Bernardsville Palomino Rider Trains for Upcoming World & National Shows

Kayla Steinkopf, 16, a junior at Bernards High School and equestrienne since age 3, has been training for the Palomino World Show to be held this July in Tunica, Miss., and to defend her title last year as first in class with the Palomino Horse Breeders of America.  

Steinkopf finished first in the nation in Youth Parade Class with the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) for 2012 as a result of judging from shows last May and August.

She joined the New Jersey Palomino Exhibitor Association (NJPEA) in 2007. Palomino is a color breed of horses known for their golden coat and white mane and tail. Steinkopf has been riding horses since age 3 and was introduced to Palomino horses at age 11.

She trains with Luis Almeida of Cima Stables in Bedminster.
 
The year 2012 was special for Steinkopf. She was asked to show a horse owned by fellow NJPEA member Therese Perrette of Skillman, and rode the horse,  Blonde Distraction, at two shows hosted by NJPEA.

Each of the shows in May and August were three-day events held at the Horse Park of New Jersey located in Allentown, N.J. The Parade Class in which she competed required the horses to wear elaborate parade saddles with leather tapaderos and beautiful attire to match.
 
Each daily show was judged by three different judges. Steinkopf placed first under all 3 judges each day at the May and August shows, a distinction which earned her the national title.
 
Steinkopf also is a member of the Somerset County 4H-Club. She competed at the N.J. State 4H show held in late August 2012, also held at the Horse Park of N.J.

She entered another Palomino at the 4H show, a horse named SB Intensely Zipped, which is owned by Almeida, her trainer. Steinkopf earned Reserve Champion in the Hunter in Hand Mare Class at the 4H state show.
 
Kayla attributes her success to hard work and having great horses to work with.
She also said she is extremely grateful to her trainer, Luis, and Perrette for givng her the opportunity to ride in Parade class.