The trail finalists at the 2008 Ford AQHYA World Championship Show faced a tough pattern with a killer back-through and side-pass around a corner. By the time Taylor Hanson and Sure Bet Chip entered 10th in the go, Theresa Moran and Show Diva’s 223 was the score to beat. But Taylor and “Alvin” finished with a 233.5, and her cheering section erupted – it included her mom and trainer, Cathy, and her grandparents. Only Rachel Haseman and Just Makes Sense came close to that with a 229, winning reserve. It’s the first world championship for the San Juan Capistrano, California, 16-year-old.
Q. Tell me about this pattern.
Taylor: It was good! He was a really good boy with it, and I couldn’t have asked for more. He’s a good boy.
Q. What was the toughest part about it for you?
Taylor: Probably…the back-through. I’d have to say the back-through. And the side-pass. But he was a good boy and he listened to my leg.
Q. What was your plan going in?
Taylor: I just took it really slowly and just really got him listening to my leg. He really moved off it. It was good.
Q. How did you get Alvin?
Taylor: About five years ago we got him from a lady. He was in our barn for a while before that and then we bought him. He’s such a blessing. He’s totally a gift from God. I couldn’t ask for more in a horse. He’s so good.
Q. Does he have any quirks?
Taylor: Oh, yes. He’s very mischievous, and he can get out of anything, any stall door. He’s crazy, but I love him.
Q. Thinking back over the show season, was there any moment that stood out to you?
Taylor: No, just working through our problems and getting through that, and achieving goals. There’s not really a main one.
Q. Is there anything you want to say about being here at the Ford Youth World?
Taylor: It was such a blessing to be here. And Alvin is such a good boy.
Q. What are your plans now?
Taylor: Keep showing and … keep showing!
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW
