In part five of our six-part series on what it takes to win a Youth World Championship title Kylie Davis, of Grove City, Ohio, insists that in Hunter Hack, success comes to those who work for it. Kylie and Undressed N Radical won the Hunter Hack last year at the AQHA Youth World Show. Next up:  Preslee and Rory Tauer, sisters from Indiana who both captured World Championships in Trail at the Appaloosa Youth World Show last year.

World Championship titles come to those who are willing to put in the work. No one knows that better than Grove City, Ohio competitor Kylie Davis.

The 18-year-old daughter of Jennifer and Shawn Davis teamed with Undressed N Radical (Max) to win the Level 3 Hunter Hack at the 2025 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Show in only her second appearance in that class at the event.

To get there Kylie says she drove to her trainer, Jessica Johnson’s place at least three days a week to ride.

“I also ride my pony, Ellie, who jumps at home on the off days of training with Max and Jess,” she added. “We also attended several shows to prepare beforehand.”

It’s also important to have a plan going in to an event of that magnitude.

“My goal going into the Hack was to hit my strides,” Kylie explained. “Max knows what to do but it’s my job to set him up for success.”

A gentle reminder from her coach also put her in the right place mentally.

 “Jessica also told me to keep my head space clean,” Kylie said. “ It takes 100% focus and every stride literally matters.”

The hardest part of the event for Kylie has always been the rail work.

“You want to be in the right position to be seen by all the judges,” she explained. “You also have to keep your eyes up to stay out of trouble with other horses.”

There’s a lot that can go wrong inside the arena but having a partner you can trust helps. It also doesn’t hurt that Undressed N Radical is stunning to look at.

“Max has an absolutely beautiful stride and great expression,” Kylie said. “He’s extremely consistent and that in my opinion sets him apart from the rest.”

In fact, it was love at for sight when Kylie met Max in 2023.

“He was at a show in Kentucky where I had my pony, Ellie,” she recalled. “We had just started the search for a hunter jumper and Max was a shining star in my mind. His prior owner, M.J. Fowler, let me ride and show him there. His teddy bear face, sweet personality and amazing rhythm had me wanting him immediately.” 

Kylie and Max won some Level 1 classes that weekend but it was Max’s personality that was the real attraction. 

“Everyone joked because I didn’t leave his stall the whole weekend,” she said. “Jessica knew him well and it was fate that he was there that weekend. He’s western bred so his beautiful movement makes him float and he always goes with his ears up waiting for the next spot.”

But he also has his quirks.

“He can be a real pain to clip and likes to sometimes spook,” Kylie admitted. “They say the great ones always have their quirks. Well, I can say he sure does.”

Kylie would like to return to Oklahoma City this year to defend her title in Hunter Hack.

“I have competed a total of four years at the Youth World Show,” she explained. “I did the all-around events prior to getting Max in 2023. But jumping has always been my passion.”