30/12/2024
Congratulations Whitney and Lehua ! Always happy to see our horses that we’ve trained since they were yearlings and put in the show pen to continue to have success in the show pen and we couldn’t of asked for a better home for Lehua to go to and accomplish great things!
🎉Novice Amateur Reserve High Point Champion 🎉
RRRosies Sparkle & Whitney Burdzilauskas
Tell us a little more about your partner:
“Lehua” and I connected while I was living on Oahu. Her owner/trainer (Smith and Flavin Equine) brought her to the island from Colorado. I knew nothing about reined cow horse or ranch horse events but on our journey, Lehua has taught me about horsemanship, reining and cattle events. Lehua thrives in cattle classes, trail and pattern events. However, there is nothing that horse loves more than fence work and I’m excited to do more of that next year. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn all of these events through ARHA.
What was your favorite part about running for a national title in 2024?
The learning and growth that happens when you show up to the events. I also enjoyed sharing the journey with my husband Chad, my trainer Martin Schwartz and my horse show friends, The Scales family.
What is something new you learned this year?
What did I not learn? This year I finally figured out my positioning in boxing and cutting. It doesn’t mean it always works out in our favor, but we made incredible progress as the year went on. I also taught Lehua showmanship, and I’m super proud of her for holding her own in a class she clearly doesn’t love.
What is your favorite ranch horse class?
My favorite class is herd work and then boxing.
How does it feel to be the 2024 National High Point Reserve Champion?
It has been surreal, especially since this was a bonus achievement in 2024.
What is your most memorable moment of 2024?
Lehua crushed her last ranchmanship class at the GRHA show with a 75 and won the herd work class. That was Ian incredible day! But nothing beats roping your cow as a beginner in ranch roping!
Any advice for your fellow competitors?
Surround yourself with mentors that believe in you and your horse. My trainer Martin has always believed in us, even when Lehua and I struggled to communicate in the beginning. I also think it’s important to recognize that your horse and/or you are going to have off days or classes and that is normal. It’s ok to be disappointed, but don’t hold onto it for too long because the next one could be amazing.
Congratulations Whitney! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at the 2024 Awards Banquet!
We train performance horses from start to finish, and promote at healthy show industry on Oahu and the mainland with a unique approach.
