It was an exciting evening for Leslie “Indy” Roper in the final classes of the 2008 Ford AQHYA World Championship Show. After years of competition and many high-point titles, Indy Roper brought home the gold. High Flying Assets really did fly high over the hunter hack jumps, earning his rider her first youth world championship. Indy, an all-around competitor from Hobart, Indiana, has been successful throughout the entire show. She placed third in horsemanship, fifth in showmanship and was the reserve world champion in western riding on her other horse, Dont Zip Charlie. We caught up with Indy to ask a few questions before she hurried into the finals of equitation over fences and working hunter.
Q: How are you feeling right now?
I’m really excited. I worked hard all summer. I kind of focused more on the jumping and I had a great team behind me – my sister, my trainer and my family.
Q: Is this your first world championship in hunter hack?
Yes, ma’am. First world championship ever.
Q: How did your jumps go for you?
I came around the corner, they told me to find a good even canter, and then I would see something. I saw something, and he just took me to it. He took care of me.
Q: What did you focus most on in the rail work?
I kind of just went with what he gave me when we got in there. There are so many judges that you can't really change anything, so I just put my hands there and hoped he would do the best he could.
Leslie 'Indy' Roper and High Flying Assets won the 2008 Ford Youth World championship in hunter hack.
Q: What did it feel like riding through the Gateway of Champions this year?
It was amazing. A wonderful feeling.
Q: Do you have any good luck rituals before competition?
This is kind of disturbing, but all week I’ve done well on my western horse so I wore the same panty hose.
Q: How has this horse done for you throughout the week?
I have made all three finals and obviously I hope to continue my good success.
Q: Tell me about High Flying Assets.
He’s a prima donna. We treat him like he’s the king and rightfully so!
Q: Who is your trainer?
Dave Warner. I’ve been with him for about six years. But my sister helps me a lot also. She’s a big support.
Q: What are your plans now?
We are hopefully going to continue winning and keep working hard and not take anything for granted.
Q: Who would you like to thank?
My family and friends. They have been there throughout.
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW Indy Roper was recently a member of Team United States at the 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup in London, Ontario.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: High Flying Assets Pedigree: 1998 bay gelding by Heza Snazzy Asset x Winged Envoy (TB) by Golden Eagle 2nd (TB) Exhibitor: Leslie 'Indy' Roper, Hobart, Indiana Owner: Tim Roper, Hobart, Indiana Trainer: Dave Warner, Lowell, Michigan
Total class entries: 96 Sponsored by George and De De Shaw/These Irons Are Hot
