pen to out of it. Hope has taught me so much about the importance of training and ride plans and the effect they can have on your riding and showing. Learning more about the importance of hard work and determination. My old horse sweetie was a very experienced Mare and when I would show her she would simply do the pattern and what was asked of her. Hope having a harder attitude and if you wanted her to do something you would have to put as much effort in as she is. When first showing her there were many ups and downs, getting used to her training plans and her buttons to be able to show to our best ability. Hope has been such a large contribution to the rider I am today and continues to teach me every ride.
GOALS & AMBITIONS What are your goals for the next 12 months? My goals and ambitions for the next 12 months are to continue training and showing hope, improving the more we ride, growing as a rider while focussing and training hard to have a good show season.
Do you have a long term dream in the equine industry? I have a long term dream of being a vet mainly focussing on equine veterinary studies as looking after horses is what I ' m most passionate about. While continuing to show horses alongside these studies as showing is something I want to continue to do as I get older and more experienced.
Is there a particular event or title you would love to win one day? I would love to show at the youth world cup. This has been a dream of mine since joining the AQHA Youth. Being able to experience competing with other youth and representing our country is something I have always wanted to experience.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I see myself studying to become a Vet, while alongside this continuing to show horses.
BEYOND THE ARENA What do you enjoy most about being involved in AQHA? Being a part of a community while showing and being around like minded people who have a love for horses, making friendships through showing and events. Being able to see the younger youth find their love for riding and being able to help and support them, watching the future generations of AQHA.
Have you made any special friendships through AQHA? I have made many special friendships through AQHA from becoming close with the girls I compete and show with to meeting many new people at shows. Many Youth competitors have supported me as I am new to the AQHA community and always encourage me when competing. My most special friendships I have made would be meeting my best friends Jassie and Dani who I first met while showing and have been close ever since. Being able to show and form such amazing relationships with people from my barn and outside of my barn is what makes AQHA so special.
How do you balance horses with school, work or other commitments? Balancing school and work with horses at first was tricky worrying about missing school and work. I found a balance a couple months into competing by organising school work to do at shows and luckily being able to have time off work. Being able to focus on my horse riding while having school and work adjusted to the show dates is something that made work and school so much easier to stay on top of.
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au