After a long round of preliminaries on the evening of August 5, the top 15 western riders came back August 8 for an early morning run. Ali Papendick of Rapid City, South Dakota, aboard Harley D Zip, loped to a record score of 241 and clinched the 2008 youth world championship. As Ali came forward to accept her trophy, she motioned to the reserve world champion, Indy Roper, and the third-place winner, Theresa Moran, and the trio took a victory lap together amid cheers from the crowd. The Journal kept Ali’s signature red hat in sight as she rode back to the barn with her hands full of awards. We managed to catch a few minutes with the newly crowned world champion after her photo shoot with friends and family.
Q: Tell me about your run.
He was fabulous, That’s all I can say. He was so good, he did everything I asked him. He put 100 percent into everything if not more. He was so responsive. He was perfect.
Q: What did you focus on most in your pattern?
I wanted to get my centers, because that is key, and I really wanted my pace right. It couldn’t be too fast or too slow. And then in the stop, I really had to push him, because he kind of sucks back a little bit because he knows it’s coming. But he was really good.
Q: How has Harley worked for you this week?
He has done so good. I made it to the finals in everything but trail, and every time I’ve gone into the finals, he’s done such a good job. (Ali and Harley competed in the finals of horsemanship and showmanship.)
Q: Where are you and Harley headed next?
I think the Congress, but he is going to the Select World Show and maybe the NSBA World Show. My mom is going to show him at the Select World.
Ali Papendick and Harley D Zip won the 2008 youth world championship
in western riding.
Q: Do you have any good luck rituals before competition?
My red hat is really good luck and the red outfit. I don’t know if I really believe in the good luck rituals; you just have to put your heart into it, and it will come.
Q: What was it like riding through the Gateway of Champions this year?
It’s always awesome. I’ve always wanted to be a world champion and to get that opportunity, it’s wonderful.
Q: Is this your last year of youth competition?
No, I have two more.
Q: Who would you like to thank?
My family. Charlie and Jason, my trainers. God. And just anyone who has believed in me and helped me in achieving this.
