American Paint Horse Association youth competitor Veronica John first became involved with horses when her sister, Kylee, began taking lessons at a local barn at the end of her street. Growing up in Selingsgrove, Pennsylvania, the 17-year-old daughter of Karen and Eric John of course wanted to do everything her big sister did.

She began showing at local shows at the age of 5 in lead line classes and once she was old enough she graduated to Walk-Trot. She first started competing at the Buffalo Valley Riding Club shows and she loved every minute of it.

“We would drive just 20 minutes to get there and the show was only one day,” Veronica recalled. “I could have never imagined that in a few short years I would be traveling all over the country to show.”

Veronica received her first horse, Zippers Lil Princess, a 1998 chestnut mare by Quincys Zipper for her ninth birthday. Together they competed in walk/trot events. Upon graduating to 13 & Under her parents purchased a horse named PLS Doc Burn Blues, also known as Scotty. For her first few years as a 14-18 competitor Veronica showed a 2002 chestnut overo gelding by Invested Dimension named Zipped To The Hip. Veronica says each horse has taught her something different to make her into the rider she is today.

This year under the guidance of Carly and Wade Parks of Sabina, Ohio, Veronica will continue to show her current show partner, Pour Me A Cuervo in Youth 14-18 All Around Events. Pour Me A Cuervo is a red roan overo gelding by High Country Pleasure and out of Guilt Intentions. Together they took home the title of American Paint Horse Association All Around Novice Youth at the 2015 Youth World Show by winning both the Novice Youth Showmanship 14-18 and Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18 as well as a Reserve World Championship in Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18; third in Novice Youth Western Pleasure 14-18 and fourth in Novice Youth Horsemanship 14-18. The success was extra special because it came on her birthday.

“Jose is my all-time favorite horse, he has taught me so much about becoming a better rider,” Veronica said. “He is super goofy and is very, very loving. He really enjoys when we cuddle.”

Veronica will continue to show “Jose” in Youth 14-18 All Around events this year and with the continued support of the Parks she hopes to claim another All Around title.

“I have been training with Wade and Carly for four years now,” Veronica said. “And I can’t thank them enough for all that they have done for me to help make my dreams come true and for me to accomplish everything that I have with Jose.”

After graduating from Selinsgrove Area High School Veronica began classes as a freshman at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania where she is also on the school’s women’s lacrosse team.

Most people would be surprised to know she is just as talented of a lacrosse player as she is at riding horses. She and her team have earned several championships.

She is studying Criminal Justice and though she isn’t sure exactly what role she would like to play yet, she would like it to be in the criminal justice field.

When Veronica is not busy with school or riding most of her time is taken up by sports, but she loved spending time with her friends and family whenever possible and she counts her parents as heroes.

“My parents are definitely my heroes,” Veronica said. “They have made it possible for me to have all the wonderful opportunities I have had in my life.”