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AQHA YOUTH PROFILE
YOUTH PROFILES ARE SUCH A GREAT WAY TO SHOWCASE THE FUTURE OF AQHA A LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR A AQHA YOUTH- COVERING BACKGROUND, GOALS, PERSONALITY & PASSION
Ruby Heffernan
PHOTO BY: EV LAGOON PHOTOGRAPHY
ABOUT YOU What’ s your name, age and where are you from? My name is Ruby Heffernan, I am 16 years old and I live on a beef cattle farm near Bega, NSW.
How did you first get involved with horses? I’ ve been riding horses around the farm all my life and started out showing appaloosas and palouse ponies in the lead line and walk trot classes.
When did you join AQHA and what inspired you to become a member? I started showing quarter horses as a junior youth. I was inspired to become a quarter horse member because of the opportunities to show at the highest level, to aspire to represent Australia in events like Trans Tasman and Youth World Cupa and to meet other like minded youth whom I can learn from and aspire to be like.
YOUR HORSE JOURNEY Tell us about your current horse / s, names, breeding and personalities. About 6 years ago we were lucky enough to acquire my appaloosa gelding Gratitude( QXH Sweet Dreams x The Social Style) aka Perry. He is always very lazy down at the arena and will try anything to avoid work but loves chasing cows and sheep around the paddocks.
My other horses name is Cupids Penthouse( Heza Classy Chassy x CP Penthouse Pet) aka
Asta. I got him as a Christmas present from my parents and with special thanks from Linda Watts, a couple of years ago when he was a two-year-old and have started him myself. He is easy going, enjoyable to work with and loves being the centre of attention and getting all the pats.
As well as my own horses I am lucky enough to ride and show my mum and sisters horses. My mum ' s horse is This Kids Obsessed( Obsession Seeker x Exceptional Stuff) aka Dex. Dex is the main horse that I have been showing recently. He is very eager to please and is always trying his best.
My sister ' s horse is Tiger By Choice( Invited Tiger x Zip In Time) aka Cruz, who we lease off Fiona Oneill. Cruz loves Fiona very much and can recognise her just by hearing her voice.
What disciplines do you compete in? I compete in everything I can! Mainly ranch, showmanship, trail, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation and hunter under saddle buts it ' s fun to have a go at dressage, hack and show hunter when its offered. We also occasionally take our horses to the local working equitation and team penning to keep them on their toes.
What has been your proudest moment so far in the show pen( or any arena)? My biggest achievement is probably winning High Point Youth 12-14 years at the national show 2 years in a row in 2024 and 2025.
2026 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE