Story & Photo by Abigail Wilder Boatwright | Paint Horse Journal | June 27, 2011
Calli Rouse captured a second world championship with Chansation, tackling a tough pattern in Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14–18
Calli’s dream comes true, winning another world championship with Chansation.
The Youth Hunt-Seat Equitation 14–18 finals pattern was difficult. Containing a leg yield and a flying lead change, the pattern put riders to the test. Calli Rouse of Langley, British Columbia, Canada, and her 2007 bay overo mare Chansation sailed through the class, capturing the pair’s second world championship and besting barn mate Taylor Prince. The results were a repeat of their placings in the previous day’s hunter under saddle class, and 18-year-old Rouse and “Chani” earned a reserve behind Taylor in showmanship on the first day of the World Show. The Paint Horse Journal caught up with Calli after her win. Read on to hear about her dream ride.
Q: Congratulations! How does it feel to win?
Calli: It's like a dream! It feels amazing. I was just happy to get my lead change. She’s just so great at this class. I stressed over the lead change, but she just did it perfectly!
Q: That leg yield maneuver was tough! Did your trainer have any advice before you went in the arena?
Calli: Yes, it was difficult. But Sara just worked with me and Chani so we could get out there and do the best we could. She was perfect. She pulled through for me.
Q: So the goal going into this class was the lead change?
Calli: Yes. I was just thinking I need to get my lead change and Sara just said, "Have a good confident ride. Don’t worry about it. She’ll pull through for you."
Q: That’s pretty cool that your barn mate won reserve with you yet again!
Calli: Yeah. It’s insane. I never dreamed this would be possible. It’s just crazy that we’ve been one and two, in three classes, with such competitors in that class. It’s such a tough class.
Q: How was Chani this morning?
Calli: She was just calm as always. She was just ready to go show. She’s so honest in the class. She’s the same. I knew I didn’t have to worry about her changing from what we had in the warm-up to the pen.
Q: How were your prelims?
Calli: The prelims were good. I was happy with them. We had some tough elements, but she was very good and I was really happy with them.
Q: How long have you been with the Simons?
Calli: I’ve been with Simons Show Horses in Aubrey, Texas, since March of 2011.
Q: Is this your last year at the World Show?
Calli: No, I have next year.
Q: What’s your horse’s favorite treat?
Calli: Peppermints. She loves peppermints.
Q: Any superstitions before you ride?
Calli: Not really, but I have worn the same pair of socks for three days now.
Q: Are you going to go out and celebrate tonight?
Calli: I think so. We’ll probably go to a restaurant of some kind. I’m not really sure yet.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Calli: I’d like to thank Simons Show Horses, and thank them for all the support they’ve given me.
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World Champion Stats Horse: Chansation, 2007 bay overo mare
Pedigree: The Big Sensation x Artful Girl (QH)
Exhibitor: Calli Rouse, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Owner: Bob and Dianne Rouse, Everson, Washington
Trainer: Simons Show Horses, Aubrey, Texas
Breeder: Tammy Thompson Dyer, Cornelius, North Carolina
Total Class Entries: 34
Class Sponsor: LeRoy Poignant & Family
World Champion Prizes: Gist buckle, courtesy of APHA; monogramed jacket, courtesy of APHA and Tioga Territory; insulated carryall, courtesy of Paint Horse Journal; $50 APHA General Store gift certificate, courtesy of APHA; and AjPHA letter jacket patch, courtesy of APHA |