Originally Published by GoHorseShow

Taylor Searles had the ride of her life at the AQHYA Youth World this year. Unequivocally a crowd favorite, 12 year-old Searles and Flashy Attraction (Ryder) scored an incredible 227 to win a Reserve World Championship in the Western Riding. Searles said that she didn’t mind being behind one of her idols and friends, Theresa Moran, who won on Vital Signs Are Good. Moran gave Taylor a four leaf clover for good luck before she showed–it appears to have worked for both ladies.

“I was so happy with my finals go. I couldn’t have asked for a better ride. It was the highest I have ever scored and probably the best ride I have ever had with Ryder,” Taylor said. “Losing behind Theresa was like winning–that mare is so amazing, and I was so happy for Theresa to win. It was also great to hear the crowd’s reaction and everyone was telling me that my parents were crying in the stands after I won.”

At 12 years-old, Searles is already a veteran in the show arena. This year was her third time to show at the World Show, but the first time she made the finals and placed. This seventh grader said that she was happy with her preliminary ride, but that she hit the log and explained that she stayed dressed even with a score of a 221 just in case she had to go back in the shootout round.

Taylor’s father, Jim Searles describes Ryder perfectly. “He is like Dennis the Menace. He is always in my pocket, and he is always trying to aggravate someone,” Jim says and laughs. “But, I have had him for nine years and I know he is a safe horse, and I trust him with my daughter.” (Photo © KC Montgomery)

The proud father continues,”It was really exciting to see her do so well. I’m emotional when all my customers do well, but it is a different feeling when its your daughter.”

Taylor says that she likes working with her parents as her trainers. “They are really honest and tell me like it is. They are hard on me at times but in the end, it always pays off.”

This talented young lady says that she would like to place higher and do well in her other favorite classes besides the Western Riding, including–Horsemanship, Showmanship, and Equitation. Taylor also wanted everyone to now that she was very grateful to have a special horse like Ryder, and wanted to thank her parents and for Katherine Tobin for letting her buy him.