For Baker Training Stable barn mates Caitlyn Haskins and Tiffany Merry, the road to the 2026 APHA Western National Show is about more than competition—it’s about chasing dreams, creating family memories and sharing a lifelong love of Paint Horses.
From Family Dream to Show-Ring Reality
Caitlyn Haskins of Chehalis, Washington, isn’t new to horses, but she is new to the APHA circuit. The 2026 Western National Show is her first APHA show aboard her first Paint, Champagne Problems, a 2025 bay roan solid mare. The full-time nurse, wife and mother of three took a 10-year hiatus from the horse community to work and raise her family. A stroke of fate brought Caitlyn back after gifting her then-4-year-old daughter riding lessons and bringing “Jolie”—Shesacertainsensation, the dam of Champagne Problems—into their lives.
Leasing Jolie, Caitlyn bred the mare soon thereafter; when “Birdie” was born in February 2025, the rest was history.
“Suddenly the little filly I had dreamed about was growing up in my backyard,” Caitlyn said. “Birdie has been an absolute pleasure from the moment she was born. Watching her grow up, raising her and now getting to compete with her feels incredibly surreal.”
It’s Birdie’s role in the Haskins family that brings Caitlyn the most joy.
“She has been part of our family’s story from the very beginning. She wasn’t just a horse I bought—she was a dream I got to build from the ground up,” Caitlyn said. “How cool to show your kids that you can be a mom and still chase your dreams. I hope someday they will chase their dreams and see that life doesn’t have to slow you down.”
Pouring Love into the Journey
Pour Me Sum Tequila fills a similar role for Tiffany Merry and her family. Tiffany is leasing the 2008 black tobiano mare, nicknamed “Keela.” The horsewoman from Olympia, Washington, has shown for 30 years, but this trip feels extra special. She is excited to be able to share it with her family.
“One of my favorite parts of this journey is watching my girls become a part of it,” Tiffany said. “I love that they are growing up around horses and getting to experience the responsibility, dedication and joy that come with them. I hope they look back someday and remember these horse-show years as some of their happiest childhood memories.”
Keela holds a special place in Tiffany’s heart for creating a new meaning around loving horses.
“For me, showing isn’t about simply walking into the ring and hoping for a placing. It’s the early mornings, the lessons, the preparation, the nerves, the laughs, the pizza afterward and the moments when my kids are covered in dirt and still don’t want to leave the barn.”
“I’m especially excited to compete this year because Keela and I are still building our partnership, and every show brings us a little closer. I’m excited to see how far we can grow together and to experience this level of competition alongside people who share the same passion for Paint Horses.”
Article by Makenna Batchelder; photos by Topline Image, courtesy Caitlyn Haskins (at left) & Tiffany Merry (at right)
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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 in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.