(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between the Walking Horse Report’s editorial director Sadie Fowler and youth rider Bentley Brooks.)

WHR: Tell us about yourself, and what the important highlights of your world are these days.

Bentley: I’m Bentley Brooks and am 7 years old. I live in Bowling Green, KY. I am the youngest son of Jennifer and Scotty Brooks. My oldest brother, Hampton and my three other best friends are who I share my extra time with. I will attend second grade at North Warren Elementary School in Smiths Grove, KY. My hobbies include horses, baseball and basketball. My family is most important to me.

WHR: How did you get started in the horse world and what has riding taught you?

Bentley: I started riding early summer in 2017 and made my first ring appearance in June in Stanford, KY where I made my first show and blue ribbon ride aboard Showboat’s Chapparel (CHEP). My daddy is a walking horse trainer at Brooks Stables and horses have ran in our family for many years. Riding has taught me to be serious and competitive all while having good sportsmanship.

WHR: What is it about the walking horse that attracts you the most?

Bentley: Getting to spend time with Daddy on the weekends at horse shows. Socializing with friends and family.

WHR: Who is your favorite horse of all time? 

Bentley: Of course, Showboat’s Chapparel. He takes care of me when I ride, (he never bucks me off) He always is happy to see me at the barn.

WHR: What do you most enjoy about the industry in terms of the friendships you’ve made?

Bentley: The Atmosphere and the opportunity to make new friends that you don’t see every day. John Winston Clark is my best friend in the horse business. I met him last year at the Fun Show and on to The Celebration.

WHR: Who is your trainer and tell me what he or she is like?
 
Bentley: My Daddy is my trainer and though he is always Daddy, when we are at the barn, we are in full horse mode but it’s always a fun time.

WHR: What has been your most special moment in the show ring?

Bentley: Winning my first 17 & Under Walking class at Cookeville, Tennessee. I normally show 11 & Under but to win the older division, I was very excited.

WHR: What’s your life like outside of horses?

Bentley: Starting the second grade this year, love baseball and I already know that I want to be a professional baseball player when I grow up.

WHR: What is one new thing you would love to learn?

Bentley: Learn how to drive a car.

WHR: Who is someone you admire and why?

Bentley: Ayden Barrick is in the seventh grade – He is from my hometown and I look up to him because he is a good kid, cool and an awesome baseball player.

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

Bentley: I would have dinner with Joey Votto, who plays first base for the Cincinnatti Reds. We would have a double decker sandwich and a Dr. Pepper with some barbecue chips.

WHR: Who is your favorite American president and why? 
 
Bentley: Donald Trump because of all of his new ideas.

WHR: What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone brand new to the horse show world?

Bentley: Have fun, ride hard and don’t let go of the reins.

WHR: What is one of your goals for the upcoming year in regards to horses and beyond?

Bentley: I want to win a class at the Celebration, a world championship. I want to get to play for Little League Baseball at WKU.