Hunter Under Saddle

Charley Thiel repeats as world champion with Tophat And Tails.

by Larri Jo Starkey
The American Quarter Horse Journal

Formality rules.

For the second year in a row, Charley Thiel of Dublin, Ohio, has taken the world championship in hunter under saddle with Tophat And Tails.

“I was absolutely not expecting it,” she told the Journal after her win August 9. “I was so proud of myself and the training to go back in there and do it again. I’m thrilled.”

Charley and “Patrick” were first under three judges and second under two at the 2012 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show.

“I went in there and … tried to ride the horse to the best of my ability,” she said. “We’ve kinda changed some things up. He was amazing the whole time and showed his butt off.”

Going into the finals, Charley felt the pressure of higher expectations after her 2011 win.

“I did feel the pressure, absolutely,” she said. “I wanted all my friends to do well and I wanted to do well myself, and I thought I just needed to go out there and show my horse.”

Charley had a six-year relationship with her horse to fall back on in the ring.

“I’ve had him since he was 2, and he is the quirkiest, funniest horse with the most personality,” she said.  “I just love him to death. He doesn’t eat treats. He will eat anything that is not edible. No candy.”

As Charley’s win was announced, her family and friends stood and cheered loudly.

“That’s what makes it the most special,” she said. “If I was out there alone, it wouldn’t matter to me. I want to thank Beckey Schooler, Brent Tincher, Vic and Libby Clark, the breeders, and then my family and friends. Thank you for being here with me.”