Youth Aged Geldings

Paired with WC Conclusivly Secure, 14-year-old Shyanne Smith won a world championship her first time showing in Paint competition at the 2011 AjPHA World Show.

Shyanne Smith secured a world championship with WC Consclusivly Secure at her first Paint show.

Shyanne Smith is no stranger to national-level competition. The Whitesboro, Texas, resident has shown Quarter Horses for the last four years, but she’s never owned a Paint Horse, or shown in APHA competition—until now. A month ago, the 14-year-old freshman fell in love with 4-year-old sorrel overo gelding WC Conclusivly Secure--nicknamed "Max." The pair trained hard and their efforts were rewarded with a world championship title their first time out at the 2011 AjPHA World Show. Read on as Shyanne shares about her experiences with the Paint Horse Journal.

Shyanne: It feels different, because this is the first time I’ve ever won. And this is the first time I’ve ever showed at the Paint World. I showed at the AQHYA World for the last four years, but this is different. Definitely a great feeling.

Q: What made you decide to get a Paint this year?

Shyanne: Dad [Jason Smith] trades horses a lot. When I saw [Max], he had this look in his eye. I just really connected to him and I really liked him. I got to practice with him a little bit at Olin Parker’s house. Then Dad decided to purchase him so I could show him my first year at the [AjPHA] Youth World.

Q: Did you have a feeling this might be your day? What was his mood like this morning?

Shyanne: He actually was a really big jerk this morning. But when we were walking up here, something changed. He got this look in his eye. He just went in there and treated me like I was a princess. He showed just as well as he could.

Q: What’s his personality like?

Shyanne: He’s pretty easygoing. If you don’t mess with him, he won’t mess with you. He’s so good. And he loves little kids. Any time a little kid gets around him, he’s such a sweetheart.

Q: Does he act the same here as he does at home?

Shyanne: Yes. I think the reason he acted so weird this morning was because he knew we were getting ready for the show. He got out there and he was just perfectly fine. It’s very exciting.

Q: What are your future plans with Max?

Shyanne: I think we might show him in the future, but we will probably give him a little break because we’ve been pushing him so hard. I definitely want to show him in the future.

Q: What is something special about your horse?

Shyanne: It’s so hard to get him ready, because he’s so big. It doesn’t bother him a bit. Even if you’re working him hard, It doesn’t phase him. He has the same personality. I really like that. He was great. I’m really happy with that.

Q: Who all came out to watch you show today?

Shyanne: Well, my family, my mom’s best friend, some people that I show all-around with, and my all-around trainer Robin Frid's assistant trainer Amanda Gately also came and watched us. That was a big one for me. She took time out of her day to come watch.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share with us?

Shyanne: I'd just like to thank Olin Parker for everything he's done. We bought Max from his farm, and he's been a big help.

Click here for APHA's reprint policy of copyrighted material.