She accomplished all of that with the horse Red Roan on Ice (“Houston”) at the annual All American Youth Horse Show in Ohio.

But winning has a completely different meaning for Ryleigh.

The All American Youth Horse Show is one of the largest and most prestigious all-breed youth horse shows in the United States. Held annually in Columbus, Ohio, the event brings together young equestrians like Bowers from across the country to compete in a wide variety of classes, including English, Western, Ranch, Gaited and Speed events. The show is open to riders ages 18 and under and promotes sportsmanship, horsemanship and youth development in the equestrian community.

Founded in 1968, the show is organized by a dedicated committee of volunteers and has grown into a nationally recognized event. With more than 200 classes and hundreds of exhibitors, the All American Youth Horse Show provides a platform for young riders of all skill levels to showcase their talents in a supportive and competitive environment. In addition to competition, the show emphasizes community involvement and often raises funds for youth programs and scholarships.

Submitted photo Ryleigh Bowers is pictured with her mom, Brittany, and her team at the All American Youth Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio.

Ryleigh — in her last year showing horses through the Youth Equestrian Development Association — competed at the Ohio Expo Center in the Pony division, in multiple disciplines including Ranch Pony, Western Horsemanship Pony, and English Pony.

“I would not be able to do this without (Traci Wade, who owns Red Roan on Ice),” said Bowers. “I appreciate her sharing her horse with me so that I can achieve my goals. We won the Ranch Pony division, scoring the highest points in the entire division, being named the High Point Rider for Ranch Pony.

“What has brought me to this point was probably to make my best friend, watching over me in Heaven, proud,” she said. “I have always wanted to make my loved ones proud. I have been working with horses since I was eight. I have learned that hard work takes time.

See BOWERS / B2

“I will continue to show Red Roan on Ice,” said Bowers, “with goals of showing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in October — a goal I have had since I was eight. I will be at basic training for the Army National Guard next summer, and I am hoping to continue to ride horses, but I will not be able to show as much as I pursue my degree as an emergency room (registered nurse).”

Who Ryleigh has become — much through horses – will lead her into her next chapter of life.

“What I would like to improve on is not getting upset when my knowledge ends,” she said of showing horses. “I just need to realize I am still learning. I believe I have adjusted to riding him well with the help of my coach, Shauna Brown, at Maple Grove Performance Horses. She has pushed me to achieve my goals.

“I enjoy showing horses, it keeps me happy,” added Bowers. “You will never understand the feeling of winning on a horse that you have worked so hard with … until you do.”

Ryleigh also competed in June at the Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) Nationals. She qualified in the Sapphire division for Western Rail Pattern Horsemanship. Achieving a top-five status with third place means being third in the entire nation for this division. This was Ryleigh’s sixth year qualifying for the national competition in McDonald, Tennessee.

Previously a back-to-back Nationals champion in 2023 and 2024, Ryleigh is a member of the MM Equestrian team with Coach Brown.

YEDA is a nonprofit organization that provides young equestrians with opportunities to compete, learn, and grow in a team-focused, educational environment. YEDA focuses on promoting Western-style equestrian riding, particularly Western horsemanship and reining, in a format similar to interscholastic and collegiate competition.

Key Features of YEDA include:

¯ Team and Individual Competition: Riders compete both as individuals and as part of a team, similar to high school or college sports;

¯ Draw-Based Riding: Riders do not use their own horses. Instead, they are randomly assigned a horse from a pool provided by the hosting team, which emphasizes rider skill and horsemanship;

• Divisions for All Levels: YEDA offers divisions for beginners through advanced riders, including walk-trot and elite classes;

¯ Educational Emphasis: The association values sportsmanship, character development, and academic achievement, encouraging members to be well-rounded individuals;

• Scholarship Opportunities: YEDA provides access to college recruitment and scholarships, helping students continue their equestrian careers after high school.

But that’s the tangible stuff.

“Watching Ryleigh through the dust and discipline of the horse world, she has grown into a young woman defined by grit and grace, tough as nails when it counts, tireless in her work ethic, and endlessly kind to every soul she meets, both human and animal,” said her mother, Brittany. “Beyond the ribbons, she is a good human, and that is what I’m most proud of. Horses have taught her patience, and have helped her cope through difficult patches in her life. Determination. She goes after exactly what she wants. There is no such thing as luck with her, everything she has earned she has worked for. She’s tough, compassionate, and unstoppable.”