Reined in by a couple of horses

Kaylee Graham stands with the two horses that offer her the most pleasure and allow her to compete in district, regional and state 4-H competitions. Snickers is on the left, Star on the right.

Who knew that a childish action might create a passion that has remained with Kaylee Graham until the present time?

Ask many youngsters and they will tell you how much they LOVE horses. The first pat and three-year-old Graham began a journey that has led to regional and state 4-H horse show competitions.

Of course, everything started with her first horse, Susie, when Graham was about four.

“She would go up Susie’s back leg to get on and down her front leg to get off,” said Louise Christman, her grandmother.

“That’s not too unusual,” added her grandfather, Donnie Christman. “Tennessee walking horses are intelligent and realize when people are inexperienced.”

Graham road bareback at that time with a piece of twine as her rein.

Through the next few years, the family owned and experimented with many other Tennessee walkers, looking for just the right mount for Graham. One was too spirited, another spooked too easily while stubborn described another.

“Horses have personalities,” declared Graham’s mother, Angie.

“Her current horse, Snickers, is full of personality. He’s the smartest I’ve fooled with,” said her grandfather.

“I like a feisty horse,” said 13-year-old Graham.

When Graham was about six, she discovered you tube and videos which she used to teach herself how to ride and care for horses. And, of course, her grandfather was always there to help.

Graham’s determination to learn all she could about horses was further demonstrated on a trip to a Lexington book store. While her mother expected her to find a children’s book to pass the time, Graham pulled out a book on horse diseases.

“She said, ‘That’s the one I want!’ It was $35. But she still uses it today,” her mother responded.

The attachment to horses became more important in Graham’s life when doctors diagnosed a heart condition. Soccer and other strenuous physical activities were off limits, so her outlet became her horses.

Competing in area horseshows was a natural transition for Graham. She was nine when she rode in her first 4-H show.

“You have to qualify in the region to be eligible to go to statewide competition,” Graham’s grandfather’s said.

Graham has done that for the past two years - participated in the state 4-H horseshow. In July Graham earned a blue ribbon in Showmanship; a second in Western Country Pleasure Racking Lite Shod Junior Rider; and a second in Trail Pleasure Racking Lite Shod Junior Rider, riding Snickers.

The entire family praised the role of the local 4-H program in helping to develop good riders and providing them with the opportunities to compete. The Golden Reins Horse Club helps those interested complete six hours of continuing education with is required for participation at each level.

“I hope this club grows,” said Christman.

For Graham, the riding and competition fulfill several needs.

“It’s my destresser. I’m in full control of an animal. Little me can control it,” said Graham. “It’s also time with my Papaw and a chance to wear bling.”

Graham also shared that she would not be able to ride and compete if it weren’t for her parents and grandparents.

Graham is an eighth grader at Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg. She is active in many areas of 4-H but is also a member of the Beta Club and plays on the varsity golf team.

“And she gets good grades,” her mother added.

Graham is the daughter of David and Angie Graham and the granddaughter of Donnie and Louise Christman. She has a younger brother John who is also an aspiring horseman.