Youth Spotlight: Will Derickson
Friday, August 24, 2018

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(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A took place between Walking Horse Editorial Director Sadie Fowler and Will Derickson, a youth rider from Wartrace, Tennessee.)

WHR: Let’s start by asking you to introduce yourself to readers of the Walking Horse Report. Tell us about yourself.

Derickson: I am Will Derickson. I am going to be a freshman at Cascade High School in Wartrace, Tennessee.I work on a horse farm with my family. I am in the drama club at school and I am active in my 
church youth group. I like to go swimming and play video games. 

WHR: Tell me about your journey into the horse world. How did you get started? What has riding taught you?

Derickson: I was born in to the horse world because my father is a trainer and he has worked in this industry since he was my age. Riding horses has taught me to have good posture and how to care for horses. 

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

Derickson: I think the walking horse is so great because of the way they walk, starting at birth all the way until the show ring. I like how elegant they look.

WHR: Who is your favorite horse of all time? Tell me in your words what makes this horse so special to you?

Derickson: Jose's Cartel … I loved riding him and he was so sweet and a very well trained horse. 

WHR: What do you most enjoy about the horse show world in terms of the friendships you’ve made and experiences you’ve had outside of the actual show ring.

Derickson: Yes, showing horses has allowed me to go many different places and meet many different people. I have made lots of friends.

WHR: What has your trainer, your dad, taught you as a student of riding?

Derickson: He does not like to waste time and he will not go home until every horse has been cared for. 

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

Derickson: Last year at the Celebration, when I lost a shoe on my horse Benelli, but still got a reserve world championship!

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

Derickson: I like to hang out with friends and spend time with my family. I am in the ninth grade and I want to be a lawyer.

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

Derickson: I would like to learn how to sky dive.

WHR: Who is someone you admire and why?

Derickson: Jason Bobo,(my brother-in-law) …  he is very successful and a role model to me because he a good family man and also because he is a lawyer.

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

Derickson: Chris Pratt and we would go to Yamato Steak House.

WHR: Who is your favorite American president and why?

Derickson: Franklin Roosevelt, because he was a very strong man who overcame an adversity while he was president.

WHR: What advice would you give to someone brand new to the horse show industry?

Derickson: The best way to survive in this business is to be friendly and have a calm and cool attitude.

WHR: What are your goals for the upcoming year?

Derickson: I would love to have a horse that I could ride and show for more than a year and win a world grand championship. I would like to graduate high school with honors. 

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