When she was just 6 years old, Jaclyn Landers asked her mother if she could have a horse.

The answer was simple: “If you still like horses in a year I will get you riding lessons.”

Sure enough, Landers was riding a year later.

“My first lessons were on an old horse named Smirf,” Landers recalled. “I think Smirf was 20 years old when I started lessons on him and he took care of me completely. I remember I was cantering him around and wasn’t very balanced at the time and slipped off his back. As soon as I hit the ground, Smirf came to a dead stop and waited for me to get back on.”

A lot changed in the 12 years that followed for the Arizona native but her love for a horse has not. Landers kept at her lessons and moved quickly to the competition arena.

“My first prize was at a Blue Ribbon horse show with my first horse, Ollie, when I was 7 years old,” she said. “Ollie and I were going into a Showmanship class of only two competitors (me and one other girl). The pattern was simple; walk to the judge, set up for inspection, back up, and you were done. But we didn’t do that. Ollie and I created our own pattern and got second place but it was a big accomplishment for me.”

Over the years she has had the opportunity to show three different Quarter Horses.

“Docs Last Detail (Taz) was my first Quarter Horse and he made me the rider I am today. He is seal brown and by Last Detail. Although Taz was not the easiest horse to ride, I learned a lot from him and the obstacles we had to overcome.”

After Taz, Landers teamed with Acoosamatic, a red dun gelding by Acoosa and out of Chicks Darlene.

“In simplest terms, Matt was my babysitter and took care of me when I needed assurance in the show ring,” she explained. “After my show career with Matt, he continued his success streak and became the number one collegiate horse in the country multiple times in a row.”

Three years ago Landers teamed with BMQ Decked In Chrome (Decker), a 2002 sorrel gelding by The Epitome and out of BMQ Frost My Stars. She finished out her youth career with Decker and is currently competing in Amateur All-Around classes under the direction of Ryan and Andrea Kail.

“I have never encountered a horse quite like Decker,” Landers admitted. “He is quite the character. It is hard not to smile when you are in his presence. It is not far fetched to say that Decker is my best friend. I have been through so much with him and learned so much while doing so. I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to compete with during my final years as a youth. Something funny about Decker is that he definitely is not camera shy. Decker will pose for selfies. I have noticed through the years that I have owned him that whenever I get my phone out to take a selfie with him, he sticks his  tongue out for the camera.”

Landers says her favorite class to ride is Equitation.

“I have always loved the logistics of the class and the intricate details that it consists of,” she said. “Although I have never been one to jump over fences, as a little girl I loved hand galloping and going fast with my horses, and equitation allowed me to do just that.”

But her favorite class to watch is Horsemanship.

“When a horse and rider work as a team and their hard work shows, it really is incredible to watch,” she said.

So it comes as not surprise that Landers considers her win in that class at the AQHA Level 1 Championship-West Show last year her greatest show accomplishment to date.

“We had been working really hard and it was the best feeling to be successful and to ride Decker through our first victory lap,” she said.

But her greatest achievement outside the arena, she said, is being awarded a scholarship from the 100 club of Arizona.

“My father (Tim Landers) was a police officer killed in the line of duty when I was six months old,” she explained. “The 100 Club commemorates the fallen officers and gives to the families in need. I was very honored to receive a scholarship and to represent the 100 Club.”

Landers was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but grew up in Prescott. She is currently attending Arizona State University, where she is working toward her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. When she is not at school or at a show, Landers enjoys writing poetry and admitted most people would be surprised to learn she took ballet for six years.

“It has helped me with my posture and balance within my riding and other daily activities.”

Landers also spends as much time as possible with her family: mother, Alison; brother, Andrew; and grandmother, Rosemary Rice.

She calls her mom her hero.

“She has done so much and given up so much to help me pursue my dreams,” she explained. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” But her passion is showing. “I love showing. It has been my outlet in life when I am stressed or upset,” she said. “I know I can always turn to my horses when I need a break from reality.”