When you go to horse shows, ordinary is never the goal. Extraordinary is key to success in the show pen. That is what the judges want to see—that stand out horse and rider that catches their eye in a special way. That is the goal. It’s the dream. Taya Kyle, wife of former Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, got an introduction to just how extraordinary the members of NSBA. Horses and riders have come and gone through out the last six days and others have actually achieved extraordinary.

Won ICodyParishRoant On My RV, a red roan gelding trotted into his classes like every other two-year-old—talented, athletic, ability to win. He went into the pen six times, and walked out of the arena five times with a BCF trophy or World Championship title attached to his name. Justin Arrington, who rode the gelding “didn’t know exactly know how this show was going to go, but I knew he was a really good show horse.” He explained that from day one the gelding was easy to train. “He was just so easy from the start. He never caused any trouble; he just always wanted to get along. He’s a natural.” According to Justin, the gelding has earned a few days off when they arrive home. After resting, the pair will gear up for the Congress coming up in approximately six weeks.

For many, extraordinary is synonymous with consistency, because when your horse is consistent, most of the time, it leads to wins. Colton Andrews and Faith Is Certain stayed consistent. After winning the 3-year-old Color Open Western Pleasure, Colton thought back on his ride. “He jogged really good, loped really good…he was really consistent. Every stride hit the same. He felt great.” He continued, “I knew he was having a great ride, but I didn’t know how everyone else was doing though.” Faith Is Certain has already begun a successful career aside from his win today. “He has already won the Premiere Paint Sires and both of the Premiere Quarter Horse Sires and we’re looking to having a lot of fun at the Paint World and the Quarter Horse Congress.

Elmer-web2017 marks Kathy Elmer’s first trip to the NSBA World Championship Show. After she walked out of the Showmanship arena, she admitted that this show is now her favorite. In addition to Kathy enjoying the summer show feeling, friendly atmosphere, and great competition, she also walked away from this show with a 50+ Non Pro Showmanship World Championship, which certainly amped up her reasons for liking this show! “ [I am] overwhelmed and grateful. I didn’t know if I could do it and I did. She has owned her gelding, Dynamic Chip Happens, for seven years and has gained much success over the years. After taking a break from showing, Kathy realized that an ordinary life was not her calling and got back in the saddle. She has been hooked again ever since. “Jackson, (as she affectionately calls her gelding) is a great partnership and has so much personality. With each year that goes by he gets better and better.” She admits that although she loves the all-around, Showmanship is her favorite class. “It’s so personal and you and your horse can bond.” Kathy truly loves horses. She keeps Jackson at home and rides with trainers when she is able, at the shows.

Across the grounds, a different kind of extraordinary arrived at the show. The Heroes On Horses, a program by the NSBA Foundation, designed for US Veterans who are using horses to heal will compete Saturday at approximately 11:00am. The Veterans participated in a boot camp with various NSBA trainers, practiced in the Ford arena and then were treated with dinner. Men and women with different backgrounds will come together in the arena to honor the service of our US Military as well as their own service. Taya Kyle, wife of American Sniper, Chris Kyle will also join the Veterans in the show pen as she represents healing, perseverance, and love for our Military.