Success at Washington International Means for than Ribbons for Martin

Alexis Martin was all smiles as she finished her rounds in the younger 3'3" amateur-owner divisions Wednesday at the Washington International Horse Show. Her great rounds, and top call in the stakes class, lead her to the reserve championship in the division.

Success at WIHS is more than just ribbons for Martin. After the tragedy of the death of Budweis'czar's (Bud) previous rider Lawson Mayfield a few weeks before the 2009 WIHS, Martin and her sister Alyssia were gifted Bud after they graduated from high school. 

Martin credits Bud for helping her transform from a timid 2'6" rider to a tough junior rider and now #adultammystrong.

Qualifying for WIHS was a dream come true and leaving with a tricolor was the last thing on her mind.

"...I’m just really proud of how we did. I was shocked when we won. It’s the highest score I’ve ever gotten.” - Martin

Martin exudes what it means to be #adultammystrong! I was fortunate enough to watch both her handy and stakes rounds via the USEF Network live streams (shh! I watch from work!) and she rode fabulously! She is a quiet, efficient rider and it's no surprise she came away with the blue ribbon in the stakes class! 

Congrats Alexis!!

Click here to read to whole article written by Mollie Bailey, Chronicle of the Horse staff writer.