Sidney Dunham Wins Youth Trail In A Big Way

On any given day, Sidney Dunham is a normal 12-year-old girl. She goes to school, takes piano lessons, and stars in school plays. But when it comes to riding horses, Sidney is anything but ordinary.

The crowd roared as the announcer called over the speakers, “The winner of the 11 & Under Trail, with the highest youth trail score out of all age divisions, with a 229, Sidney Dunham!”

Sharing a smile, Sidney Dunham handed down her bronze Champion trophy to her dad, Mark Dunham, as she patted No Trouble Mac, her 14-year-old gelding. Photographers snapped pictures. Hugs were shared. A dream became a reality.

The Dunham family who resides in Jonesboro, Arkansas is no stranger to the All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC). Mark, an all-around trainer who specializes in youth and amateurs, along with his wife Clare, are both natives of Ohio.

Betty Dunham, Mark’s mother who still lives in Ohio comes to the AAQHC every year to see her family. In the wake of her granddaughter’s win, Betty struggled to describe her feelings. “[Mark’s] been working all his life to do this…[Sidney] is the sweetest and the best.”

To read the full story on QuarterHorseCongress.com, click here.9