Youth Working Hunter 14-18

Lauren Spivey guides A Son Of A Zip to a world championship title in Youth Working Hunter 14–18.

Lauren Spivey and A Son Of A Zip work as a well-oiled team to collect a world championship.

Lauren Spivey is a goal-oriented 17-year-old. The Woodlands, Texas, high school senior wanted two things before her senior year ended: a puppy and a world championship. So far, she’s accomplished one of those goals thanks to her “Keeper” of a gelding, the 1999 sorrel tobiano also known as A Son Of A Zip. The pair—who have been together for the last seven years—bested the Youth Working Hunter 14–18 class of 14 entries with a near-perfect round to earn their first world championship title. By winning this class, the pair attained the first tier of the Elegant April Award--more information about this award is located on page 30P of the AjPHA Youth World Championship Program. Lauren chatted with the Paint Horse Journal in between classes. Read on as she shares her story.

Q: Congratulations on winning your first championship! That’s exciting. How does it feel?

Lauren: Oh, it’s really exciting. It was actually my goal going into my senior year--to get a championship. I’m very happy with that round. It was great.

Q: Who is your trainer?

Lauren: I have two trainers. My hunter trainer is Holly Davitt of The Woodlands, Texas. My equitation trainer is Sharon Wellman. She’s in Conroe, Texas.

Q: What’s your horse’s barn name?

Lauren: "Keeper."

Q: How did he get that name?

Lauren: When he was born, the breeder went in his stall and said "He’s a keeper."

Q: Has he proved himself a keeper?

Lauren: Most days.

Q: Walk me through your performance.

Lauren: It was really great. We got all our spots to the jumps. We got all the leads off the fences. We had one hard rub and I was really worried because one of the other girls had a really awesome run. I guess we just looked better than I thought he did.

Q: Was it stressful watching the other riders?

Lauren: I actually couldn’t watch the other riders. I had to keep walking so I wouldn’t get anxious.

Q: What was Keeper’s mood like this morning?

Lauren: He was really fresh this morning. I was worried that would come out in the pattern, but it didn’t.

What advice did Holly give you before you went in to the arena?

Lauren: The usual. Keep your reins short. Get your leads. Don’t screw up [laughs].

Q: How long have you been riding?

Lauren: Since I was 8.

Q: How long have you been riding Paints?

Lauren: I’ve always ridden Paints.

Q: When did you get Keeper?

Lauren: I started riding him when he was 4 and he’s 12 now. But I’ve owned him since I was 10.

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

Lauren: He’s actually better behaved at home. Here I can barely walk him around in the stall area. Once he gets in the arena, though, he’s all business.

Q: Tell me about his personality.

Lauren: He’s spoiled rotten. He knows he’s handsome and he knows I adore him. Other than that, he’s very jealous. He doesn’t like it if I ride other horses. I try to keep from doing that.

Q: What do you love the most about him?

Lauren: I love the fact that he’ll just follow me around, whether it’s at the stall or in the barn, it doesn’t matter if he has a halter on or not. He’ll still try to come with me. Even if I don’t have a cookie.

Q: What is his favorite treat?

Lauren: His favorite treat is definitely carrots. He’d eat the whole bag if I let him.

Q: How many years have you shown at the world show?

Lauren: This is my second year showing, but I’ve come a couple of years with the judging team for the judging contest.

Q: Did any of your family come to watch you ride?

Lauren: Yes! My aunt and uncle drove all the way up from Conroe, Texas, which is a 4-hour drive, to come watch me. I had another aunt and uncle and my two cousins come from Austin [Texas] to see me. I’m happy they are here to see this. My parents drove me up here. They’re probably jumping up and down in the stands.

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