National Champion, Rebecca Fulkerson has become the rider she is today, not from luck, but from hard work and a life long passion.
“I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember. I think my mom put me on a horse around age 2. She and her family raised quarter horses so I was kind of born into the horse world. It’s a passion and in my blood,” explains Rebecca.
“I started showing locally around age 7 and was really into jumping for a time, and then went to my first “A” rated show around age 10 and have been hooked since then.”
Earning a National Championship in the Half Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Sheza Rising Starr, as well as a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure Maturity AAOTR with Chablis WA and a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Koweta Pheonix, Rebecca always knows how to ride and win in style.
Learn more about this riding star’s style, here.
Show Season: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
Rebecca Fulkerson: I’ve loved all the Show Season outfits that Melissa has put together for me, but my favorite is my burgundy/black western outfit. I have had it for several years and know I need to get a new one, but it has so many wonderful memories with several horses it’s hard for me to part with it. My hunt coat is also a favorite and gets compliments every time I wear it.
SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?
RF: Not anymore, I am usually frantically getting dressed as I wait until the last minute so I don’t have time to make sure I have anything on other than all my clothes.
SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?
RF: Saying a prayer. I try to take a moment before I go in and be thankful that I am even there.
SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
RF: I am a jeans and a T-shirt girl, always have been.
SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
RF: Certainly, winning this year at Nationals was huge, but probably the most satisfaction I have had was when I showed horses on my own and one win at an “A” show in an open class on my first horse, Mark, stands out the most. I’ll never forget it. Actually, it’s the only ribbon hanging in my office.
SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
RF: As much as I love showing western, and dabble in hunter from time to time, I would really like to pursue English horses. I was allowed to ride one a few weeks ago at Rick Gault’s and I think I am still smiling from that ride. What a rush!!
SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
RF: My mother for always supporting this crazy obsession and Rick Gault. He works harder than anyone I know and has more talent in his pinky than most of us could ever dream of having. He’s taught me a lot about riding, showing, and horsemanship. I would never be as confident of a rider without him, and he’s made me a better person in and out of the show ring.
