AGED MARES

TOP DOWN MAZERATTI WINS GOLD.

BY CHRISTINE HAMILTON, FIELD EDITOR

Taylor Licavoli of Hazelwood, Missouri, and Top Down Mazeratti win the youth world championship in aged mares.

Taylor Licavoli couldn’t believe it when the announcer called her mare, Top Down Mazeratti, as the winner of the youth world championship in aged mares.

“It felt good,” the shy 14-year-old said, “But I was shaky all over.” Taylor was just hoping to place as high as fifth.

But she didn’t have time to think as she handed her newly-crowned world champion off to her trainer, AQHA Professional Horseman Chris Arentsen. She had a horse to lead in the next class – aged geldings.

“I’ll take her,” Chris said, taking the mare and signing the paperwork for the testing barn. “You go get your gelding.”

“We were so rushed!” Taylor’s mom, Dawn, said. “We were overwhelmed from the win. By the time we pulled ourselves together, she was already in and lined up, and it was time to concentrate on the gelding.”

A little later, Taylor walked out of the arena leading her gelding, Waking At Dawn, and carrying a third-place trophy.

“They were both good (in the pen),” Taylor said with a smile. “They did good for me.”

Top Down Mazeratti is owned by Taylor’s aunt and uncle (brother and sister) Michael and Christina Licavoli, and the family members take turns showing the mare. Taylor has been showing for about four years.

“We’re really happy, and (Taylor) is really excited,” Dawn said. The family is aiming for year-end high-point awards with both horses.

Taylor has an idea of why the judges liked her mare: “She has a pretty head, a pretty front end. There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s just wonderful.”