Local equestrian Hayley Watt is riding high after bringing home two big awards from a competition in Columbus, Ohio.
The 17-year-old R.F. Staples student, who hails from Busby, impressed the judges at the 2013 All American Quarter Horse Congress, which ran from Oct. 4-27.
Watt earned a bronze medal in Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation, a class featuring riders 18 and under, and also was named the National Snaffle Bit Association’s Reserve Champion.
“It was so exciting,” said Watt last week. “My mother was crying. Everyone was freaking out.”
Watt was probably the most composed among her family and well-wishers.
“I was actually more nervous the night before I showed. When I was in the ring I was thinking about every little thing I have to do. You just get in there and do it.”
Her success did not end there. She also came ninth out of 180 riders in Novice Youth Showmanship, which involved leading her horse, Dimensional Mr., around in a pattern. In the NSBA, she placed sixth.
It meant she had achieved her goals of Top 10 finishes in both classes, winning a jacket and a handful of ribbons.
Not bad for a local teenager in a show that receives 17,000-plus entries and houses more than 8,500 registered American Quarter horses.
Making her achievement more remarkable was the fact that she had taught Dimensional Mr. — or Clarence, going by his barn name — everything required to compete.
“I only got Clarence last year,” she said.
“He’s six, which is really young for a horse. A lot of patience is required when working with a young horse.
“You have to repeat over and over before it clicks for him. Fortunately, Clarence is smart. He’s a quick learner.
“(Trainer) Lindsay (Soderberg) raised him. She told me she wanted to keep him close to her because she knew he was going to be something good and he’s proved it. He’s certainly the best horse that I have ever have.”
Asked by her mother to describe what it is like being in the arena, she replied: “It’s a moment, mom. It’s a great moment.”
It was Watt’s second attempt at the show — the first time was in 2011 on another horse: Fame.
“The main difference this year was I wanted to meet those goals of making the Top 10,” she said.
“I wasn’t just going for the experience as before. Over the two years there has been a huge improvement.”
Watt, who went to the Congress between Oct. 19 and 24, was keen to point out that her success required a team effort.
“I would like to thank Dimensional Mr., my trainer Lindsay Soderberg and her family, my parents, friends, the vet and the farrier.
“They have all been so supportive and believed in me when I doubted myself.”
Next year Watt plans to study for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Alberta.
It means she will have to rein back on her horse riding … at least for a while.
She is determined, however, to return to Congress one day.
“My next goal to either win Congress or make Top 10 in Youth Worlds in August,” she said.
