07/29/2024
▪️ 𝐄𝐗𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 ▪️
At just 14 years old, Grace Spooner is already made a name for herself in the horse show world. Winning the 13 & Under Golden Horse title at the 2024 PHBA World Show with her mare, Dude Looks Like A Lady ("Pearl"), Grace showcases an impressive blend of skill, dedication, and a well-rounded background.
Grace’s journey with Pearl began four years ago. "I've had her since she was two and I was 10," Grace recalls. Together, they’ve tackled a variety of events, from ranch riding and equitation to showmanship and horsemanship. “Our strongest classes are definitely the equitation and ranch trail,” she says.
Her passion for horses is deeply rooted in her family. Grace’s mother, AQHA Professional Holly Spooner, introduced her to the world of horses at a young age. "My first horse was actually a miniature donkey named Jules when I was about two," Grace laughs. She later moved on to her mini pony, Scooter, who became a bit of a celebrity in their circle.
Grace’s competitive journey began at age five, showing on the POA circuit. When she got Pearl at age 10, it marked her entry into AQHA and APHA events. “That was a new fun adventure,” she says.
The transition to bigger competitions was seamless for Grace, thanks to her extensive background and excellent coaching. “My mom has been my coach for as long as I can remember,” she explains. “When we got Pearl, though, I started riding with Cathy Herrin. She’s the best.”
Beyond horses, Grace is an accomplished livestock kid, showing sheep and goats, and is actively involved in FFA as the vice president of her chapter. She also competes in horse judging and public speaking, showcasing her well-rounded skills. In fact, at the 2023 AQHYA World Show, Grace won the 13 & Under Public Speaking competition and was 3rd in the Limited Division for Horse Judging.
At the 2024 PHBA World Show, Grace and Pearl competed in an impressive 19 classes, including some new ones like western pleasure and the speed events. “I was most shocked shocked to be at the top of the hunter under saddle and road hack,” she admits. Balancing all these events was a challenge, but Grace managed with a mix of practice and keeping Pearl happy. “She is a mare, after all,” she quips.
Grace’s results speak volumes about the skilled horsewoman that she is. She brought home five world championships in equitation, hunter under saddle, road hack, ranch conformation, and horsemanship. She also secured reserve championships in numerous classes, including the stakes race and barrel race. “We were just the fastest of the slow ones,” she jokes about their speed event success.
Looking ahead, Grace plans to continue showing Pearl at AQHA shows in the mid-south while Pearl is up for sale. She has her sights set on the ranch events, aiming to have a stock horse ready for her final years of youth and future collegiate competitions.
Grace’s long-term goals are equally ambitious. She aspires to attend Oklahoma State University or Texas A&M and become an orthodontist. “I want to help people, but I can’t handle the blood and gore of other medical fields,” she explains. “Plus, I noticed how much money my orthodontist must have been making, and it was pretty persuasive… it would definitely help pay for horse shows!”
Grace’s mindset is inspiring. “I love to just be at a horse show somewhere,” she remarks. “My dream is to show at the AQHYA World Show. I don’t even need to win a globe. I just would like to go to the Youth World and place.” With her drive and support system, there’s no doubt she’ll achieve her dreams.
Grace credits her success to her supportive family, trainers, and friends. “I’d like to thank my mom and dad, Cathy Herrin, Kailey Vande Kamp, and my grandparents,” she says. She also cherishes the friendships she made at the Palomino World Show. “The Palomino association welcomed me with open arms, and I’m very thankful for the experience.”
Grace Spooner’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and a positive mindset. As she looks to the future, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to shine both in and out of the show pen.
