For The Love Of Pete
Thursday, October 12, 2017
 Laci Sandvil and Queen's Upbeat
by Sara Pizzuto
Laci Sandvil was brand-new to competition at the Morgan Grand National this year, and she showed a horse that was brand-new to her. However, the talented young rider is going home a world champion. Laci and Queen’s Upbeat captured the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure 13 and Under World Championship, after also winning their qualifier.
Laci acquired “Pete” recently, at the end of July. She had ridden him for the first time back in 2012, and quickly developed an affinity for him.
“I just instantly fell in love with him,” she said. “When he became available this year, I just knew that we had to get him.”
The team showed just once at the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show prior to coming to Oklahoma. In order to prepare for the show, Laci left school early twice a week to train with David Rand and practice on her new horse. Their work paid off as the Oklahoma newcomer and her spunky gelding were named the world’s greatest.
“It was the best feeling ever,” she said. “It just felt so good.”
Laci and “Pete” are equally competitive in the driving division, earning a top finish in the junior exhibitor classic pleasure driving class. It was Laci’s first time driving, but she had encouragement from her Rand barn mates that cheered her on.
“It’s like another family,” she said. Everyone is so supportive, and we all make sure that we watch everybody show, and David is such a great horse trainer.”
David will continue to instruct Laci and “Pete” in the years to come, as Laci hopes to show her world champion again next season.
“I want to keep him forever,” she said. “We will just wait and see what happens next year.”
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