My sister and her horse, "Slippery" are friends first and show partners second. Nevertheless, they have achieved very high levels of success in the show ring. Stephanie and "Covered In Stars," otherwise known as "our little Slippery" have only been together for 3 years, but in that 3 years they have placed Top Ten at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, were the 2005 Reserve Champion Area 3 and OQHA All Around Youth 13 and under, and are the 2006 Champions in both Novice Youth and Youth Trail, Youth 13 and under Hunt Seat Equitation, Youth Mares 3 and over. Along with that, they are the Reserve Champions in Youth 13 and under Hunter Under Saddle and are the 2006 Reserve All Around Youth 13 and under.

That's a pretty impressive show record which is even more impressive when you take into account the fact that Slippery is more of a pet and friend to Stephanie than a show horse.  Stephanie certainly works hard getting Slippery ready for the shows, but all her friends know that she really spends most of her time at the barn trail riding, brushing and playing with little Slippery.  Steph enjoys spending time at the barn more than anyone I know and practically lives there in the summer. . .happily helping Kelly with the chores around the barn and spending time with her friends Christine Shoniker and Emma Storey.

Stephanie Willsey just turned 13 years old and attends Couchiching Heights Public School where she is completing her last year before heading off to high school.  She is not sure as to what she would like to do as a job when she gets older, but she's positive whatever she chooses will include horses.

Slippery and Steph are making their way back down to Columbus, Ohio this year, hoping to have as much fun as they did last year.  They are competing in All Around Novice Youth and 12-14 events and are also representing Ontario in Horsemanship at the NYATT Team Tournament.  We all wish Steph and Slippery the best of luck this year at Congress and the show seasons yet to come!