A Yazoo County horse and her daughter have made a name for themselves in the competitive circle, both making the finals in the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show.
For owner Christy Harris, it was a remarkable experience to see both generations succeed in the world finals. Along with the successful run, Harris admits it is as if she and the horses have experienced life together.
Hollywood Strip Girl, also known as Hollywood, is Harris’ 18-year-old horse that has been with her since the horse was only four years old. Hollywood’s six-year-old daughter, Holly Walley Wiz, affectionately known as Zeva, joins her mother in the competitive circle.
But for Harris, Hollywood is more than a show horse. The two have an incredible bond and an even stronger connection. In fact, in 2015, both Harris and Hollywood gave birth to their children in the same year.
“She and I have been together so long,” Harris said. “We took breaks in 2015 to have babies, and I also showed her on a Sunday before having my little boy the next Friday.”
Harris’ son now actually rides Hollywood while Harris rides Zeva, making it even more of a family affair.
Both Hollywood and Zeva participated in the AQHA World Championship Show, making it to the finals in two separate divisions. Zeva made the finals in the open division, and Hollywood made the finals in the amateur division.
Harris said the competition was a sentimental experience, particularly for Hollywood, who was one of the oldest horses there. Harris added that she is so thankful that Hollywood’s career continues at her age.
The recent competition was also Zeva’s first year at the World Show.
Harris said she was very proud to see the mother and daughter duo able to compete together.
“It is rewarding seeing my horses win, especially Zeva, after seeing all the work put into raising her and having her trained,” Harris said. “Seeing her get these awards makes me very proud.”
While balancing work, having a child and having time to take care of her horses is a challenge, Harris said she is making sure that she has time to do all of these things.
One of Harris’ favorite memories with Hollywood is winning the very first AQHA Worlds Show at four years old in 2012. She describes Hollywood as having a nurturing nature, taking care of both her and her child.
Zeva has a little bit of a “diva” in her, Harris admits. She has big shoes to fill behind her mother.
Both horses are involved in a Semper Fi Fund, which teaches veterans how to ride horses. This is a 4-day event that consists of three days of teaching and a mock show on the fourth day. The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, but Harris hopes it will return this year.
The Harris family celebrated Hollywood and Zeva’s recent victories with a gathering, highlighting the village it takes to balance everything out in the horse competitive world.
“I am thankful for everyone around me for helping out when we go to shows and helping out with the horses,” Harris said.
