Youth rider Sophie Yih has been hooked on horses ever since she was five years old. It all started after attending a bunch of birthday parties for her classmates that included pony rides.
“The year Sophie started riding, it seemed to be the year of pony parties for other little girls in her class. She was invited to several pony parties that year and after she had her own birthday party she asked to ride again… and again… and again! So we decided to put her in lessons,” Sophie’s mom Cathy Yih said.
Sophie then started taking lessons and eventually began showing in walk/trot with Stachowski Farms in San Marcos, CA. 2015 marked her last year of walk/trot and she had a wonderful year taking home championships at Region 1 and Region 2 as well as a reserve national championship in Purebred Country English Pleasure at Youth Nationals.
Sophie debuted in 14 & under at the 2016 Scottsdale Show with a bang. She took home the roses in PB Country English Pleasure JTR with her beautiful mare, Heiress TRGR. Besides showing in Country, she also shows in in PB English Pleasure, Saddleseat Equitation and UPHA. We love watching this young lady show and wanted to hear more about her experience at this year’s Scottsdale.
SS: How did you feel about the Scottsdale Show?
Sophie: I think the Scottsdale Show is the most fun horse show. I look forward to riding my horses in the classes because they are bigger with more people in them. I also like going shopping and riding in the golf carts!
SS: What was your most favorite moment of the show?
Sophie: My favorite moment was when they announced that my horse Heiress TRGR and I had won the championship class in Arabian Country English Pleasure JTR 14 & under.
SS: What is your favorite Show Season garment?
Sophie: I love what I consider my lucky combo. It is a blue, purple, and white tiny-checked shirt and a white paisley vest.
SS: What do you love most about your horse?
Sophie: My horse, Heiress, is a princess. When I feed her an apple I have to bite off small pieces, otherwise she won’t eat it!
We loved getting to know Sophie more and wish she and her horses continued success in 2016!