Hi! My name is Harper Grider I am the 16-year-old daughter of Brent and Courtney Grider. I am a sophomore at Adair County Highschool in Columbia Kentucky. I am also an active member in our FFA chapter. Some of my favorite things to do are hangout with friends and family, enjoy time outside with my goats, and of course riding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. After high school I plan to attend college and become a veterinarian and later plan to specialize in the equine field. Horses have always been involved in my life since I was little. I am the 4th generation of Grider’s to be involved with and show Tennessee Walking Horses. I was first introduced to the breed by my parents. I grew up watching my parents and family members ride and show horses. I always knew it was something I would be interested in. Throughout my time riding and showing I have had several great trainers including Tommy Loid, Hannah Myatt, Laurie Toone, and of course my dad, Brent Grider. Throughout my time showing I have gotten to ride and show many great pleasure and performance horses including “The White Mask”, “Silverado Spirit”, “Cadillacs Bum”, “Be Cool”, “Dominick”, “Kool Fortune”, “Talkin Dirty to Me”, “Scarlett O’hara”, “Checkpoint Charlie”, and many more. The first time I ever rode a performance horse, which was “The White Mask”, I knew from that moment on I was hooked. I enjoy every aspect of the horse industry whether that be riding and showing, helping at the trailer or chain kart, or just being at the barn on show morning giving show baths. I am an active member of the KWHA Juvenile Auxiliary and have been fortunate enough to help out with many things they need. I have been a ribbon presenter on many occasions, and I have also worked at the entry gates collecting money and passing out class sheets. I love being able to work alongside my fellow juveniles to be able to bring some great experiences and horse shows to the people and the industry. Since I have started showing, I have received several accomplishments that I have been so grateful to receive. A few of my favorite memories are showing my very first performance horse “The White Mask ” in the 6-11 mares and geldings class at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and winning the World Champion title in 2014. Another memory I am very fond of is winning my first World Grand Championship title in 2018 on “Talkin Dirty to Me”. After working at this goal for such a long time I couldn’t believe that it had finally happened. I can’t explain the feeling of them turning the spotlight on you and hearing them call out your back number. I have also been very grateful to receive many highpoint awards. My favorite must be winning the KWHA Juvenile Walking Horse of the Year aboard “Dominick”. Every time I get to ride or show a new horse, I learn something new and important that I get to carry on with me so I can use that on the next horse I ride. I have been so lucky to have many people supporting me as I strive to be the best rider I can be. My time in this industry has transformed me into the person I am today. This industry has taught me many lessons in life that I can use each and every day. Showing horses has taught me sportsmanship, hard work, and determination. My love for getting to go out just about every Saturday night to showcase the horses you have been working so hard to prepare is something that will never end. As I get older I want to be able to improve and get more people involved in the industry that I have come to love very much. I am so excited to be running for your 2022 Miss Kentucky Celebration. I want to be able to set an example for the next group of riders that if you are willing to put in the work your dreams can become your reality. It means so much to be able to set a good example to the next juveniles that will come behind me. Our juveniles are so important to our industry and by becoming your next Miss Kentucky Celebration I will set a good example for them. I appreciate your support and vote as I run for Miss Kentucky Celebration.
Thank you!
