Tyler Haney and Phoenix- High Scoring Junior Rider
By Diana Hunt for HorsesDaily.com

Haney has to work to keep the horse and to take lessons. Her parents are hard-working entrepreneurs. Her father runs an embroidery company, Blue Monday, and her mother owns and runs Fresh Produce Sports Wear. Haney grooms horses to trade for lessons, she braids, and does whatever barn chores she can.

"I have to work for it because my mom and dad won't just give it to me. That's good I think," she stated. "My parents are really supportive. It's expensive, but they know I want to do it forever, so…"

She started riding with a dressage trainer and had a Training Level horse where she says she learned most of her basics. What is that that she likes about dressage when most kids her age are racing around without much discipline? "I like how it's complicated and you get such a reward when you do it right," she said thoughtfully, "because if you do it right, you keep progressing and it just gets better and the horses are happier and they turn into really beautiful animals.

"I want to stay in horses my whole life," she continued. "I'm not sure if I want to be a trainer or a rider, but my ultimate goal is to get to the Olympics way away, but that's my ultimate goal. I want to do Juniors, Young Riders, all those things."

Look for this kid down the road.

Scores: 3rd Level, Test 3 Junior: 69.111 for 1st place. FEI Jr. Rider Team Test she scored 62.308 for 1st.