Shannon Quinlan

October 1 Award Winner

Shannon Quinlan

For riders Amanda Borlin and Laney Murphy, trainer Shannon Quinlan has taught them the importance of sportsmanship and the value of setting goals. "Shannon makes me feel that I am important," Amanda said.

Trainer Shannon Quinlan makes sure that the focus is to compete against yourself and have a better ride than the previous one. If you didn't have a nice ride, Shannon is sure to remind Amanda and Laney not to blame it on the horse and figure out how to do it better the next go-round. Shannon makes sure to help her riders set goals each year and assist in making adjustments if they get off target.

"When I'm doubting my abilities to compete in a class, she'll encourage me to go for it. Like the time I ended up top 15 in the AQHA Amateur Reining at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress- and had so much fun doing it!" Amanda said.

A special memory for both Laney and Amanda are Shannon's ride at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress, where she rode Ruf N Shiney through a phenomenal pattern and marked a 222 in the NRHA Open Reining. Shannon was the first woman to win the Open Reining after fifty-three years. "That moment for her was electric, and a catalyst for empowering women in a male-dominated industry," Amanda remarked.

For a trainer who has accomplished many incredible things at the age of 30, "Shannon treats everyone with respect and is always happy to listen and help. She is friendly with other trainers and is open to collaborating. Shannon wants the best for the horses, clients, and competitors - everyone is treated like family."

For Laney Murphy, "Shannon has taught me to be a better showman, and has helped me with the ranch riding." Laney believes that Shannon is the hardest working person she knows. "Shannon is very knowledgeable in the reining and ranch riding discipline."