2025 HORSE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Please scroll through all nominees, read their nomination stories, and enjoy their pictures. Voting can be accessed through button below all nominees.
Miss Penny Loper
Penny has given me 110% since the day I first met her. She has the kindest, sweetest disposition and unconditional “try” in whatever is asked of her. She has taken me from doing only 2 classes in our first year of showing to now showing in 11 classes including HUS and EQ, showmanship, trail, western pleasure and Horsemanship over 2 days at each show. Not only that, she carries my 5 year old granddaughter Kinsley in the leadline and walk only classes and my friend Stacey in 2 walk trot classes! Penny is a saint when Kinsley “leads” her around in between classes creating memories that little girls dreams are made of. A horse with a mind like this is truly special. Her qualities don’t stop there though. Not only does she have a great mind, her looks and talent speaks for itself. Although I have not seen points yet, I believe she is in line for year end Champion or Reserve in at least 8 of our classes this year. Penny is the kind of horse that comes along but once in a lifetime. I am so glad to call her my heart horse and believe that not only does she deserve horse of the year, she has my nomination for horse of a lifetime as well
Dixie- Mare Mischief
I would like to nominate Dixie(Mare Mischief), a remarkable horse at Fennell Farm, for Horse of the Year. Dixie is the epitome of versatility and heart, having excelled in a variety of disciplines and worked with over 30 different students and helped so many kids with their show experiences at Newton County Saddle Club over the last 6 years. From English and Western Pleasure to Dressage, Western Dressage, Ranch Riding, and even Jumping, Dixie has done it all — and done it well.
What truly sets Dixie apart, however, is her ability to connect with each rider she meets. Whether she’s working with beginners or seasoned riders, Dixie instinctively understands the needs of her students, pushing them to be the best they can be. Her work ethic is unparalleled, and her presence in the ring is one of quiet strength and encouragement.
Dixie’s story is also one of resilience and surprise: she was born to a rescue horse that was unexpectedly pregnant. From that unanticipated beginning, she has grown into a cornerstone of Fennel Farm, not only impressing with her skills but also with her undeniable spirit. She has a bit of a “mare ish attitude,” as we like to call it — a sassy streak that challenges her riders, but it’s exactly what makes her such a great teacher. She’s always pushing them to be better, and it’s clear that each person who rides her leaves with a stronger skill set, greater confidence, and a deep appreciation for her unique personality
Tex
I would like to nominate Tex for horse of the year. Tex has been an answered prayer for me. I have been showing with him now for almost 3 seasons and I can confidently say he has completely changed me as a rider. He has taught me so much in the last 2 1/2 years about showing and showing a green horse. He has taught me patience and what it means to take victory in the small things. We have grown together as well. It has been years since I have felt the partnership with a horse quite like this one. He has brought back my love for showing and the fun in the sport. A few years back I lost my show horse that meant the world to me and I had to sell my show gelding as well. It was a hard loss but when I spend time with Tex I feel like I have everything I loved about those horses into one. Tex always keeps things interesting with his huge personality, but when we step into the ring it is like we truly understand each other and the partnership blossoms. These are just a few of the many reasons we love Tex and would love for him to be considered.
Hobbys Slidin Star
I’m biased but Hobbys Slidin Star “Toby” was amazing. Gone from us too soon. Leah misses him like crazy. He only showed a few at the beginning of the season. We had to say goodbye to Hobbys Slidin Star “Toby” in July. Thank you, Toby, for all the knowledge, skill and confidence you taught Leah. Over the past 6 years, you really showed her what it was like to fly without wings. I never worried when she was in your care and trusted you all the way. Thank you for the ribbons and the buckles but all she ever wanted was just one more ride. A huge piece of her heart will always be with you. Toby and Leah were a team unlike any I had ever watched or coached. He gave her 1000% every show and his warm heart and kind personality was unmatched. Until we meet again Buddy. Go run free with Rusty and we will see you again in the Lord’s time. Thank you for loving my girl and teaching her what a true partnership really is.
Scenic From Here
Most loving sweetest boy! He’s been trying his hardest all year being a youth horse. He has the best personality you could ask for as well as his looks. I believe he deserves to be recognized!
Tired of the Details “Vinny”
Tired of the Details, affectionately known as Vinny, is far more than a show partner — he is a symbol of heart, hope, and the kind of partnership that shapes a rider’s life.
Vinny entered my life with the help of my mom, who believed in us as a team from the very beginning. She stood beside me at every show, cheering, encouraging, and celebrating each step of our journey. Before her passing this year, she never missed a single one of our events. Vinny and my partnership became one of her greatest joys, and she loved watching him excel.
What sets Vinny apart is his kind and willing heart. He approaches every ride with softness, patience, and a genuine desire to understand and connect. Whether learning something new or offering quiet reassurance on the hardest days, Vinny gives his whole heart without hesitation. His gentle nature and steady presence make him the horse you can always depend on.
This year, he has advanced in his training with confidence and grace, showing up every day with the same honest try. In and out of the arena, he has been a source of comfort, grounding, and connection after losing my mom.
What makes Vinny a true Horse of the Year is not just his performance, but his presence. He has been a partner through growth, through change, and through grief. He carries forward the love my mom poured into our journey, reminding me with every ride that I am never riding alone.
For his heart, his kindness, his willingness, and the love he carries with him,
Tired of the Details — Vinny is proudly nominated for Horse of the Year.
Heathens Terrific Kid (Liam)
I would like to honor Liam, Heathens Terrific Kid, and nominate him for NCSC 2025 Horse of the Year.
This horse has improved many people’s lives, not just mine. He alone has made me a much better horsewoman, taught me how to manage a talented horse, and be a professional who cares.
He has won many titles from APHA and Pinto World Championships to Local Open shows. He has carried many riders with graciousness to achieve their goals. He adapts well to each rider’s needs. One time, one of our team riders at Pinto World couldn’t use her horse, Liam was perfect for her. When I was showing him, he definitely had to have a sense of humor to handle my “oopsies” lol. He also taught horse-life lessons to my daughter Sami and many young riders. (Like how to read “ear language “ lol. )
He won the 2024 NCSC Piedmont award, which may be his last award. He has suffered a potentially career-ending injury of which a year of rehab is planned.
It would be a great honor to add one last title, 2025 NCSC Horse of the year. Please vote for Liam.
Heathens Terrific Kid (Liam)
I would like to nominate Heathens Terrific Kid for Horse of the Year. He isn’t just a show horse — he’s a true partner and friend. This year, he has given his all in every class, always meeting each challenge with heart, patience, and that little spark of personality that makes him so special.
He has been steady, dependable, and full of try, no matter what’s asked of him. He has taught me lessons in trust, teamwork, and perseverance, and he’s brought home not only ribbons but also so many great memories. Around the barn, he’s loved by everyone — always kind, gentle, and full of character.
To me, Heathens Terrific Kid represents what this club is all about: hard work, good sportsmanship, and the bond between horse and rider. He truly deserves to be recognized as Newton County Saddle Club’s Horse of the Year. Owner Sheri Fennell
Night Moves
I think my horse Night Moves (in the barn known as Sunny) deserves horse of the year because of how far he came along this year. He is a 5 year old off the track thoroughbred. He was given to me last October with only 10 rides off the track. He had never jumped and did not pick up his left lead. He ended the year with a TIP Highpoint at NCSC, he competed in only 5 shows throughout the year. I took him to TIP finals where he competed against many other thoroughbreds, most much older than him. He was grand champion of the 2ft division, 6th overall in the flat division and won me junior Highpoint champion. He has a really goofy personality, he loves to play and he loves his toys! He also enjoys trail riding. Sunny is so handsome and has the biggest heart, he always tries his hardest for me. -Aubrey age 12
Remington Steele
So I nominate him for horse of the year because he’s sweet, he gives you the confidence and will carry you through anything in life. He truly is a life partner. He gives even when he’s not in the mood. Everyone who knows him knows he’s the sweetest yet full of personality and extremely smart. He will please you and do anything you ask. He maybe small but his heart is big and gives his all. He loves being the center of attention and loves taking pictures.
Sir Petey Pie
I am nominating Sir Petey Pie as horse of the year.
He is truly a unicorn of a pony. Never once has he ever pinned his ears, or been mean. He takes care of his best girl every ride. No matter if they are playing or showing -he does it all with a joyful demeanor. This pony is a blessing to our family and is definitely deserving of the horse of the year title.
HOBBYS CHARLIE BROWN ("CHARLIE")
Hobbys Charlie Brown is my 27 year old Appaloosa gelding that has been a part of NCSC since he was a weanling.
Charlie is hoping to follow in “Misty” mother and “Apache” brother’s footsteps as the next recipient of the NCSC Horse Of The Year.
From local horse shows, Special Olympic State Horse Shows to trail riding, the occasional parade and the polar plunge he decided to take in my swimming pool back in April of this year by falling into the deep end. (Insert black and blue/hypothermic award here).
He has surely kept me on my toes since he was also born on the coldest day of the year!
Charlie Loves everyone and everyone Loves him.
He has had some huge shoes to fill these past couple of years since his brother Apache was retired and then passed in April two years ago. I know he misses him terribly and has stepped up to keep the tradition of taking care of his riders No Matter What!
Even though Charlie is/was a beautiful hunter and did very well with me in the irons going over fences and flat all these years. He will be the first to tell you … that was not his favorite thing to do. With a squeal here and a little hop there in light protest of what I was asking him to do. He reluctantly went along with my ideas.
However, Charlie will be the first to tell you that his absolute favorite thing to do to this day was and still is… is to ride and take care of his Special Needs Riders, his Beginner Riders and his Itty Bitty Small Fry Riders. He would and will do Anything to keep them safe and secure.
Always keeping them in the ribbons including multiple highpoint championships and Always keeping his riders smiling.
Charlie has worked hard and has been steadfast… never giving up.
This is why we believe that Hobbys Charlie Brown should be the next Newton County Saddle Club Horse Of The Year.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little of his story.
Robin Brown – Payton and the SWF GANG
