Junior Exhibitor Spotlight:  Karly Morgan

Name: Karly Morgan
Age: 16
Birthday: October 17th

Favorite…
Book: Sarah’s Key
Color: Blue
Food: the surprise cakes and pastries my wonderful friends bring to the barn!
Movie: anything Harry Potter
Vacation Spot: Kiawah Island

Current Horses: CH Yes Its True (Ty), Walterway’s Pardon Me (Jake) and my sister’s road pony, Perfect Offering (Max)

Divisions: Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited, Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited

Where you ride: Mercer Springs Farm

How long you’ve ridden: about 10 years

School: Graham High School

How you got started riding: I took a pony ride when I was 2, and begged for lessons until I got them years later.

Favorite thing about showing/riding: those “right there!” moments when everything is perfectly in balance. It’s almost like everything goes quiet, and the only things that matter are you and your horse.

Favorite horse show: the Junior League, because riding there is the most challenging. the weather is always either 100 degrees or pouring rain, and the track is beautiful, but difficult to navigate. I think that’s why it always draws the best of the best from the Saddlebred world, because everyone wants the challenge of riding against the best horses, on a beautiful and complex track, with the whole world watching and Saddlebred history everywhere. It really is amazing.

The best thing I’ve learned from riding/showing: Hard work will eventually pay off if you have patience. When you’re doing pass after pass without stirrups, without reins, with your arms up in the air, with your eyes closed, etc., you may wonder, why do I do this? Well, when you lose a stirrup during a show, or get dirt in your eye so you can’t see, or even let a rein slip out of your fingers, you’ll know exactly why you practice that. (Thanks Alexandra!)

Trainers Favorite Expression: If I had a penny for every time Smith had to say “KARLY, pay attention!” I’d be set for life!

Most memorable show: For sure my first show at Louisville. I met so many new friends and saw some incredibly talented horses. Showing at Louisville is unlike any experience I’ve ever had. The best part is that it feels like a new experience every time you show there. To be with the best horses, the most talented riders and trainers (and the best butter pecan ice cream) in the whole world makes for one incredible week.

Hobbies/Sports outside the show ring: Basketball, Soccer, and Art

Career Goals: to be a vet specializing 100% on horses

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