ArizonaRealCountry.com 45 January 2018 Arizona Horseman’s Challenge & Expo 2018 Challenge of the Champions The Arizona Horseman’s Challenge & Expo is presenting the Challenge of the Champions this May 11th, 12th, and 13th, at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek. The winners from the last five years will compete for the ultimate title. Who are these five trainers, and what motivates them? Arizona Horseman’s Challenge (AZHC) recently asked them why they wanted to compete in this colt starting competition. Travis Lyons, 2017 AZHC champion answered “I think we all question where we are as trainers and would like to put our skills to the test. It is easy to train even the rankest of the horses from the other side of the fence.” AZHC 2016 champion JJ Anderson said, “I wanted to share my knowledge with the public, demonstrate my technique, and I’ve always wanted to compete in a colt starting competition, what better place to do it than my home state?” Samantha Jepson the 2015 champion stated, “I grew up watching trainers doing “Road to the Horse”, “Extreme Mustang Makeover”, and those types of events. Getting the opportunity to do that myself is a childhood dream comes true!” Thomas Clover, 2014 AZHC Champion added that he felt it was an honor just to be selected to compete. When asked if winning the AZHC changed the way they approached training, all the trainers agreed that it really did not change their approach, that winning reaffirmed that their methods worked well. Travis Lyons added, “Winning the challenge is a nice accomplishment. – I am always chasing a better me in all aspects of my life. In this case, we are talking about training horses, or being a winner for a year. I like to look at accomplishments as milestones. I am pleased but never satisfied. I feel that keeps the fire lit and is something to work towards.” What was the most important thing you learned competing in the AZHC? JJ Anderson stated he learned to “trust in his own abilities, regardless of time constraints or the situation.” And Samantha Jepson agreed, “I really learned to have confidence in what I am doing, the techniques I used at the AZHC with my filly are exactly what I use at home on horses that come in to be started. The validation of having a group of accomplished horsemen place me was an amazing experience.” Thomas Clover added that he found these competitions can be very educational to both the people watching and the competitors in seeing new techniques and approaches. Where are you now? JJ Anderson is a Wild Horse Specialist with the WHIP (Wild Horse Inmate Program) in Florence Arizona, helping inmates train mustangs for the BLM. This position has taught me a lot about horse training and what it can do for people not just horses. Thomas Clover resides and trains in Star, Idaho, working for Jeremy Meador Performance horses. Travis Lyons is mainly doing colt starting. He enjoys seeing daily progress, and in his opinion, there are fewer roadblocks and detours on your way to having a well-trained horse when they come to you with a clean slate. Samantha Jepson is working with a training facility that has multiple assistant trainers, an active student program, and a show team. She enjoys the variety with the showing. Their barn has students and horses showing in ranch riding, roping, barrels, hunters, eventing, and working equitation! “I am thrilled to be working with talented, bold horses and riders!”