The next member of Team USA that we will be spotlighting is eighteen-year-old Logan Pluhar of Canyon, Texas. Logan has been riding “since the womb” and shows in the western horsemanship, showmanship and reining, she also explains that the English events just don’t seem to “move her” and she believes that it is the pants that seem to push her away. Logan trains with Nancy Cahill and Bud Lyon. Logan also explains that she is a sports fanatic, she never was involved in sports in school because she was busy with horses but she loves the atmosphere surrounding great athletes. Football and NBA games are some of her favorites to watch but most of all she enjoys watching the Summer and Winter Olympic events.

What school do you attend and what grade are you in?

I just graduated from Randall High School.

What are your plans for next year?

I plan on attending Texas A&M University and competing on their Equestrian Team.

Have you traveled to Europe or anywhere outside the country before?

No, I have not.

What are your equine accomplishments?

I have qualified for the AQHYA World Show the past 5 years including 2012. Last year, I placed 4th in the Reining. One of my proudest moments was taking a horse I have trained for the past 5 years and qualifying him for the YWS last year. We made the semifinals in Showmanship and put forth a solid show for our first time at world together. It’s been a long road, to say the least, but we’re not quite done yet.

Why do you think you got chosen for the Youth World Cup team?

Growing up, I had a lot of experience riding different horses at different talent levels. My family and trainers were instrumental in teaching me the value of a good work ethic, and I hope that shines through in my riding. Also, I ride in several varied events, so I would imagine this helped my chances to make the riding team. Because there are so many events that we compete in at the World Cup, being able to ride in several events and have that background going in is key to the team’s success.

What are you most looking forward to during the YWC?

It’s a tie between competing and learning from the other teams. I have a competitive streak two miles wide, and I am so excited to simply ride for a team. The thrill of cheering on my teammates and riding for something bigger than myself on Team USA is going to be... well, there’s honestly no adjective that does that feeling full justice. But, it can’t all be about the competition. Horses and showing have introduced me to a lot of people that have impacted my life in a very large way. Those connections are priceless, and I can’t wait to broaden my horizons and meet others outside of our nation’s borders.

What are you least looking forward to during the YWC?

The jet lag. I love sleep unashamedly. I’m not saying I won’t be able to function when I’m tired, I would just choose to sleep more rather than less.

What were your feelings when you found out you made the YWC team?

I hadn’t opened the mail yet, and my trainer called me that day. Basically, she asked me if I would be able to learn German by this summer. The first thought I had was that they needed a translator for the team. Yeah... not my brightest moment! When I did finally figure it out, I was ecstatic. Both of my brothers had been on Team USA in previous World Cups, and I had heard a lot of great stories about it, so I was eager to be a part of the experience.

If you were to create a playlist for your trip to Germany, what would your top three song choices be?

Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash - The hotel doesn’t have Air Conditioning.

Ladies and Gentlemen by Saliva - I can just see all ten of us walking through the airport in slow-mo to the intro to this song, haha.

Schenk Uns Die Schale by Norbert Dickel - It’s #2 on the Germany music charts, so it will help me get into the German atmosphere... with a little help from Google Translate.

If you could ride any horse alive or dead, what horse would it be?

Years ago, I was granted the great opportunity to show a cute little bay gelding named Norman. To put it simply, I grew up with Norman. He was my best friend at home, everyday and any day. He was a really special individual in my life, and, unfortunately, we had to put him down two years ago. I would love to have one more ride with him because, looking back, I can see that he always took care of me when I stepped into the stirrups. Norman didn’t have the talent to be a world champion, but he had the heart of a hundred.

Tell me one thing about yourself that most people don't know?

I was a part of my school’s show choir for a year, even though I absolutely cannot stand to sing solo in front of an audience. I would rather trip in a Showmanship pattern than do that. Because I sang and rode horses, some of my school friends nicknamed me ‘Miley Cyrus.’ My graduation speech was a compilation of Miley Cyrus lyrics just for that reason, haha.

What is a unique or quirky habit you have?

Before I show, I always have to stretch my arms in a similar-type fashion that Michael Phelps uses. If it worked for him, it will work for me, right? Hahaha.

If you had to chose one word to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

Passionate. I’m a big believer that if you’re passionate about something, you should try everything possible to excel at it. It doesn’t matter how daunting of obstacles you face, it doesn’t matter how many people say you can’t do it. If you love something, you fight for it.

If you had to choose your career right this minute, what would you choose?

Realistic career - Veterinarian for the White House.

Somewhat-non-realistic career - A female James Bond except much, much cooler.

Who is your role model in the horse world and what is it about this person that makes you choose them?

I can only narrow it down to two people. Though don’t tell them I said this. My biggest role models are my older brothers, Joe and Zane. Zane really sparked my competitive side when we were younger. While watching his journey into the Naval Academy, he proved to me that going against the grain for something you enjoy brings about the most satisfaction. And Joe, well, Joe’s Joe. He is a politician, a people-person, and Super Bowl coach all wrapped into one. Both of them inspire me to put myself out there and take my riding to the next level but never forget how I got there.

_{Photo © Vondel, Shane Rux}