(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between Walking Horse Report’s Renee Lainhart and Harper Grider.)

Lainhart: Tell me a bit about yourself and your basic background. 

Grider: My name is Harper Grider. I am the 11-year-old daughter of Brent and Courtney Grider of Columbia, Kentucky. I enjoy spending time with my brother, Cohen, playing with friends and swimming. Currently, I attend Adair County Middle School in Columbia, Kentucky and am in the sixth grade.

Lainhart: How did you get started in the horse industry and why? Who is your trainer?

Grider: My first memories are related to the horse industry. I have grown up riding and showing Tennessee walking horse. My trainer is none other than my Dad, Brent Grider.

Lainhart: What has been your most memorable experience at the Celebration, both related to the competition aspect of it as well as other non-competition aspects?

Grider: In 2015 winning the Youth 6-11 Mare class aboard WGC Silverado Spirit under the direction of my dad, Brent Grider and Watching my mom win her first world championship in 2014.

Lainhart: Who your favorite WGC of all-time that you’ve seen perform at the Celebration and why?

Grider: Honors because my mare, Silverado Spirit is in foal by him now.

Lainhart: Who is a trainer you admire and would like to meet but have not yet met and why? 

Grider: Blaise Broccard because she is a girl horse trainer.

Lainhart: What do you enjoy doing while your in Tennessee for the Celebration when you’re not at the show?

Grider: Shopping on the square and eating at my favorite place, Legends.

Lainhart: What is your life like outside of the horse world?

Grider: Going to school, playing with friends and practicing tee ball with my brother.

Lainhart: What are your goals for the upcoming year? 

Grider: To win a world grand championship and to become even more involved in the industry every year.

Lainhart: What career would you like to explore?

Grider: My plan is to be a veterinarian once I graduate college.

Lainhart: How have horses shaped you in the person you are today as well as the person?

Grider: Being in the horse industry I have learned to socialize and have made so many friends. The support of our friends and family have helped me come out of my shell a little. I have learned how to earn world championships because they aren’t easy. My dad being my trainer, I couldn’t think of another life style that would be more suitable for me.