On the evening of September 24, 2014 the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show will host the 2014 Missouri Horse Shows Association Saddle Seat Medallion Finals. An accomplished group of young equestrians will culminate a season’s worth of hard work and dedication to complete for an impressive array of prizes including several thousand dollars in college scholarships.  Riders will perform rail work and individual pattern work before the top ten, reserve champion, and champion riders are announced. However, before the big night of the finals, the Missouri Horse Shows Association would like introduce the 2014 Saddle Seat Medallion competitors and give you a little information about their background. Please help us in supporting this talented group of young riders as they compete to be named the 2014 Missouri Horse Shows Association Saddle Seat Medallion Champion.

Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck

[table “24” not found /]

Favorite Quote/or inspiration: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon”, and “No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.”

Brooke Boyer

Brooke Boyer

[table “25” not found /]

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:    Brooke’s inspiration is her horse “Tony.”  She wants to do the best job for him so they can be the best team they can be.

Lauren Brannon

Lauren Brannon

[table “26” not found /]

Favorite Quote/or inspiration: This year I have specifically been inspired by the quote: “She believed she could, so she did.” This quote has been my motivation for my final year in equitation. It is a reminder to myself to always keep going and that I can do anything I set my mind to. I want to have no regrets as I finish my equitation career and this quote is a constant reminder to give 110% every time I go into the ring.

Anna Ehlen

Anna Ehlen

[table “27” not found /]

Favorite Quote/or inspiration: “Never ever, ever give up.” – Winston Churchill

Cheyenne Gardi

Cheyenne Gardi

[table “28” not found /]

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:    “It’s hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but it’s harder to give up when you know it’s everything you want.” – Unknown

Angela Garza

Angela Garza

Age:16
Goes By:Angela
School:Pembroke Hill High School
Trainer:Greg Haston & Michael Graham
Stable:Touchstone Stables, Lee’s Summit, MO.
Horse Name: Walk the Line
Horse Nick Name:J.R.
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Angela Garza
Proud Parents:Paul & Debbie Garza of Fairway, KS

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:  Angela’s favorite phrase is “Don’t hide who you really are.” by Brittany Griner

Crystian Neaman

Crystian Neaman

Age:16
Goes By:Crystian
School:Platteview High School
Trainer:Cary Dughman
Stable:Elk Ridge Equestrian, Nebraska
Horse Name: Whispers ‘n’ Rumors
Horse Nick Name:Rumor
Breed:American Saddlebred
Owned by: Crystian Neaman
Proud Parents:Louise Winter and John Neaman of Papillon, Neb.
Proud Sister:Amber Neaman who hopes to be wearing a suite next year.

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:  “ What matters most is how you walk through the fire.” Charles Bukowski.

“Riding has always been one of my favorite and most valuable things in my life. Not only is it amazingly fun, but the lessons I have learned along the way make me the person I am today. I couldn’t imagine having a better partner in crime than Rumor, my horse. He is a crazy, wild ride, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Crystian.

Madison Pope

Madison Taylor Pope

Age:13
Goes By:Madison
School:7th grader at Kearney Middle School
Trainer:Kent Swalla, Glendale Stables, Columbia, MO
Lisa Hillmer, Linden Hill Stables
Horse Name: Trust Company
Horse Nick Name:Ariana Grand
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Madison Pope
Proud Parent:Lisa Hillmer of Kearney, MO

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:    “Ride ‘em like you stole them!” and “Yeah Boy Nugget.” Her horse reminds her of Ariana Grande, and nickers when Madison comes into the barn.

Isabella Privitera

Isabella Privitera

Age:11
Goes By:Isabella
School:Pembroke Hills High School
Trainer:Missy Hughes Smith
Stable:Everglades Farm
Horse Name: CH Heir’s Halo
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Everglades Farm
Proud Parents:Carl & Mary Privitera of Mission Valley, KS

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:  “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” – Teddy Roosevelt

Alice Rowland

Alice Rowland

Age:16
Goes By:Alice
School:Pembroke Hill High School
Trainer:Missy Hughes Smith
Stable:Everglades Farm
Horse Name: Autumn’s Rainmaker
Horse Nick Name:Parker
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Everglades Farm
Proud Parents:Ann and Josh Rowland
Brother:Will Rowland

Favorite Quote:    “You got this, now just go in and ride!” – Missy Hughes

My inspiration for riding comes from everyone at Everglades Farm because they all make us want to work even harder to achieve our goals through their determination and perseverance. Simultaneously, they have taught me compassion through their enduring support and how to be appreciative for these amazing opportunities I have been given.

Laurel Silcott

Laurel Silcott

Age:18
Goes By:Laurel
School:Freshman at Truman State University
Trainer:Anthony Mead
Stable:Mead Farms
Equitation Trainer:Christie Millbury, Everglades Farm
Horse Name: Mostly Mink
Horse Nick Name:“Minky”
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: William Woods University
Proud Parents:Jim and Becky Silcott of Liberty, MO

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:

I feel so blessed to have had the amazing opportunity to show Minky over the summer and I want to thank everyone who has helped, supported, and encouraged me along the way. It has been a dream come true! Favorite Quote, “Don’t worry how many horses are in the class, who they are, or what they have done, just go out there and ride like you’ve already won!” – Anthony Mead

Gabriella Snyder

Gabriella Snyder 

Age:12
Goes By:Gabbi
School:Mary Institute and Country Day School
Trainer:Kent Swalla
Stable:Glendale Stables, Columbia, MO
Horse Name: Oh Night Divine
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Gabriella and Juanita Snyder
Proud Parents:Mark & Juanita Snyder of St. Louis, MO

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:  “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth.  My biggest inspiration in life and as a rider is not one person but everyone who starts at the bottom and works really hard to achieve their dream. – Gabbi

Halle Workman

Halle Workman

Age:16
Goes By:Halle
Trainer:Carey Dughman
Stable:Elk Ridge Equestrian Center in Nebraska
Horse Name: Pineapple Delight
Horse Nicknames:"Sweet P", "Miss P" and "Pineapple"
Breed:Saddlebred
Owned by: Halle Workman
Proud Parents:Morris and Valerie Workman of Springfield, NE

Favorite Quote/or inspiration:  There are so many people who have inspired me, so it’s hard to pick just a couple. However I do have a favorite quote. It’s “If it’s still on your mind, it’s still in your heart.”