YEARLING MARES

DEFINITELY THE COOLESTSHOWGIRLNTOWN.

BY CHRISTINE HAMILTON, FIELD EDITOR

Garrett Vaughan of Crosby won the youth world championship in yearling mares with Coolestshowgirlntown.

Out of a field of 23, the judges picked 15-year-old Garrett Vaughn of Crosby, Texas, and his yearling mare, Coolestshowgirlntown, for the gold trophy in yearling mares. It was the first halter class of the 2007 Ford AQHYA World Championship Show.

The Journal caught up with Garrett outside the arena, trying to keep a good grip on that trophy with hands slick with oil from getting his mare ready.

“It feels great,” Garrett said. “She’s very nice. We’ve had lots of bids on her and just said, ‘No, we’re going to try and show her at the (Ford Youth) World and see how she does.’ And she won.”

Garrett has been showing halter horses for about five years now. In 2004, he placed third at the Ford Youth World in 3-year-old mares and in 2003 was the reserve youth world champion 2-year-old mare, both with Steppin To Dominate. But this is his first youth world championship.

“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s a thrill when you win.”

Garrett’s dad, Gary, bought the filly from trainer Jimmy Cain. The filly was fit by AQHA Professional Horseman Jason Smith of Gainesville, Texas.

“I went to Jason Smith’s a couple of weeks ago and I worked with her,” Garrett said. “We work with her quite a bit.”

His family was on hand for the win including mom, Lisa, and brother, Ty.

He has this advice for any youth wanting to show in halter at world championship level: “Be very calm and take your time and don’t rush anything. Just keep the horse calm, especially when the crowd goes wild.”