Julie Wilhelm Wiley of Hyde Park, Utah, is well-versed in working through the unknown. When her 2017 sorrel overo gelding A Radical Player sustained a proximal suspensory ligament injury in his right hind leg in April 2025, Julie was told “Tanner” would likely become a pasture pet and never be sound enough to return to the show pen. Despite the odds, Julie patiently and methodically rehabilitated Tanner, and the pair are making a triumphant return to the 2026 APHA Western National Championship Show.
The Road Back
Determined, Julie sought out alternative treatments to surgery for Tanner, including a Renovo injection, shockwave and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, platelet-rich plasma and 12 months of pasture rest. At Tanner’s one-year appointment, his veterinarian confirmed Tanner could return to riding with a strict, slow regiment to monitor his comfort.
Julie spent the summer conditioning Tanner and rebuilding his strength, returning to the show ring over Labor Day weekend in 2026, where he took everything in stride. Although she is unsure if his pivots will ever be quite the same, Julie is undeterred and says they’re discovering new classes to pursue that help preserve Tanner’s comfort. The 2026 APHA Western National Championship Show is only their second show post-injury.
“This is our second show back after his long rehab,” Julie said. “Don’t take a single day with your horse for granted. Life rarely goes as planned.”
Julie’s goals for this show are to stay calm, focused, have fun and remain present for this second chance with Tanner. She appreciates the support from her husband, Corey, through Tanner’s recovery and journey back.
“[Corey] is always positive and encouraging. He has been right there through it,” Julie said.
Julie’s goal is to become a world champion, and she’s grateful to take a step toward that goal by competing at the Western National Show in Las Vegas.
“I have been given the chance,” Julie said. “I’m going to take it until I can’t.”
Article by Makenna Batchelder; photo by Don Trout, courtesy Julie Wilhelm Wiley
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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.