BLUE RIBBON RIDE 

Lauren Pingel rides beside her dad, Brad, in the practice ring at the Region 8 Experience in Amarillo May 8-11.

RIDER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WINS BIG IN NEW REGION 8 CLASS.

It’s easy to see where 10-year-old Lauren Pingel prefers to spend her time – in the saddle.

With a boost from dad, Brad Pingel of Pampa, Texas, Lauren smiled from ear to ear the morning of May 10 as she settled into the saddle aboard the family’s grade gelding, “Earl.” She had some practicing to do for her Riders with Disabilities class that afternoon at the Region 8 Experience in Amarillo. The class was added last-minute due to interest from families like the Pingels. Lauren’s trainer, AQHA Professional Horseman and judge Betty Wilson, helped get the class added to the schedule and helped secure prizes.

During the class, Lauren and her competitors rode their horses at a walk around the arena, turned around, rode the other direction, backed their horses and lined up. All seven riders received blue ribbons from AQHA and saddle blankets donated by Horse and Rider. Wayne Halvorson judged the class and spent time talking to each exhibitor.

“Lauren had a wonderful time,” Betty said. “All the riders enjoyed the class. We plan to add the class again next year.”

It was probably hard for spectators of the class to believe that Lauren is wheelchair bound and, before starting therapy with horses two years ago, couldn’t even sit up straight.

“When Lauren’s dad came to me wanting to help her and help them with their horses, she couldn’t sit in the saddle alone,” Betty said. “Now, she sits up straight with confidence and balance and is an A student. She has come so far. Her therapist works with her weekly and can't believe how much she’s progressed because of the horses.”

Lauren rides, unassisted, two to three times a week. It’s not just good therapy and exercise. It’s fun for her and her whole family. Her parents, Brad and Suzanne, take Lauren and her little sister, Jodi, riding as much as possible. Jodi rode the family’s palomino gelding, Redds Handsome Beau at the Region 8 Experience in walk trot.

The family’s next goal is to get Lauren a Quarter Horse of her own and start showing in AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities classes.

For more information on AQHA's Regional Experiences, click here.