After a hind-leg injury sidelined her longtime show partner, Taylor Ellor of Krum, Texas, found a new friend in Sonny Dee Zippin. The meeting must have been kismet, as rider and horse quickly transformed into a team to be reckoned with at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas.
Taylor and “Jake,” a 1996 sorrel overo gelding by Zippin Robin and out of Miss Sonny Dee, scored Top 5 placings in five out of six classes, including a solid pattern and unanimous win in Walk-Trot Showmanship.
“My pattern was good. Jake never stepped out of his pivots and he set up really well; he pretty much did everything I asked,” Taylor said. “I actually thought Harper [Smith], who rides at my barn too, would beat me, because she’s been riding for a really long time, so when I found out I won under all judges, I got really excited.”
Together, Taylor and Jake won world championships in Youth Walk-Trot Showmanship and Youth Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship; a reserve world championship in Youth Walk-Trot Trail; third in Youth Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle; and fourth in Youth Walk-Trot Hunt-Seat Equitation.
The High-Point Walk-Trot winner is presented with a Western trophy saddle, courtesy Blue Ribbon Custom Tack; an embroidered arena bag, courtesy Big D; splint boots and bell boots, courtesy Purina; a felt hat and hat can, courtesy Sombrero Brands; Wellness supplement, courtesy Platinum Performance; and a 11″ x 14″ photograph, courtesy Larry Williams Photography.
“Jake” was bred by William and Linda Benedict of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Complete AjPHA Youth World Championship Show coverage will be in the September issue of the Paint Horse Journal. Subscribe or renew to the Journal today.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.