Work together, win together: Taylor Schuff wins 2025 Heroes on Horses competition
Military veterans and wounded warriors were honored July 3, 2025, during the Heroes on Horses parade and competition. Jointly hosted by the American Paint Horse Foundation and the National Snaffle Bit Association Foundation, the event took place at the American Paint Horse Association World Championship Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas.
A parade of flag bearers welcomed 21 military-veteran exhibitors into the John Justin Arena before they competed in the 2025 Heroes on Horses event. Taylor Schuff walked and jogged her way to the winner’s circle, netting the championship honors aboard Beyond Original, her 2014 black solid mare. A former transportation logistics coordinator for the U.S. Army Reserves, Taylor had never before competed in an equestrian competition.
“I’m usually the mom getting my daughter ready,” Taylor said; her daughter, Finley, won the Youth Lead Line class earlier in the show. “The parade was absolutely amazing because you get to be in a room with a bunch of veterans that have made the ultimate sacrifice. They care deeply about this country. To be among heroes like them was an amazing opportunity.”
Taylor struggles with anxiety, and she understands the healing power of horses firsthand. “Aphy” helps keep her grounded, she says, even when life feels out of control.
“Aphy and I make a really good team. She keeps me calm, and I remember that I’m not in it by myself, that she’s with me and that we’re going to work on this together. Before I get on, every time, I say, ‘We’re going to work together, and we’re going to win together.’ ”
The championship was unexpected, Taylor says—she just wanted to have fun and share camaraderie with fellow veteran riders.
“Being a combat veteran, we just thought this would be a really good opportunity to be able to participate in an event with other veterans,” Taylor continued. “Walking into this arena today, I felt like I had camaraderie, I had community, and it was incredibly special to be around other veterans that truly understand the struggles that some of us deal with.”
Giving Back
The honor of presenting the Heroes on Horses class never gets old for NSBA Executive Director Stephanie Lynn.
“We feel very strongly that we couldn’t do our sport if it weren’t for the work they did protecting our country and protecting our rights,” Stephanie said. “The camaraderie that the competition brings to these very mission-driven men and women who have served our country is of the utmost importance to us, and we feel that we can never do enough to thank them.”
The 21-horse field is the largest Heroes on Horses event in NSBA history, Stephanie says. Part of that success is due to the collaboration between the NSBA Foundation and the American Paint Horse Foundation—the two non-profits jointly produced the event, which helps expand their impact, exposure and drive support for both organizations.
“Everything we’re doing has truly been a joint venture, so we’re very grateful to the American Paint Horse Association and the Foundation for allowing us to do that and to truly partner on this event,” Stephanie said. “It really helps to broaden us, and I think it gives tremendous confidence that we’re all on the same page.”
The impact of events like Heroes on Horses goes far beyond the competition arena. Stephanie encourages everyone to attend the event, participate, cheer for exhibitors or carry a flag in the parade.
“It’s not just the competition; it’s the community that they bring together, the support that they have back in the barns,” she said. “They’re back there with their coolers, sharing stories and supporting each other, and that’s really what this is about. It’s about building community.”
Taylor agrees.
“I’m so thankful for all the volunteers and the folks that were holding the flags. It meant a lot to me, and I know it probably means a lot to a lot of other veterans as well to see that support,” she said. “God bless America.”
Support the Mission
Donations to the American Paint Horse Foundation and the National Snaffle Bit Association Foundation help support events like Heroes on Horses and equine-assisted services.
American Paint Horse Foundation: apha.com/foundation
National Snaffle Bit Association Foundation: nsba.com/how-to-contribute
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.