For rider Anna Redmond there was no turning back after the day her dad put her on a horse for the first time at age 7. “I love how much personality Arabians have. They carry themselves with such grace and are able to excel at everything they do.”
After winning both the Half-Arabian and Arabian Western Pleasure 14-18 Championships at Youth Nationals this past year with CJ Psyncinati Kid and Cowgirl Cool, and tying for Champion with her Purebred English horse, Calapalooza V, Anna has been nominated for the Arabian Horse Times Readers Choice Award’s Youth Exhibitor of the Year.
Learn more about this phenomenal Show Season rider –
Show Season: Describe your riding fashion style.
Anna Redmond: The process of designing an outfit that goes well with my horses is half the fun of showing! I like outfits that are memorable or stand out in the show ring. My hunter coats have all been quiet and subtle whereas I usually want something very bold for western that contrasts with my horse and the arena setting. Sparkly, bright outfits always catch my attention.
SS: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
AR: My favorite riding outfit is my hunter outfit because it holds a lot of my favorite memories. It’s also so comfortable! I could stay in it all day.
SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?
AR: I used to wear an owl lapel pin for luck with my country horse, Tommy, but he recently retired, so I don’t use it anymore.
SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?
AR: I always go into the show ring with my Kharben bracelet. He’s my favorite pet horse, and he doesn’t get to attend most of my shows. It’s a reminder that he’s with me no matter where I am.
SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
AR: My non-horse show style is very casual. I still love bright colors, but I definitely keep the blingy stuff at shows.
SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
AR: My biggest accomplishment as a rider was being named Rider of Excellence for the year. I couldn’t have gotten there without the help of my horses, and the group effort makes it special to me.
SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
AR: There is one class that I’ve always dreamed of doing well in at nationals. One of my old favorite horses never made the cut, but I have a new teammate now. The bridge from me to him has been the hardest one to cross, so if we ever got that far one day, it would mean the world to me.
SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
AR: My parents have been very influential in my riding career, as well as Chris Culbreth, Greg Harris, Brett Becker, Shannon Beethe, and Cynthia Burkman. Chris gave me my foundation and love for horses, Greg pushed me to go further than I thought I could go, Shannon helped me find two of my favorite horses, Cynthia helped me achieve what I thought was impossible with one of my horses, and that one win really altered the way I look at horses today.
