Sydney Scheckel is an 8x All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion, the 2015 AQHYA showmanship world champion and a National Snaffle Bit Association world champion. But she is so much more than a trophy or a belt buckle, or a near-perfect showmanship score.

Last October, in an effort to encourage and reinforce those in the equine industry who are shining lights of encouragement and positivity, I offered a photography session in a giveaway contest. To enter, I required people to nominate their friends, parents, horse trainers and youth exhibitors by emailing their name and a paragraph about how this person inspires them. The response I received was overwhelming and incredibly genuine — and Sydney Scheckel (the winner) had dozens of nominations for her amazing personality and love for the industry.

I am SO humbled and thrilled that the following blogs shared Sydney’s images and stories for their online readers. To read more about Sydney and her opinions on bullying in the equine industry, click one of the thumbnails below:

Here are more images from my shoot with Sydney at Dry River Ranch in Weatherford, Texas:

Hair and makeup by Torie Custer.