Riding to the championships

There will be some 3,000 horses and riders at the American Quarter Horse Association Novice Championship Show in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Oct. 4-7. Kristina Hakala and her equine partner, Rite Investment, will be one of the teams vying for top honours in showmanship, horsemanship and trail classes.

The Wanup-based team has been working together for eight years. Hakala became the proud owner of Reggie, a bright chestnut Quarter Horse gelding, when he was two years old. Since then, they have been moving up the ranks in the show ring.

“Over the years of fun and hard work that I have spent with my horse, we have developed an incredible bond,” Hakala said. “My horse and I are a team. He is my best friend.”

The team trains with Hakala's aunt, Cyndi Jackson, who allows the 16-year-old rider to work in exchange for lessons. Hakala also helps out at her farm in exchange for keeping Reggie there.

“Everything I have, I have worked hard for,” the 16-year-old Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School student said. “I have to feed all of the horses Monday to Friday after school, clean stalls and turn horses out into paddocks.”

It's hard work, but entirely worthwhile, Hakala said. When she learned she had qualified to compete at the championships, it was “surreal.”

“I've always wanted to go to a world championship show,” Hakala said.

Along with working hard at home, Hakala had to work hard in the show ring to make it to the championships. She and Reggie have been competing in Orangeville at club shows sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association, and they have met with success this summer.

“Over the years of showing ... we have won many grand champion awards in halter and we are usually placing in the top five in showmanship and horsemanship,” she said. “2012, however, has brought us many new accomplishments.”

This season was the first the team competed in trail — a sort of obstacle course set up in the arena.

Hakala is looking forward to making the trek south to compete against the best of the best, but said the trip is going to be quite expensive. To cover the cost of the experience, Hakala has been collecting sponsors. She has raised about half of the money she needs — about $2,500 is still required though.

Anyone interested in supporting her endeavours can do so by phoning 705-523-8668.