Trainer Tera Roberts of Alpine, California finds pride in watching her clients grow, compete and elevate their confidence in and out of the arena. She’s excited to return to the 2026 APHA Western National Championship Show with Smoking Hot Diamond and Married To The Mob.
“I’m incredibly excited about each of my clients’ events and seeing how much they’ve improved throughout the year,” Tera said. “I’m also having a mom-heart moment as my son will make his lead line debut.”
One of Tera’s clients, Carole Pniak, experienced a severe hip injury two months ago while practicing showmanship. Having Carole make the trip alongside Tera to show Smoking Hot Diamond, a 2020 sorrel overo mare nicknamed “Dot,” is especially meaningful to the young trainer.
“She’s worked really hard all year, and we were very excited to get her to nationals aboard Dot,” Tera said. “She was luckily and thankfully cleared to ride again just two weeks before this show.”
Tera says she wouldn’t be here without her clients or the support of her husband, Zach. While the prospect of winning is not outside of her desires for the week, Tera’s goals remain simple.
“My goals for every show are to walk away better than we came, to create lasting memories and friendships are just the icing on the cake,” Tera said.
She’s also looking forward to a legacy-building moment in Las Vegas, as Carole trots into the ranch pen with Dot.
“My very first Paint Horse, Bugs Last Chance, was owned by my client, Carole. My great-grandparents purchased ‘Bugsy’ from Carole when I was 7 years old for Christmas. Fast forward, my mare Smoking Hot Gun will be carrying Carole in the Novice Amateur ranch horse events,” Tera said. “Talk about a full-circle moment!”
Article by Makenna Batchelder; photography by Ruehle Photographix
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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.