Trotting onto the grounds, junior Ali Ezell and her horse “Romeo” prepare to wow the judges in order to win first place.

Ezell participated in the All American Quarter Horse Congress Competition in Columbus, Ohio on Oct. 20-23. She competed in three youth events: horsemanship, showmanship, and western riding. She was called back in the Western Horsemanship event, where only 30 out of roughly 160 participants get the chance to come back and execute their show again.

“It’s extremely hard to even get called back for semifinals, so when I got eighth place I was very excited,” Ezell said.

Ezell has been riding horses since the age of five but did not enter into competitions until she was 12 years old. She has two horses that she uses for competing, Romeo and Benny. Ezell has been to the World Championship in Oklahoma City three times and participates on a qualifying team.

Her parents make sure to show their full support and help her in any way they can. Ezell’s mom, Julie Ezell, is extremely proud to see her daughter succeed in her equestrian endeavors.

“As parents, her father and I are just happy to see her have a passion in life that allows her to have experiences of meeting and competing with people throughout the United States,” Mrs. Ezell said.

Ezell has been working with her trainer, Jess Herd, since 2008. They train every weekend and for extended times during the summer and longer school breaks. Focusing on the quality of the horse’s movement, different elements of her competition patterns, and overall consistency with her horses prepares Ezell for competition.

According to Ezell, simply training is not the only key to success.  Dedication and perseverance allow her to succeed in competitions.

“She’s a great student,” Herd said. “She never gives up and she works harder every time she gets on a horse.”