Substitute rider takes Carmeans’ horses to World Championship

Ride on! L-R Markay Carmeans and Stevi Ahearn. Contributed photo Markay Carmeans' tragic riding accident at last month's CPRA barrel racing finals could have been reason enough to step away from the sport. Instead, as she mends from five broken bones in her back, Carmeans has found another way to participate, sharing her prized mounts with another talented rider, Stevi Ahearn of Jewett. In her own words, Carmeans tells the story:

"After my accident I realized that I had entered two horses in the American Paint Horse World competitions in Fort Worth, and they were fast approaching on November 5th. Since i could not ride I asked Stevi Ahearn if she would consider showing my horses at the APHA World Show for me (although) Stevi had never been on either horse.... Neither horse had ever competed in poles before, making this an even more difficult task. The classes were so close together she would be jumping from one to the other and back again. To say the least, this would've been a difficult task even for someone familiar with the horses. Stevi is such a versatile rider that I knew she could do it, and she took on the request without a second thought. She had only one opportunity to ride them before the show.

"It was a difficult day -- hot, fast, paced and emotionally draining for both of us. Stevi placed 7th in poles and 8th in barrels on one horse and won TWO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS -- both poles and barrels -- on the other!"

Carmeans went on to describe the loot which Stevi won, including two World Champion buckles, monogrammed jackets and chairs, then summed up, "...and my lifelong appreciation! I could never express how much I appreciate Stevi's determination and dedication. I really admire this young lady. She's my hero!"

In conclusion, Carmeans added, "We had had so many people offer help, send cards, flowers, books, etc. Even if I was just in your thoughts and prayers, we want everyone to know how much we appreciate it."

The staff of The Buffalo Press is thrilled to be able to share this happy ending with our readers. Markay Carmeans' accident was reported in the October 20th edition of this publication, and is available on-line in the archives at Leon County Today (www. leoncountytoday.com).