2025 Midland Sponsored riders
Bella Whorrall
Bella Whorrall is 10 years old and was first on a horse when she was 6 months old. Her partners in the arena are Frostmanslildevil “Sis” and Famous French Maya “Maya”. You can catch Bella in the exhibition pen every show before the open starts with her Bestie Ella. They work exhibitions and love learning from other riders. In 2022, Bella and Sis were the NYS Reserve PeeWee Champions and ended the season in the Top 5 PeeWee division at Midland Barrel Racing. In 2023 she qualified in the 5D for NBHA Open Worlds, was the Reserve 5D Youth Champion, and finished 4D 3rd in the Midland Youth Division. When Bella isn’t barrel racing or traveling to Rodeos with her mom she is playing soccer, basketball or at dance practice. She studies Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, HipHop, and Solo where she dedicates 6 hours a week at the studio. She is also an amazing striker on the soccer field but loves playing all positions to understand the game. She was able to play up in the boys division in winter club soccer in Binghamton. She attends many soccer clinics including the Syracuse University Mens Team and spends at least 3 hours a week on the pitch. She loves the outdoors which includes fishing, hunting, and riding her ATV. Bella is an exceptional student at Sherburne-Earlville where she participates in school plays, Publisher in the Newspaper Club, Math Club, and All County Chorus. Some of Bella’s goals for 2024 are to train our yearling colt “Steph Curry”, rope and goat tie in the Midland Young Guns shows, place in the 4D at Midland Shows, and start Jr High Rodeo in the Fall.
Brooke Dailey
Brooke Dailey is an 11 year old from Johnstown, NY who has enjoyed horses since before they made stirrup leathers long enough for her to reach! Brooke has a work ethic to put most adults to shame and will lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Outside the arena Brooke also enjoys gymnastics & hanging out with friends. She has accomplished so much in her short barrel racing career including Midland Barrels Little Partners Champion in 2019. Her main mount Targets Last Shot aka "Butt Bo" keeps her on her toes and this year she gets to step up to her mother's horse Littlemans Ice "Quill" to further her riding abilities. Brooke also hopes to work on her breakaway roping and High School Rodeo in the near future.
Ella Shipley
My name is Ella Rae Shipley, and I am 11 years old from South New Berlin, New York. I have been surrounded by horses and livestock my entire life, fostering a strong passion for animal care and equestrian activities. I am a dedicated and hardworking individual, rising early each day to assist with barn chores and helping my mom manage our horse and livestock rescue ranch, home to over 50 animals.
In addition to caring for animals, I enjoy contributing at horse shows whenever possible. In the arena, I partner with my horse, Jazzy, to pursue competitive barrel racing. My achievements include:
2022 Season: 3rd place in the 4D at the NBHA Super Show with my previous horse, Kid, and a top-5 finish in the PeeWee Division at Midland Barrels in Fonda, NY.
2023 Season: 1st place in the 4D Youth class at the NBHA Super Show in Syracuse, NY, with Maverick, and 2nd place in the same class with Jazz. I was also named the NBHA End-of-Year 5D Champion and earned 4th place in the 4D at the Midlands Barrel Youth Division End-of-Year Championships. I qualified for the 2024 Youth World Championships.
2024 Season: I have qualified for both the Youth and Open NBHA World Championships.
Beyond equestrian activities, I am involved in hip-hop and acro dance, as well as indoor and outdoor soccer. As a 6th grader, I take pride in maintaining excellent grades. My aspirations for 2025 include competing in high school rodeo events, particularly goat tying, and participating in prestigious competitions such as the Panty Raid with Dawn and Clea, the Sherri Cervi Youth Championship, and the Garwood Rodeo in Ohio, as well as the NBHA Super Show in Syracuse, NY.
Anastacia Bertram
Anastasia Bertram, known to friends and family as Stacey, is an 11-year-old from Nassau, New York, who is making her mark both in the classroom and in the arena. A fifth grader at DPS Elementary School, Stacey plays the clarinet and participates in field hockey, balancing her academics and extracurriculars with ease. Stacey’s journey with horses began as a baby, riding alongside her mom. Her first solo rides were on a pony named Muffin, but as she grew, so did her ambitions. She moved on to Blondie, her mom’s retired racehorse, and the two became an inseparable team for six years. Recently, Blondie retired fully, and Stacey is now focusing on building a strong bond with her new partner, Little Red. Competing in NBHA 02/05 and Midland shows, Stacey has already achieved impressive milestones. She was the 2023 NBHA 2&5 Youth 1D Reserve Champion and the Open 3D Champion. Stacey’s dedication and love for horses are evident in everything she does, whether she’s in the arena, lending a hand setting up at the Midland shows, or spending quality time with her horse. The upcoming season presents new challenges as she and Little Red work on becoming a stronger team, but Stacey’s positive attitude and determination ensure she’s ready for whatever comes her way. With her passion for riding and her commitment to improvement, Stacey is excited for the future and all it holds.
Ari Urba
Ariana Urba is a 17-year-old junior from Castleton, New York, and a high honor roll student at Maple Hill High School. Outside the arena, she is focused on pursuing a career in finance, showcasing her dedication both academically and in her future goals.
When she’s not studying or competing, Ariana works at local barns, where she handles morning and evening feedings and keeps the stalls in top shape. Her passion for horses and hard work shines through in every aspect of her life.
Ariana began barrel racing in 2020 and has been hooked ever since. This year, she is competing with her five-year-old Thoroughbred, “Dancing York” (fondly known as “Charlie”). Now in their second year together, Ariana is determined to improve their times and achieve consistent runs throughout the season.
With her strong work ethic and passion for barrel racing, Ariana is ready to take on 2025 with dedication and excitement!
Regan Abele
Regan Abele is 12 years old, from Loudonville NY and is in the 7th grade. Regan is an outstanding student; her teachers all say she is a pleasure to have in class and is always eager to learn and help others. Regan has made Midland her home since 2020, where she started in little partners, ending the season in the top 5 of her class and earning herself her first buckle. In October 2021, Regan’s dream of owning a horse came true. Regan is the proud owner of Dream, her 8-year-old mare. Over the last 3.5 years they have bonded, built confidence and have become a great team. Regan is also a member of the New York State High School Rodeo Association, which she joined in 2022. In September 2023 Regan became the proud owner of Vegas, Vegas is helping Regan‘s dreams come true as she is now able to compete in roping events. Regan is the champion pole bender for the NYSHSRA and reserve champion in barrels, goat tying, breakaway, and ribbon roping. Regan is a 2x National Junior High Finals Rodeo qualifier, she competed in Perry Georgia in June 2023 and Des Moines Iowa in 2024. She truly loves the sport of rodeo and participates in barrels, pole bending, goat tying, ribbon roping, breakaway and team roping. Regan is also on an alpine race team, she loves competing. In her free time she enjoys riding her 4-wheeler, snowmobile, wood crafting, roping, swimming, fishing, boating and getting dirty. Regan’s goals for the 2025 seasons are to qualify again for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. She also wants to spread the word on the sport of rodeo and continue to be a positive role model. Regan is really excited to see what the 2025 seasons will bring!
Brinkley Purick
Hi, I’m Brinkley Purick! I’m 14 years old and currently in the 8th grade with Acellus Academy. I started riding English when I was six, but it didn’t take long for me to discover my true passion: western riding and barrel racing.
I’m lucky to have two incredible horses by my side. My heart horse, Sonnys Poco Breezy (affectionately known as Breezy), has been my partner for the past four years, teaching me invaluable lessons along the way. I’m also running Spin, who challenges me both in and out of the arena with his unique personality. These two have shaped my journey, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
The 2024 season was nothing short of amazing, filled with clean runs and personal bests that I’m incredibly proud of. I even had the incredible opportunity to travel to Georgia for the NBHA Open World Finals, where I qualified for the finals round—a dream come true! A huge thanks goes to Midland for making that trip possible and for providing me with so many opportunities, including the chance to announce at shows, which I absolutely love.
As I gear up for the 2025 season, my goals remain clear: clean, consistent, and fast runs. I’m excited to hit the road for races in Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut—but most of all, I can’t wait to compete in Fonda, NY!
The barn continues to be my second home, and this year brings a special project: helping design and build my dream barn, complete with an indoor arena. This will allow me to train year-round and expand my journey with new horses. I also spend my downtime studying supplements, drills, and techniques, preparing for my long-term dream of training futurity horses.
Outside of horses, I’m a straight-A student who loves lacrosse, off-roading Jeeps and 4x4s, and spending time with friends and family. I’m beyond grateful for the support and inspiration I’ve received from the Midland community—it’s shaped who I am today.
Here’s to an amazing 2025 season and all the adventures ahead!
Ryleigh Snyder
Ryleigh Snyder is 13 years old and has been riding her whole life, but more consistently with in the last 4 years. In that short time Ryleigh has accomplished a lot of her personal goals she has set for herself, the biggest is taming her big steed Tonto enough to listen to her. Tonto use to belong to her aunt Tammy, but Ryleigh stole him and proved she could ride him better when she started beating her aunt in competitions. Tonto is a Big Red Roan that is about 19 years young and is as honest as the day is long. Ryleigh won the NBHA NY07 4d open in 2022 and in 2023 on 3d for youth. Ryleigh always has the goal to place in every race she attends but what matters most to her is sportsmanship and cheering on everyone. Outside of riding Ryleigh loves playing soccer and competes in the fall, winter and spring. Ryleigh is in 6th grade and her favorite subjects in school are social studies and science. Her favorite past time in school is in band playing her clarinet and practice. Her goals for the 2024 season are to get a 15.9 at the Midland arena and to place 3D or 4D at Midland, then to win the 3D open and youth for NBHA NY07.
Makenzie Glaski
Makenzie or ‘Kenzie’ as her friends affectionately call her is 12 years old from New Lebanon, NY. Kenzie is very enthusiastic and determined to begin her next season of barrel racing with her partner Wrangler. They’ve been putting in the hard work to become a strong team and accomplish some personal goals in and out of the pen. Always eager to expand her skills as a rider Makenzie has joined the New York State High School Rodeo team for the 24-25 season. Being involved in this special group has allowed Kenzie and Wrangler to improve their barrel pattern while also learning Pole Bending, and Goat Tying. In the spring they hope to add breakaway roping to their resume.
Away from the barn Kenzie is involved with many activities at school. She ran cross country in the fall, is currently part of the JV Cheerleading team for basketball, and is a member of ski club. In her spare time she enjoys hanging with family and friends.
What truly sets Kenzie apart is her genuine desire to support and uplift her fellow riders. Whether it's lending a helping hand or cheering them on towards their own goals, Kenzie is always there, radiating positivity and encouragement.
Addison Foster
Addison Foster is 15 years old and in the 10th grade at Edwards-Knox Central School. Addison has been riding since she was three years old. Addison is consistently on the outstanding/high honor roll with a grade point average of 95. Addison plays soccer, basketball and enjoys writing, drawing and has been a member of the varsity girls basketball team since being moved up as an 8th grader. Addison loves barrel racing on her two horses, Getta Lotta Ladies, Lotto, and Marthas French Smooch.. Addison was the 2021 3D Open World Champion, 2021 NY08 NBHA Open 1D and Youth 1D Champion, 2021 Midland Members Youth 1D Champion, 2021 Cowgirl Couture Youth 1D Champion and Open Reserve High Money Earner, 2022 NBHA NY08 Youth Reserve Champion and the 2022 Cowgirl Couture Youth 1D Champion. Addison has many goals in her future and strives to be a good role model for the younger youth riders. Addison would love to compete at rodeos in the future. Addison enjoys being a Midland Member and making memories with her horse show family.
Allison Spicci
Allison Spicci is 14 years old and lives in Montgomery County New York, attending Fonda Fultonville Middle School.
Allison was fortunate enough to grow up around horses. Her Mema and Poppie have 3 horses and that is where her love for them began. She has been riding since she was 2 years old. She loved helping out on her grandparent’s farm and riding their Haflingers, Mark and Annie. When Allison was 7 years old, she wanted to get involved into more of a sport with riding and barrels intrigued her.
This season She will be running her Amazing Chesnut Mare, Jasmine Leo Jet, more commonly known as Jasmine or Jazz. You'll recognize this team as they love to dress in pink! Including but not limited to pink glitter and pink Mane tinsel.
Allison loves working with horses, not only teaching them but learning from them as well. Every day at some point you can find her researching drills to keep her horses minds thinking and to improve their skills. She strives to one day be a horse trainer.
When Allison isn't in the barn with her horses, she now owns 3, she is also a volunteer with a local animal shelter and fosters rescues with her Mom.
Allison also has a love for Soccer. She's been playing soccer for 9 years and is quite the athlete on the field!
Allison is a Straight A Student and also maintains being on The Principals List in school every year, she is a very smart young lady in her academics and is also a member and Officer in the FFA with her main participation in Vet Science.
The 2024 season was more consistent for Allison and she came a long way with her Horse, Jasmine Leo Jet. Their times together improved, and they even took home Grand Champion at The Fair.
Allison's Goals for the 2025 season is to continue to improve on her times with Jasmine, her Heart Horse and is so thankful for every time she gets to set foot in the Midland Arena with Jazz. Her dream is to eventually make it to the NBHA Worlds in Georgia.
Hayden Fournier
Hi, I’m Hayden Fournier, an 11-year-old equestrian with a passion for barrel racing and horses. I live in Thompson, CT, but my journey has taken me across New England, competing and growing in the sport I love. In 2024, my mare, Elektra (“Sugarita Cat”), and I achieved incredible milestones, and I’m determined to build on that success in 2025. One of my main goals is competing at the BBR Finals, an accomplishment I’m thrilled to have qualified for.
Last year, I also began working with my young horse, Gunner (“Rising Son of a Gun”). He’s been my biggest teacher, showing me the value of patience and perseverance. I believe this is his year to shine, and no matter the outcome, I’m grateful for the effort he puts into every single run.
I’ve been riding since I was 5 years old, and even though I didn’t come from an equestrian family, I’ve always felt like horses were my calling. My mom says, “It’s in your blood,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Joining Midland was a game-changer for me—it pushed me into a more competitive series and introduced me to some of my closest friends. Despite the distance, Midland feels like a second home, especially on those long weekends surrounded by a community that shares my passion.
Caring for my horses is my top priority. They give me everything in the arena, and I’m committed to giving back to them. From saving my winnings for their care to ensuring they always feel their best, I take pride in being their partner both on and off the field.
Abigail Johnson
Abigail “Abby” Johnson is a 15 year old Sophomore and proud member of the FFA at Berne Knox Westerlo High School. Abby’s love for horse’s started at a young age competing at local county and state fairs. When not in an arena, Abby can be found working with horses on her family’s horse farm in Delanson, NY. Abby also enjoys listening to music, hunting with family and friends. Abby has successfully competed in the 2024 Midland Barrel season, Virginia Classic, the Syracuse Super Show as well as regional rodeos. Abby is currently working hard training her horses and herself preparing to chase cans in the upcoming 2025 high school rodeo and the Midland Barrels series.
Dylan Keller
My name is Dylan Keller, and I’m 14 years old. For the 2025 season, I’ll be competing with my incredible horse, Shake It Out West (“Mazie”). My goals this year include competing at the Virginia Barrel Classic with the aim of placing in the 2D and consistently running in the 1D at Midland. I’m also planning to compete at the Syracuse Super Show and the NBHA State Show in Syracuse, with a goal of placing in the 2D. Additionally, I hope to showcase my skills at the Diamond 7 Ranch and Arena and the Keystone Barrel Classic.
One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been earning over $5,000 during the last Midland season—far surpassing the goal I had originally set for myself. Barrel racing isn’t just my sport; it’s my passion and my primary focus.
I’m excited to push myself further this season, continue building a strong partnership with Mazie, and achieve new milestones in the arena.