This is an important year for Blacklick, Ohio Amateur competitor Jessica Balo. It marks her transition into all-around competition and her trainer, Missy Thyfault found the perfect partner for her in Absolutely Krymsun (Goose).

Goose is a 2018 bay gelding by One Hot Krymsun out of Absolutely Luxurious who was bred by Karen Hurtgam.

 “Missy knew that I was starting my search for an all-arounder so she was keeping her eye out,” Balo explained. “He was just a 3-year-old at the time and was owned by the Dorsey family, who had him with Lee Quarter Horses.’

Although Goose had only been shown in Western Pleasure and a couple of Hunter Under Saddle classes by Darla Lee, Thyfault thought he showed potential.

 “Even though I did not want a young horse I put all my faith in her (Thefault) and it has worked out beautifully,” Balo said.

Now a little more than a year later Balo is competing in the pattern classes she loves – Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation, among others.

“My goals for showing are to do well this year in the all-around,” Balo said. “This is our first year doing it, my horse and I are both still learning but we are coming along great.  I hope we can continue to grow and improve throughout the year.”

Although all-around classes are relatively new to Balo she has had a lot of experience with horses and competing.

“My mom loved and always wanted horses but never had them,” she said. “From the time I could talk I started asking for a horse. I believe my first show would have had to been at the 4-H fair with my pony.”

She ventured into breed shows with Mandingo Jack, a 1996 bay gelding by Mandingo Pete out of Queenie Baby. Together they placed third in Level 1 Youth Showmanship and then seventh in 14-18 Youth Showmanship at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Regional Experience and then seventh in 14-18 Youth Showmanship. Ultimately they earned an eighth place in Level 1 Amateur Showmanship at the Quarter Horse Congress.

Balo has learned from every show partner she has had. She says although she was not overly fond of his barn name when she first purchased him, she now realizes his personality fits the name.

“He is goofy but a lover,” she explained. “He wants to love on everyone and thinks he needs everyone’s attention.”

And that helps make showing fun.

“I have a very competitive side so I strive to do better and better at each show,” she said. “Plus, I have the best show family which makes coming each weekend even better.”

Balo is the daughter of Chris and Molly Balo and grew up in Coshocton, Ohio.  She graduated form River View High School in Warsaw, Ohio, where she was a varsity swimmer and ran track while also participating in the local 4-H program. Balo graduated from Muskingum University in 2011 with a Bachelor Of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. There she was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society. While she was attending nursing school she met Dr. Faraz Ahmad, who was in his residency at Case Western University and they started dating. In 20118 they were married at Irongate Equestrian Center.

They love to travel abroad.

“I have been to 21-plus countries so far.  I would say my favorite is Egypt but Italy is a close second.  Hopefully, Antarctica or Thailand will be our next destination.

Amateur Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for an Amateur profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.