Saul Solis shines bright in his showing debut with Very Coolicious
In early September, competing at the 2024 APHA/WCHA Halter Million wasn’t on the radar for Saul Del Villar Solis Jr. of Thornton, Colorado. He’d never before shown a horse, and didn’t even know about the Halter Million event in Fort Worth, Texas. But when Saul’s family purchased a horse from Markel/APHA Professional Horseman Trisha Shorten Armstrong, the Oklahoma trainer recognized a spark in the young man. She knew Saul would enjoy the experience of attending a major horse show, and she also made last-minute arrangements for Saul to lease and show her mare, Very Coolicious.
Just one week before the Halter Million, Trisha pulled Very Coolicious out of the pasture and prepared her for the Halter Million. Trisha’s granddaughter, Sierra Willing, last showed the mare in June; Very Coolicious spent her summer turned out to rest and grow. Very Coolicious is a 2023 chestnut overo mare by Very Cool (QH) and out of Ascendence.
“I knew she’d be gentle,” Trisha said. “My granddaughter was at a rodeo queen contest, so she couldn’t come [to the Halter Million]. I thought it would be a fun experience for Saul.”
From Pasture to Winner’s Circle
When Saul took the mare’s shank in Fort Worth for his horse-showing debut on September 23, the yearling went through her paces like a seasoned champ. The pair earned a reserve world championship in Youth Yearling Mares, complete with a trophy buckle to commemorate the experience for Saul.
“All I can say is that it’s been an amazing experience,” Saul said. “This horse has treated me well. From being straight out of the pasture, barely with a week or two [of fitting and practice], she’s been amazing.”
Saul is grateful for the opportunity provided by Trisha. For the horsewoman, it’s all about helping others.
“When I was young, there wasn’t anyone who helped me. I decided that if I had the opportunity to one day help others, that’s what I wanted to do,” Trisha said. “It’s not about winning world titles—it’s about helping others achieve their goals.”
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.