Although she was born into a family long known for Standardbred breeding, Chloe Meirs likes horses of a different type — and color. The Upper Freehold, N.J. resident recently returned from the Appaloosa Youth World Show and the National Show, the former held from June 27- July 2 and the National Show held July 2 to 9 in Fort...
Although she was born into a family long known for Standardbred breeding, Chloe Meirs likes horses of a different type -- and color. The Upper Freehold, N.J. resident recently returned from the Appaloosa Youth World Show and the National Show, the former held from June 27- July 2 and the National Show held July 2 to 9 in Fort Worth, Texas at the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum.
Chloe was World Champion English Showmanship 14-18 and Reserve National Champion Open Saddle Seat Pleasure. The American Junior Paint Show was held there at the same time, so she also showed in sweepstakes races, a mixed event.
The Youth Show is open only to those under age 18, but the National Show is for non- professional and open exhibitors. Chloe showed against many trainers and non-professional exhibitors in the saddle seat pleasure and the open figure eight classes.
The types of disciplines and classes that Chloe doesn't compete in are probably a shorter list than the ones in which she does show. She rides English, Western and saddle seat. She participates in pleasure, equitation, gaming, barrel racing and keyhole. Right now, she doesn't jump, but has a yearling Appaloosa/thoroughbred cross bred for that purpose.
Appaloosa Horse Club bloodline requirements mandate a pedigreed horse must have one parent registered as a "regular Appaloosa." This means the horse must have the color patterns, or, if solid-colored, breed characteristics such as mottled skin, striped hooves and white eye sclera. The other parent may be registered with The Jockey Club, the American Quarter Horse Association or the Arabian Horse Association. Chloe says that even though her filly's dam is a thoroughbred, the youngster has the classic Appaloosa coat pattern. Since the filly, "TheHunters Advantage" is a Jersey-bred, Chloe plans to show her in hunter in-hand classes.
Chloe, 15, is heading into her junior year at Allentown High School. She trains with Gayle Matson- Kozak of Hope Lock Farm, Easton, Pa. Matson-Kozak received the Appaloosa Horse Club's 2016 trainer of the year award. She calls Chloe a "dedicated student who is like a sponge to teach." She adds that Chloe follows direction to a T, which is part of the reason for her success. Matson-Kozak notes this was an odd year for Chloe, as the horse she planned to show required surgery. That meant she had to compete on her back-up horse, 16-year-old "Personal Invitation." Their goals for next season should become clear by winter, as Chloe's primary mount -- "My Fair Charlie," 7, - should have recovered, according to Matson-Kozak. Chloe's gaming horses are "Wolf Song" and "Mustang Sally II."
The trip from Allentown High School to Hope Lock Farm takes 90 minutes "on a good day," said Chloe. Her grandmother, Robin Meirs, drives Chloe to the farm four times a week after school so she can train. Chloe boards two of her horses at Hope Lock Farm. Robin Meirs has four daughters, but none of them were interested in riding, "It skipped a generation," she said. Chloe's mother, Kelly, is actually allergic to equines.
Chloe started showing Appaloosas at age 8. This is her fifth trip to the Fort Worth Youth/World shows. When asked what she liked about the breed, besides their color, she replied, "Their versatility. All of my Apps have been nice horses."
The Meirs family owns Concord Stud Farm, with properties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At the New Jersey farm, there are approximately 250 Standardbreds, and 100 foals arrived this year between the New Jersey and Pennsylvania farms. Chloe has two young homebred Appaloosas coming along besides her thoroughbred cross filly. These are "Bling" and "Belle," 4 and 5 years old respectively, out of her now-retired Appaloosa broodmare.
Although she's never driven a Standardbred racehorse, Chloe does have a miniature horse, "April Sunshine," whom she has broken to drive. Chloe is by far the oldest of the six Meirs cousins, and she says her young cousins love to interact with the mini.
Chloe is a member of her school's chapter of the FFA, and hopes to become more active with the organization. She's not sure about a career focus at this point, except that she wants to work with animals or work outdoors. As for college, she'd like to attend a school "not too far away." As for whether she ever plans to get involved in the family Standardbred business, Chloe says she likes to watch racing and has helped with foaling many Standardbreds on the farm. "It's a possibility," she said.
Another New Jersey rider, Grace Ackerson, of Blairstown was reserve champion Appaloosa Horse Club Youth All Around at the National Show.
For more information on Appaloosas and complete show results see www.appaloosa.com
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