Youth Spotlight: Landon Coffey

(The following Q&A took place between Landon Coffee and Walking Horse Report editorial director Sadie Fowler. In a series aimed to spotlight the youth riders of our industry, several youths were asked to participate in this feature and we are delighted with the response we received. Each of our Celebration dailies features at least one youth rider in recognition of their talents and participation.)

WHR: Let’s start by you telling us more about yourself. If we were meeting for the first time, how would you introduce yourself?

Coffey: My name is Landon Coffey and I’m 10 years old. I like to show my horse Olive Or Twist. I also like to go on vacation with my family each year. My family is the most important thing in my world. And, I love my dogs. 

WHR: How did your journey into the horse world begin?

Coffey: I was born into it. My mom, dad, grandparents on both sides, and great grandparents on both sides were and are in the horse business.

WHR: What’s your favorite thing about walking horses?

Coffey: They are so much fun to ride!

WHR: Who is your favorite horse? This can be one of your horses or one that you simply admire.

Coffey: Yao Ming

WHR: Besides actual “riding” itself, what other aspects of the horse show world do you most enjoy?

Coffey: I enjoy simply playing with my friends. 

WHR: Tell me a little about your trainers.

Coffey: Justus Carter. He has taught me many things, including how to be in control of my horse. 

WHR: What’s your favorite show ring memory?

Coffey: Winning at the Christmas In July show this year!

WHR: What do you want to be (professionally) when you grow up?

Coffey: I want to be a car engineer.

WHR: What’s something you’d like to learn to do?

Coffey:  I would like to learn how to ski.

WHR: Who is a person you admire and why?

Coffey: I admire my dad. He takes care of us and our farm and he always makes me feel confident when I show.

WHR: What’s something you’d share as a piece of advice to someone new to the horse show world?

Coffey:  You have to practice a lot if you want to become good. 

WHR: What is one of your goals for the upcoming year?

Coffey:  To show in the Big Oval!

WHR: What’s something about you that your horse friends might be surprised to learn?

Coffey: My family owns cows.

WHR: What’s a motto or philosophy in life that you try to live by?

Coffey: Always be confident.

WHR: If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be and where would you eat?

Coffey: Donald Trump. I’d go to a seafood buffet, I’d eat crab legs and I’d pick him by asking him lots of questions to find out what it’s like to be President. 

WHR: If you could have picked one more question for me to ask you, what would it be? And what would your answer to the question be?

Coffey:  If you had asked me what I like the most at school I would tell you my favorite subject is science.