It fascinates 17-year-old Nadalee Vasquez to watch a horse maneuver through the obstacles in a Trail course. That’s why it is one of the classes in which she most loves to compete.

Horsemanship is another favorite for the Acton, California youth competitor.

This year Nadalee is showing One Hundred Percent, a 2013 bay gelding by Extremely Hot Chips and out of Miss Vested Band, in Trail, Horsemanship and Equitation classes at American Quarter Horse Association-sanctioned classes, under the guidance of California trainer Carolyn Rice.

But she has been showing now for over seven years. The daughter of Jorge and Lisa Vasquez was introduced to horses at the age of 7 by her aunt, who had horses at her house.

“My mom and aunt showed horses when they were younger,” Vasquez said.

By 10, Nadalee started competing at local open and Equestrian Trails Inc. (ETI) shows near her home. moving up to AQHA competition when she turned 13.

From 2012 to 2014 her show partner was Zippos Liza Jane, sired by Zippos Old Gold out of Lil Liza Jane.

“I showed “Liza” at local open shows in Horsemanship, Trail, Showmanship and pleasure,” she said.

From 2014 to 2016 Vasquez partnered with Sleepy By Invitation, by Too Sleepy To Zip for 13 & Under all-around classes.

Next Nadalee competed from 2016 to 2017 in 13 & Under all-around events with Shesa Smokin Memory, a 2005 red roan mare by Ima Smokin Zipper and out of Sensational Speed, that she called Tilly.

In 2019 Nadalee and One Hundred Percent placed ninth in Level 3 Equitation at the AQHA Youth World Show. They have also been finalists in Horsemanship and they placed 10th in Youth Equitation at the National Snaffle Bit Association’s World Show. They recently won the Youth Equitation under all three judges at the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas.

When she is not riding, Nadalee spends a lot of time focusing on school. She attended Meadowlark Elementary School and High Desert Middle School, both in Acton, California, and is a senior at Paraclete High School in Lancaster, where she has been on the Principal’s List every year. She recently signed with Baylor University and will be a member of the school’s Division 1 Equestrian Team.

Nadalee loves playing softball, volleyball and soccer and says she can juggle! She also enjoys hanging out with her parents, brother, Brandon, and friends and says she’d love to take a trip to Italy one day.

Nadalee’s parents are heroes to her.

“They are my biggest supporters and do so much for me,” she explained.

Much of that support surrounds her passion for horses and competition.

“I show because I love to ride,” she said. “Going to shows is super fun because you get to show off what you have been practicing at home while also hanging out with horse show friends and meeting new people along the way.”

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