Sisters Take Top Spots in Texas 4-H Homes for Horses Under-Saddle Competition

Before they could walk, sisters Angelica and Abigail Traylor were comfortable in a saddle, riding atop horses 100 times their size. Over the years, they learned to ride, and on July 23, 2025, Angelica and Abigail took first and second place, respectively, in the under-saddle competition at the fifth annual Texas 4-H Homes for Horses competition.

This year, five Texas 4-H youths — an all-female lineup — presented horses from ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partner, the Humane Society of North Texas at the Texas State 4-H Horse Show on July 23 at the Brazos County Expo Complex in Bryan, Texas.

Clockwise from top left: Abigail and Her Majesty, Marley Kirbow and Jinx, Audra Peters and Violet, Avery Provost and Julietta, and Angelica and Gus.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants awarded Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation $28,450 for the 2024-2025 program, which is supported by the ASPCA Right Horse program and adoption partners. Scholarships were awarded by the Texas 4-H Foundation, and participants received a custom felt hat from Bailey Hats and a saddle blanket.

“Matching vulnerable horses with talented participants enables youth to gain valuable life-changing skills,” says Christie Schulte-Kappert, ASPCA vice president, Equine Welfare, which initially helped Texas A&M Extension develop the program with grant assistance from the Texas Thoroughbred Association. “This collaborative program supports adoptable horses in transition who can end up at risk as they move between careers or owners.”

Gus and Her Majesty

Angelica, who starts ninth grade this fall, trained Gus, a 16-year-old Paint/Quarter gelding, for her first under-saddle competition, where horses are judged on their movement, manners and conformation while being ridden. Their first-place win earned Angelica a $2,000 scholarship.

“Gus and I worked hard at building trust,” says Angelica, who has been involved in 4-H since age 5. “He thrives on routine and clear guidance. He is strong-willed, curious and loves treats — especially apples and watermelon — and shines when he has a job, especially one that involves speed.”

Abigail and Her Majesty at the show; Angelica meets Gus for the first time.

Abigail, a high school junior, has also been part of 4-H since age 5. Paired with a 10-year-old mare named Her Majesty (or Lady, for short), she placed second, earning a $1,500 scholarship.

“True to her name, she is regal, elegant and graceful,” says Abigail, who adopted Lady after the show. “I just love her so much, and I'm excited to see what else we can accomplish together. I'm grateful I’m able to give her the loving home she deserves and to be with her on this journey.”

Leading in Horse Population

This year’s show lineup was a continued testament to the hardworking youth who understand the plight of at-risk horses not just nationwide, but in Texas, the state with the largest horse population in the country, home to approximately 748,829 horses, making up 11.3% of the U.S. horse population, according to the American Horse Council Foundation Economic Impact Study of the Texas Horse Industry. Thanks to its participants, the Texas 4-H Homes for Horses program has rehomed and rehabilitated more than 40 horses across Texas.

“Our program not only improves the welfare and training of at-risk horses — helping prevent abuse, abandonment, and neglect — but also provides 4-H families with a unique opportunity to experience horse ownership for a year,” says Dr. Chelsie J. Huseman, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. “Horses play a significant role in our state's agricultural landscape,” adds Dr. Huseman. “We’re eager to continue expanding that impact.”

Matching Horses with Humans

At a meet-and-greet event held last September at the Humane Society of North Texas ranch in Joshua, Texas, participants were matched with horses that met their ability levels.

Participants and officials from Texas A&M and HSNT at the meet-and-greet event.

Steve Stevens, director of Equine and Livestock for HSNT, and his wife, Amanda Stevens, an HSNT equine trainer, were on hand with Dr. Huseman and Texas A&M officials to introduce participants to their horses, discuss expectations for the program and present sessions on equine safety, handling, health management, and trailering. Libby Hanon, the ASPCA’s manager of Equine Adoption and Marketing, demonstrated photography techniques. Participants received a $500 stipend to help care for their horse.

Throughout the year, participants checked in monthly, tracked expenses and chronicled their journeys on social media. Dr. Huseman and graduate student Rob Bomhoff provided support when participants had questions about training, feeding or care, helping advance the youths’ horsemanship skills.

A Family Affair

Abigail and Angelica’s participation in the show was a family project. Kimberley sewed Abigail’s outfit — a white tunic with a red belt and cuffs and gold accents — and helped Angelica find her costume at a consignment store. Abigail wrote the song that accompanied her performance with Her Majesty — who fittingly wore a tiara and a red cape lined in faux fur — as a tribute to the bond they built.

The girls’ younger brothers, August, 10, and Ari, 7, also pitched in, helping not just their sisters but all participants set up their props in the arena.

From left: Ari and August were on hand to support their sisters; right, Ari places a prop in the show ring.

“One of the core values in our family is helping each other and giving back to others,” says Kimberley. “We learn through our travels and experiences. Right now, we have horses, dogs, a rabbit, bearded dragons, geckos and alpacas. My kids have learned a lot about responsibility and care from being around animals, and it's an important part of our lives.

Kimberley cheers on her daughters and congratulates Abigail after her performance.

“Being a single mom, I’ve always made sure that my kids understand the value of hard work —both for our family and in the community,” adds Kimberley, who fostered and adopted her children. They’ve grown up helping wherever they can, and I couldn’t be prouder of how hard they work. Service is a big part of our lives.”

A Sweet Balance

Whenever Abigail and Angelica get involved in something, they push each other to be better.

“They've broken school hurdling records together, and it's always a friendly competition,” says Kimberley. “They know each other's strong skills and rely on one another for advice. They’ve grown in confidence and skill not just as horse handlers, but as young women, experiencing the strength that comes with sisterhood. Their 'barn' time is their 'bond' time, and their experience with Homes for Horses has been incredibly meaningful and transformative.”

Each sister brings something different to the table.

Abigail and Her Majesty at the close of their performance and meeting for the first time in September 2024.

“Abigail is a more experienced trainer and tends to take the lead when things get tough, Kimberley continues. “With a strong knowledge of riding techniques and behavior, she focuses on building trust and responsiveness from the ground up. Angelica, on the other hand, has a quiet way of connecting with horses. She’s a walking encyclopedia and can tell you where a breed originates, its original purpose and what kind of rider it’s best suited for. She knows horses like some people know sports teams — every breed, every trait, every strength.

Angelica and Gus during their performance.

“It’s a sweet balance — they challenge each other in all the right ways and are constantly learning from the horses and yielding to one another's expertise. Their performances weren’t just about music or competition. The coolest part was that they were personal milestones, shared between two young riders and the horses who carry their hopes.”

Other Winners

Avery Provost, of Abernathy, Texas, placed first in the in-hand category, where horses are judged on conformation, handleability, and an unmounted freestyle routine. She was paired with Julietta, a bay roan pony mare, and earned a $2,000 scholarship. While this was her first foray into 4-H, Avery has ridden horses for more than 12 years. At the show, Julietta was adopted by a family from New Braunfels, Texas, where she now lives with another pony and four children, ages 5 to 14.

Avery and Julietta in the show ring and with two members of Julietta’s adoptive family.

Marley Kirbow, of Gilmer, Texas, and Jinx, a 9-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse gelding, placed third in the under-saddle category, earning a $1,000 scholarship. Marley, who has ridden for 4 years, spent up to 8 hours daily working with Jinx and her three other horses and a herd of show goats. With Jinx, she zeroed in on skills like leading, walking, trotting, loping, crossing water and grooming.

Marley performs with Jinx and speaks to the judges afterward.

Audra Peters of Moody, Texas, was paired with Violet Bridgerton, a 10-year-old, off-the-track thoroughbred mare. They placed fourth in the under-saddle competition, earning a $500 scholarship, and Audra adopted Violet.

Audra and Violet during their performance.