Submitted
Competing at the American Junior Paint Horse Association (AJPHA) was several years in the making for Caitlyn Malyk of Clive Alberta.
The competition, set for June 27 to July 4 in Fort Worth, Texas, turned out to be a successful trip for Malyk, who earned the title of World Champion Solid Paint Bred Showmanship. Much of her time preparing for the event was spent at the Calnash Ag Event Centre and Malyk is also a member of the West Central 4-H Rebel Riders, said her mother Laura.
She spent five to six days a week, some days at the ag centre, preparing for the trip.
Caitlyn has been riding for many years, starting at a very early age competing in leadline classes. She has belonged to many associations including being a member of the 2014 Canada World Cup Saddle Seat Equitation team, which competed in Ashville, North Carolina. Hes Lopin Spotless is a 2008 Bay Solid Paint bred gelding by Hes Lopin Supreme and out of Shes Cruisin Town.
Cailtyn describes Hes Lopin Spotless (Elliott) as unique. He is a solid with no white. Elliott is a very personable, happy goofball that loves people. He thinks of himself as a person and is always ready to make friends.
“We were planning on making the trip two years ago but due to my grandfather’s heart attack we weren’t able to attend that year. I am happy to report that even though my grandfather Brian Cline wasn’t able to make the trip this year. He was able to watch online and cheered super loud from Ponoka all week long,” said Malyk.
“I learned a lot in preparation for the world show, including how to travel with horses all the way to Texas in the June/July heat. Preparing them to show in the heat and changes that were needed in Elliott’s feed, electrolyte and vaccine program,” said Malyk.
“Challenges of our world show experience included: Vesicular Stomatitis, and the quarantines and paperwork that go along with that. We will miss most of the Alberta Paint Horse Club shows this year because of the timing and quarantine but it is totally worth it to have been able to attend the world show. This trip has been an amazing experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have always believed that my horse was good at what he does and it was so exciting to show the world how great he really is and what an awesome team we are,” she added.
Malyk also earned these awards:
- Reserve World Champion Solid Paint Bred Hunter under Saddle
- Reserve World Champion Solid Paint Bred Western Pleasure
- Reserve World Champion Solid Paint Bred Western Horsemanship
- Top 5 Solid Paint Bred Hunt Seat Equitation (3rd)
- Top 10 Solid Paint Bred Gelding Halter (6th)