In the lead-up to the 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships, the United States Equestrian Federation will feature a four-part series that highlights the athletes, horses, and their owners that make up the U.S. Team. The following is part three. Read parts one and two.

Kari Klingenberg remembers the first time she saw her 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships mount, Mr. Electric Spark, or “Matt”.  The Quarter Horse stallion was three-years old. She was sitting in the stands between her rides at the 2012 High Roller Reining Classic watching his then-trainer, Tyson Randall, school him. She quickly became mesmerized by the stallion’s beauty and talent. His super athleticism made quite the impression.  “I was just in awe,” described Klingenberg. Each went separate ways, but she would never forget that day. 

Horses have been a part of Klingenberg’s life since she was four-years old. Growing up, she participated extensively on the Arabian circuit, showing in western pleasure, horsemanship, and hunt seat events. Horses made a huge impact on her life, and she realized she wanted to focus her career around them. As such, she became an assistant trainer for Jeff and Mel Lee in her early 20s. She stumbled upon reining one day when one of the Lee’s clients said she wanted to get involved in the discipline. The client owned a Quarter Horse mare that Klingenberg considered “her project.” Klingenberg competed with the mare in local reining shows. As time went on, Klingenberg decided to start her own business in 2008. 

“Looking back, I did not take the normal road as I started my own business instead of working for an established trainer. I think it was a little intimidating for me back then. Now, I know all these guys [reiners]. They are so nice and helpful, and everyone has been good to me,” reflected Klingenberg.

Through a mutual friend, Klingenberg met Pam Nelson, who wanted to return to riding after recovering from a health issue. Nelson bought a Quarter Horse mare, Lena Nica, or “J Lo,” and began training with Klingenberg. Unfortunately, a health issue sidelined Nelson, and Klingenberg stepped in to show the mare. For two driven women, they aspired to compete on a grander stage with tougher challenges and greater opportunities.

“If I was going to be involved in reining, I wanted to have nice horses that could compete on a bigger scale, in nice, big competitive shows. I did not know anything about reining and never intended to be involved in it, but I liked Kari and thought she was a wonderful horsewoman with a great eye for horses. She took such great care of her animals and that all appealed to me,” Nelson recollected.

At the time, Klingenberg was not the most seasoned reiner. She picked up the discipline by watching others and reaching out to fellow reiners for help. Learning quickly, she competed with Lena Nica in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Affiliate Championships. She finished in the top ten in the Rookie Professional Limited Open division. 

Striving for more, Nelson and Klingenberg set goals to find a tested Derby horse and a well-bred Futurity horse. Although they had stages of horses coming along, none were at the Derby or Futurity level. Coincidently Mr. Electric Spark came up for sale in Arizona. Aware of his experience and unbelievable talent, Klingenberg vowed to have him. They were at the right place at the right time. Mr. Electric Spark easily convinced Nelson he was worth the investment as he won her over with his smooth riding and well-mannered demeanor. As a result, Nelson purchased him three weeks before the 2016 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).

“When he came up for sale, I had a gut feeling that we had to do something because this horse is special. I look back on it, and the process happened fast, but everything felt right and fell into place. Pam and I make a great team. If I feel strongly about something, she is supportive. I knew if she rode him that she would find something about him that is different from a lot of other horses. It worked; she fell in love with him, and I already loved him,” said Klingenberg.

Armed with the right horse, Nelson encouraged Klingenberg to compete at the NRBC and qualifier for the 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships. They had nothing to lose. Klingenberg had ridden him only about a dozen times before the competition, but they pulled off a third-place finish for a spot on the U.S. Team.

“When they told me I got third it was super exciting. I have always dreamt about being in this place. Before this, I never knew what he felt like in the show ring. I was nervous because I wanted to do good by him and Pam. He did well; he’s definitely a show horse,” said Klingenberg.

Klingenberg and Mr. Electric Spark will compete on their first U.S. Team at the 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships. She’ll join Shane Brown, Troy Heikes, and Nick Valentine for a shot at a Team medal.

“It is going to be a great experience. I am honored to be a part of it and definitely going to give it my all, and I know my horse will. I love that horses have to be seven years old or older to compete because there are so many horses that still can and want to compete, and owners want to compete with them, so it’s good for everyone involved,” said Klingenberg 

Nelson has always been one of Klingenberg’s biggest advocates. She knows this experience will play a role in helping Klingenberg reach her goal of becoming a top competitor.

“Kari is one of the most determined young women, in the horse arena and out. This opportunity was there to try for, and she and I, together, have been willing to take risks. I believe in her and will stick with her because she’s a good person, nice to her horses, and she perseveres. It’s an honor to be here, and I am happy for Matt and Kari. It’s exciting for Kari to hit this level so early in her career; she deserves it,” said Nelson.

The 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships take place August 11-13 in Givrins, Switzerland.