Lake Travis High School graduate, Jeri Ann Goodale, Class of 2005, participated in The American Paint Horse Association World Reining Competition in Ft. Worth on July 2.

 Competitors came from as far as Italy and Canada. This was Goodale’s first show on the big stage and is considered by many to be the best of the best in Paint Horse competition.
“There were so many beautiful, quality horses and riders in the same arena competing for the coveted grand prize,” Goodale’s parents wrote to the Lake Travis View.
Nearly all of the horses competing were professionally trained and bred especially for each event. Many people ride and train all of their lives and never get into the top ten. Goodale trained her own horse with a little from her friends, borrowed a trailer and show saddle to get to the show.
“Her story is a testimony to dedication and grit. This story is special not just because she is our daughter but the circumstances that led up to this event,” her parents wrote.
Two years ago Jeri was riding this same horse, Chaps, for her boss, when he pitched her off, tearing her labrum, requiring shoulder surgery and extended rehabilitation before she could use her right arm again. The horse was a reject as a Western Pleasure show horse and was sold to a Rodeo Company for a pick up horse. Eight months later the man that sold him returned him.
Spirit broken, overworked, skinny and distrustful of people he was back where he started. Goodale and Chaps were reunited, both need of healing. She always loved the horse and made a payment plan with her boss to buy him.
She competed her junior year on the Tarleton State University SHOT horse team and did well. A friend suggested she enter the Paint World show and she decided to focus and train in that direction. After a year of dedication, love and hard work they were ready for the big show.
“As they moved into the arena they were as one body, fluid motion and unfaltering direction, it was truly a sight of grace and beauty to behold,” the Goodales said of their daughter.
They scored 207; four points away of first place, taking fourth out of 28 riders in the Novice reining Paint World competition.
Goodale will be a Senior at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. She is majoring in animal science. She is a Christian, holds down a full time job and exemplifies the pursuit of excellence by athletes of all categories with roots from Lake Travis.
When asked what her immediate plans were, she replied, “ I’m going to wear a dress for at least a week, Chaps and I need a rest and my butt is sore.”