FROM 4-H TO RANCH CHAMPION

Kate Mih loves the versatility of her POA mare, Millie.

- HOPE ELLIS-ASHBURN

According to the latest equestrian demographics and statistics data in the U.S., 84.5% of equestrians are white. But if Kate Mih noticed that she was in any way different from her fellow competitors when she began riding nine years ago, it didn't deter her. Now 17, Kate can lay claim to a World Champion title won at the 2021 American Ranch Horse Association World Show.

INTRO TO PONIES

 Kate first discovered her interest in riding when she attended a Curious Kids Camp. Unfortunately, after her initial introduction, she and her family temporarily moved away from the area of Michigan where they currently reside. Aside from weekly English riding lessons, Kate didn't fully return to the horse lifestyle until they moved back. Her aunt and coach, Char Aardema, was quick to make the reintroduction to horses and to the local 4-H Club once Kate returned.

"When Kate first moved back to Michigan, I had a friend who had a pony that she really wanted someone to show," says Char. Char connected her friend to Kate, and the rest, as they say, was history.

At her first show, Kate and her borrowed pony performed well in every class. She showed that pony for a couple of years, followed by an older POA (Pony of the Americas) that belonged to Char for another two years.

When the older pony began showing signs of arthritis, it was time for Kate to shop for a mount of her own.

During the years before Kate got her pony, Char was instrumental in keeping the spark of Kate's love of horses alive.