Chrome is thrilled to announce the Top 10 finalists for our 2019 APHA member model search. After careful consideration by a team of Chrome photographers and art directors, the field of more than 70 entries was narrowed to our Top 10 Cowgirls and Cowboys. Two lucky grand-prize winners will star in Chrome’s 2019 fashion shoot in Texas this summer.
“We truly love learning about each and every applicant in the Chrome model search, and this year’s class truly showcased the varied backgrounds, interests and disciplines of our APHA family,” APHA Director of Publications Jessica Hein said. “Our team of judges thoroughly consider each and every entry during our mission to find our 10 finalists—a hard task with so many quality applicants! APHA is filled with so many passionate, beautiful and inspiring members, and we encourage everyone to apply or re-apply in future years.”
All of our Top 10 finalists are APHA members, as unique as the Paint Horses they love. Meet our Top 10 Finalists below, and vote for your two favorite by May 28 (one vote per computer/device; voting does not require an APHA membership). The Top Two grand-prize winners will be announced after voting has closed.
Kyleen Dugan, 37, Arkansas
I am a registered nurse who moonlights as a weekend warrior at local shows and jackpots with my daughters. We are a house divided between speed and performance classes, but as long as we are horseback, all is well! I grew up pleasure riding, but began showing four years ago because my youngest daughter wanted to—and I’m so glad! We have so much fun!
I learn something new about my horse, riding and showing every day, and I believe you are never too old or too much of a “newb” to try something!
Brady Walker, 22, Idaho
I’ve been riding and showing Paint Horses since I was 4 years old. I have a vivacious love for life and Western wear—it’s one of my favorite parts of the show arena. I love getting the most out of the show arena, whether I am showing Western pleasure or hunter under saddle.
I have a passion for animals, learning new things, and adding a sense of humor and flair to everything I do. I’m currently studying equine business management, and I hope to someday own my own business where I can combine my love for the equine industry and my discipline for learning.
Janie Schnuck, 50, Indiana
My positivity and spirit makes life fun! It’s easy for me to give and love unconditionally, which makes me unique. I encourage others to find their strengths and build upon them. I always find the positive in all situations and love passing it forward! I harness my intelligence and kindness into something productive.
My priority in life is to be a role model for my two beautiful girls. I surround myself with good people (and horses) that is why I love APHA and its family. I can run a barrel horse one day and wear a crown the next.
Brittany Russell, 27, Arizona
I have a passion for horses and a love for being on the other end of a camera. When you combine those two things, you can have so much fun and get so creative! Some of life’s greatest moments can often be caught on camera, and the pictures captured can tell so many stories and bring some of the greatest memories back to life!
Sydney Butler, 22, Idaho
I am known for my positive, humorous, and uplifting attitude. I love helping and encouraging others to do and be their best, whether inside or outside the arena. I’ve used that passion to pursue and earn a degree in communication and psychology and have since used that degree to become a marketing and event coordinator for multiple large-scale organizations. I’ve always loved horses and had a natural inclination toward the American Paint Horse. I’m proud of the knowledge and horsemanship skills I’ve garnered from traveling the country competing on the APHA circuit and in rodeos as Miss Rodeo Idaho 2018. My sweet-but-quirky tobiano Heaven Sent A Star keeps me on my toes, constantly learning and always having fun.
Taylor Todd, 22, Kansas
My name is Taylor Todd, and I’m just a small-town girl living in the big city of Manhattan, Kansas. I’ve always been “that crazy horse girl,” and I’m proud of it! My first show horse was an overo Paint Horse called “Jerry,” who I had to bribe with licorice before every show! This would be a great opportunity to work with the APHA and share my love of the western way of life!
Kate Richardson, 24, Montana
I grew up in a small rural town in eastern Montana. I then attended Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, where I acquired a degree in equine riding and training. I now reside in the same agriculture community I grew up in, where I work in the grain department for CHS, Inc. My favorite things in the world include spending time with my family at the lake, riding through the mountains horseback, reading books and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Jacob Grinstead, 21, Kansas
I’m not quite sure 100 words is enough to detail what makes me unique, but I’ll give it a go. I’m a student at Kansas State majoring in agriculture economics and rodeoing for KSU, but my personality and my experiences make me more unique than anything. I’ve never shied from trying something new, whether it was entering this contest, breaking miniature horses to pull grandma around in a cart, or packing a rope to South Africa in the hopes of catching a cape buffalo. I’m just a pretty adventurous fella.
Lauren Zaddack, 21, Wisconsin
I naturally have a very confident presence from competing in the arena, and I am a very easy person to get along with. I love trying new trends and styles. APHA has had a huge influence on my life—being able to show my horses through APHA has helped me create friends and memories to last a lifetime. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive scholarships and countless awards through APHA. Therefore, I owe it to APHA to represent them in a way that reflects their style and values as an association.
Melinda Raasch, 29, Missouri
I am the owner and manager of a 100-head cattle operation in Northwest Missouri. I am also a past APHA reserve world champion!