Some LionHeart students choose to participate in horse shows; many do not. Horse shows are completely optional, but if a student and family are interested, we encourage our riders to try showing.
Our riders all begin in Academy classes, in which all riders are mounted on lesson horses. These classes are judged on the rider’s performance, so no purchase of a fancy horse is required. There are clothing requirements and special clothes must be purchased, but these are not as expensive as those required for Performance classes. Academy classes are a great way to find out if you and your child are ready for the commitment of owning an American Saddlebred show horse.
Showing in Academy classes teaches kids perseverance, dedication, and the value of hard work. It takes a long time and a lot of work for most riders to be ready to show. Riders learn to value the journey, not necessarily the destination. And of course, as they compete against other riders who have become their friends, they also learn a great deal about sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship.
For many of our students, the culmination of our show season is the Academy Regional Championships, now called the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show Academy Classic. This show is in September at the National Equestrian Center in Lake Saint Louis. Riders compete in multiple classes over the course of the weekend, the final of which is her championship. The most prestigious class at this show is the Becker Brothers Academy Challenge Class, for which the trophy is a $500 gift certificate to Becker Brothers, LLC Equestrian Clothiers. 2011 was the inaugural year for that class, and LionHeart student Allison Trent was the first winner.
Some of our riders have gone on to compete in higher level classes. In 2015, Randi Adams placed fifth in the Saddle and Bridle 13 and Under Pleasure Equitation Medallion National Championship.
Our academy regional champions include:
2014 Nan Hart – Becker Brothers Academy Challenge Champion
2012 Amanda Sorensen – 14-17 Walk/ Trot Regional Champion
2012 Randi Adams – 8 and Under Walk/ Trot Equitation Regional Champion, 8 and Under Walk/Trot Horsemanship Regional Champion, and Walk and Trot Equitation Best in Show
2012 Gracie Jones – 11-13 Walk/ Trot Horsemanship Regional Reserve Champion
2011 Allison Trent – Becker Brothers Academy Challenge Champion 14-17 Walk/ Trot/ Canter Regional Champion
2011 Randi Adams – 10 and Under Walk/ Trot Regional Champion
2010 Ally Offerdahl – 11-13 Walk/ Trot Regional Champion
2009 Jessica Vaughn – 14-17 Walk/ Trot/ Canter Regional Champion
2008 Amanda Ebling – 11-13 Walk/ Trot/ Canter Regional Champion