Ashley Wildes and Heza Texas Hobo share a triumphant moment after winning the Youth Western Riding 14–18 championship title.
Ashley Wildes and Heza Texas Hobo nail their Western riding pattern to win a world championship.
Plain shirts reigned in Youth Western Riding 14–18 at the 2011 AjPHA World Show. Both the world and reserve world champion riders were clad in solid, fitted, button down tops. Ashley Wildes of Lakeside, California, and 2001 sorrel tobiano gelding Heza Texas Hobo claimed the top title after a near flawless pattern. Ashley was crying tears of happiness after exiting the arena, and the Paint Horse Journal caught up with the 17-year-old to get the backstory. Q: Congratulations! How does it feel to win?
Ashley: It feels amazing. I finally made this horse a world champion like he deserves. He’s amazing. We worked so hard.
Q: How long have you had him?
Ashley: Three years.
Q: What’s his barn name?
Ashley: His name’s Hobie.
Q: You have done a lot of classes this show, tell me about that?
Ashley: Yeah. When we first got him, it was a struggle. He used to be a rearer, so we had to work through a lot. Finally we got rewarded for it.
Q: Walk me through your performance?
Ashley: It was good. We were very forward, so we didn’t know if that would hurt us. But we’re more English. He was amazing. He was so perfect for me.
Q: What was his mood this morning?
Ashley: Always happy. He’s always happy. He loves everyone. He loves cookies.
Q: How did you feel going into the class?
Ashley: I just felt relaxed. I was just ready to go in.
Q: What’s his personality like?
Ashley: He is a lovebug. He loves to be touched and he loves to be cuddled with. He wants you to touch him and pet him and give him cookies.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about him?
Ashley: His personality. He gives he his all every time he goes out. I just love him so much. I’m so thankful to have him.
Q: Who is your trainer?
Ashley: My dad, Tim Wildes, and my mom, Karen Wildes, of Lakeside, California.
Q: Did they have any advice before you went in today?
Ashley: Just go in and know he’s going to be good. Give it my best. He was perfect for me.
Q: Do you have any advice for others wanting to win a world championship?
Ashley: Don’t give up. Just try your hardest. Your hard work will pay off.
Q: What are your future plans with your horse?
Ashley: Competing and showing this year to win No. 1 in the nation. We’re leading it right now for [Youth] 14–18.
Q: What grade are you in?
Ashley: I just graduated high school.
Q: What are your plans for college?
Ashley: I’m going to go to community college and then a 4-year university.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
Ashley: Hobie’s the best horse in the world.
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World Champion Stats Horse: Heza Texas Hobo, 2001 sorrel tobiano gelding
Pedigree: HF Skip The Zip x Dinah Dee Dude
Exhibitor/Owner: Ashley Wildes, Lakeside, California
Trainer: Tim and Karen Wildes, Lakeside, California
Breeder: Steven M Hagerla, Phoenix, Arizona
Total Class Entries: 21
Class Sponsor: Drew Rogers
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
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