In the first of our six-part series on what it takes to win a World Championship title Kenzie Bracken tells how she prepared for the Hunter Under Saddle class at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) 2025 Youth World Show with her show partner, Soo Dressed Hot. Next up: Cole Gouthro, a winner in Youth Ranch Riding at the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) World Championship Show.

What 17-year-old Kenzie Bracken really thinks helps set her and Soo Dressed Hot (Preston) apart from others in the Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18 at the 2025 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Youth World Show is finesse.

“I believe being a good showman is just as important as having a good-quality horse,” she said. “You can have two equally good horses, but if one rider is on the rail, hiding, versus a rider who is a little more off the rail and riding confidently, the winner becomes obvious. I have spent years showing the Hunter Under Saddle, so I think I have this down.”

Kenzie’s strategy going into the class was to be confident and have a good ride.

 “I try not to get caught up in the placings,” she said. “My only goal when I show is to have a good ride, and the placing will fall where they fall.”

To prepare for the Youth World Kenzie rode her horses every single day. Her parents, Jerry and Laura Bracken, own and operate Bracken Quarter Horses in Trafalgar, Indiana.

“I am lucky to have most of my horses at home, so I ride them every day,” she said. “I believe that helps me build a really strong relationship with my horses and really get to know them on a deeper level.”

Preston, a 2019 sorrel overo gelding is sired by Sophistication Only, a stallion owned by her family and out of  Shez Dressed Hot, her mom’s favorite show mare.

“Tragically, she died when Preston was just a month old making him extra special to us,” Kenzie said.

The very first year she competed at the APHA Youth World Show was 2021 when she won the 13 & Under Hunter Under Saddle riding Preston’s full brother, Hoo’s Sophisticated. Since that time she estimates she has competed in roughly in roughly 25 classes varying from Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, Equitation, Horsemanship and the over-fence events.

“In 2024 I also won the AQHA Youth World on Hoos Sophisticated in Level 3 Equitation 14-18,” she said. “I love showing and I have to say, showing at APHA World is one of my favorite shows. I plan on continuing to be there every year.”

Kenzie’s parents started showing even before she was born and her mother has always specialized in Hunter Under Saddle so she coaches Kenzie in that event.

“I have been fortunate enough to show many of her Hunter Under Saddle horses over the years, and she usually helps me prepare for this class,” Kenzie said.

The biggest challenge she faced last year was trusting herself.

“The most important part of competing is trusting in your preparation and just showing your horse to the best of your abilities, whether they are having a good or bad day,” she said.

Kenzie has one more year to compete as a youth. She has an athletic scholarship to compete on Division 1 Equestrian Team at Oklahoma State University where she will be a freshman in August.

She has some advice for other competitors hoping to win a World Championship title in Hunter Under Saddle.

“Even when it feels impossible, just remember that hard work will always come through in the end,” she said. “Stay confident in yourself and your abilities.”