SENIOR WESTERN RIDING

HARLEY RUMBLES ALONG.

BY KIMBERLY FRENCH, JOURNAL INTERN

During world championship competition, outstanding performances are expected. Harley D Zip and Vital Signs Are Good did not disappoint. Tied at 227.5, it required a ride-off to determine the world champion in western riding. “Harley,” trained and exhibited by Jason Martin of Pilot Point, Texas, kicked it into high gear to gain his first world championship in senior western riding.

Owned by Kristina Papendick of Rapid City, South Dakota, Harley added another trophy to his bulging case. He is the 2006 youth western riding world champion, the 2004 youth western riding world champion, the 2002 world champion in hunt seat equitation, the 2002 western senior riding champion, the 2002 western riding world champion and the 2000 junior western riding world champion.

“The ride-off was wonderful,” Kerry Papendick, Kristina’s mom, said. “At that point, I wasn’t even nervous because both those horses are phenomenal, and it is great to see something like that happen at a world championship show. The ride-off was wonderful.”

“He’s happy when he goes into the western riding class,” Kerry said. When he’s warming up, you can tell when he starts getting into his groove. It is an awesome thing to watch, and it is even better to be on a horse like that.”

The bay gelding is 11, and Jason has been involved with Harley since he was 4. They share a unique bond.

“He has been involved with Harley almost all his life,” Kerry said. “You can tell. Harley knows Jason’s voice, and he knows when Jason is around the barn. It is a very special relationship that will never be broken.”

Kerry thinks western riding is a difficult class to win and was thrilled with the victory.

“Western riding is one of those hit or miss things,” Kerry said. “You can have just a little misstep or miscue, and you are out. It is one of those that when you take it, it is great. We will take it and be very happy.”

Harley will continue to show on the youth circuit and in western riding.

“Our youngest daughter, Ali, will be riding him in the all-around youth,” Kerry said. “Jason will continue to ride him in the open.”

Kerry was trembling with excitement after Harley’s triumph.

“It’s a feeling that’s difficult to explain but I hope everyone gets one time to experience this,” Kerry said “Thank you AQHA. This is wonderful.”